Announcing Schenectady's First Ever Culinary Boot Camp!

Schenectady's first Culinary Boot Camp offers foodies professional training and exquisite dining at one of the nation's top culinary schools at a fraction the cost of similar courses.

Schenectady, NY, November 24, 2009—Schenectady County Community College, one of the nation's top-rated culinary schools, announces Schenectady County's first-ever Culinary Boot Camp January 4 - 6, a three-day and two-night culinary workshop offering food lovers the opportunity to learn classic cooking techniques, taste ingredients, and share a great experience with fellow foodies.

Total cost for tuition and lodging is just $690 per person and includes professional instruction, a sumptuous four-course meal with paired wines at the historic Glen Sanders Mansion, a two-night stay at a Schenectady hotel of the student's choosing, and motor coach transportation between hotels and Schenectady County Community College.

Sponsored by The Chamber of Schenectady County Tourism Committee, Boot Camp workshops will be taught by Christopher Tanner, culinary instructor at SCCC. Chef Tanner is a Certified Executive Chef and a Certified Hospitality Educator with the American Hotel & Lodging Association. His education includes an AOS in Culinary Arts from SCCC, a BBA from SUNY Delhi and a Masters in Gastronomy and Food Studies from Boston University. Nationally, Chef Tanner is an ACF Approved Culinary Judge and travels the country judging ACF sanctioned culinary competitions.

Chef Tanner's Boot Camp theme is "A Taste of Tuscany." Students will learn about traditional Italian cuisines, classic Italian ingredients, Antipasti, Primi (pasta, polenta and risotto), Italian ingredients, pairing wine with Italian dishes, and creating Italian desserts. Brief seminars combined with extensive hands-on cooking time will offer students a true interactive culinary experience (which includes a professional chef's coat)! Students may also purchase an optional professional knife kit for $40 (includes a chef's knife, paring knife, and sharpening steel).

The Boot Camp schedule will also give students a chance to explore what Schenectady County has to offer:

• On the first evening, the chef at the Glen Sanders Mansion in Scotia will prepare a delectable four-course meal paired with wines from Italy's Tuscany region. The Mansion's sommelier will offer a brief seminar on wine and food pairings. Cooking methods learned during the class will be incorporated into the evening's menu, and a tour of the historic Glen Sanders Mansion facility will be included.

• On evening two, students can visit Schenectady's many fine food establishments during the Dine Around Schenectady event. Boot Camp tuition includes a $20 restaurant gift certificate valid at participating restaurants.

Boot Camp Registration is open NOW at www.cookinginschenectady.com.

About Schenectady County Community College:

Founded in 1967, Schenectady County Community College (SCCC) is located in Schenectady, New York. Part of the State University of New York system, the campus covers 50 acres and is nationally recognized for its culinary arts and music departments. SCCC offers career programs, transfer degree programs, and certificate programs. Degree designations include Associate in Arts degree, Associate in Science degree, Associate in Applied Science degree, and Associate in Occupational Studies degree.

About Schenectady:

Schenectady is conveniently located in New York's Capital Region, less than three hours by car from New York City, Boston, and Montreal, and is easily accessible from Exit 25 of the New York State Thruway. The Albany International Airport (ALB) is a 20 minute drive from Schenectady. More information about all there is to see and do in Schenectady is available at www.sayschenectady.org.

Contact: Gail Kehn
Chamber of Schenectady County
Phone: 1-800-962-8007
E-mail: gkehn@schenectadychamber.org
Web: http://www.cookinginschenectady.com