Mark Ladner Delivers
Keynote at Commencement
Media Contact:
Jeff Levine
Communications Manager
845-451-1372
j_levine@culinary.edu
Hyde Park, NY – Mark Ladner, executive chef and partner of the Michelin-starred Del Posto and two other Italian restaurants in New York City, delivered the commencement
address at The Culinary Institute of America (CIA) in Hyde Park, NY on Friday, February
7. He told the 46 graduates that he pursued a career in culinary arts after he
"discovered" chickpeas at a restaurant salad bar as a child and thought, "What
else is out there that I haven't tried?"
"As you start your journey, don't lose sight of what
inspired you to start to cook. Don't forget your chickpea," Chef Ladner advised
recipients of associate degrees in culinary arts and baking and pastry arts. "Continue
to be curious. Choose to always be a student, because the most wonderful
epiphany can be found around any corner."
Chef Ladner is a two-time nominee for the James Beard
Foundation Award as Best Chef: New York City. When Del Posto received a four-star review from The New
York Times in 2010, it became the first Italian restaurant in
36 years to
earn that recognition. Del Posto and Ladner's other restaurants—Lupa
Osteria Romana and Otto Enoteca Pizzeria—are part of the Batali &
Bastianich Hospitality Group headed by Mario Batali and Joseph and Lydia
Bastianich.
CIA students can complete their externship field experience at all
three
restaurants.
Ladner is also the co-author, with Batali,
of Molto Gusto: Easy Italian Cooking (HarperCollins,
2010).
Photo Caption and Hi-Res Image
Mark Ladner, executive chef at New York City's Del Posto, congratulates a graduate during commencement
ceremonies at The Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park, NY, on February
7, 2014. Chef Ladner delivered the keynote address to graduates. (Photo credit: CIA/Phil Mansfield)
Founded in 1946, The Culinary Institute of America is an independent,
not-for-profit college offering associate and bachelor's degrees with majors in
culinary arts, baking and pastry arts, and culinary science, as well as
certificate programs in culinary arts and wine and beverage studies. As the
world's premier culinary college, the CIA provides thought leadership in the
areas of health & wellness, sustainability, and world cuisines &
cultures through research and conferences. The CIA has a network of 46,000
alumni that includes industry leaders such as Grant Achatz,
Anthony Bourdain, Roy Choi, Cat Cora, Dan Coudreaut, Steve Ells, Charlie Palmer, and Roy Yamaguchi. The CIA also offers courses for
professionals and enthusiasts, as well as consulting services in support of
innovation for the foodservice and hospitality industry. The college has
campuses in Hyde Park, NY; St. Helena, CA; San Antonio, TX; and Singapore.
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