Press Releases
Western Culinary Institute Celebrates 25 Years
Hosts Graduate and Bravo ‘Top Chef’ Final Four Contestant – Brian Malarkey
PORTLAND, Ore. (January 31, 2008) - Western Culinary Institute (WCI) today announced a year-long celebration in recognition of 25 years in providing innovative culinary and hospitality education. WCI has grown from a small school offering only one culinary diploma to a nationally recognized culinary school offering Diploma and Specialized Associate Degree Programs in Le Cordon Bleu Culinary Arts and Le Cordon Bleu Pâtisserie & Baking; as well as a Specialized Associate Degree in Le Cordon Bleu Hospitality & Restaurant Management.
“I am proud to celebrate this landmark of achievement as it represents our commitment to the Portland community and our resilience in an ever-changing industry,” said President Jon Alberts. “Since 1983, WCI has grown from humble beginnings to become a respected institution in the culinary world. We take pride in the education that we provide for our students and expect continued success in the years to come.”
In recognition of its anniversary, WCI has created a series of events designed to give back to the Portland community.
The first of such events will take place on Saturday, February 9 when the school will host WCI graduate and Bravo ‘Top Chef’ final four contestant, Brian Malarkey.
As Executive Chef at the Oceanaire Seafood Room in San Diego Calif. and recipient of the 2007 Best of San Diego award, Malarkey has mastered the art of preparing seafood. The chef will share his during this demonstration, which is free and open to the first 50 foodies to make a reservation.
“We are thrilled to bring Chef Malarkey back to WCI,” said Wendy Bennett, WCI vice president of academics. “Portland is such a tremendous food town. It has been a wonderful place to educate students over the past 25 years, and we are excited to celebrate our anniversary with the talented Chef Malarkey and the community during this special demonstration on February 9th”.
Beginning in February and continuing each quarter, WCI will offer a series of celebrity chef demonstrations, general interest tours, special lunch and dinner events and more. The festivities will culminate in the fall with a 25th anniversary bash at Restaurant Bleu.
To make a reservation for the February 9 event with Chef Brian Malarkey and future 2008 anniversary celebrations at WCI, please dial 503.414.8408 or e-mail birthday@wci.edu.
About Western Culinary Institute
Since its inception in 1983, Western Culinary Institute (WCI) has been a popular destination for students preparing for careers in the culinary and hospitality industries. A Le Cordon Bleu Schools North America Affiliate, WCI provides opportunities for students to learn from industry professionals and gain hands-on experience through its specialized degree programs and two onsite, student-run restaurants -- Restaurant Bleu and Café Bleu. Western Culinary Institute offers Associate of Occupational Studies degrees in Le Cordon Bleu Culinary Arts, Le Cordon Bleu Pâtisserie and Baking and Le Cordon Bleu Hospitality & Restaurant Management as well as Diplomas in Le Cordon Bleu Culinary Arts and Le Cordon Bleu Pâtisserie & Baking. In 2007, the school received a “School of Distinction” award from the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges of Technology (ACCSCT), which recognizes institutions that have demonstrated a commitment to the expectations and rigors of ACCSCT accreditation, as well as a commitment to delivering innovative educational programs. 2008 marks WCI’s 25th anniversary as a Portland, Ore. mainstay with a rich tradition of providing students rewarding educational opportunities. For more information about WCI, its programs, instructors and student life, please visit wci.edu or call (503) 223-2245.
Le Cordon Bleu Schools North America is the largest provider of quality culinary arts education. Few institutions possess the distinguished reputation of Le Cordon Bleu, which established its first culinary school in Paris in 1895. For more information about Le Cordon Bleu Schools North America, go to: www.lecordonbleuschoolsusa.com.
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