Zulaine Govin
Hometown: Norcross, Georgia
High School: Norcross High School
Program: Culinary Arts
Degree: Associate in Arts
Graduation: Fall 2002
Job Title: Personal Chef and Caterer
Company: Comfort Cuisines

Comfort Cuisines, a new a personal chef business in Atlanta, has a roster of about twelve clients. Busy professionals love the flavorful, home-style meals.

Zulaine provides full service for clients. She grocery shops, plans, and prepares meals at the clients’ homes and creates tailored menus that are child-friendly.

“The Art Institute of Atlanta helped me decide upon a career. I have utilized skills attained in all of my classes in several different jobs. The instructors here are very knowledgeable.”

Courtney Renn
Hometown: Greenville, North Carolina
High School: J.H. Rose High School
Program: Culinary Arts
Degree: Associate in Arts
Graduation Date: Fall 2001
Job Title: Suite Catering Chef
Company: ARAMARK Food Services

Founded in 1959, ARAMARK Food Services is the world’s leading managed services company. Today, it contracts with college campuses like the University of Iowa, healthcare systems such as Baylor, plus stadiums and arenas throughout the United States.

Courtney was recently promoted to suite catering chef at Turner Field’s 755 Club. Skilled in all aspects of culinary management, she directs the detail, quality control, and production of suite food.

“My education at The Art Institute of Atlanta provided a strong foundation that gave me a jump-start in my career. If I had to do all over again, I would choose The Art Institute.”

Justin Balmes
Hometown: Atlanta, Georgia
High School: Independence High School
Program: Culinary Arts
Degree: Associate in Arts
Graduation Date: Spring 2003
Title: Chef de Cuisine
Company: Eleven50

Located in the heart of Midtown Atlanta, Eleven50 is a 29,000-square-foot multi-use facility. A popular nightlife destination, Eleven50 features an upscale lounge and a poolside tapas restaurant.

Justin oversees seasonal menu development for all in-house events as well as the full-service restaurant. He is also responsible for staff recruitment, training, and all cooking seminars.

“I now have a far better understanding of the foodservice/restaurant industry as a whole thanks to my education from The Art Institute of Atlanta.”

Heidi J. Leon
Hometown: East Rockaway, New York
High School: Lynbrook Senior High School
Program: Culinary Arts
Degree: Associate in Arts
Graduation Date: Fall 2002
Title: Co-Owner
Company: Savoir Fare

Launched in 2003, Savoir Fare is a catering and personal chef service in the Atlanta area.
The company caters corporate events including meetings, luncheons, and receptions, as well as private events. Savoir Fare also creates personalized cuisine for a growing number of individuals and families.

As co-owner, Heidi lends her talent to all aspects of the business—from planning menus and purchasing and preparing food to accounting and hiring.

“My education at The Art Institute of Atlanta introduced me to the business of operating a restaurant. Not only did I learn the culinary craft but also the ‘how and why’ of making it all work.”