Kendall College Culinary Alumni Beverly Kim Named 2017 James Beard Award Finalist

CHICAGO, March 20, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Beverly Kim, a 2000 graduate of Kendall College School of Culinary Arts in Chicago, has been named a 2017 James Beard Award finalist.

Kim and her husband Johnny Clark own and operate Parachute, a Korean and American cuisine restaurant in Chicago, and their expertise and creativity has them in the running for the Best Chef Great Lakes category, which includes Illinois, Indiana, Michigan and Ohio.

"We are humbled and honored to be recognized by the James Beard Association, and we could not be more excited," said Kim. "We have an amazing team that works tirelessly and passionately day in and day out, and it is because of them that Parachute has become what it is."

The James Beard Awards are one of the food industry's most prestigious honors. Three Kendall College alumni, in addition to Kim, were among this year's James Beard Association semifinalists:

Ryan McCaskey (1996 graduate) was a semifinalist in the Best Chef Great Lakes category. McCaskey owns and operates Acadia, a contemporary American establishment in Chicago.

Dan Fox (2003 graduate), owner and executive chef of Heritage Tavern in Madison, Wisconsin was a semifinalist for the Best Chef Midwest honor.

And Michelle Gayer (1990 graduate) was a semifinalist in the Outstanding Baker category. Gayer owns and operates Salty Tart, a bakery located in Minneapolis.

"I had the pleasure of teaching Beverly at Kendall College and could not be more proud of her," said Chris Koetke, vice president, Kendall College School of Culinary Arts. "The students, in particular, love to see individuals who once studied in the same classrooms and kitchens being recognized by the James Beard Association because it lets them know that anything is possible. Beverly is a strong example of what our students can achieve through hard work and dedication. Our Kendall College students, faculty and fellow alumni are rooting for Beverly and Johnny."

For the second year in a row, Kendall College is proud to sponsor and be the exclusive culinary education partner of the James Beard Foundation Awards. Kendall College will host the James Beard Award brunch and panel on Sunday, April 30, 2017.

The James Beard Awards Reception & Gala will take place on Monday, May 1, 2017, at the Lyric Opera of Chicago.

For more information about Kendall College and its degree programs, visit www.kendall.edu.

About Kendall College:
Kendall College, founded in 1934 and located in Chicago, offers undergraduate degrees in culinary arts, hospitality management, business and early childhood education that combine strong academics with practical experience and international opportunities. Kendall College was ranked the No. 1 program in Chicago for preparing students for careers in hospitality management and culinary arts in a survey of hiring managers at Chicago's leading hotels and Michelin Guide restaurants (TNS Global - 2013 Survey). Kendall College is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission. Kendall is one of more than 70 institutions in 25 countries that comprise the Laureate International Universities network. For more information about Kendall visit www.kendall.edu.   

SOURCE Kendall College

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