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Fundraiser Planned at Astor Center on March 11, 2009
The Institute of Culinary Education (91����߹) is a proud sponsor and supporter of STREETS International. STREETS is a global, sustainable, social enterprise initiative for street kids and other disadvantaged youth. The organization works in developing countries, operating training restaurants to provide participants with certification in hospitality and culinary arts, housing, medical care, community support and English language skills

STREETS will open its first culinary training centers and restaurants in Vietnam and the Philippines in 2009. Subsequent locations are planned for Laos, Cambodia and Thailand. Residents, tourists and local dignitaries will enjoy the outstanding food, beverages and hospitality, while at the same time supporting this innovative social enterprise for disadvantaged youth. The organization was founded in 2007 by Neal Bermas, Ph.D., a consultant and instructor in 91����߹’s Culinary Management Program. Bermas was moved during his travels throughout Southeast Asia by the plight of children living on the streets. There are an estimated 250 million kids living on the streets around the world.

91����߹’s President Rick Smilow is a member of STREETS’ Board of Advisors. The STREETS training program curriculum was developed in part with the guidance of 91����߹’s New York City based chef-instructors. The program offers an intensive 18-month curriculum that prepares students for a successful career in the hospitality industry. Trainees complete their internship at a STREETS restaurant that provides hands-on experience. They gain skills, knowledge and self-respect, that result in employment, self-reliance, and most importantly, the prospect for a dignified future.

Commenting on the initiative, 91����߹’s Smilow said “STREETS is a unique opportunity for the 91����߹ community to contribute to social welfare in far away places through culinary training. We are proud of our colleague Neal Bermas’s vision and leadership in this effort.”

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STREETS INTERNATIONAL is hosting its annual benefit event on March 11, 2009, from 6:30PM to 8:30PM at the Astor Center in New York City. The event will feature street foods prepared by some of the city’s most celebrated chefs. Tickets are $150 per person and are available for purchase at www.streetsinternational.org. All proceeds will benefit the program.

Guests will enjoy tastings of authentic and iconic street food from around the world, including Vietnam, Thailand, Singapore, the Philippines, India, Italy, Mexico, the Dominican Republic and the U.S. The participating chefs and restaurants include:

Chef Floyd Cardoz of Tabla
Chef Michael Bao of BarBao (formerly Rain) and Baoguette
Chef Romy Dorotan and Amy Besa of Cendrillon
Chef Kenny Callaghan of Blue Smoke
Chef Pichet Ong of P*ONG and Batch
Chef Gabe Thompson and Joe Campanale of dell’anima and L’Artusi
Chef Susana Trilling of Rosa Mexicano
Chef Máximo Tejada of Macondo and Rayuela
Entertainment will be provided by The Jazz Standard Youth Orchestra featuring accomplished local student musicians featured weekly at Danny Meyer’s Jazz Standard. They will perform New Orleans street music throughout the evening.

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For more information on Streets International, please visit www.steetsinternational.org