California Restaurant Association Educational Foundation to host eighth annual Culinary Cup

(SACRAMENTO, Feb. 24, 2010) - The California Restaurant Association Educational Foundation (CRAEF) will host the eighth annual California ProStart Competition, or Boyds Coffee Culinary Cup, March 6 and 7 at Le Cordon Bleu College of Culinary Arts, 2450 Del Paso Road in Sacramento. Events are scheduled from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. March 6 and from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. March 7.

The event will draw more than 80 talented high school students from ProStart programs across California who represent the future of the state's restaurant and foodservice industry. The two-day Culinary Cup is divided into two competitions, separately focusing on culinary and management skills.

"These students and teachers have spent countless hours outside of their traditional school days to prepare, practice and perfect their skills for this competition," said Bob Spivak, CRAEF Chairman of the Board and co-founder and co-chairman of Grill Concepts. "Each one of them should be proud of their accomplishments and we look forward to watching them grow and one day join our industry," he added.

Culinary competition contestants will have just 60 minutes to prepare an entire three-course meal using two butane burners. Management competition teams will develop a business proposal for a new restaurant concept, including a supporting menu, a marketing plan and a detailed design.

Participants in both events will engage in a battle of skill and knowledge, with points awarded on specific criteria, such as proper cooking procedures, safety and sanitation, presentation, product taste and teamwork. Twenty-six industry experts will serve as judges.

Winning teams will be sponsored to compete in the 2010 National ProStart Invitational in Overland Park, Kansas April 30 through May 2. First-, second- and third-place teams also qualify for scholarships to various culinary and hospitality post-secondary programs.

About the California Restaurant Association Educational Foundation: CRAEF has awarded more than $1 million in scholarships and grants since its inception in 1981. CRAEF works to enhance education and training programs within the hospitality industry. ProStart is a two-year program designed to prepare high school juniors and seniors for exciting careers in foodservice.