The Art Institute of Tucson Student-Run Restaurant Opens to the Public
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Chef instructors and students serve epicurean cuisine with artistic flair
(TUCSON, AZ) JULY 28, 2009 - The International Culinary School at The Art Institute of Tucson announces the grand opening of its student-run restaurant, Ai Bistro. The unique Tucson bistro, inspired by cuisines in America and around the world, is now open to serve the public Tuesday through Thursday for lunch from 11:30 am to 12:45 pm.
A part of the school’s culinary program, Ai Bistro is a fusion of cuisine preparation and education in a real-world setting. Before students can graduate, they are required to apply their skills in all the facets of running a restaurant.
“There is not other restaurant like this one,” said Chef Odell Baskerville, Culinary Instructor and Ai Bistro Director. “We prepare our students to enter the culinary field and give them the basic skills needed to pursue a rewarding career. Our students have to be on their toes, which is a part of the restaurant business.”
Guests to Ai Bistro will experience quality service and an affordable three-course menu that changes weekly with a new cuisine theme.
“They will receive a gracious welcome and a feeling that their business is appreciated,” said Chef Baskerville. “We want them to feel like they’re a part of the educational process, while enjoying good food prepared with quality ingredients.”
This week’s menu features flavors of Italy, including: mushroom strozzapreti soup, lemon parsley baked chicken with fresh egg pasta and garlic sautéed broccoli, and profiteroles with vanilla bean, Grand Marnier ice-cream and chocolate sauce. Meals are $9.95 and include an appetizer, entrée and freshly prepared dessert of the day. For lighter fare or people on the go, the two-course “Chef’s Special” is another option featuring an entrée and dessert for $6.95.
Ai Bistro accommodates 30 guests in a quaint, casual atmosphere within The Art Institute of Tucson campus on the northwest corner of Grant and Rosemont. The restaurant features comfortable seating, natural light and a large viewing window into the fully-equipped, professional exhibition kitchens where guests can see culinary students at work. Reservations are required due to a limited number of seatings each day.
Master Chef Bill Sy directs the school’s Culinary Arts program, and the bistro is under the direction of two professional chef instructors. Chef Odell Baskerville, former executive chef of the Arizona Inn, oversees the Back-of-house operations including menu selection and preparation. Chef Jenny MacArthur manages the dining room and oversees Front-of-house customer service.
For more information or to make reservations, please call 520.318.2726 (after hours 520.250.0845) or email: aitucsoncafe@aii.edu. The Art Institute of Tucson is located at 5099 East Grant Road and can be reached via telephone at 520.318.2700. Learn more about The International Culinary Schools at The Art Institutes or visit www.exploreculinary.com.
About The Art Institute of Tucson
The Art Institutes of Tucson is one of The Art Institutes (www.artinstitutes.edu), a system of over 40 education institutions located throughout North America, providing an important source of design, media arts, fashion and culinary professionals.
About The International Culinary Schools at The Art Institutes
The International Culinary Schools at The Art Institutes is North America’s largest system of culinary programs offered at over 30 Art Institutes schools.
Based on classical Escoffier, Asian and Latin culinary techniques, with an emphasis on progressive trends and practices, the schools’ curricula are designed to develop and sharpen fundamental cooking techniques and professional skills and introduce a variety of international cuisines. Internships, student-run school restaurants, guest lectures and Web-based seminars, and study abroad programs help broaden the scope of learning for students.