Eduardo J. Padrón
President
Office of the President
300 N.E. Second Avenue
Miami, Florida 33132-2297
305-237-3316
epadron@mdc.edu
Message From the President
Thursday, April 14, 2011
World Class: MDC unveils the Miami Culinary Institute
Once again, MDC has opened the door to something truly great. With close to 500 people in attendance, our community welcomed the Miami Culinary Institute (MCI), a state-of-the-art program that offers future culinary artists a world-class educational opportunity.
The Miami Culinary Institute is a response to an obvious need in one of the world’s most renowned culinary and cultural destinations. MCI will ensure the region’s industry has a steady pool of top quality employees.
The Institute’s School of Culinary Arts will have three main components:
- 64-credit Associate in Science in Culinary Arts degree;
- Continuing education for culinary professionals; and
- Food and beverage enthusiast education program.
As well, the Institute’s absolutely state-of-the-art home offers a ground floor café, now open, serving breakfast and lunch, and an 8th floor fine dining setting that overlooks Biscayne Bay. We’ll keep you apprised for the opening of Miami’s next great restaurant experience.
Courses, programs and even the building are rooted in sustainability and eco-culinary approaches. The Institute will offer students the chance to learn from the world’s top professional chefs in a hands-on learning environment employing sustainable, innovative techniques. The Miami Culinary Institute at MDC is the only public option available to students, providing an affordable avenue to the only Associate in Science in Culinary Arts in the Southeast region.
The Chef’s Council, comprised of world-renowned chefs, will ensure that MCI’s curriculum is infused with all the ingredients and expertise to meet and exceed the needs of the food and beverage industry. Chefs on the council will help create the culinary vision of the Institute and connect students to local farmers and restaurateurs. Through these master chefs, students will gain progressive, real-world knowledge and realistic expectations as they enter the work force.
Members of the distinguished council include names held in the highest regard throughout the industry: Michelle Bernstein, Cindy Hutson, Douglas Rodriguez, Philippe Ruiz, Michael Schwartz, Rudi Sodamin, Allen Susser and Norman Van Aken.
Last but hardly least, theInstitute’s home is an architectural and engineering marvel that is tracking the highest sustainability certification. It features general kitchen labs, a baking lab, a food and beverage theatre, the aforementioned first-floor bakery and café and other amenities to enrich students’ experience and the community’s involvement.
This is just the beginning of a wonderful new learning environment that is sure to attract culinary students and enthusiasts not only from South Florida but also from countries far and wide. At the opening ceremony, we had the pleasure to introduce the Institute’s inaugural class, six of whom are from China.
We can all be proud of MDC’s latest invitation to excellence, and as the Institute’s logo states, a wonderful contribution to food, culture and innovation for our community.
Thank you.
Eduardo