Campagne restaurant partners with Seattle Central Community College’s Seattle Culinary Academy to provide tuition scholarship and paid internship
SEATTLE, WA — Executive Chef Daisley Gordon of Campagne and Cafe Campagne restaurants is pleased to announce his partnership with the Seattle Culinary Academy at Seattle Central Community College. One deserving student of the Culinary Arts Program will have the opportunity to have their tuition paid for three quarters of school, work in the two distinct kitchens of Campagne and Cafe Campagne and assist in the planning and execution of a fundraising dinner, whose proceeds will be donated to the program. Eligibility was open to culinary students entering their 3rd quarter with a cumulative grade point average of 3.0 or better. Requirements for consideration included the commitment to a paid internship of 20 hours a week (200 hours per quarter) at the restaurants and intention to finish their Culinary Arts Program in consecutive quarters. In addition to submittal of the application form and recent transcripts, candidates were asked to submit a one page typed letter describing their interest in French cuisine, Campagne and Café Campagne, and how the scholarship would be of professional benefit.
Ultimately, three finalists were chosen to interview and trail with Chef Gordon based upon a letter of recommendation from either an instructing chef or previous employment with a chef. Net selection yielded Salvador de la Cruz as Gordon’s choice. From his submission letter, Salvador says: “I did not grow up in a home with French cooking and its impact on me did not come until later in life. What I did have was an influence of festive Mexican cooking, nourished while sitting in my grandmother’s kitchen or in the pits where my uncles would roast goats or barbeque cow heads. As I expand my palate and immerse myself in culinary school, I have made connections that are shared between French and Mexican cooking; from the braising of meats to the creation of sauces.”
Gordon has high praise for both the Seattle Culinary Academy and de la Cruz: “During my years of hiring and training cooks, I have come to be impressed with the students and graduates from Seattle Central’s culinary program. The establishment of this scholarship program allows me to be both a supporter and a beneficiary of the Seattle Culinary Academy.
We chose Salvador de la Cruz because he was the best of the bunch. He is highly motivated, has very specific ideas about his future and has a pure affection for cooking and restaurant work.”
Linda Chauncey, Associate Dean for the Seattle Culinary Academy could not be more pleased with this opportunity: “The Seattle Culinary Academy is honored to be the recipient of Campagne restaurants first ever scholarship. Given their excellent reputation and the number of competing culinary schools in Seattle, we are particularly proud to have been chosen. A key factor in being selected was our track record of consistently providing Chef Daisley Gordon with skilled graduates. Also, we are like-minded when it comes to values; our education in sustainable agricultural practices prepares our students to support Chef Daisley Gordon’s commitment to local and seasonal foods and establishes a strong, mutually understood foundation from which they can work together. Campagne’s generosity and commitment to the Seattle Culinary Academy will forever change the lives of our students and enhance their contribution to our community. We are so grateful for this partnership.”
About Campagne and Café Campagne
Opened in 1985, award-winning Campagne restaurant offers bistro French cuisine. The restaurant is located at 86 Pine Street in the courtyard of the Inn at the Market and the heart of the Pike Place Market. For further information, call (206) 728-2800 or visit www.campagnerestaurant.com. Café Campagne is located at 1600 Post Alley. Call (206)728-2233 or visit www.cafecampagne.com.
About Seattle Central Community College
Seattle central overlooks downtown Seattle from Capitol Hill, one of the liveliest neighborhoods in the city. Since it was established as the city’s first community college in 1966, Seattle Central has served the higher education and training needs of more than 500,000 students. Nearly 18,000 students each year are enrolled in unique educational opportunities including college transfer, professional-technical training, adult basic education and continuing education. Seattle Central is one of the Seattle Community Colleges.
Contact
Lissa Gruman
Gruman & Nicoll Public Relations
(425) 481-4387 or Cell (425) 445-5332