The Culinary Institute of America, San Antonio to Host
Four-Day ‘Arriba el Caribe’
San Antonio, TX – The tastes and culture of the Caribbean will be celebrated in
San Antonio October 18–21. Now in its third year, The Culinary Institute of America’s
Latin Cuisine Summit and Festival will focus on the culinary heritage and
contributions of Puerto Rico, the Dominican Republic, and Cuba. With a changing
focus every year, this year’s event is titled “.”
Sponsored by John Soules Foods, MillerCoors, and Sysco, the four-day Summit and Festival will
feature a student day on Wednesday, October 18; professional days on Thursday
and Friday, October 19 and 20; a special dinner at Nao Restaurant; and a community-focused day on Saturday, October 21, featuring
special cooking classes and programming for the public. Fundraising events to
benefit those affected by recent Caribbean hurricanes will be incorporated into
the schedule.
“Latin Caribbean cuisine is a celebration
of the aromatic, sweet, tart, piquant, and mild citrus flavors unique to
the cuisine of Cuba, the Dominican Republic, and Puerto Rico,” said Nelson Millán, adjunct instructor at CIA San Antonio and executive chef of the San
Antonio Country Club. “We have an amazing line-up of presenters, lectures,
demonstrations, and hands-on experiences.”
In addition to Chef Millán, food
personalities and chefs presenting include Doreen Colondres,
a celebrity chef known for flavorful seasonal ingredients; Giovanna Huyke, the “Julia Child of Puerto Rico”; Eddy Fernández Monte, past president of the Federation of
Culinary Associations of the Republic of Cuba; Oscar Mejia, executive chef at
the Westin Houston, Downtown; Mario Pagán, recognized
as one of Puerto Rico’s best chefs; Wandy Robles,
culinary instructor at Instituto Tecnico Superior Comunitario in Santo Domingo; Douglas Rodriguez,
Cuban chef and cookbook author; and Zulcoralis Rodriguez, one of the Beverage Network’s Eight Women to Watch in 2015.
Student day starts with high school students from various
schools in the San Antonio Independent School District, followed by afternoon
programming for CIA students, giving both groups access to CIA instructors and visiting presenters. Students
will have the opportunity to learn all about Caribbean cuisine, its history,
and how to cook with Caribbean foods and flavors.
During the professional portion of the event, participants
will explore the multi-cultural influences seen in Latin Caribbean regions; get
an in-depth prelude on Caribbean sofrito; learn about
exotic and indigenous Caribbean fruits, vegetables, herbs, and other ingredients;
and explore the correlations and differences between ingredients, uses, and
techniques used to process them.
The schedule is packed with hands-on sessions, break-outs,
beverage tastings and seminars, lectures, panel discussions, meals, and more.
Registration for the professional summit is open and is $185 per person.
Friday’s activities will conclude with dinner at Nao
Restaurant, featuring Chef Colondres. This
Caribbean-themed dinner is open to the public and costs $125 per person.
In addition to professional programming, “Arriba el Caribe”
also features three hands-on, interactive sessions and a special tasting for
home cooks and food enthusiasts: Vibrant Dishes of the Caribbean; Caribbean
Heat; Caribbean Sweets and Treats; and Small Dishes, Big Flavors of the
Caribbean. Tickets can be purchased via the CIA website. CIA Professor Hinnerk von Bargen will also host free live-fire demos on
the plaza during the Pearl Farmers Market to showcase the street foods of the
Caribbean.
For more information about “Arriba el Caribe” and to
register for the summit or any of the public events, please visit .
Photo Caption and Hi-Res Image:
Nelson Millán presenting at the 2016 Latin Cuisine Summit and Festival at The Culinary
Institute of America, San Antonio. Chef Millán returns as a presenter this year, as the event celebrates the cuisines and
culture of the Caribbean. (Photo credit:
Darren Abate/CIA)
Media Contact:
Nicole Merchan
Social Media & Marketing Manager
210-554-6411
Nicole.Merchan@culinary.edu
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 bachelor’s degrees in
management, culinary arts, culinary science, and applied food studies, and
associate degrees in either culinary arts or baking and pastry arts. The
college also offers executive education through its Food Business School along
with 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 nearly 50,000
alumni includes innovators in every area of the food business. The CIA has
locations in New York, California, Texas, and Singapore.
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