| [August 30, 2011] |
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Culinary Theater Debuts in the Campus Dining Hall
PHILADELPHIA --(Business Wire)--
As college students return to campus this fall, many may
find that their dining hall has been transformed into a culinary
theater. Fueled by popular TV shows, such as Top Chef, hundreds of
dining halls served by ARAMARK now feature interactive culinary
environments, including food theater stations, culinary competitions,
chef showcases, restaurant nights, and special theme events, that allow
students to actively participate in their dining experience.
"It has always been our philosophy to remove the 'walls' to the kitchen
whenever possible and have our chefs in front of our guests, creating an
exciting, interactive culinary theater," said Randy Bain, National
Culinary Director, ARAMARK Higher Education. "Our chefs are highly
visible and accessible-whether it is to provide meal recommendations,
cooking tips or just a friendly conversation."
At ARAMARK partner campuses across North America, students are enjoying
fresh, nutritious meals and interactive culinary experiences including:
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Food Theater Stations: Students can watch campus chefs prepare
and serve their culinary creations from action/exhibition stations in
ARAMARK's The Fresh Food Company®, a "kitchen-free" market-style
restaurant. Using fresh ingredients, students can also customize their
meals at a variety of made-to-order menu stations including: Mongolian
Grill, Vegan Stations, Taco and Burrito Stations, Pasta Stations,
Omelet and Waffle Stations, Home-Style Entrée Stations, Mediterranean
Stations, Dessert Stations and more.
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"Student Iron Chef" Competitions: Students are demonstrating
their culinary skillsduring on campus cooking competitions, judged by
the campus chefs and special guests, such the college/university
president, professors, coaches, and chefs from local restaurants. The
competitions, which are often themed to build awareness of
sustainability, locally grown produce or a featured menu item, allow
students to develop their skills while being an integral part of the
culinary action.
-
Chef Showcases: Chat with the campus chef! "Chef Showcase"
events provide students with an opportunity to meet their campus
chefs, learn about menu planning, cooking techniques, recipe ideas and
more, all while enjoying a delicious meal.
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Restaurant Nights: Chefs from local restaurants are invited to
engage with the campus community and create special restaurant dining
nights. Students meet the local chefs, learn tips from the experts and
sample the restaurant's signature menu items.
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Theme Events: To truly bring the meal experience to life, many
campuses are holding theme nights that allow students to enhance their
culinary enjoyment though live music, special food sampling
opportunities, and interactions with chefs. Themes range from Cinco de
Mayo and Super Bowl events to Mediterranean themed meals and national
food observances, such as Vegetarian Awareness Week.
In addition to engaging students in their culinary experience, ARAMARK
is committed to providing its chefs with the skills, training and tools
needed to excel in their careers. Since 2010, more than 50 ARAMARK
Higher Education chefs have graduated from the Culinary Institute of
America's prestigious ProChef Certification program, a comprehensive
professional development and culinary skills verification program which
measures core culinary, managerial and financial acumen, including a
chef's skill in taste, proper cooking methods, authenticity, plating,
use of all ingredients, proper food handling and sanitation, and
disposal of food waste.
About ARAMARK Higher Education
ARAMARK Higher Education is dedicated to excellence in dining, facility,
conference center, and stadium and arena services. ARAMARK enhances the
living and learning experience and environment for more than 600
colleges and universities throughout North America. For more information
and a list of our services, visit www.aramarkhighered.com.
About ARAMARK
ARAMARK is a leader in professional services, providing award-winning
food services, facilities management, and uniform and career apparel to
health care institutions, universities and school districts, stadiums
and arenas, and businesses around the world. The company is recognized
as the industry leader in FORTUNE magazine's "World's Most Admired
Companies," and as one of America's Largest Private Companies by both
FORTUNE and Forbes magazines. ARAMARK seeks to responsibly
address issues that matter to its clients, customers, employees and
communities by focusing on employee advocacy, environmental stewardship,
health and wellness, and community involvement. Headquartered in
Philadelphia, ARAMARK has approximately 255,000 employees serving
clients in 22 countries. Learn more at the company's Web site, www.aramark.com,
or www.twitter.com/aramarknews
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