Released on: February 6, 2008, 8:44 am

Press Release Author: Arlene Wites

Industry: Food & Beverage

Press Release Summary: Pastry Chef wins Pastry Chef of the Year awards and ACF
accredits two culinary programs.

Press Release Body: The International Culinary School at The Art Institute of Fort
Lauderdale announces several recent distinguished recognitions. Pastry chef
instructor Malka Espinel was awarded "Pastry Chef of the Year" by Rising Stars
Chefs; and the culinary school's bachelor's degree program in culinary management
and the associate's degree program in culinary arts have received accreditation from
the American Culinary Federation.

Chef Malka has over 10 years of experience in fine dining restaurants and hotels.
Her background includes: Executive Pastry Chef for Johnny V in South Beach, Miami,
FL, and El Monte Sagrado in Taos, New Mexico. Guest appearances on television's Iron
Chef and Sugar Rush (Food Network), Today in South Florida (NBC), South Florida
Today (PBS), A Byte with Belkys (WSBN), De Mañanita (Telemundo), Despierta
America (Univision), Que Sabor (TeleFutura). She's had recipe published in Pastry
Art and Design, Chocolatier, Bon Apetit, Veranda, Latina, Florida International,
Boca Raton Magazine, Miami Herald, and Sun Sentinel.

The accreditation process is arduous and must meet the rigors of established
industry standards and compliance. Chef Jack Kane and his faculty, has diligently
worked toward both of these accreditations of the bachelor's degree program in
culinary management and the associate's degree program in culinary arts for many
months.

The International Culinary School at The Art Institute of Fort Lauderdale culinary
arts program was established in 1992, training and educating students under the
tutelage of culinary professionals to grow and flourish in today's food service
industry. In 2005, the college's student-run restaurant The Chef's Palette won The
American Culinary Federation Achievement of Excellence Award in the category of
Culinary Program Full Service Restaurant Facility.


Web Site: http://www.aifl.edu

Contact Details: 1799 SE 17 Street
Ft. Lauderdale FL 33316
1.800.275.7603