News & Events

  • 11
  • Mar2024

ACI Graduate Success: Sergio Pinon at Redbird Scratch Kitchen + Bar

ACI Graduate Success: Sergio Pinon at Redbird Scratch Kitchen + Bar
(Tom Leyde/Contributor for Tucson Local Media) As we share stories of inspiring success and passion in the culinary world, few glow as brightly as the journey of ACI graduate, Sergio Pinon, who has been making waves as the general manager and bar program director of Tucson's vibrant Redbird Scratch Kitchen + Bar. With a heartfelt philosophy

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  • 28
  • Feb2024

A Culinary Degree Opens Up Opportunities Even Beyond the Kitchen

A Culinary Degree Opens Up Opportunities Even Beyond the Kitchen
During a recent open house at ACI, I described the Meat Fabrication and Saucier class to a group of student candidates. During a question-and-answer period, a cautiously enthusiastic prospect asked an excellent question. She asked if a culinary degree limits one to working in a kitchen for an entire career. In and of itself, a culinary degree

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  • 17
  • Feb2024

February 2023 ACI Newsletter: From the Executive Chef

February 2023 ACI Newsletter: From the Executive Chef
Hello all! I hope that your 2024 is off to a wonderful start. My apologies for not writing a January newsletter, but then again, I can’t imagine anyone was just sitting around waiting for it, either. This should be a monthly thing, but sometimes I’m just busy! Or, sometimes, I just don’t have anything to write

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  • 24
  • Jan2024

ACI Alumna Cristina Brogan: Crafting Culinary Fusion at Four Chimneys

ACI Alumna Cristina Brogan: Crafting Culinary Fusion at Four Chimneys
ACI Graduate, Sous Chef Cristina Brogan, left, and Executive Chef Daniel Jackson. Photo: Manchester Journal by Anne Archer-Journal correspondent In the heart of Bennington, where culinary traditions meet innovation, ACI graduate Sous Chef Cristina Brogan is infusing her passion and expertise into the esteemed dishes at Four Chimneys Inn Restaurant. Together with Executive Chef Daniel Jackson, they

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  • 19
  • Dec2023

ACI Graduate Success: Q&A with Sadye Auren, Sadye Gourmet Personal Chef

ACI Graduate Success: Q&A with Sadye Auren, Sadye Gourmet Personal Chef
From the bustling kitchens of the ACI to the intimate dining rooms of private homes, Chef Sadye Auren has embarked on a culinary journey that’s as rich in flavor as it is in passion. Graduating from ACI has not just been a milestone; it's been the beginning of a savory adventure. Chef Sadye's personal chef services

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  • 04
  • Dec2023

December 2023 ACI Newsletter: From the Executive Chef

December 2023 ACI Newsletter: From the Executive Chef
Hello! I wanted to take a moment to wish you all a very happy holiday season. If you have any time off work for whatever holiday you choose to celebrate, I hope you can spend it with people that you care about. However, I also recognize that the service industry requires many of you to work

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  • 30
  • Nov2023

GRADUATION CEREMONY: DECEMBER 2023

GRADUATION CEREMONY: DECEMBER 2023
Friday, December 1, 2023 1:00 pm - McDowell Mountain Community Church, 10700 N 124th St, Scottsdale, AZ 85259 2:00-3:00 pm - Reception at Arizona Culinary Institute. 10585N 114th Street. Scottsdale AZ, 85259 ACI Graduation Program

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  • 01
  • Nov2023

ACI Graduate Success: David Brito Shines as Executive Chef at Wrigley Mansion

ACI Graduate Success: David Brito Shines as Executive Chef at Wrigley Mansion
At just 27, ACI alumnus David Brito is the executive chef at Geordie’s at the Wrigley Mansion, bringing a vibrant fusion of heritage and haute cuisine to Phoenix. A former student at Cesar Chavez High School, Chef Brito's culinary spark was ignited by television chefs and his uncle's camaraderie in chain restaurants. After graduating from ACI

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  • 30
  • Oct2023

October 2023 ACI Newsletter: From the Executive Chef

October 2023 ACI Newsletter: From the Executive Chef
Happy Halloween everybody! If you stay in this whole-crazy-cooking business long enough, I hope you get to experience this next thing I’m going to talk about. One of the greatest feelings in this business is watching someone that worked under you, someone you trained, going on to do great things.  I know as an instructor I

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  • 16
  • Sep2023

ACI Graduate Success: Alumni Lands Spot on Bon Appétit’s Best New Restaurants 2023

ACI Graduate Success: Alumni Lands Spot on Bon Appétit’s Best New Restaurants 2023
At ACI, we train students to bring ambition and creativity to Phoenix's dynamic dining scene. That spirit shines at hot new Mexican spot Chilte, recently named one of Bon Appétit's Best New Restaurants of 2023. Helmed by former NFL player ACI alum Chef Lawrence Smith, Chilte brings lively pastels and adventurous tacos to a retro motel

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