NEW YORK, NY---The Institute of Culinary Education (ICE®), along with several of its chef-instructors and graduates, is being honored by some of the culinary world's leading organizations and publications this spring.

ICE® was named "Avocational Cooking School of the Year" by the International Association of Culinary Professionals (IACP). The award was announced in Montreal on April 12 in conjunction with the group's 25th annual international conference. Additionally, ICE® instructor Richard Ruben was selected as the 2003 "Cooking Teacher of the Year" by the IACP. The awards were determined by majority vote of members, a group of over 3,800 food professionals from 35 countries.

This coming June, Pastry Art & Design will announce its annual list of America's ten best pastry chefs. On the list is Nicole Kaplan, a 1997 graduate of ICE®'s career program. Nicole has been Executive Pastry Chef at New York City's Eleven Madison Park since 1999; prior to attending ICE®, Kaplan was a professional flutist. Pastry Art & Design will make its formal presentation June 12 at the American Museum of Natural History in New York.

In May, the James Beard Foundation will be hosting its 13th annual awards ceremony. This year's nominations include:
· ICE® graduate Gina DePalma of restaurant Babbo for the All-Clad Bakeware Outstanding Pastry Chef Award;
· ICE® graduates Greta Anthony and Mark Ski, producers of Martha Stewart Living TV, for Best Television Segment Award: National or Local;
· ICE® Chef-Instructor Micol Negrin for her new book Rustico: Regional Italian Country Cooking in the category Best Mediterranean Cookbook.
Winners will be announced on May 2 (Journalism) and May 5 (Chefs & Restaurants and Broadcast) in New York.

Following the May 5 awards ceremony will be a reception attended by culinary luminaries from around the nation. This year, for the first time, two schools---ICE® and FCI---have been invited to cook for the reception. ICE® will be serving two dishes: short ribs "Wellington" with black truffles, and chocolate-raspberry James Beard birthday cake. Also in conjunction with the awards, ICE® is hosting a panel discussion at the school on May 5, 10:30-noon. The topic is "Remembering James Beard," coinciding with Beard's 100th birthday. Moderator for the event is New York Times Chief Correspondent R.W. Apple, Jr., and panelists include Marion Cunningham, Judith Jones, Ruth Reichl and Caroline Stuart.

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The Institute of Culinary Education is New York City's largest and most active center for culinary education. Founded in 1975 by the late Peter Kump, the school is dedicated to providing education and inspiration in all facets of the culinary arts. It offers highly regarded programs in culinary career training, culinary management, hands-on recreational cooking, wine education, and all facets of pastry and baking. ICE®'s 26,000-square-foot facility is open seven days and nights a week, 350 days a year.

April 25, 2003