Next generation of culinary professionals plans to feature globally diverse
flavors and incorporate greener practices
PITTSBURGH, Feb. 13 /PRNewswire/ -- The International Culinary Schools at
The Art Institutes, North America's largest system of culinary programs,
released a survey of its students today, providing a glimpse into where the
next generation of culinary professionals may take tomorrow's menus. The
survey found that culinary students want to serve dishes that are more
globally diverse and conduct business in a more environmentally sensitive
manner.
More than 40 percent of students responding to the survey said they
believe Spanish and South American cuisines have the most potential influence
on future menus, while more than half said they are most interested in
including Italian (68 percent) and French (53 percent) in their professional
repertoire. Eight out of 10 students would consider specializing in a fusion
cuisine. Among those students, the top fusion choices were Japanese and French
(17 percent) and Thai and Mexican (16 percent).
"Considering our reach as the country's largest system of culinary
programs, our students have the ability to impact the restaurant and food and
beverage industries," says Michael Nenes, MBA, CEC, CCE, assistant vice
president of Culinary Arts for The Art Institutes. "This survey uncovers some
of the possibilities that may lie ahead for America's menus."
Professional Intentions
Greener business practices are a top priority for students at The
International Culinary Schools at The Art Institutes. Nearly all responding
students (97 percent) said environmental responsibility will play some role in
their culinary careers and more than half said environmentalism is "very
important."
Tomorrow's culinary professionals are in tune with today's culinary trends
as they report that knowing a food's origin and supporting local food
suppliers is important to them. Three out of four are interested in including
locally supplied ingredients and more than half want to include organic foods
(55 percent) in their ventures.
These environmentally minded students aspire to put these practices into
place at restaurants of their own. Most students (81 percent) are considering
opening a restaurant during their careers; of those, nearly 40 percent are
interested in starting a fine dining establishment and about the same
percentage have an interest in opening a mid-scale restaurant.
Influences and Education
Aspiring culinary professionals are ready to pack their bags to perfect
their global cuisine of choice. Slightly more than one-half (52 percent) of
students believe that studying abroad is the best way to learn about a
country's cuisine, pointing to a desire for authenticity.
Venturing outside traditional education, many students turn to food media
to build their knowledge base. Nearly all (96 percent) students agree that
the media plays a role in their culinary lives, and the role spans education
(64 percent), source of news and trends (61 percent) and entertainment (57
percent).
Despite the significance of the food media, most students look beyond
prominent celebrity chefs for their primary source of influence. One-third of
students said culinary school and about the same number said chefs they have
worked with (31 percent) are their dominant influences. Students admire their
chef educators over celebrity chefs by a three-to-one margin.
To learn more about results from The International Culinary Schools at The
Art Institutes student survey, visit
http://www.artinstitutes.edu/NewsMediaRelations/PressKit.aspx?prid=ICS_0208_00
1_pr. (Due to length of URL, please copy and paste this link into your
browser.)
Survey Methodology
The International Culinary Schools at The Art Institutes commissioned
Insight Express to conduct an online survey of their students in December
2007. A total of 906 students within two quarters of degree/program
completion were invited to take the survey via e-mail and 128 students
completed the survey (14 percent response rate). Results are calculated at
the 95 percent significance level.
About The International Culinary Schools at The Art Institutes
The International Culinary Schools at The Art Institutes is North
America's largest system of culinary programs with over 30 locations. The
course offerings have been redesigned to expand the international focus,
introducing students to an increased number of world cuisines.
Based on classical Escoffier, Asian and Latin culinary techniques, with an
emphasis on progressive trends and practices, the schools' curriculum are
designed to develop and sharpen fundamental cooking techniques and
professional skills and introduce a variety of international cuisines.
Internships, student-run school restaurants, guest lectures and Web-based
seminars, and study abroad programs help broaden the scope of learning for
students.
Program offerings vary at each school. Prospective students should check
the course offerings at The Art Institute school they are interested in
attending before enrolling. To learn more about The International Culinary
Schools at The Art Institutes, visit www.artinstitutes.edu/culinary or
www.exploreculinary.com.
About Education Management LLC
The parent company of The Art Institutes, Education Management LLC
(http://www.edmc.com), with 96,000 students as of fall 2007, is among the
largest providers of post-secondary education in North America, based on
student enrollment and revenue. Education Management has 83 locations in 26
U.S. states and in Canada. Education Management's educational institutions
offer a broad range of academic programs concentrated in the media arts,
design, fashion, culinary arts, behavioral sciences, health sciences,
education, information technology, legal studies and business fields,
culminating in the award of associate's through doctoral degrees. Education
Management has provided career-oriented education for over 40 years.
About The Art Institutes
The Art Institutes (www.artinstitutes.edu) is a system of over 40
education institutions located throughout North America, providing an
important source of design, media arts, fashion and culinary professionals.
The Art Institutes schools offer a broad range of programs including:
Audio Production, Computer Animation, Culinary Arts, Culinary Management,
Fashion Design, Fashion Marketing, Graphic Design, Industrial Design
Technology, Web Design & Interactive Media, Interior Design, Media Arts &
Animation, Photography, Restaurant Management and Video Production. Not all
programs are offered at all schools.
SOURCE The Art Institutes
Corporate Media Contact: Jacquelyn P. Muller, Vice President - Public
Relations of Education Management LLC, Office: +1-412-995-7262, or Mobile:
+1-412-606-9244, jpmuller@edmc.edu; or National Media, Tracie Lesser of
Burson-Marsteller, Office: +1-312-596-3521, or Mobile: +1-917-496-2782,
Tracie.Lesser@bm.com, for The Art Institutes
