Oregon Culinary Institute (OCI) is a privately owned, for-profit, accredited trade school located in Portland, Oregon, United States. Part of the Pioneer Pacific College system, it offers programs in culinary arts, baking and pastry, and restaurant management, with a curriculum to prepare graduates for the food-service industry. OCI's campus is located in the Goose Hollow neighborhood of southwest Portland, and includes a restaurant staffed by students. Their slogan is "Training Kitchen People"
History
On the Oregon Culinary Institute Restaurant Line - Brooke from KPTV's "Better" program dropped by to chat with three students in 2009 and Chef Instructor Josh Blythe about what the OCI experience is really like on the line in the restaurant.
In 2006, veteran culinary instructors Eric Stromquist and Brian Wilke left their teaching posts at Western Culinary Institute to create an actual cooking school. Stromquist, a sommelier/manager, and Wilke, a chef, partnered with Pioneer Pacific College to create Oregon Culinary Institute, emphasizing small class sizes, hands-on instruction and the ethical and social responsibility aspects of food.
Eric Stromquist serves as campus president with Brian Wilke as executive chef; as of 2014, the staff is composed of approximately 20 culinary and education professionals. Stromquist previously worked for Jake's Famous Crawfish, McCormick & Schmick's, and Hot Lips Pizza.
Facilities and programs
OCI's programs are taught in a 10,000 square foot (930Â m2) campus that includes lecture classrooms and three computer labs.
OCI teaches and employs sustainable business practices, including partnering with farmers, ranchers, and fishermen to source local ingredients.
OCI also offers wine classes from sommelier Maxine Borcherding.
Restaurant
As an extension of the culinary arts, baking and pastry, and restaurant management classrooms, OCI has an open-to-the-public restaurant able to accommodate up to 50 guests. Students prepare and serve all lunches and dinners. The restaurant is open Monday through Friday, offering a three-course lunch and a four-course dinner.
Accreditation
Oregon Culinary Institute is fully accredited by the Accrediting Council for Independent Colleges and Schools. This includes recognition from the U.S. Department of Education and the Oregon Office of Degree Authorization.
References
