HMSHost to feature winning contestants’ recipes at its airport restaurants across North America

HYDE PARK, N.Y. – As part of its five-year strategic partnership, HMSHost, a world leader in travel shopping and dining, today announces the winners of a recipe contest featuring students from The Culinary Institute of America (CIA), the world’s premier culinary college. The winning recipes will be featured over the next year in more than 100 of HMSHost’s proprietary restaurants at airports around the country.

“Our students are thrilled to have the opportunity to show off their creativity and earn scholarships at the same time,” said David Kamen, Project Manager, CIA Consulting. “The college is grateful to HMSHost for its support in helping CIA students pursue dreams of successful careers in the diverse and vibrant foodservice and hospitality industry.”

Hargrove, from Lake Jackson, Texas, won the first place honor with a Macaroni & Cheese Flatbread topped with Candied Bacon and Shredded Brussels sprouts. Fury, who is from Brooksville, Fla., took first place with her recipe of Fried Chicken and Waffles with Country Gravy and Grade A maple syrup.

The month-long submission period in November generated more than 35 recipe submissions from students of all levels at the CIA. The theme of the recipe contest was “All-American Comfort Food,” and students could enter a recipe in both categories of appetizer and entrée.

Once the finalists were selected, four judges chose three finalists in each of the two categories. In the kitchen preparation and in the meal’s presentation, finalists were evaluated on several points:

• Food preparation

• Safety

• Adherence to the exact recipe

• Cleanliness

• Dish plating

• Taste

“HMSHost’s commitment to the CIA, its students and the culinary arts overall is why we’re excited to continue this partnership with one of the world’s best culinary colleges,” said Bill Casey, Vice President of HMSHost’s Restaurant Portfolio.

Winners Jessica Hargrove and Lauren Fury each received $5,000 in scholarship funds, provided by HMSHost. In addition, HMSHost also donated $15,000 to the CIA’s general scholarship fund, as part of its five-year strategic partnership with the culinary college.

About The Culinary Institute Of America

Founded in 1946, The Culinary Institute of America is an independent, not-for-profit college offering bachelor’s and associate degrees in culinary arts and baking and pastry arts as well as certificate programs in culinary arts, Latin cuisines, and wine and beverage studies. As the world’s premier culinary college, the CIA provides thought leadership in the areas of health & wellness, sustainability, and world cuisines & cultures through research and conferences. The CIA has a network of 43,000 alumni that includes industry leaders such as Grant Achatz, Anthony Bourdain, Roy Choi, Cat Cora, Dan Coudreaut, Steve Ells, Johnny Iuzzini, Charlie Palmer, and Roy Yamaguchi. In addition to its degree programs, the CIA offers courses for professionals and enthusiasts, as well as consulting services in support of innovation for the foodservice and hospitality industry. The college has campuses in Hyde Park, NY; St. Helena, CA; San Antonio, TX; and Singapore. For more information, visit www.ciachef.edu.

About HMSHost

HMSHost is a world leader in creating dining and shopping for travel venues. HMSHost operates in more than 100 airports around the globe, including the 20 busiest airports in North America. The Company has annual sales in excess of $2.5 billion and employs more than 34,000 sales associates worldwide. HMSHost is a part of Autogrill Group, the world’s leading provider of food & beverage and retail services for people on the move. With sales of over €5.7 billion in 2010, the Group operates in 37 countries and employs some 62,000 people. It manages over 5,300 stores in more than 1,200 locations worldwide. Visit www.HMSHost.com for more information and find us on Facebook at HMSHost Making the Traveler’s Day Better.