CIC Grads on Culinary Team at American Pavillion for Cannes Film Festival

On the left: Jessica Welenteichick, 2008 grad of the Culinary Institute of Charleston.

On the right, Jessica and CIC student Allison Smith.

Jessica wrote: I was fortunate enough to be selected as a member of the Culinary Team for the American Pavillion in May 2009 along with another student from CIC, Allison Smith. The American Pavillion is a sponsor at the Cannes International Film Festival. As members of the culinary team, we worked as chefs for the American Pavillion. We were sponsored by Chef Benjamin Black, who did a great job in seeking Allison and myself as good candidates for this wonderful opportunity. I had the pleasure of cooking for the film industry's elite, working at a French bakery, traveling the French countryside, and meeting many talented people from all over the world. I encourage CIC culinary students to seek this opportunity as I will never forget that trip to Cannes in May of 2009."

The 15- to 25-person American Pavilion culinary team enjoys pre-Festival tours of wineries, restaurants and outdoor markets in the south of France during the first three days of the program. Once the Festival begins on May 12, the culinary team prepares up to 1,000 meals per day—breakfasts, lunches, dinners and special events inlcuding receptions and parties. Work shifts average six to eight hours and the culinary team works every day of the program after the first two days of cultural tours. http://www.ampav.com/student-programs/cannes-culinary-program.php

Serving as a communication and hospitality center for the thousands of Americans in Cannes during the Cannes Film Festival, The American Pavilion provides an impressive array of facilities and services to the international film community. For the corporate sponsors of The American Pavilion, the dozens of exhibitors and office holders, and the thousands of American participants, The American Pavilion accommodates the need for information, orientation, and recreation. For the duration of the festival, The American Pavilion provides both a dynamic business environment and an opportunity to relax in comfortable surroundings.