“A Thirst for Knowledge”
A Series in Wine Education
The Arizona Culinary Institute (ACI) in Scottsdale, Arizona is training the newest generation of Chefs. Frank-lin Spirits and Fine Wines Marketing Manager, Dave Woods has been working with Chef Mattox, Bruce Sandground and the institute President, Chef Wilson, developing a Wine Education Series designed to enhance student’s wine and food pairing skills.
Over 2 months, the students participating in the wine program, attend a series of classes learning about white, red, sparking and fortified wines. Students have the opportunity to taste different wines during the series and six wines are selected for food pairing. Student teams, with the guidance of their Chef Instructors, work together to create a dish paired with each wine.
In the final class of the series, the student teams prepare the dishes and the pairings are tasted and evaluated by the students and Chef Instructors at ACI. The curriculum at the Arizona Culinary Institute is designed to teach students real life career skills. Tasting wine and creating a food pairing is an essential skill these students are learning.
It is exciting to see the enthusiasm of the students during the class sessions and the intensity with which they approach the wine/food pairing class. Devon, a student, said “When I started this class, I really didn’t like wine. I learned so much, I have pages and pages of notes. I actually bought my first bottle of wine last week. It’s awesome!” During the final class session, the wine/food pairing, a Student, Dave, said “This is awesome. I’ve never experienced anything like this before.”
Programs like this are inspiring for both the students and instructors alike; the excitement of the learning process and the real world application of the learned skills was summed up by Brittney, “I’m so glad I picked this school; I never knew this could be so much fun!”
The Arizona Culinary Institute, in Scottsdale, is founded on the principles of traditional, proven French Method cooking skills combined with the best of modern techniques. Students gain practical skills and experience in all areas, and work alongside professional chef instructors with real world experience.
Frank-lin Spirits and Fine Wines, in Mesa distribute wine, beer and spirits to retailers and restaurants throughout Arizona.
Tags: aci, aci chefs, aci students, Arizona Culinary Institute, arts institute, chef challenge, chefs, cooking school, cooking schools, culinary schools, curriculum, evening classes, evening program, fine dining restaurant, going green, le cordon bleu, meat fabrication, pastry chef, scottsdale culinary institute, sugar pulling, wine, wine tasting, wines of spain