Chefs In The City(TM) To Award Over $60,000 In Student Scholarships & Cash Prizes

TORONTO, Feb. 23 /CNW/ - There's $60,000 in student scholarships and cash prizes up for grabs, at George Brown College's Chefs in the City event taking place February 28 and March 1. 100 high school students and cook apprentices in Toronto and the GTA will compete in a variety of competitions in the hopes of gaining a foot in one of the fastest growing careers today.

"High school students are in for a real treat," says John Walker, Dean of the Faculty of Hospitality and Tourism. "Chefs in the City(TM) is going to be full of challenging and innovative opportunities for students to showcase
their talents, learn more about careers in the culinary and pastry arts and talk to some exceptional industry guests. The language and business of food can translate into some fun and rewarding careers."

This is the first year of Chefs in the City(TM), an expanded format of the already successful, "Knorr Ready, Set, Cook and Win" competition. Chefs in the City(TM) includes Knorr Ready, Set, Cook and Win plus new competitions. The new two-day format is guaranteed to provide high school students and apprentices with a real, hands-on way to learn and earn!

Chefs in the City Competitions:

1. Compass Group Ontario WHIZ Kid Competition, where students will be creating an award winning omelet
2. Knorr Ready, Set, Cook & Win, high school teams of four will create a three course masterpiece
3. Four baking teams will present Buckingham Palace afternoon tea
4. Cook apprentices will be working their magic for the Compass Group Ontario Challenge Cooks Competition - this is sure to be the culinary challenge of the year.

Symposiums:

In addition to the competitions, there will be two free symposiums that will take place during the competitions to discuss important and timely topics affecting the hospitality industry and future culinary professionals. The first symposium, Nutrition and Obesity on Trial, will focus on the exploration of obesity issues in Ontario and the relationship of obesity to school foodservice programs while discussing strategies to influence change. A notable panel of experts, including Dr. Arya M. Sharma, the Scientific Director of the Canadian Obesity Network, will discuss obesity related issues with the symposium audience.

The second symposium, Pathways to Success, is focused on better understanding the needs and demands of culinary apprentices. Barbara Simmons, Acting Director of Apprenticeship and Workplace Training Branch at the Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities, will be the keynote speaker hosting a panel of chefs, educators, government representatives, and registered apprentices who will discuss the future of apprenticeship programs in Ontario.

George Brown Chef School has earned an international reputation for developing graduates who are capable, creative, and on the leading edge for more than 25 years. Celebrating Student Success is one of the key values at George Brown College - teachers, students and parents will all benefit from attending this event and becoming more involved in Chefs in the City(TM) as we celebrate the future and the next generation of hospitality and tourism professionals.

For more information on Chefs in the City(TM) or to register for the Pathways to Success Symposium or the Nutrition and Obesity on Trial Symposium, please visit the event website at:
www.georgebrown.ca/chefschool/chefsinthecity. George Brown Chef School is
located at 300 Adelaide Street East, Toronto.

George Brown College

Established in 1967 by the Ontario Government, George Brown is one of the largest and most diversified colleges in Ontario. Its three campuses in downtown Toronto are easily accessible by public transportation. It annually enrolls more than 14,000 full-time students in more than 150 programs ranging from one-year certificates to four-year bachelor's degrees. In addition, more than 50,000 continuing education students enroll in more than 1,300 courses. Educational offerings are aligned with economic growth sectors: business and financial services, health sciences, hospitality and tourism, construction, engineering, community services, and creative and performing arts. The College is named after George Brown, a 19th century Ontario Liberal Party leader, father of Confederation and founder of The Globe newspaper.

For further information:
Contact for Interviews:
Olga Lalka, Marketing and Communications,
George Brown College, Tel: (416) 415-5000 x3542,
Email: olalka@gbrownc.on.ca ;
Patrick Erlich,
Media Profile,
Tel: (416) 504-8464 x259,
Email: Erlich@mediaprofile.com