The Art Institute Names New Culinary Academic Director and Adds a New Associate’s Degree Program

USA (SANEPR.com) June 24, 2008 -- The International Culinary Schools at The Art Institute of California – Orange County is set to launch a new associate’s degree program in Baking & Pastry on July 14. Heading this new program and the school’s four other culinary programs is the new culinary academic department director, Chef Daniel Mattos.

“For nearly four years, Chef Mattos has been an integral part of the faculty and culinary department at The Art Institute,” said Melinda Lester, dean of academic affairs. “Not only is he an excellent chef, but his professionalism with students, staff and vendors made him a natural fit for this position.”

Chef Mattos graduated from Johnson & Wales University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Food Service Entrepreneurship and an Associate of Science degree in Culinary Arts. He has also attended the Dublin Institute of Technology in Ireland.

His over 15 years of experience in the hospitality industry includes practical kitchen experience and operational experience in many restaurants, country clubs and hotels, including Park Hotel Kenmare in Ireland; the Maidstone Club in East Hampton; New York, Kirkbrae Country Club in Rhode Island; The Stanhope Hotel in New York City; Bisque Restaurant in New Jersey and Dish Restaurant in New York.

He has also taught at many prestigious culinary schools including The Natural Gourmet Cookery School in New York. He has been instrumental in teaching the American Regional Cuisine courses here at The Art Institute along with many other courses.

“My favorite part of teaching is watching how students progress from their first class to their final project and now I’ll be involved at a deeper level,” Mattos said. “I look forward to ensuring the students have the opportunity to learn all the skills they’ll need to be successful after graduation.”

Mattos also said he looks forward to working with the culinary faculty to get the students more involved in local events such as competitions and food shows.

Culinary Program Continues to Grow
With television shows such as Ace of Cakes and places like Sprinkles Cupcakes growing in popularity, it’s no wonder that students want to know how to open their own baking shops.

“The new Baking & Pastry program feeds the market need of employees and students that are looking for a more in depth study into this skill set,” Mattos said. “The Art Institute prides itself on continuously providing programs that meet the needs of the industry.”

The Associate of Science degree program in Baking & Pastry is a seven-quarter program designed to prepare students for entry-level positions in the art of baking and patisserie. Students develop competencies in breads, desserts, cake decoration, buffet centerpieces and food science. The program focuses upon both production and individualized skills necessary to gain employment in bakeries, restaurants, hotels, resorts and other catering or institutional settings.

Students interested in the Baking & Pastry associate’s degree program or admissions for the summer quarter starting July 14 can call 888.549.3055 or visit artinstitutes.edu/orangecounty.

For more information about Chef Daniel Mattos or The International Culinary Schools at The Art Institute of California – Orange County, contact Veronica Orozco at vorozco@aii.edu or 714.830.0221. A photo of Chef Mattos is available upon request.

The Art Institute of California – Orange County is a design, media, fashion and culinary arts school providing bachelor’s and associate’s degree programs in Advertising, Baking & Pastry, Culinary Arts, Culinary Management, Digital Photography, Fashion Design, Fashion Marketing & Management, Game Art & Design, Graphic Design, Industrial Design, Interior Design, Media Arts & Animation, Visual Effects & Motion Graphics, Visual & Game Programming and Web Design & Interactive Media. Located in the heart of Orange County’s South Coast Metro region, The Art Institute is ideally situated in close proximity to Orange County’s thriving business community, cultural attractions, shopping, entertainment and its famous beaches. The school 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.