Throughout Avery Ruzicka’s youth, cooking always played a big role. Her professional interest in food emerged from the extensive time she spent abroad during and after high school, leading to her first restaurant job in college.

“Be humble. No matter how good you think you already are, treat every single day at school like there is a vast encyclopedia of things to learn.”

For a tea that has been around for thousands of years in China — originating along The Silk Road and dating back to the Eastern Han Dynasty — Pu’er remains a unique and sought after tea in both eastern and western markets.

I would like to start off by introducing myself and giving you a little background on myself. I am a career firefighter in Westchester County and also attend ICC in the Professional Culinary Arts program. My passion for cooking is just as strong the one I have for firefighting, which is what led me to the decision to become a “career adder.” I have always had a second job while being a firefighter, and decided I would like to pursue something I truly loved. Now, I have the best of both worlds!

A class with Chef Instructor and ICC Alum Michelle Doll Olson might feel a little like you stepped into a comedy club with a two pastry minimum. Perhaps that’s due to her background at Stella Alder Conservatory and Upright Citizens Brigade.

It is fitting that Michael Rosenblum is the Executive Chef at the Residence of the U.S. Embassy to China. He’s been a culinary ambassador ever since he was a teenager.

In this edition of library notes, we will highlight some selections from Local Roots Founder and Friend of the Library, Wen-Jay Ying. Do you know about Local Roots NYC? It is a CSA or community supported agriculture connecting New Yorkers with fresh produce and other goodies from local farms. We have a pick up location right here at ICC! When Wen-Jay isn’t trekking up to farms, maintaining the super fun social profiles or producing her radio show, Food Stripped Naked she sometimes does her admin work right out of the ICC library! If you want to bring a #soiltocity perspective into your own kitchen, check out her recommended reading list below, all available for circulation here in the library.

Got your chef’s hat set? What about the pots and pans? Well, it’s official folks – SinoVision has partnered with the International Culinary Center (ICC) to produce the network’s first cooking show, Asian Kitchen, a 12-episode series featuring chefs who graduated from the renowned cooking school headquartered in Soho, New York. The talents – all rising stars in New York City and graduates of either ICC’s Culinary or Pastry programs within the past 14 years – share their interpretations and influences of Asian cuisine for American audiences, including cooking demos and tips. Think of it as a one on one crash course with some of the hottest chefs around. The simple and unique recipes they will share are enjoyed by...