Philadelphia, PA - October 7, 2008 – Top ARAMARK chefs representing Belgium, Canada, Chile, Germany, Ireland, Japan, Korea, Mexico, Scotland, Spain, and the United States are preparing to embark on a multinational cultural journey of a lifetime, the 14th Annual International Guest Chef Exchange. All 25 have been awarded ARAMARK’s highest culinary honor and, as International Guest Chefs, will now savor cuisine from the world’s table and share their own talents with the diverse guests dining within ARAMARK’s international on-site restaurants.
“The International Guest Chef Exchange allows us to recognize our chefs’ artistry and ability to create the highest level of culinary experiences for our business partners around the world,” said ARAMARK Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Joseph Neubauer. “This program is yet another way that we demonstrate our long-standing commitment to our chefs and their professional development.”
Now in its 14th year, the International Guest Chef Exchange has afforded more than 275 chefs the opportunity to enhance their culinary skills and explore the world.
The cross-cultural education begins this week when nine chefs from abroad travel to ARAMARK locations across the United States to prepare authentic cuisine for customers at businesses, universities, school districts, hospitals and sports and entertainment venues. Then, in mid-October, 16 chefs from North America will travel to Asia and Europe to share tips, talents, and tastes from around the world.
At the middle of the October exchange, all 25 chefs will convene at an invitation-only Culinary Showcase in Manhattan, NY. The evening event allows ARAMARK customers, clients and potential clients to enjoy high-end cuisine while experiencing dining practices that support a sustainable future. This year, all the dishes prepared by the International Guest Chefs will feature all locally grown products and heirloom vegetables gathered from Orange County, NY.
Guests will enjoy such menu items as: Gingered Dragon Carrot Slaw with Poached Long Island Scallops and Kaffir Lime; Smoked Chioggia Beets and Local Goat Cheese Brochettes with Pumpkin Seed Brittle, and Braised Lamb with Buttercup Squash, Brussels Sprout Leaves and Chestnut Honey. All will be paired with local wines and artisan cheeses.
The use and support of locally grown products and ingredients is part of ARAMARK’s Green Thread designed to positively impact the communities where we work and live. The Culinary Showcase is one of multiple initiatives where ARAMARK provides its partners with the chance to make better choices in support of environmental sustainability.
About ARAMARK
ARAMARK is a leader in professional services, providing award-winning food services, facilities management, and uniform and career apparel to health care institutions, universities and school districts, stadiums and arenas, and businesses around the world. In FORTUNE magazine's 2009 list of "World's Most Admired Companies," ARAMARK was ranked number one in its industry, consistently ranking since 1998 as one of the top three most admired companies in its industry as evaluated by peers and analysts. ARAMARK seeks to responsibly address issues that matter to its clients, customers, employees and communities by focusing on employee advocacy, environmental stewardship, health and wellness, and community involvement. Headquartered in Philadelphia, ARAMARK has approximately 260,000 employees serving clients in 22 countries.
Contacts:
Sarah Jarvis
215.238.7168
jarvis-sarah@aramark.com