ICC California alum Chris Chowaniec (left) and his brother Mark have turned their lifelong relationship with food into an exciting new business. The Chow Brothers “are committed to always being a fun and responsible food brand delivering unique flavors as accouterments, appetizers, and main dishes to good food fans everywhere!”

I take my immaturity very seriously. It is the deepest well of inspiration I can tap. So many of my creations begin with the same sentiment – “Do you remember?”

Michelin, the Paris-based publisher of gastronomic guides, has released its annual list of starred ratings for New York City, San Francisco and Chicago restaurants.

After six months of learning recipes and techniques, in addition to partaking in various tastings of coffee, tea, cheese and wine in the Professional Pastry Arts program, the final exam was upon us. To be honest, I was excited about it. As a career changer, I’d already been out in the real world; it can be overrated. I was excited because this was an opportunity to apply what I had learned in the program. It was go time.

“The highest expression of culture, besides art, is gastronomy. Gastronomy is the art of every day,” – Chef Jose Menendez With an opening line like that, you know you are in for an excellent class. I recently had the pleasure of participating in the Essentials of Spanish Cooking course (next start June 6!). I was also lucky enough to sign up at the same time as the incredible Kristen Maugeri from Admissions.

There are many different career opportunities available to someone with an interest in working within the wine field. Students and guests of the International Culinary Center had the privilege to sit in on a panel discussion with four professionals, each coming from their own respective position in the wine world.

As someone who’s new to the professional pastry world, I was excited to volunteer for the International Culinary Center’s first conference for pastry professionals and listen in on some of the talks, panels, and conversations to hear what has the pastry industry abuzz.