Instructor Name: Bennett Armstrong, RS
Le Cordon Bleu Campus Location: Miami, FL
School Current Position: Professor and Lead Instructor in General Education
Date Hired at School:
Education/Degree(s):
- Associate of Science, Anthropology — University of Florida
- Bachelor of Arts, Education — University of South Florida
- Registered Sanitarian — National Environmental Health Association
Years in the Industry: 34
Favorite Dish: BBQ
Hobbies:
Awards and/or Associations:
- Received a Certificate for RS Status for +30 Years (NEHA, 2008)
- Received a Certificate recognizing My Status as a “Subject Matter Expert” in Food Safety (NEHA, 2006)
- Chairman, Audio Visual Committee, International Association of Food Protection (IAFP, 2009)
- Chairman, Private Practices Committee, Florida Environmental Health Association (since 2000)
Other Positions Held:
- Chairman, Audio Visual Committee (IAFP, 2009)
- Chairman, Food Borne Illness Committee (IAFP, 1992)
- Co-Chairman for Producing the Annual Educational Conference (1990 National Environmental Health Association [NEHA]
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Instructor Name: Abundio S. Baet
Le Cordon Bleu Campus Location: Miami, FL
School Current Position: Chef Instructor
Date Hired at School: 02/28/2008
Education/Degree(s):
- Culinary Apprenticeship Program, Manila (Philippines)
- Diploma — Auto Diesel Mechanics (Philippines)
- Diploma — House Building Wiring Electrician (Philippines)
Years in the Industry: 25
Favorite Dish:
- Chicken Adobo (Philippines)
- Lechon (Fire Roasted Pork) with Liver Sauce (Philippines)
Hobbies:
- Boxing
- Stickfighting
- Wrestling
- Martial Arts
- Playing Guitar and Singing
- Reading
- Writing
- Drawing
- Carvings
Awards and/or Associations:
- Ice Carving Champion, Artrageous Festival 1996, Young Circle (Fort Lauderdale, Florida)
- 5th Place, World Professional Ice Carving Competition 2000, Magnificent Mile Crystal Parade (Chicago, IL)
- Rated Fastest Ice Carver in the World (Chicago, IL - Feb. 2000)
- Grandmasters Instructor of the Year (1999-2006) World Head of the Family Sokeship Council Grandmaster Hall of Fame
- Silver Achievement Awards, International Christian Martial Arts Hall of Fame (Newark, NJ. 1996)
- Filipino Martial Arts Grandmaster Hall of Fames, Florida Martial Arts Brotherhood (1996-2007)
- Grandmaster of the Year, European International Martial Arts Hall of Fames (2000-2006)
- Notable Son of Paete 2000 (Paete, Laguna Philippines)
- JR Parent of the Year 2009 NANAY Inc. (Miami, FL 2009)
Other Positions Held:
- President/Founder Garimot Arnis Training Group International Harimaw Buno Federation Filipino Wrestling/Filipino Martial Arts Hilot Research Center USA (Filipino
Healing Arts) Katipunan-Florida (Filipino Martial Arts Gathering)
- Filipino American Community of South Florida (PRO)
- Advisor, International Martial Art Federation-Europe
- Board Member, World Head of the Family Sokeship Council
- Grandmaster, Hall of Fame (Jacksonville, Florida)
- Board Member, International Philippines Martial Arts Association Philippines
- Member, International Modern Arnis Federation of the Philippines
- Member, Paete Ice Carver Association (PICA)
- Member, CHEF 4 CHEF (Online Organization)
- Member, Garde Manger (Online Organization)
- Member, Sushi Club (NY/NJ)
- Member, American Culinary Federation Miami Epicurean Club (Miami, Florida)
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Instructor Name: Fortuna Bookbinder
Le Cordon Bleu Campus Location: Miami, FL
School Current Position: Adjunct Instructor — Spanish Language Program
Date Hired at School: 03/09/2009
Education/Degree(s): Bachelor of Science, Concentration on ESL Studies — Central Connecticut State University
Years in the Industry: 10
Favorite Dish: Lasagna
Hobbies:
- Reading (Member of a Reading Club)
- Cooking
- Traveling Throughout the U.S.
Awards and/or Associations: Sunshine TESOL Association
Other Positions Held:
- Foreign Language Teacher, Broward County Schools
- Talk International ESOL Teacher, Nova Southeastern University
- Licensed Examiner by Cambridge England for the International English Language Testing System
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Instructor Name: Rory Brown
Le Cordon Bleu Campus Location: Miami, FL
School Current Position: Adjunct Instructor
Date Hired at School: 09/09/2008
Education/Degree(s):
- Business Administration — Miami Dade Community College
- Professional Studies — Barry University
Years in the Industry: 25
Favorite Dish: Fried Fish
Hobbies:
Other Positions Held: Department Manager
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Instructor Name: Servet Cankaya
Le Cordon Bleu Campus Location: Miami, FL
School Current Position: Guest Service/and Hospitality Supervisor Instructor
Education/Degree(s):
- Bachelor of Arts — Yukselis College
- Certified Proctor/Instructor
Years in the Industry: 35+
Favorite Dish: Fish Lover
Hobbies:
- Playing Golf
- Playing Tennis
- Fishing
Awards and/or Associations:
- Employee of the Month (July 2008)
- Students Success Awards
- L’esprit d’ Excellence Final Two Nominee
Other Positions Held:
- Manager, Fleet Dining Services (RCCL)
- Director Hotel Operation (AHC)
- Food & Beverage Director (RCCL)
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Instructor Name: Michelle Checa
Le Cordon Bleu Campus Location: Miami, FL
School Current Position: Student Success Manager
Date Hired at School: 04/25/2005
Education/Degree(s):
- Associate of Science, Culinary Arts — Art Institute of Ft. Lauderdale
- Bachelor of Science, Culinary Management — Art Institute of Ft. Lauderdale
Favorite Dish: Anything with Fish or Cheese
Hobbies:
- Poetry
- Arts and Crafts
- Photography
Other Positions Held: Associate Chef Instructor
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Instructor Name: Richard Cifuentes
Le Cordon Bleu Campus Location: Miami, FL
School Current Position: Associate Dean of Academic Studies
Date Hired at School: 03/01/2007
Education/Degree(s):
- Master of Science, Education — AIU (In Progress)
- Bachelor of Arts, English — Florida International University
Years in the Industry: 12
Favorite Dish: Goat Biryani
Hobbies:
- Traveling
- Reading
- Cooking
- Wine Tasting
Awards and/or Associations: Excellence in Teaching Award — Florida International University
Other Positions Held:
- Instructor, Le Cordon Bleu College of Culinary Arts in Miami
- Professor, Department of English (FIU)
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Instructor Name: Rami Cohen
Le Cordon Bleu Campus Location: Miami, FL
School Current Position: Chef Instructor
Date Hired at School: 02/28/2009
Education/Degree(s): Associate of Occupational Studies, Culinary Arts (Tadmor Israel)
Years in the Industry: 34
Favorite Dish: Pasta
Hobbies:
Awards and/or Associations:
Other Positions Held:
- Executive Chef, Don Suhlas Hotel
- Executive Chef, Sheraton Yankees Trader
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Instructor Name: Tricia Colitzas
Le Cordon Bleu Campus Location: Miami, FL
School Current Position: Teachers Assistant
Date Hired at School: 08/07/2004
Education/Degree(s): Associates in Culinary Arts
Years in the Industry: 17
Favorite Dish: Roast Beef Black Beans and White Rice and Avocado Salad
Hobbies:
- BBQ
- Shooting Pool
- Fishing
Awards and/or Associations: ACF
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Instructor Name: Abraham Cruz
Le Cordon Bleu Campus Location: Miami, FL
School Current Position: Instructor — Spanish Language Program
Date Hired at School: 03/1/2009
Education/Degree(s):
- Bachelor of Arts, Education (ESL) — Silverio Blanco Nunez Institute (Cuba)
- Certificate, Food & Beverage Management — Cubanacan Tourism Management School
Years in the Industry: 20
Awards and/or Associations: Florida Educator's Certificate in English for Speakers of Other Languages
Other Positions Held:
- Instructor, Instituto Miguel Hidalgo (Mexico)
- Instructor, Cubanacan Tourism Management School (Cuba)
- Instructor, Colegio Lazaro Cardenas (Mexico)
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Instructor Name: Brian Cullen
Le Cordon Bleu Campus Location: Miami, FL
School Current Position: Adjunct Instructor — General Education (Cost Control, Hospitality Supervision, Sanitation/Serv Safe Certification, Public
Speaking)
Date Hired at School: 05/10/2007
Education/Degree(s):
- Master of Business Administration — St. Thomas University (Miami, FL)
- Bachelor of Arts, Organizational Leadership — St. Thomas University (Miami, FL)
- Johnson & Wales University (Providence, R.I.)
Years in the Industry: 30
Favorite Dish: Pizza
Hobbies: Golf
Awards and/or Associations:
- American Institute of Wine & Food, Board Member
- Redland Herb Society, Board Member
Other Positions Held:
- Public Facilities Manager, Fruit & Spice Park (Miami, FL)
- President, Hospitality Management Services Inc. (Miami, FL)
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Instructor Name: Donald A. D’Alessandro
Le Cordon Bleu Campus Location: Miami, FL
School Current Position: Associate Dean of Culinary Arts
Date Hired at School: 01/5/2005
Education/Degree(s):
- CDM, CFPP Certification (October, 2004)
- Master of Arts Administration — Glassboro State College (June, 1990)
- Bachelor of Science — University of New Haven (June, 1975)
- Culinary Arts Degree — Culinary Institute of America (June, 1972)
Years in the Industry: 40
Favorite Dish: Too many to mention.
Hobbies:
Awards and/or Associations:
- Certified Dietary Manager
- Certified Food Manager
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Instructor Name: Philipp V. Denfeld Jr.
Le Cordon Bleu Campus Location: Miami, FL
School Current Position: Chef Instructor
Date Hired at School: 09/11/2006
Education/Degree(s): Associate of Occupational Studies, Culinary Arts — Culinary Institute of America (Hyde Park, NY)
Years in the Industry: 32
Favorite Dish: Anything I don’t have to cook myself.
Hobbies: Camping
Awards and/or Associations:
- Member of ACF
- Certified Executive Chef (October 2008)
Other Positions Held:
- Executive Chef, Hotel/Resorts/Clubs; i.e. Embassy Suites Boca Raton; Doubletree Hotel
(Ft. Lauderdale and San Francisco); Cherokee Country Club (Atlanta, GA); Creative Cuisine Catering, RJ’s Wine Bar Café (Atlanta, GA); The Maitre d’ Restaurant (Atlanta ,GA)
- Chef Instructor, Robert Morgan Educational Center
- Acting F& B Embassy Suites Hotel and Doubletree (Ft. Lauderdale, FL)
- Executive Sous, Broward Co. Convention Center; Lake Lanier Island Resort and Spa
- Chef Tournant, Pano’s and Paul’s (Atlanta, GA); Ritz Carlton Downtown Atlanta GA.; Atlanta Athletic Club; Cherokee Town Club
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Instructor Name: Joseph Eisenbuchner
Le Cordon Bleu Campus Location: Miami, FL
School Current Position: Chef Instructor (Restaurant, International, American, Skills 1&2, Meat ID)
Date Hired at School: 03/2008
Education/Degree(s):
- Associate of Occupational Studies, Culinary Arts — Culinary Institute of America
- 80 credits towards BBA
Years in the Industry:
Favorite Dish:
- Risotto with Duck Confit
- Sautéed Foie Gras with Anything
Hobbies:
- Spending Quality Time with Wife (Clare), Kids (Ashley and Joseph)
- Fishing and Sports
- Financial Markets
Awards and/or Associations:
- Epicurean Rendezvous 100 Best Restaurants (Café L’Europe (Palm Beach, Cassis Bistro South Beach). Position Held — Executive Chef
- New York Times L.I. 3 Stars Received “The Inn at Great Neck”
- Culinary Institute of America Awarded “Most Likely to Succeed”
- National Honor Society
Other Positions Held:
- 3 1/2 Years at Le Cirque Under Daniel Boulud
- Executive Sous Chef and Chef de Cuisine at Acclaimed Restaurant “Cero”, at the St. Regis (Ft. Lauderdale, FL)
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Instructor Name: Anthony Faraone
Le Cordon Bleu Campus Location: Miami, FL
School Current Position: Chef Instructor for Foundations I & II
Date Hired at School: 12/12/2007
Education/Degree(s): Associate of Culinary Arts — Johnson & Wales University
Years in the Industry: 25
Favorite Dish: Whatever I am not cooking and someone else is paying for.
Hobbies:
- Collecting Antique Baseball Cards and Memorabilia
- Playing Role Play Games (Dungeon & Dragons)
Awards and/or Associations:
- Le Cordon Bleu Miami’s Junior ACF Chapter Leader
- Le Cordon Bleu Culinary Team Capitan
- New York Tri-State Vocational Student of the Year
Other Positions Held:
- Food Service Director for the Regency Residence
- Food Service Manager for Coral Springs Hospital
- Country Club Chef for the Boca Resort Country Club
- Executive Sous-Chef for the Boca Raton Marriott
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Instructor Name: James E. Fraser
Le Cordon Bleu Campus Location: Miami, FL
School Current Position: Chef Instructor
Date Hired at School:
Education/Degree(s): 10/03/2004
- Bachelor of Science — Johnson & Wales (SC)
- Associate of Science — Johnson & Wales (FL)
- Certificate of Cuisine, Wine and Pastry — Le Cordon Bleu (Paris)
Years in the Industry: 25+
Favorite Dish: Osso Bucco
Hobbies:
- Traveling
- Surfing
- Motorcycles
Awards and/or Associations:
- ACF Certified Executive Chef
- Le Cordon Bleu Miami, Faculty Member of the Quarter (4th Quarter 2008)
- June 2003 Golden Plate Award (Providence, RI)
Other Positions Held:
- Executive Chef
- Sous Chef
- Chef de Commis
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Instructor Name: Jose M. Garcia Campos
Le Cordon Bleu Campus Location: Miami, FL
School Current Position: Chef Instructor
Date Hired at School: 07/07/2008
Education/Degree(s):
- Diploma, Culinary Arts — Escuela Hotelera de San Juan
- Natural Science Concentration in Biology — University of Puerto Rico (RUM)
Years in the Industry: 14
Favorite Dish: Bread and Cheese
Hobbies:
- Kite Surfing
- Martial Arts
Awards and/or Associations: American Culinary Federation
Other Positions Held:
- Executive Chef
- Executive Sous Chef
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Instructor Name: Francisco Garcia
Le Cordon Bleu Campus Location: Miami, FL
School Current Position: Associate Instructor / Restaurant Chef
Date Hired at School: 06/27/2007
Education/Degree(s): Associate in Science Degree in Le Cordon Bleu Culinary Arts — Le Cordon Bleu College of Culinary Arts
Years in the Industry: 6
Favorite Dish: Steak
Hobbies:
- Shooting
- Fishing
- Swimming
Awards and/or Associations:
- Employee of the Month
- Lead PM Ambassador
Other Positions Held: Café Manager
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Instructor Name: Matthew Luis Gomez
Le Cordon Bleu Campus Location: Miami, FL
School Current Position: General Education Professor
Date Hired at School: 01/07/2008
Education/Degree(s):
- Master’s Degree, Latin American & Caribbean Studies — Florida International University
- Bachelor’s Degree, Political Science — Allegheny College
Years in the Industry: 14
Favorite Dish: Parillada
Hobbies:
- Reading
- Traveling
- Watching Movies
Other Positions Held: Assistant Instructor
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Instructor Name: Caroline Grant
Le Cordon Bleu Campus Location: Miami, FL
School Current Position: Instructor — Spanish Language Program
Date Hired at School: 03/01/2009
Education/Degree(s):
- Master of Science, Education — Florida International University
- Bachelor of Arts, Psychology — Florida International University
- Diploma, Education — University of West Indies (Jamaica)
Other Positions Held:
- Curriculum Writer, Home Schools of America
- Instructor, Broward Community College
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Instructor Name: Humberto Guardiola
Le Cordon Bleu Campus Location: Miami, FL
School Current Position: Chef Instructor
Date Hired at School: 03/10/2009
Education/Degree(s): Associate of Occupational Science, Culinary Arts — Culinary Institute of America
Years in the Industry: 14
Favorite Dish: Everything that has good flavor.
Hobbies: Water Sports
Awards and/or Associations: 2006 & 2007 — 10 Best Chefs of Puerto Rico
Other Positions Held:
- Areito Restaurant, Chef/Owner
- Normandie Hotel, Executive Chef
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Instructor Name: Eric Guilbert
Le Cordon Bleu Campus Location: Miami, FL
School Current Position: Instructor — Pâtisserie & Baking Courses
Date Hired at School: 06/13/2006
Education/Degree(s):
- Certificate, “L’Art de La Patisserie” — French Pastry School (Chicago)
- Master of Science — University of Illinois (Champaign)
- Ingénieur Civil des Mines — Ecole Nationale Supérieure des Mines de Nancy (France)
Years in the Industry: 7
Favorite Dish: Mille Feuille
Hobbies:
Awards and/or Associations:
- Bread Baker’s Guild of America
- Outstanding Faculty of the Quarter (Le Cordon Bleu Miami)
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Instructor Name: Mesgana Hawando
Le Cordon Bleu Campus Location: Miami, FL
School Current Position: Adjunct Instructor — General Education
Date Hired at School: 04/06/2009
Education/Degree(s):
- Master of Applied Mathematics — Auburn University
- Bachelor of Science — Auburn University
Years in the Industry: 1
Favorite Dish: Everything
Hobbies: Reading
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Instructor Name: Mika Kochi
Le Cordon Bleu Campus Location: Miami, FL
School Current Position: Chef Instructor — Pâtisserie & Baking Courses
Date Hired at School: 11/16/2007
Education/Degree(s):
- Associate of Culinary Arts — Johnson & Wales University
- Associate of Baking & Pastry Arts — Johnson & Wales University
Years in the Industry: 15
Favorite Dish: Fried Tofu
Hobbies: Knitting
Other Positions Held:
- Assistant Pastry Chef
- Lab Assistant of Entomologist
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Instructor Name: Cole Kraft
Le Cordon Bleu Campus Location: Miami, FL
School Current Position: Chef Instructor — Culinary & Patisserie Courses
Date Hired at School: 06/02/2008
Education/Degree(s):
- Bachelor of Science, Culinary Arts — Johnson & Wales University (Miami)
- Associate of Science, Patisserie & Baking — Johnson & Wales University (Miami)
Years in the Industry: 14
Favorite Dish: Braised Ox Tail
Hobbies:
- Music
- Gardening
- Teaching My Son New Things
Awards and/or Associations:
- First Level Sommelier
- ServSafe Instructor/Proctor
Other Positions Held:
- Executive Chef
- Pastry Cook
- Catering Cook
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Instructor Name: Shani Levy
Le Cordon Bleu Campus Location: Miami, FL
School Current Position: All Round Adjunct Instructor
Date Hired at School: 05/07/2007
Education/Degree(s):
- Bachelor of Science, Hospitality Management — Florida International University
- Master of Science, Hospitality Management — Florida International University
Years in the Industry: 11
Favorite Dish: Chocolate Cake
Hobbies:
- Reading
- Traveling
- Eating
- Baking
Awards and/or Associations:
- Women Chefs and Restaurant
- ACF
- Slow Food
Other Positions Held:
- Assistant Purchasing Manager
- Baking Club Liaison
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Instructor Name: Vivian Liberman
Le Cordon Bleu Campus Location: Miami, FL
School Current Position: Instructor General Education Courses
Date Hired at School: 07/07/2006
Education/Degree(s):
- Master of Liberal Arts, Gastronomy — Boston University
- Master of Science, Hospitality Management — Florida International University
- Certificate, Culinary Arts — Boston University
- Bachelor of Science, Hospitality Management Minor in Foodservice Management — Florida International University
Years in the Industry: 11
Favorite Dish: I live to eat. I cannot pick just one dish.
Hobbies:
- Cooking
- Wine Tasting
- Traveling
Awards and/or Associations:
- L’ Esprit d’ Exellence Award Le Cordon Bleu (2008)
- Educator of the Year, Teaching Nominee Le Cordon Bleu Miami (2008)
- Member of the Association for the Study of Food and Society (2008-Present)
- Certificate, Seminars in Culinary Arts in Cheese Tasting — Boston University (2005)
- Mastery of Wines and Spirits, Southern Wines and Spirits and Florida International University (2001)
Other Positions Held:
- Author of Chefs.com blogs
- South Beach Wine and Food Festival Event Coordinator/Stage Manager/Volunteer (2002 – present)
- Food and Beverage Manager, Campo de’ Fiori (Boston, MA)
- Cooking Up Culture Chef Assistant/Instructor, Boston University (Boston, MA)
- Catering Special Projects Manager, Delano Hotel/China Grill Management (Miami, FL)
- Assistant Pool Bar Manager, Delano Hotel/China Grill Management (Miami, FL)
- Catering Cook, Lasso the Moon Special Events (Miami, FL)
- Pantry Cook, Giardini’s Gourmet Market and Restaurant (Miami, FL)
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Instructor Name: Diane Liles
Le Cordon Bleu Campus Location: Miami, FL
School Current Position: Chef Instructor
Date Hired at School: 04/11/2005
Education/Degree(s): Associate of Science — Johnson & Wales University
Years in the Industry: 20+
Favorite Dish: Italian
Hobbies:
- Traveling
- Walking
- Catering
Awards and/or Associations:
- Student Ambassadors Liaison
- Faculty Member of the Month
Other Positions Held:
- Head Chef
- Administrative Assistant
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Instructor Name: Lawrence J. Liptak
Le Cordon Bleu Campus Location: Miami, FL
School Current Position: Associate Dean
Education/Degree(s): Associate of Occupational Studies — Culinary Institute of America
Years in the Industry: 38
Favorite Dish: Braised Short Ribs
Hobbies:
- Watching Sports
- Gardening
- Music
Awards and/or Associations: CEC from ACF
Other Positions Held: Vice President, ACF Miami Chapter
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Instructor Name: Glenn Mack
Le Cordon Bleu Campus Location: Miami, FL
School Current Position: Vice President Academic Affairs
Date Hired at School: 09/25/2005
Education/Degree(s):
- Master of Arts, International Affairs, Columbia University — New York
- Bachelor of Arts, Russian Language and Literature — The University of Texas at Austin
- Associate of Science, Culinary Arts and Hospitality Management — Texas Culinary Academy
Years in the Industry: 12
Favorite Dish: Tortellini
Hobbies:
- Golf
- Photography
- Archival Research
Awards and/or Associations:
- International Association of Culinary Professionals
- IACP Culinary Trust Award for 3 Month Study in Emilio-Romagna, Italy
- Certified Culinary Professional, IACP
- American Culinary Federation
- ServSafe and Hospitality Supervision Manager Certification and Proctor
Other Positions Held:
- Manager/Photo Editor, Time Magazine Moscow Bureau
- Production Editor, Archaeology Project (Ukraine)
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Instructor Name: Danny Malone
Le Cordon Bleu Campus Location: Miami, FL
School Current Position: Pâtisserie & Baking Instructor
Date Hired at School: 08/20/2007
Education/Degree(s): 3-Year Pastry and Baking Certificate
Years in the Industry: 30
Favorite Dish: Pasta
Hobbies: Fishing
Awards and/or Associations:
- Swedish Industry Award (Bronze Medal)
- Grand Buffet Silver Medal for Pastry
Other Positions Held: Executive Pastry Chef
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Instructor Name: Marcelo Marino
Le Cordon Bleu Campus Location: Miami, FL
School Current Position: Chef Instructor Spanish Program and English Program General Education Classes
Date Hired at School: 01/11/2007
Education/Degree(s):
- Associate of Arts, Culinary Arts — Atlantic Culinary Academy
- Associate of Arts — McIntosh College
- Diplome d’art Culinaire, Le Cordon Bleu
- Bachelor of Arts, Operational Management (currently undertaking at AIU online)
Years in the Industry: 18
Favorite Dish: Veal Milanese Napolitano Style
Hobbies:
- Sailing
- Antique Shopping
- Traveling
Awards and/or Associations:
- ACF Member
- Serve Safe Certified
- Instructor Certified, Serve Safe Proctor
- Faculty Member of the Year (2008)
- CCA Instructor of the Year Nationwide (2009)
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Instructor Name: Miles Mitchell
Le Cordon Bleu Campus Location: Miami, FL
School Current Position: Dean of Culinary Arts
Date Hired at School: 01/3/2005
Education/Degree(s):
- Bachelor of Arts, History — Auburn University
- Associate of Occupational Studies, Culinary Arts — Culinary Institute of America
Years in the Industry: 17
Favorite Dish: Seafood Paella
Hobbies:
- Fitness
- Traveling
- Reading
Awards and/or Associations: American Culinary Federation
Other Positions Held: Chef (various positions), Ritz-Carlton Hotels
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Instructor Name: Judy Mohammed
Le Cordon Bleu Campus Location: Miami, FL
School Current Position: Instructor — General Education Courses & Faculty Professional Development Coordinator
Date Hired at School: 03/05/2006
Education/Degree(s):
- Masters in Social Work — Florida International University
- Bachelor of Science in Social Work — Florida International University
- Associate of Arts in Liberal Arts — Broward Community College
Years in the Industry: 11
Favorite Dish: Trinidadian Callaloo and Crabs
Hobbies:
- Movies
- Afternoon Teas
- Sudoku Puzzles
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Instructor Name: Doreen Moll
Le Cordon Bleu Campus Location: Miami, FL
School Current Position: Instructor Restaurant Guest Service
Date Hired at School: 02/27/2007
Education/Degree(s):
- Associate of Science
- Bachelor of Science
Years in the Industry: 25
Favorite Dish: Fresh Snapper
Hobbies:
- Bike Riding
- Shopping
- Cooking
Awards and/or Associations:
- Teamwork Award (2008)
- Exemplary Leadership (2009)
- Customer Service
Other Positions Held:
- Catering Manager
- Event Coordinator
- Accounting
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Instructor Name: Mr. Ricardo Murillo
Le Cordon Bleu Campus Location: Miami, FL
School Current Position: Adjunct Pastry Chef Instructor
Date Hired at School: 02/17/2009
Education/Degree(s): Certified Executive Pastry Chef
Years in the Industry: 25+
Favorite Dish: Filet Mignon, Garlic Mashed Potatoes and Asparagus Spears
Hobbies:
Awards and/or Associations: Member of the American Culinary Federation
Other Positions Held:
- Executive Pastry Chef, The Lansdowne Resort (Leesburg, VA)
- Executive Pastry Chef, The Reserve Hotel and Casino (Henderson, NV)
- Executive Pastry Chef, The Ocean Reef Club (Key Largo, FL)
- Executive Pastry Chef, The Lodge at Pebble Beach (Monterey, CA)
- Executive Pastry Chef, Le Meridien Hotel (Saudi Arabia)
- Executive Pastry Chef, Le Meridien Hotel (Kuwait)
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Instructor Name: Morgan Nims
Le Cordon Bleu Campus Location: Miami, FL
School Current Position: Chef Instructor
Date Hired at School: 09/06/2006
Education/Degree(s):
- Bachelor of Science, Culinary Arts — Johnson and Wales University (Rhode Island)
- Certificate of Formation — Ecole Supereier de Cuisine de Francias
Years in the Industry: 17
Favorite Dish: Classic Seafood Cioppino
Hobbies:
- Golf
- Racquet Ball
- Poetry Writing
Awards and/or Associations:
- Certified Executive Chef — American Culinary Federation
- Golf / Silver Medals — Awarded by ACF
Other Positions Held:
- Executive Chef
- Chef / Owner, Chef in the Box Catering
- Restaurant Consultant
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Instructor Name: Michele Pompei
Le Cordon Bleu Campus Location: Miami, FL
School Current Position: Executive Associate Instructor — Patisserie & Baking Courses
Date Hired at School: 05/07/2008
Education/Degree(s):
- Castalimenti Centro Arte Scienza eTechnologia Dell'alimento — Bachelor Baking and Pastry
- Associate in Science Degree in Le Cordon Bleu Culinary Arts — Le Cordon Bleu College of Culinary Arts
- Business Administration — University Institute of New Professions
Years in the Industry: 20
Favorite Dish: Foie Gras
Hobbies:
- Cooking
- Playing Soccer
- Cooking and Pastry Books
Awards and/or Associations:
- Suma-Cum Laude — Valedictorian
- Outstanding Employee of the Quarter
- The James Beard House
Other Positions Held:
- Baking & Pastry Instructor
- Executive Pastry Chef
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Instructor Name: Jose D Rios
Le Cordon Bleu Campus Location: Miami, FL
School Current Position: Chef Instructor — Spanish Program
Date Hired at School: 03/24/2008
Education/Degree(s): Lindsey Hopkins Technical Institute
Years in the Industry: 29
Favorite Dish: Chateau Briand
Hobbies:
- Writing
- Watching Football
Awards and/or Associations:
- Planned & Designed Menus to Serve Over 250,000 People on 9 Different Occasions — The Sony Ericson & The Volvo Classic Tennis Championships
- Served 30,000 Meals a Day for Two Months for the FPL Workers in the Aftermath of Hurricane Andrews at Miami Airport (1992)
- Responsible for the Presidential Luncheon for President Bill Clinton and All Dignitaries of the Western Hemisphere During the Summit of the Americas (1994)
- Served 8,000 Members of the International Press During the Summit of the Americas (1994)
- Responsible for Vice President Al Gore and Members of the Congress Dinner (1994)
- Chef in Charge of Fundraising Dinner for President George Bush Sr. (1987)
- Cooked for Late Ex President Richard Nixon During His Retirement Days in Key Biscayne (1985)
- Chef in Charge of Serving 15,000 People During Each of the Three Superbowls
- Chef Responsible During the NBA All-Star Game Reception (1990)
- Featured Several Times in Local Newspapers
- Cooked for Elizabeth Taylor, Sylvester Stallone, Gloria Stefan, Julio Iglesias, The Gibbs, Dan Marino, John Elway, Don Shula, Thomas Kramers, Michael Jordan, and
more
- Hosted Cooking Shows for Miccosuke Magazine
- Features as Celebrity Chef in Local TV Stations.
Other Positions Held:
- Chef Instructor, Le Cordon Bleu College of Culinary Arts Miami
- Executive Chef, Miccosukee Resort & Gaming
- Executive Sous Chef, Key Biscayne Hotel & Villas
- Chef Apprentice, The Lighthouse Landing
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Instructor Name: Manuel Rosa
Le Cordon Bleu Campus Location: Miami, FL
School Current Position: Director of Student Services
Date Hired at School: 01/22/2007
Education/Degree(s):
- Doctor of Education, Higher Education — Florida International University
- Master of Arts, Student Personnel Administration — New York University
- Bachelor of Arts, Psychology/Puerto Rican & Hispanic Caribbean Studies — Rutgers University
Favorite Dish: Churrasco
Hobbies:
- Mystery Shopping
- Exercising
- Watching Television
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Instructor Name: Rutenis
Le Cordon Bleu Campus Location: Miami, FL
School Current Position: Associate Dean
Date Hired at School: 02/07/2005
Education/Degree(s): Associate of Science — Johnson & Wales College
Years in the Industry: 35+
Favorite Dish: Medium Rare Prime New York Strip, Baked Potato, Asparagus with Hollandaise, 1985 Jordan Cabernet Sauvignon
Hobbies:
Awards and/or Associations:
- ACF/CEC
- James Beard Dinner
- Faculty of the Year
Other Positions Held:
- Executive Chef, GM Metropolitan Grille Restaurant
- Executive Chef, Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse
- Executive Chef, Marriott Orlando Airport
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Instructor Name: Barry Sacharow
Le Cordon Bleu Campus Location: Miami, FL
School Current Position: Instructor — General Education Courses
Date Hired at School: 09/17/2007
Education/Degree(s):
- Bachelor of Science, Administrative Studies — Nova Southeastern University
- MS Social Studies w/TSOL concentration Nova Southeastern University
Years in the Industry: 25
Favorite Dish: Rainbow Chili
Hobbies:
- Adventure Travel
- Attending Music & Multi Cultural Festivals
- Writing
Awards and/or Associations:
- Democratic Party (Progressive Wing)
- 2001 Best Festival (Broward/Palm Beach New Times)
- 1994 Up and Comers Award — Finalist Marketing
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Instructor Name: Marc Schlossberg
Le Cordon Bleu Campus Location: Miami, FL
School Current Position: Instructor — Applied General Education Courses
Date Hired at School: 05/12/2008
Education/Degree(s):
- Master of Business Administration, Management — Nova Southeastern University
- B.B.A., Finance — Florida Atlantic University
Years in the Industry: 30
Favorite Dish: Anything Appropriately Paired with a Willamette Valley Pinot Noir
Hobbies:
- Wine Appreciation & Travel
- Brewing Beer
- Golfing
Awards and/or Associations:
- Certified Specialist of Wine — Society of Wine Educators
- Guild of Sommeliers
Other Positions Held:
- Sales Manager, Augustan Wine Imports
- Sales Representative, Premier Beverage
- Beverage Manager, Kansas City Prime (Philadelphia, PA)
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Instructor Name: Said I. Shehadeh
Le Cordon Bleu Campus Location: Miami, FL
School Current Position: Chef Instructor — Culinary Arts Courses
Date Hired at School: 05/27/2004
Education/Degree(s):
- Associates of Arts, Hospitality Management — Miami Dade College
- Bachelor of Science, Hospitality Management — Florida International University
Years in the Industry: 10
Favorite Dish: Lamb Biryani
Hobbies:
- Fishing
- Cooking
- Traveling
Awards and/or Associations:
- Teacher of the Year 2004 — Le Cordon Bleu (Miami)
- Certified Executive Chef by American Culinary Federation
- ServSafe Manager’s Certification by National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation
Other Positions Held:
- Lead Chef Instructor
- Interim Department Chair
- Sous Chef de Cuisine
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Instructor Name: Hans D. Susser
Le Cordon Bleu Campus Location: Miami, FL
School Current Position: Chef Instructor
Date Hired at School: 05/2004
Education/Degree(s):
- Gesellenbrief (3 Years), Culinary Arts (Germany)
- ACF
Years in the Industry: 42
Favorite Dish: Sinigang Ng Baboy
Hobbies:
- Traveling
- Painting
- Ethnic Cooking
Awards and/or Associations:
- AAA Fife Star Diamond Award “One of the Worlds 100 Best Chefs”
- Numerous Chef of the Year Awards — RCCL, Westin Hotels and Sheraton Hotels
Other Positions Held:
- Executive Chef
- Area Executive Chef
- F&B Manager
- Restaurant Owner
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Instructor Name: Patrick Syka
Le Cordon Bleu Campus Location: Miami, FL
School Current Position: Instructor Cost Control, Wine and Beverage, Hospitality Management and Guests Service
Date Hired at School: 07/07/2008
Education/Degree(s):
- Technical Bachelor of Hospitality — Ecole Hoteliere de Paris
- Superior Technical Bachelor, Culinary Production — Ecole Hoteliere de Paris
- Professor Ecotel Guadeloupe — French West Indies
Years in the Industry: 30
Favorite Dish: Paella
Hobbies:
Awards and/or Associations:
- French National Wine Tasting Contest
- Hard Rock General Manager of the Year
Other Positions Held:
- Chef / Owner
- General Manager, Alain Ducasse MIX
- Director, Hard Rock GM and Regional F&B
- General Manager, Pavilion Elysee – Lenotre
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Instructor Name: Christian Torok
Le Cordon Bleu Campus Location: Miami, FL
School Current Position: Adjunct Instructor — Applied General Education
Date Hired at School: 12/2006
Education/Degree(s):
- Advanced Certificate in Wines & Spirits — Wine & Spirits Education Trust
- Certified Specialist of Wine — Society of Wine Educators
- Bachelor of Arts, Spanish — Florida International University
Years in the Industry: 7
Favorite Dish: Any Fresh, Local, Simply Prepared Vegetable Dish.
Hobbies:
Other Positions Held:
- Sommelier
- Sommelier Instructor
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Instructor Name: Michell Torres Garcia
Le Cordon Bleu Campus Location: Miami, FL
School Current Position: Chef Instructor
Date Hired at School: 02/07/2008
Education/Degree(s): Associate in Science Degree in Le Cordon Bleu Culinary Arts
Years in the Industry: 14
Favorite Dish: Linguine al Olio
Hobbies:
- Going to the Movies
- Getting Together with Friends
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Instructor Name: Juan Villaparedes
Le Cordon Bleu Campus Location: Miami, FL
School Current Position: Pastry Chef Instructor for Pâtisserie & Baking Program and Culinary Arts Program taught in Spanish
Date Hired at School: 04/01/2008
Education/Degree(s): Marketing
Years in the Industry: 14
Favorite Dish: Too many just to mention one, but I enjoy a nice, red and juicy steak on the grill.
Hobbies:
- Running
- Cooking
- Baking
- Eating
Other Positions Held:
- Pastry Chef, Mark’s South Beach (Miami Beach, FL)
- Pastry Chef, Ortanique On The Mile (Coral Gables, FL)
- Pastry Chef, Le Bordeaux French Bistro (Tampa, FL)
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Instructor Name: David Welch
Le Cordon Bleu Campus Location: Miami, FL
School Current Position: Chef Instructor
Date Hired at School: 03/20/2006
Education/Degree(s): Associate of Science, Culinary Arts — The Art Institute of Philadelphia School
of Culinary Arts
Years in the Industry: 12
Favorite Dish: Braised Beef Shortribs, with Swiss Chard and Chive Whipped Potato
Hobbies:
- Mixed Martial Arts
- Cooking
- Video Games
Awards and/or Associations:
- American Personal Chef Association
- LCB Competition Team
- Faculty of the Month (July 2008)
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Instructor Name: Rawn Wooden
Le Cordon Bleu Campus Location: Miami, FL
School Current Position: Chef Presenter
Date Hired at School: 01/03/2005
Education/Degree(s): Associate of Science — Johnson & Wales University (North Miami, FL)
Years in the Industry: 21
Favorite Dish: Sweet Potato Pie
Hobbies:
Awards and/or Associations:
- Dream Maker Award (2009)
- CEC — American Culinary Federation
Other Positions Held:
- High School Presenter
- Chef Instructor
- Associate Chef Instructor
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