Welcome,

I am proud to introduce you to Volume II of The Institute of Culinary Education’s Alumni Hall of Achievement, which was created to highlight selected graduates from the school’s 35-year history. We identified these 77 alumni because of their achievements and success, which collectively cover a wide swath of the culinary landscape. The selection process was difficult, as many more of our alumni could qualify. To be inducted the alumni selected had to meet a combination of the following criteria:
 

• National or local recognition as an expert in his or her practice as
  deemed by an award committee, trade association, ratings guide,
  or the media.
  
  
• A level of expertise and experience that resulted in the attainment
  of a top position in a nationally recognized restaurant or culinary
  business.
  
  
• Demonstration of the boldness and spirit required to launch and
  maintain a successful entrepreneurial culinary venture.

It is fascinating to see the diversity of paths our alumni have taken. They are spread around the nation and spend their days in positions as varied as chefs, owners, writers, sales managers, or culinary instructors. Some wear chef's whites at work while others wear suits. Some probably work every holiday while others hardly ever work on weekends. When we tell prospective students that a culinary education degree can take them many places, our alumni's biographies personify the possibilities!

One notable point that emerges from these profiles is that the inductees career path was often a progression. Culinary training at ICE was just the beginning; hard work, mentors, stints in famous restaurants, and international travels were common post-graduate activities that helped them succeed.

I hope that you will find the biographies and entries that follow as interesting and inspirational as I have. Every few years, we continue to induct alumni into this Hall of Achievement, and look forward to following the accomplishments of the people profiled here.

Sincerely,

Rick Smilow
President


In 2010, ICE inducted 27 new alumni into the Hall of Achievement. They have been highlighted in red.