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Napa, CA – , a immersive food and wine destination in downtown Napa, has announced a new partnership with Andrew Zimmern, a four-time James Beard award-winning TV personality, chef, writer, teacher, and social justice advocate. Zimmern, who is widely known as the creator and host of Travel Channel’s Bizarre Foods franchise, will act as lead moderator for , a live talk series open to the public that brings together the pioneers of constructive disruption within the world of food to share their stories of positive change.

“As a familiar voice for driving awareness and appreciation for food cultures around the world, Andrew Zimmern is the ideal person to bring consumers into conversations that The Culinary Institute of America is driving within the food industry,” said Tom Bensel, managing director of CIA California. “With this partnership, we will continue providing guests to ������������ with diverse opportunities to explore their passion for food, while bringing culinary leaders and innovators to Napa, reinforcing the Valley as a preeminent place for food and wine.”

As host and moderator for Conversations at ������������, Zimmern will lead dialogue among celebrated members of the culinary community on dynamic topics, including:

• September 7–Culture & Cuisine: What does it mean to be authentic and who gets to cook what?
• October 26–Food for Good: How can we expand access to food and reduce waste?
• December 7–Setting the Equity Table: Where is social change in the food and beverage industry coming from?

“Being involved with The Culinary Institute of America has been a dream of mine since I knew I wanted to be a chef,” says Zimmern. “I’m honored and thrilled to work with The CIA at ������������ in kicking off a program that will offer culinary enthusiasts a peek inside the fascinating world of food and show them how chefs and innovators are impacting the world.”

Early bird pricing for the first Conversations at ������������ event on September 7 is $75 per person and will be available through August 1, after which general admission will be $95. For additional information and to purchase tickets, please visit .

Photo Caption and Hi-Res Image:

James Beard Award-winning personality Andrew Zimmern is partnering with The Culinary Institute of America for a new live talk series, Conversations at ������������, launching at The CIA at ������������ on September 7. (Photo credit: Courtesy Travel Channel)

Media Contacts:

Anne Girvin
Assistant Director—Strategic Marketing, Branch Campuses
707-967-2322
Anne.Girvin@culinary.edu

Ballantines PR
310-454-3080
kendal@ballantinespr.com

About The Culinary Institute of America:

Founded in 1946, The Culinary Institute of America is the world’s premier culinary college. Dedicated to developing leaders in foodservice and hospitality, the independent, not-for-profit CIA offers master’s, bachelor’s, and associate degrees with majors in culinary arts, baking & pastry arts, food business management, hospitality management, culinary science, and applied food studies. The college also offers executive education, certificate programs, and courses for professionals and enthusiasts. Its conferences, leadership initiatives, and consulting services have made the CIA the think tank of the food industry and its worldwide network of more than 50,000 alumni includes innovators in every area of the food world. The CIA has locations in New York, California, Texas, and Singapore.

About Andrew Zimmern:

Andrew Zimmern is a four-time James Beard award-winning TV personality, chef, writer, teacher and social justice advocate. As the creator, executive producer and host of Travel Channel’s Bizarre Foods franchise, Andrew Zimmern’s Driven by Food, The Zimmern List, and Food Network’s Big Food Truck Tip, he has explored cultures in more than 170 countries, promoting impactful ways to think about, create and live with food. He has written four books, is a contributor at Food & Wine Magazine and an entrepreneur-in-residence at Babson College. Andrew is the founder and CEO of both Intuitive Content, a full-service television and digital production company, and Passport Hospitality, a restaurant and food service development company. He is devoted to his charitable endeavors and sits on the board of directors for Services for the UnderServed, Soigne Hospitality and Taste of the NFL. His life’s work is exploring and promoting cultural acceptance, tolerance and understanding through food. More at .

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