Founded in 1946, The Culinary Institute of America (CIA) is an independent, not-for-profit college offering bachelor's and associate degrees, as well as certificate programs, in culinary arts or baking and pastry arts. A network of more than 37,000 alumni in foodservice and hospitality has helped the CIA earn its reputation as the world's premier culinary college. Visit the CIA online at www.ciachef.edu. John Fischer is an associate professor in table service at The Culinary Institute of America (CIA) in Hyde Park, NY. A Certified Hospitality Educator (C.H.E.), Mr. Fischer also holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from Swarthmore College in Swarthmore, PA. Mr. Fischer serves as maitre d' instructor in the college's Ivy Award winning Escoffier Restaurant.