NEW YORK – illy is leveraging its 80 years of coffee experience to enhance famed restaurant Le Cirque’s customer culinary classes by offering two coffee sessions with an illy master barista for those seeking knowledge on authentic Italian coffee and pairing with gourmet desserts.
The session, held in an intimate setting by Multi-Award Winning Master Barista Giorgio Milos, focuses on the aesthetic of tasting, where participants explore the distinct taste profiles of illy coffee and pairing to complement Le Cirque’s iconic recipes and pastries including Chocolate Souffle, Creme brulee “Le Cirque,” Tiramisu, and Profiteroles.
Participants are also shown illy espresso preparation and presentation techniques.
The pairings are sophisticated as they encompass illy MONOARABICA coffee, which brings a dimension of flavor and aroma profiles that encapsulates the distinctive origins including Brazil, Guatemala, Costa Rica, Columbia, Ethiopia, and India.
The Master Barista pairing sessions are integrated into “Introduction to Le Cirque Classics” and “Fundamentals of the Le Cirque Pastry” classes, which run for three-hours followed by a gourmet lunch. Classes run every Saturday, 11:30 – 2:30 PM from May 10 to June 21, 2014.
To reserve a spot for the class, call Le Cirque at 212.644.0202. Space is limited. For more information, visit: www.lecirque.com/cookingclasses.
“Le Cirque is a legendary restaurant that sets a great backdrop for coffee education especially for those seeking an experiential activity that delights the senses,” said Mark Romano, Senior Director of Education and Sustainability at illy caffe North America.
“The illy brand is obsessed with delivering a beautiful coffee experience and we are excited to have this opportunity with a great partner like Le Cirque to pass on our passion and knowledge for tasting, preparing and serving the highest quality coffee.”
About illy’s Universita del caffe
Sharing coffee culture and knowledge is the inspiration behind illy’s Universita del caffe (the University of Coffee) since it began in 1999.
With over 20 centers of excellence around the world, illy’s Universita del caffe operates throughout the U.S. hosting classes, seminars, and workshops with partners within hospitality, retail and higher-education including the International Culinary Center (ICC) and Culinary Institute of America (CIA).
Education and technique play a role in delivering on illy’s legendary nine-bean Arabica blend’s consistent, smooth and balanced taste.
As such, the Universita del caffe offers hospitality professionals coursework encompassing hands-on training on coffee preparation and menu development, in addition to the newest coffee bar management and marketing techniques, and practical ways to enhance customer experience.
A unique curriculum for coffee enthusiasts is available as well, which covers coffee history, basic coffee chemistry and biology, and an appreciation for judging quality taste and aroma.
About Master Barista Giorgio Milos
Giorgio Milos is a Trainer and Master Barista certified by the SCAE, SCAA and is also an Italian Barista Champion and top World Barista Championship contender, and now illy’s North American Barista in Residence.
A barista’s work starts with understanding how coffee grows, then applying a scientist’s curiosity to the complex chain of chemical reactions and variables that create pleasure in the cup.
Giorgio can be followed on Twitter (@Giorgio_Milos), Instagram (@MasterBarista), Tumblr (MasterBarista.Tumblr.com).
About illycaffe North America, Inc
Illycaffe North America imports, distributes and markets illy products throughout the US, Canada and Mexico. With global headquarters in Trieste, Italy, illy is a leader in providing super-premium coffee known for its distinctly balanced and beautiful taste, produced to the industry’s highest quality standards. Follow illy on twitter and on Instagram.
About Le Cirque
Heralded as one of New York City’s most legendary restaurants since its opening in 1974, Le Cirque entertains guests with its hallmark service, exuberant atmosphere and blend of classic and contemporary French cuisine.
Under the leadership of the Maccioni family including famed restaurateur Sirio, wife Egidiana, sons Mario, Marco, and Mauro, and the talented Executive Chef Raphael Francois, Le Cirque remains a New York City institution offering an unparalleled dining experience.
In addition to its New York location, Le Cirque has locations in Las Vegas at the Bellagio Hotel and New Delhi at the Leela Palace Hotel.
Source: press release
