December 14, 2005

For more information, contact: Kimberly Stark (901) 333-4023

Southwest Hospitality Management Culinary Students Awarded First Place In People Choice
Written by Brenda J. Rayner

Shrimp and Crabcakes with a duet of Voodoo Pepper Sauce and Cilantro Cream with Creole corn relish was the tasters’ delight that helped garner Southwest Hospitality Management Culinary students first place in the Peoples Choice Award for the Best Dish at the Twentieth Annual Great Chefs’ Tasting Party. The students, under the direction of Chef Steven Leake, were also awarded “Best Presentation”.

Pleased have been awarded two -- first place ratings, Chef Leake’s emphasis was on team spirit as he spoke about the contest, “Although, winning is our ultimate goal, learning what it takes to work together as a team to get there is most important.

The Hospitality Management Program at Southwest prepares students for careers in the rapidly growing hospitality industry. Students aspire toward various management careers in food and beverage, hotel, culinary arts, tourism and travel.

This annual event is presented by the American Culinary Federation and benefits the united Cerebral Palsy Association of the Mid-South.