The campus includes three chef-designed teaching kitchens; a kitchen demonstration theater; a 2,000-bottle wine-cellar classroom and tasting room; and a student resource center with computer terminals, wireless internet access and a wide range of reference material. In addition to classroom experience, students are required to complete an externship at an approved restaurant or resort in the Orlando area.
Lauded by the American Culinary Federation (ACF) this year with its Excellence in Education award, PCI operates the only certified sommelier school in the country and is the only certified school in the world to be approved by the London-based Court of Master Sommeliers. In Orlando Master Sommelier Andrew McNamara, from the AAA Five-Diamond L'Escalier at the Breakers in Palm Beach chairs the sommelier program. Chef Klaus Freidenreich, one of only 70 ACF Certified Master Chefs in the United States, heads the culinary program. Chef Chris Northmore, one of four American ACF-Certified Master Pastry Chefs, leads PCI’s Pastry Arts program.
Degrees and diplomas offered at PCI include: Diploma of Essential Professional Culinary Skills, Diploma of Essential Professional Baking and Pastry Skills, Certified Sommelier, and Associates of Occupational Science in Hotel and Restaurant Management. To learn more about PCI, visit www.pcichef.com or call toll free, 1-888-PCI-LEARN.
