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Alumni in the News February 2023

CIA alumni are always cooking up something interesting, and with a network more than 50,000 strong, there’s never a shortage of highlights! Here are just a few examples of CIA alumni in the news this past month.

Awards and Television

Johanne Siy ’12, has been crowned Asia’s Best Female Chef 2023 by World’s 50 Best.
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Richard Blais ’98 is featured as a mentor chef, alongside Gordon Ramsay and Nyesha Arrington, on season two of Next Level Chef on FOX.
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Openings and Appointments

Michael “Wheels” Parise ’86, recently opened a hugely popular mobile cannoli and coffee bar in Venice, FL.
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Jesse Rosen ’11 serves breakfast, lunch, and seasonal sandwich options at a new shop in Boston’s North End. Sunny Girl will operate in the space that used to house the beloved Anthony’s Café.
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Kaleena Bliss ’09, joining a female-led culinary team as executive chef, now oversees operations at The Chicago Athletic Association, the acclaimed boutique hotel located on Chicago’s Cultural Mile.
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Manu Chandra ’03 recently opened his first restaurant, La Lupa, which will serve food rooted in a trans-European style.
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Emily Gaston ’20 is pursuing her dreams by running her own bakery, Gaston’s Bake Shop, in Allentown.
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Garret Fleming ’07 opened a new restaurant with sister Eleanor Lacy. Experimental but rooted in Italy, Bombolo is a reflection of a European bistro.
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Interviews and Conversations

Thitid Tassanakajohn ’12, known as Chef Ton, was interviewed about combining French and Thai cuisine and his pop-up event with Culinary Culture in India.
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David S. Rosov ’90 shared four reasons he likes being a personal chef, including creative control and direct interaction with clients. The career of a personal chef affords unique opportunities and professional achievements.
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Chef Rob Harrison ’99 was interviewed and his work at Agave & Rye was highlighted in this article in FSR magazine.
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Dee Lavigne ’04 discussed Creole and Cajun food, her cooking school and her history as both a home and professional chef.
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Ron Stewart ’98 revealed the motivations, mistakes, and decisions behind his success in an exclusive in-depth interview with Authority Magazine.
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Tida Pichakron ’07 talked king cakes and Mardi Gras, showing off her bakery’s, Haute Sweets, signature treats.
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