New York Culinary Experience: Cooking In The Presence of Greatness

New York Culinary Experience, the annual cooking love-fest held at the International Culinary Center located in the Soho    neighborhood of Manhattan gathers a Who's Who from the culinary world for the two-day food extravaganza.

Hosted by Gillian Duffy, Culinary Editor of New York Magazine, and Dorothy Hamilton, founder and CEO of The French Culinary Institute, the event was the brain child of the two women who love to celebrate the culinary experience. The events participants came from as far away as the Philippines and close as next door.  

Continually, sold out the two-day event features the world best including Chef Andre Soltner, the former owner of Lutece, Chef Alain Sailhac the former Chef of Le Cirque, Jean-George Vorgehicten, Michal Psilakis, the rock star runner-up from the reality show "Hell's Kitchen," Masaharu Morimoto the original "Iron Chef," the famous chef-patisserie "Mr. Chocolate" Jacque Torres and equally famous Chef Jacque Pepin.


Conversations with the Masters: Chef Andre Soltner

Additionally, the event welcomes Chef instructors Alain Allegretti of Allegretti, Dan Barber owner of Blue Hill and Blue Hill at Stone Barns, Jonathan Benno of Per Se, David Bouley of Bouley, Sucession and Bouley Market, Scott Conant of Scarpetta, Ariane Daguin owner of D'artagnan, Arlene Feldman Sailhac, wife of Alain and, founder of the world famous De Gustibus Cooking School at Macy's.

Throughout the years The International Culinary Center has also welcomed Ken Friedman and April Bloomfield from The Spotted Pig, Alexandra Guarnaschelli from Butter, Christopher Lee of Aureole, Paul Liebrandt from Corton, Melissa Murphy of Sweet Melissa Patisserie, David Pasterneck of Crab, Zakary Pelaccio from Fatty Crab, Alfred Portale of Gotham Bar and Grill, Amy Scherber from Amy's Bread, Bill Telepan of Telepan, Marcus Samuelsson from Aquavit and Michael White of Alto, Convivio and Marea.

Nils Noren, Dave Arnold, Karen Bornarth, Roger Gural and Cesare Casella, Dean of The Italian Culinary Academy are on hand from The International Culinary Center. Lunch is always provided and past sponsors included Justin Timberlake's Southern Hospitality. Lunchtime interviews have included Joe Bastianich restaurateur, winemaker and author and Marco Maccioni and Sirio Maccioni of the famous New York restaurant Le Cirque.

The opportunity to be a part of this experience was enhanced by the continued generosity of the Chef's who freely answered questions, rolled up their sleeves and created a cooking together style. Chef Andrew Soltner and Chef Ariane Daguin prepared recession friendly dishes that were exceptionally pleasing to the palette, the pocket and in presentation.

The step-by-step procedures, were an opportunity for even the most culinary challenged to participate with ease in the hand-on process and to receive instructions from the world's best.  All classes are built to incorporate the time constraints associated with pre-preparation and cooking needs.  Unable to be a part of every session the following is an overview of the classes and highlights from the event.


ICC Recreational Classes: Japanese-American Kitchen Review – Compliments to the Chef (Shefu ni Sanji)

If you missed this event you can be a part of the upcoming New York Culinary Experience. The event is in the pre-planning stages for May 4-5, 2014. 

The event wrapped each day with receptions sponsored by the likes of Virgin Atlantic, Justin Timberlake's Southern Hospitality provided lunch.  Media partners included CHOW.com, Supporting partners included Justin Timberlake's 901 Tequila,  Abigail Michaels,  D'artagnan, Mourchon, Frizzy Lizzy, Fresh Direct, Francis Ford Coppola, Icelandic Glacial, illy, La Caravelle Champagne, Mercer Innovations for Chefs, Murray's, Nicolas Feuilatte, Neiman Ranch, Republic Uniforms, Salumeria Rosi Parmacotto, Scharfen Berger, Soho House and Something Different Party House.

For information on L'Ecole, The Restaurant of The International Culinary Center: http://www.internationalculinarycenter.com/

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