So the "International Culinary Center" is now where the FCI lives. What does this mean? Acknowledgement that the French are not alone at the top of the Culinary Pantheon.
The French Culinary Institute announced a name change earlier this year, or so I thought. At present they are emphatically saying they are not changing their name but rather, enveloping the well-respected French Culinary Institute within its brand new home: The International Culinary Center.
They kicked off the “expanded home” with a pricey event showcasing internationally acclaimed chefs such as Ferran Adrià and others comprising Spain’s Top Ten. Food and wine of Spain were highlighted and “molecular gastronomy” was discussed by the master himself, who does not use the term. FCI has also added Italian cooking expertise and more.
What does this mean? I believe it signifies an increasing sophistication and awareness among chefs, the culinary world, and educators that the rarified air does not belong only to the French. No one would deny the debt owed to French traditions, but it would be ri-donk-u-lous at this point in time to ignore the contributions to the culinary world of Spain, Italy, and more. It is a smaller world, but a richer one to be sure.
As I gather my additions to the 2006 Gourmet Gift Guide I am excited to add cooking classes at The French Culinary Institute. Classes include: Essential of Italian Cooking; Tapas Essentials; Artisanal Bread Baking. Prices range from $650.00 for a three day seminar to almost $6,000.00 for more extensive courses.
