BY MAXIMILLIEN de LAFAYETTE
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THE GIANTS TEACH AT THE FRENCH CULINARY INSTITUTE |
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Jacques Torres, Dean of Pastry Arts. A most creative and enigmatically
genius of the world of pastries and chocolate.
At twenty-six years old Jacques Torres achieved the distinction of becoming the youngest recipient of the Meilleur Ouvrier de France Pātissier Award. Since joining The FCI in 1993, Torres has shared his passion for the art of pastry in demonstrations and hands-on classes. He designed and oversees our Classic Pastry Arts Program. Once the executive pastry chef at Le Cirque 2000, Torres is now chocolatier and co-owner of Jacques Torres Chocolates in Brooklyn and will soon be seen hosting "Chocolate with Jacques Torres" on the Food Network.
Jacques Torres has hosted two PBS television series and written the companion books, Dessert Circus: Extraordinary Desserts You Can Make at Home and Dessert Circus at Home: Fun, Fanciful, Easy-To-Make Desserts. Torres is the winner of numerous industry accolades including the James Beard Foundation Pastry Chef of the Year Award and Chefs of America Pastry Chef of the Year Award.
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A culinary gem and a national treasure, Andrea Robinson.
Another culinary , food and beverage giant to be mentioned is Andrea Robinson. "The only thing that should come between people and wine is the cork." Andrea Robinson has a history of demystifying wine and taking a more hands on approach to teaching. As the first Corporate Director, Beverage Programs for Starwood Hotels & Resorts, Andrea oversaw the entire beverage program for its North American hotels and also launched its award-winning wine education program, lauded by USA Today and numerous trade publications as the most innovative and far-reaching in the industry. Immer was named the first woman Cellarmaster for Windows on the World in 1992, then reopened Windows with Joe Baum, David Emil, and Kevin Zraly in 1996, as Beverage Director. In 1996, She was awarded the title of Master Sommelier from the Court of Master Sommeliers, which gives her the distinction of being one of nine women in the United States and ten in the world to hold that title.
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