Friday, November 14, 2008

Celebrate the Holiday Season with a Lunch at Seasons



(SAN BERNARDINO, Calif.) If you are looking for a great restaurant to meet with a few clients, associates or friends for the holiday season, The International Culinary School at The Art Institute of California-Inland Empire has the perfect place: Seasons Restaurant.

“We have a few reservations left between now and Christmas,” said International Culinary School Director and Executive Chef Eyad Joseph. “The restaurant was designed as on-the-job training for our talented and award-winning culinary students, but it has been highly successful since opening in July.”

Seasons is open to the public from 1 p.m. through 3 p.m., Mondays through Wednesdays, now through Dec. 17 at the San Bernardino campus, 630 East Brier Drive. Because of its popularity and seating for just 40 diners, reservations are suggested, but not required.

Seasons always offers menus featuring the best foods of a given season. For the duration of the current quarter those menus will focus on the upcoming holidays.

“That’s part of the reason the name was chosen: seasonal menus, plus seasonings in food preparation,” Chef Joseph said.

Ala carte lunch prices range from $6.50 to $12.00 The restaurant also welcomes call-in orders. The phone number for either reservations or call-in orders is (909) 915-2170.

The Art Institute of California – Inland Empire offers Bachelor of Science degrees in Game Art & Design, Culinary Management, Graphic Design, Web Design & Interactive Media, Interior Design, Fashion and Retail Management and Media Arts & Animation, and a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in Fashion Design. There are also Associate of Science degrees in Graphic Design and Culinary Arts. Each program is offered on a year-round basis, allowing students to work uninterrupted toward their degrees.

The Art Institute of California-Inland Empire is one of The Art Institutes (www.artinstitutes.edu), a system of over 40 education institutions located throughout North America, providing an important source of design, media arts, fashion and culinary arts professionals.


Emaly Yruretagoyena won a 42-inch high-definition television during the student cooking competition held during Taste of Korea. She is a student at Crafton Hills College.



Winners and judges in the Korean cooking contest held during Taste of Korea.

(SAN BERNARDINO, Calif.) Students from The International Culinary School at The Art Institute of California - Inland Empire, Riverside Community College and elsewhere took part in a Korean cooking competition as part of the recent Taste of Korea event held in downtown’s Court Street Square.

The students competed in two-chef teams, preparing kimchi, a staple of the traditional Korean diet and a kimchi fusion dish, that is incorporating the pickled vegetables that make up kimchi into something from another culture.

Grand Prize winners, receiving $1,000 each, were Rosanna Saldana 20, of Ontario and Nina Mendiola 28, of Fontana. Both attend the International Culinary School.

Gold Prize winners, receiving $750 each, were Domonic Pena, 22 of Fontana and Robert Vasquez, 22. Both attend the International Culinary School.

Silver Prize winners, receiving $500 each, were Chris Harwood 31, of Yucaipa and Eddie Silvas 24, of Colton. Both attend the International Culinary School.

Bronze Prize winners, receiving $400 each, were Angela Carriaga 28, of Colton and Ceci Dominguez 30, of Fontana. Both attend the International Culinary School.

Popularity Awards, each worth $250 per contestant, were given to the team of Roy Revelles and Idana Munez, and to Heather Fisher and Gabriel Woo. Revelles is a Redlands attorney, and all are are students at the International Culinary School.

Spectator Emaly Yruretagoyena 19, of Redlands, who attends Crafton Hills College, won a 42-inch high-definition television.

The Taste of Korea was sponsored by the Korea Agro-Trade Center, The Art Institute of California-Inland Empire and the San Bernardino Convention & Visitor’s Bureau.

The Korea Agro-Trade Center is an agency of the Korean government, and its purpose is to promote Korean agriculture. It has done this by holding cooking festivals in the Los Angeles area, but this is its first time the Taste of Korea will be held in the Inland Empire.

Families In Need Can Enjoy Food Baskets & Toys For Christmas


The Salvation Army will collect boxes and boxes of non-perishable food and toys to give in gift baskets for the area’s needy.


(San Bernardino, CA) Every year families in need can turn to the Salvation Army to help to feed their families this Christmas and let their children have a little fun this holiday season. Last year the Salvation Army received thousands of food and toy baskets for the families in need, this year The Inland Empire Corps hope there will be an even bigger turn out.

From now until December your local Salvation Army Corp. is accepting donations for Christmas assistance. The turn out every year brings hundreds of families to the Salvation Army and providing up to 10,000 families in need with food and toy baskets.

“If we could get 200 families to donate food and toys, up to 1200 families will receive the holiday baskets.” Said Envoy Naomi Tamez of the Ontario Salvation Army Corp. Similar numbers of families can be helped through each of the nine corps in the Inland Empire. This year the Salvation Army urges Inland Empire residents and families to help other families have a holiday they will never forget.

To make a donation or sign up for assistance visit your local Salvation Army Corp. Here is a list of locations and dates:

San Bernardino: 746 W 5 St San Bernardino, CA Dates: Nov 5 – 7, 10 – 12 & 15
Phone: 909-888-1336

Victorville: 14585 La Paz Dr. Victorville, CA Dates: Oct 15 – Open
Phone: 760-245-2545

Ontario: 1412 S Euclid Ave. Ontario, CA Dates: Now – Dec 19
Phone: 909-986-6748

Redlands: 838 Alta St Redlands, CA Dates: Nov 3 – Nov 28
Phone: 909-792-6868

Cathedral City: 30400 Landau Blvd, Cathedral City, CA Nov 3-5
Phone: 760-324-2275

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About the Salvations Army San Bernardino Corps
The Salvation Army may be able to provide emergency services including food; lodging for homeless or displaced families; clothing and furniture; assistance with rent or mortgage and transportation when funds are available. The Salvation Army Team Radio Network assists rescue workers and evacuees in such disasters as fires.

The Salvation Army is an evangelical part of the Universal Christian church and also offers evangelical programs for boys, girls and adults. One of the largest charitable and international service organizations in the world, The Salvation Army has been in existence since 1865 and in San Bernardino since 1887, supporting those in need without discrimination. Donations may always be made online at www.salvationarmyusa.org or by calling 1-(800)-SAL-ARMY.


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Thursday, November 13, 2008

Thanksgiving Turkey Dinners Ready To Order at International Culinary School

Let students of The International Culinary School at The Art Institute of California – Inland Empire prepare a Thanksgiving Day feast for you an your loved ones. The holiday dinners include turkey, side dishes and pie for six for $65.


(SAN BERNARDINO, Calif.) Thanksgiving dinner is only a phone call away! Culinary students at The International Culinary School at the Art Institute of California-Inland Empire are announcing the annual Thanksgiving Turkey Dinner program, open to the public.

Thanksgiving dinners, cooked entirely by students at The International Culinary School include a 12lb turkey, corn bread stuffing, cranberry sauce, a dozen dinner rolls, mashed potatoes and gravy, green beans almondine and choice of a pumpkin, pecan or apple pie. Dinner will serve a family of six for a total of $65.

“This is a wonderful opportunity for families to save money this year and still enjoy a Thanksgiving feast,” said Chef Eyad Joseph, Director of Culinary Programs at the International Culinary School. “I don’t know where you can go to find such a high quality dinner at this price,” he said.

According to Joseph, the program gives culinary students an opportunity to cook and prepare Thanksgiving dinners while raising money for a worthy cause. All proceeds will go toward scholarships for culinary students enrolled at the college.

The deadline to order dinner is Monday, Nov. 17. Orders will be ready for pick up Monday through Wednesday, Nov. 24-26, from 8 a.m. through 8 p.m. Instructions for reheating will be included with each order. Orders can be placed at (909) 915-2176.

The International Culinary School at The Art Institute of California-Inland Empire is located at 630 E. Brier Dr., San Bernardino in the Hospitality area off Interstate 10 at Waterman.

The Art Institute of California – Inland Empire offers Bachelor of Science degrees in Game Art & Design, Culinary Management, Graphic Design, Web Design & Interactive Media, Interior Design, Fashion Marketing & Retail Management, and Media Arts & Animation and a Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree in Fashion Design. There are also Associate of Science degrees in Graphic Design and Culinary Arts. Each program is offered on a year-round basis, allowing students to work uninterrupted toward their degrees.

It’s not too late to start classes at The Art Institute of California – Inland Empire. Courses begin Nov. 13 and classes are offered in the day, evening and on weekends for new and reentry students.

For more information or a free tour of The Art Institute of California – Inland Empire call (909) 915-2100 or go on line to artinstitutes.edu/inlandempire.
The Art Institute of California-Inland Empire is one of The Art Institutes (www.artinstitutes.edu), a system of over 40 education institutions throughout North America, providing an important source of design, media arts, fashion and culinary arts professionals.

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Wednesday, November 12, 2008

International Culinary Schools team scores six medals at Culinary Olympics

[PITTSBURGH, NOVEMBER 10, 2008] – Recently a team of eight chefs chosen to represent The International Culinary Schools at The Art Institutes traveled to Efurt, Germany to compete against some of the world’s top chefs and confectioners in the 22nd Internationale Kochkunst Ausstellung (IKA) International Culinary Art Competition or “culinary Olympics.” The culinary Olympics are considered the most prestigious competition in the culinary industry—taking place only once every four years.

In the Culinary Arts category, The International Culinary Schools team earned five silver medals and one bronze medal in the Pâtisserie category.

The International Culinary Schools team included: Master Chef Walter Leible, Assistant Director of the Culinary Arts Program, The Art Institute of Phoenix, who served as the team’s captain and coach; also coaching the team Chef Bill Sy, Academic Director of Culinary Arts, The Art Institute of Tucson; Chef Larry Matson, Culinary Director, The Art Institute of Dallas; Chef Michael Nenes, Assistant Vice President of Culinary Arts, The International Culinary Schools at The Art Institutes, Chef Eric Watson and Chef Manuel Catemaxca, both Chef Instructors, The Art Institute of Houston; Chef Robert Childers, Chef Instructor, The Illinois Institute of Art – Chicago; and Tyler Burke, Culinary Arts student, The Art Institute of Phoenix.

“The International Culinary Schools team presence and accomplishments at the culinary Olympics was important because it demonstrates the expertise of our culinary faculty to the international culinary community,” said Chef Michael Nenes, Assistant Vice President of Culinary Arts for The International Culinary Schools.

Four days, each filled with twenty hours of hard work, led to the discovery of the worlds best in the culinary industry. Preparation and practice were key. “Historically, most entrants participating in the culinary Olympics dedicate an immense amount of time to the planning process in order to stay ahead of the competition,” said Chef Nenes. The International Culinary Schools team prepared for the event in a remarkably short amount of time. “Most teams spend a minimum of two years choosing and planning their competition menus. The International Culinary Schools team was able to pull our competition menus together in six months,” remarked Chef Nenes.

To learn more about The International Culinary Schools at The Art Institutes, visit www.artinstitutes.edu/pr.aspx?ID=cul091 or www.exploreculinary.com.

About The International Culinary Schools at The Art Institutes
The International Culinary Schools at The Art Institutes is North America’s largest system of culinary programs with over 30 locations.

Based on classical Escoffier, Asian and Latin culinary techniques, with an emphasis on progressive trends and practices, the schools’ curriculum are designed to develop and sharpen fundamental cooking techniques and professional skills and introduce a variety of international cuisines. Internships, student-run school restaurants, guest lectures and Web-based seminars, and study abroad programs help broaden the scope of learning for students.

Program offerings vary at each school. Prospective students should check the course offerings at The Art Institute school they are interested in attending before enrolling. To learn more about The International Culinary Schools at The Art Institutes, visit www.artinstitutes.edu/culinary or www.exploreculinary.com.

About The Art Institutes
The Art Institutes (www.artinstitutes.edu) is a system of over 40 education institutions located throughout North America, providing an important source of design, media arts, fashion and culinary professionals.

Enter the Passion For Fashion Competition at The Art Institute of California-Inland Empire

High school seniors are encouraged to enter the Passion for Fashion Scholarship competition sponsored by The Art Institutes.

(SAN BERNARDINO, Calif.) The search is on! The Art Institute of California - Inland Empire is looking for high school seniors interested in pursuing a career in the fashion industry to enter The Art Institutes Passion for Fashion Competition.

The Passion for Fashion Competition was created to encourage and reward young fashion talent.

One grand prize winner in each of the two categories (i) Fashion Design and (ii) Fashion Marketing & Merchandising and Retail Management will be selected to receive a full tuition scholarship to study at a participating Art Institutes location.

To be eligible to enter, students must be a high school senior scheduled to graduate in 2009. In the Fashion Design category, entry requirements include submission of an original evening wear design. In the Fashion Marketing & Merchandising and Retail Management category, entry requirements include a finished product or plan.

“We recognize that an interest in fashion has to start somewhere, and for many young men and women, that passion is nurtured right in high school,” said Director of Admissions Monica Jeffs of The Art Institute of California-Inland Empire.

In addition to a full tuition scholarship, the grand prize winning student in each category will receive an all-expense- paid trip to New York City for Fashion Week in February 2009, a “meet and greet” at Seventeen Magazine’s offices and lunch with staff at Seventeen Magazine.

The deadline to submit entries to The Art Institute of California-Inland Empire is November 21, 2008.

For complete rules and entry requirements on how to enter The Art Institutes Passion for Fashion Competition, visit www.artinstitutes.edu/pr.aspx?ID=p4f093http://

The Art Institute of California – Inland Empire offers Bachelor of Science degrees in Game Art & Design, Culinary Management, Graphic Design, Web Design & Interactive Media, Interior Design, Fashion Marketing & Retail Management, and Media Arts & Animation and a Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree in Fashion Design. There are also Associate of Science degrees in Graphic Design and Culinary Arts. Each program is offered on a year-round basis, allowing students to work uninterrupted toward their degrees.

It’s not too late to start classes at The Art Institute of California – Inland Empire. Courses begin Nov. 13 and classes are offered in the day, evening and on weekends for new and reentry students.

For more information or a free tour of The Art Institute of California – Inland Empire call (909) 915-2100 or go on line to artinstitutes.edu/inlandempire.
The Art Institute of California-Inland Empire is one of The Art Institutes (www.artinstitutes.edu), a system of over 40 education institutions throughout North America, providing an important source of design, media arts, fashion and culinary arts professionals.

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Monday, November 10, 2008

Church to Present Helen McNair in Christmas Concert

New Hope Missionary Baptist Church presents Helen McNair in a Christmas concert Sunday, December 7, 2008 at 5:00 p.m.


(SAN BERNARDINO, Calif.) New Hope Missionary Baptist Church presents professional singer Helen McNair in a Christmas concert Sunday, December 7, 2008 at 5:00 p.m. The church is at 1575 W. 17th Street, San Bernardino. Dr. Robert L. Fairley is Pastor.

The mass choir and musicians of New Hope will assist her, including Minister of Music, Michael Jackson; Blinkey Williams–Powell, Director/Musician, Mass choir; and Carl Wilson, Director/Musician, Sanctuary choir.

The Guest Choir for the event will be Good News Community Church of Riverside. Ira Gray is the Musician/Director, and the Rev. Levonzo Gray is Pastor.

McNair began her professional career in the 1960s, along with her two sisters, in New Brunswick, New Jersey where they were known as the “Georgettes.” They began by singing in their church and traveling to New York City to record as background singers for professional and upcoming artists. “The group recorded ten records, none of which became national hits,” she said, “but were popular in the New Jersey and New York areas.”

McNair relocated to California in the ‘80s, where she continued to sing as a solo artist. She recalls, “During one of my engagements at Norton Air Force Base in San Bernardino, Mrs. Gertrude Ward, the manager of the Clara Ward Singers, approached me when I had finished singing and asked me to come to Los Angeles for an audition. I went and auditioned and became a Clara Ward Singer.” The Clara Ward Singers were instrumental in bringing gospel music out of the church and into the main stream, performing in nightclubs, Las Vegas and Disneyland.

McNair has performed on stage with some of the gospel greats as well as The Clara Ward Singers. Other artists include Professor James Cleveland, Professor Raymond Rasberry, Gregory Perkins-Bowen, Vernard Johnson, Shirley Caesar and Albertina Walker.

Currently, McNair performs for weddings, banquets, community organizations and church functions throughout the Inland Empire, Los Angeles and beyond. Her repertoire includes, gospel, spirituals, songs for special occasions and the classics. She is a member of the New Hope Missionary Baptist Church in San Bernardino, and is active in the Sanctuary choir, the Mass choir and the Mission chorus.

McNair can be reached for concerts and bookings at (951) 315-5691 or FAX (909) 888-2331.

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