The Culinary Institute of America

2009 Augie™ Awards Gala Raises Half-Million for Student Scholarships

Contact:

Jeff Levine
Media Relations
845-451-1372
j_levine@culinary.edu

Hyde Park, NY, April 15, 2009 – The Culinary Institute of America (CIA) conferred its annual CIA Leadership Awards in front of more than 500 attendees at a benefit gala in New York City on March 26. The 2009 Augie Awards, named in honor of the founder of modern gastronomy Auguste Escoffier, were presented to three leaders who have made transforming contributions to foodservice and hospitality: Ferran Adrià, Grant Achatz, and John J. Profaci, Sr.

The Chef of the Year Award was bestowed upon Ferran Adrià, co-owner of Spain's famed elBulli. Adrià, a native of Barcelona, has been head chef of elBulli for the past 22 years. The restaurant has been named the World's Best Restaurant four times in the last six years by England's Restaurant magazine.

The Alumnus of the Year Award was presented to 1994 CIA graduate Grant Achatz. Achatz is chef and owner of Alinea in Chicago, named the Best Restaurant in America by Gourmet magazine in 2006. While working for Thomas Keller at the French Laundry in Yountville, CA, Achatz was sent to train with Chef Adrià at elBulli—an experience that would later inform his future inventiveness.

Inducted into the CIA Hall of Fame was John J. Profaci, Sr., president and founder of Colavita USA. Mr. Profaci—credited with opening the North American market to genuine Italian extra virgin olive oil—is the 16th inductee in the CIA Hall of Fame.

The event raised $550,000 to benefit the education of future culinarians through The Culinary Institute of America's scholarship endowment.

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Founded in 1946, The Culinary Institute of America is an independent, not-for-profit college offering bachelor's and associate degrees, as well as certificate programs, in either culinary arts or baking and pastry arts. As the world's premier culinary college, the CIA has a network of more than 37,000 alumni that includes industry leaders such as Grant Achatz, Anthony Bourdain, Michael Chiarello, Cat Cora, Steve Ells, Todd English, Duff Goldman, Sara Moulton, Charlie Palmer, and Roy Yamaguchi. The college has campuses in New York (Hyde Park), California (The CIA at Greystone, St. Helena), and Texas (San Antonio). In addition to its degree programs, the CIA offers courses for professionals and food enthusiasts, as well as wine education.

For more information, and a complete listing of program offerings at each site, visit the CIA online at www.ciachef.edu.

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