Rising Star New York Chef George Mendes is Commencement Speaker at his Alma Mater

Hyde Park, NY, January 24, 2012 – George Mendes, chef/owner of the acclaimed Aldea restaurant in New York City and one of Food & Wine magazine's Best New Chefs for 2011, returned to his alma mater on Friday, January 20, 2012 with words of inspiration for the newest class of fellow graduates of The Culinary Institute of America (CIA).

"Take a moment on a daily basis to appreciate your craft, your métier. Respect it. Love it," Mendes advised 52 recipients of associate degrees in culinary arts and baking and pastry arts. "Take the time to wake up early in the morning and breathe in the fresh vegetables at the farmers' markets. That should be inspiration enough."

After graduating from the CIA in 1992, Chef Mendes continued to hone his craft, doing stages with European Michelin-star chefs Roger Vergé, Alain Ducasse, Alain Passard, Martin Berasategui, and finally with Ferran Adrià at elBulli in Spain. At Aldea, a restaurant celebrating his Portuguese heritage, he has earned his own stars in the New York Michelin Guide for the past two years.

"Sometimes opportunities don't present themselves to you. You have to go out and discover them," said Mendes, who didn't even consider a career in the food world until a high school field trip brought him to the CIA's Hyde Park, NY campus in 1990. "Be the first one in your kitchen and the last one out. You'll be surprised at how many more opportunities will arise from it."

Chef Mendes returns to Hyde Park on January 28 and 29 as a judge for the Bocuse d'Or USA competition at the CIA.

Photo Caption:

CIA graduate George Mendes '92 delivers the commencement address at his alma mater on January 20, 2012. (Photo credit: CIA/Keith Ferris)

Media Contact:

Jeff Levine
Communications Manager
845-451-1372
j_levine@culinary.edu

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