Released on: June 23, 2008, 10:36 am

Press Release Author: The Art Institute of California - Orange County

Industry: Education

Press Release Summary: Baking & Pastry associate's degree program now accepting
students for the summer quarter

Press Release Body: The International Culinary Schools at The Art Institute of
California - Orange County is set to launch a new associate's degree program in
Baking & Pastry on July 14. Heading this new program and the school's four other
culinary programs is the new culinary academic department director, Chef Daniel
Mattos.

"For nearly four years, Chef Mattos has been an integral part of the faculty and
culinary department at The Art Institute," said Melinda Lester, dean of academic
affairs. "Not only is he an excellent chef, but his professionalism with students,
staff and vendors made him a natural fit for this position."

Chef Mattos graduated from Johnson & Wales University with a Bachelor of Science
degree in Food Service Entrepreneurship and an Associate of Science degree in
Culinary Arts. He has also attended the Dublin Institute of Technology in Ireland.

His over 15 years of experience in the hospitality industry includes practical
kitchen experience and operational experience in many restaurants, country clubs and
hotels, including Park Hotel Kenmare in Ireland; the Maidstone Club in East Hampton;
New York, Kirkbrae Country Club in Rhode Island; The Stanhope Hotel in New York
City; Bisque Restaurant in New Jersey and Dish Restaurant in New York.

He has also taught at many prestigious culinary schools including The Natural
Gourmet Cookery School in New York. He has been instrumental in teaching the
American Regional Cuisine courses here at The Art Institute along with many other
courses.

"My favorite part of teaching is watching how students progress from their first
class to their final project and now I'll be involved at a deeper level," Mattos
said. "I look forward to ensuring the students have the opportunity to learn all the
skills they'll need to be successful after graduation."

Mattos also said he looks forward to working with the culinary faculty to get the
students more involved in local events such as competitions and food shows.

Culinary Program Continues to Grow
With television shows such as Ace of Cakes and places like Sprinkles Cupcakes
growing in popularity, it's no wonder that students want to know how to open their
own baking shops.

"The new Baking & Pastry program feeds the market need of employees and students
that are looking for a more in depth study into this skill set," Mattos said. "The
Art Institute prides itself on continuously providing programs that meet the needs
of the industry."

The Associate of Science degree program in Baking & Pastry is a seven-quarter
program designed to prepare students for entry-level positions in the art of baking
and patisserie. Students develop competencies in breads, desserts, cake decoration,
buffet centerpieces and food science. The program focuses upon both production and
individualized skills necessary to gain employment in bakeries, restaurants, hotels,
resorts and other catering or institutional settings.

Students interested in the Baking & Pastry associate's degree program or admissions
for the summer quarter starting July 14 can call 888.549.3055 or visit
artinstitutes.edu/orangecounty..

For more information about Chef Daniel Mattos or The International Culinary Schools
at The Art Institute of California - Orange County, contact Veronica Orozco at
vorozco@aii.edu or 714.830.0221. A photo of Chef Mattos is available upon request.

The Art Institute of California - Orange County is a design, media, fashion and
culinary arts school providing bachelor's and associate's degree programs in
Advertising, Baking & Pastry, Culinary Arts, Culinary Management, Digital
Photography, Fashion Design, Fashion Marketing & Management, Game Art & Design,
Graphic Design, Industrial Design, Interior Design, Media Arts & Animation, Visual
Effects & Motion Graphics, Visual & Game Programming and Web Design & Interactive
Media. Located in the heart of Orange County's South Coast Metro region, The Art
Institute is ideally situated in close proximity to Orange County's thriving
business community, cultural attractions, shopping, entertainment and its famous
beaches. The school is one of The Art Institutes (www.artinstitutes.edu), a system
of over 40 education institutions located throughout North America, providing an
important source of design, media arts, fashion and culinary arts professionals.

Web Site: http://www.artinstitutes.edu/orangecounty

Contact Details: Veronica Orozco
The Art Institute of California - Orange County
3601 W. Sunflower Ave.
Santa Ana, CA 92704
Office 714.830.0221
Fax 714.556.8937