Vi at Highlands Ranch Executive Chef Strickland Selected for Culinary Institute of America’s Premier Innovation Curriculum
Highlands Ranch, CO -
September 20, 2010
Vi at Highlands Ranch today announced Executive Chef Gregory
Strickland has been selected by Hormel Foods and The Culinary
Institute of America (CIA) to participate in its Culinary
Enrichment and Innovation Program. Chef Strickland was one of 16
skilled culinarians from around the country chosen by Hormel Foods
and the CIA from a collection of more than 500 chef applicants.
The Culinary Enrichment and Innovation Program was launched by
the CIA and Hormel Foods, Food Service Division in 2008 and is the
only professional development program developed and delivered by
Certified Master Chefs to offer graduate level management training
specifically created for commercial and non-commercial chefs. All
tuition costs associated with the program are being underwritten by
Hormel Foods.
"As the executive chef at Vi at Highlands Ranch, I prepare about
220 meals made from scratch each day for the residents of our
community," explains Strickland. "I'm humbled by this opportunity
to learn from the CIA's select core of certified master chefs so I
may bring back new techniques and knowledge in the interest of
impressing our residents, one plate at a time."
The elite innovation- and leadership-focused program is designed
for proven culinary professionals who have been identified by their
supervisors and mentors as future industry leaders. Beginning in
October 2010, chefs will attend four intense three-day sessions
over an 18-month period at the CIA located in Hyde Park, N.Y. At
the conclusion of the program, Strickland will be presented with a
Certificate of Completion and eight continuing education units from
the CIA.
As part its commitment to an exceptional dining experience, Vi
has enjoyed a strategic alliance with the CIA over the years to
help develop the newest in healthy menu options inspired by
international cuisine. Chef Strickland has received customized
training provided by the CIA on nutrition, healthy cooking and
baking techniques, Mediterranean cuisines, flavor dynamics and food
and wine pairing.
For more information about Vi at Highlands Ranch, please visit
www.viliving.com/communities/denver.
About Vi
Vi, formerly Classic Residence by Hyatt, was founded in 1987 as
a developer, owner and operator of older adult living communities.
The company is dedicated to enriching the lives of older adults by
providing high quality environments, services and care. Vi
currently operates ten continuing care retirement communities
(CCRCs) and one rental community under a family of brands
nationwide. For more information about Vi communities, visit: www.ViLiving.com.
