Orlando to get a new school for professional chefs, and fourth Master Sommelier

Neil Connolly has announced that his Doc's restaurant in Orlando will become associated with Professional Culinary Institute, a school for aspiring chefs headquartered in California's Silicon Valley. The school, which will use the facilities of Doc's restaurant and banquet space as classrooms, will be the institute's second location.
Connolly told the Flog that the first class will be an 11-week course for sommelier training,  certified by the Court of Master Sommeliers and conducted by master sommelier Andrew McNamara, who will join the school as a faculty member. McNamara is currently the sommelier at the Breakers resort in Palm Beach. 

Connolly said he expects the wine course to begin in late January or early February, with pastry and culinary classes starting in April. McNamara will bring the number of Master Sommeliers in Central Florida to four, one more than in New York City. Others holding the M.S. certification are John Blazon, George Miliotes and Brian Koziol.
The class will be limited to 30 students and is expected to cost $8500, said Connolly.
Orlando is also the home of Orlando Culinary Academy, which is associated with Le Cordon Bleu cooking school. The Orlando Culinary Academy operates a restaurant that is open to the public as part of its laboratory experience. Connolly said that Doc's will not be used in that way and that students will only participate in the kitchen as apprentices following completion of their coursework.
In addition to the vocational track, Professional Culinary Institute will offer "hobby" classes, weekend cooking seminars for the nonprofessional cook. Connolly said he will conduct many of those classes and plans to offer the first with the launch of the wine course.
For information about the school and professional courses, visit the Web site.

Comments

[Steve Conkel (Doc's Restaurant Manager)]

Doc's is now open for lunch Monday thru Friday 11a.m. to 2p.m. The restaurant is also open for dinner service Wednesday thru Saturday from 5p.m. to 9p.m. Doc's is also running drink and appetizer specials for dinner (1/2 off Draft beers, single well cocktails and selected appetizers).