Westmoreland Educational Foundation’s The Chefs’ Marketplace Attracts Sell-out Crowd and Honors Alumna
November 4, 2019 Youngwood, Pa.“The Chefs’ Table,” held by Westmoreland County Community College’s Educational Foundation, attracted a sell-out crowd for its Bohemian Marketplace-themed fundraising fete Sunday, November 3 at the college in Youngwood.
Students and faculty in the college’s School of Culinary Arts and Hospitality prepared and presented the gourmet hors d’oeuvres and market stations featuring the cuisine of a Bohemian Marketplace to nearly 160 guests. The various stations included cuisine such as porcini crusted beef tenderloin; Parisienne vegetables with burgundy wine glaze and horseradish sauce; moussaka; vodka infused seafood bisque; skewered stout marinated pork loin with bourbon barbecue sauce; blackened shrimp and buttery rosemary grits; house smoked salmon; triccioni pasta with mushroom cream sauce, truffle cheese and caviar; tortelloni, warm sage butter, green peas, roasted beets and carrots; a Western Pennsylvania cookie table as well as a variety of other gourmet pastries.
The evening also included The Chef’s Marketplace, a student-created foods marketplace featuring special Marketplace Bags and other specialty items for sale. All proceeds from the event support scholarships for Culinary Arts and Hospitality students.
Students and guests had the opportunity to applaud the induction of Westmoreland alumnus Dr. Cindy Komarinski into the college’s Culinary Arts and Hospitality Hall of Fame. She has taught culinary arts and hospitality for the past 21 years at Westmoreland and achieved the rank of professor/program director, and also served in a position as dean of the School of Health Professions and School of Culinary Arts/Hospitality and most recently returned to the position of the professor/program director and apprenticeship coordinator of the School of Culinary Arts/Hospitality.
Komarinski earned an associate degree from Westmoreland as well as a bachelor’s degree from Robert Morris University, a master’s of business administration degree from Point Park University and a doctorate of philosophy from Robert Morris University. Her professional certifications include certified chef d’cuisine and certified culinary educator through the American Culinary Federation.
She brings real-world experience to the classroom combining her culinary skills and business knowledge. She and her sister operated Evergreen Hollow, a bed and breakfast in Farmington, Pennsylvania, where she was the executive chef. She and her husband also own and operate a 170-acre grass-fed cattle operation in Farmington.
Her previous professional experience includes serving as a Baking/Pastry instructor at Connellsville Career & Technical Center, assistant clubhouse manager for Greensburg Country Club, and cafeteria manager for Connellsville Area School District. She also conducts dining etiquette classes for the college and community partners, along with private consulting.
Komarinski is active within the American Culinary Federation Laurel Highlands Chapter and was presented with the Chef of the Year and the President’s Award. She is also an honorary member of the American Academy of Chefs. She has served as chair of the ACFEF National Apprenticeship Committee and the ACFEF National Accrediting Commission. Komarinski travels nationally and internationally to conduct accreditation site visits at culinary schools.
Within the college community, she received the Outstanding Teaching Award and the Distinguished Alumnus Award from the Westmoreland Educational Foundation.
In December 2017, she was recognized as a Maitre Rotisseur and inducted into the Chain de Rotisseur, Pittsburgh.
Komarinski was recognized for her accomplishments by Bruce Wassung, dean/School of Health Professions and Culinary Arts/Hospitality Programs; Joseph Trimarchi, president of the Educational Foundation; and Dr. Tuesday Stanley, college president.
“Cindy is very deserving of this honor and I congratulate her on being inducted into our Hall of Fame,” said Stanley. “As an outstanding alumna, she has not only attained great success but also shares her expertise with our students, providing a stellar example of what may be attained.”
Stanley also recognized Nemacolin Woodlands Resort as the event sponsor along with General Carbide; Seven Springs Mountain Resort; West Penn Power; Eat’n Park Hospitality Group; Gregory Lee Hricenak Scholarship Fund; Highmark Blue Cross/Blue Shield; Live! Casino; S & T Bank/Stewart Capital Advisors, LLC; eCampus; DeLattre Corp.; First Commonwealth Bank; Excela Health; The Garland Company; Intech Solutions; Laurel Highlands Visitors Bureau; Phoenix Roofing; Clarus Corporation; Hampton Office Products; Hudson Companies; Lugaila Mechanical, Inc.; Maher Duessel; Mullen Refrigeration; Dr. and Mrs. George Austin; Brainfuse; Mr. and Mrs. Robert Hackman; the Komarinski Farm; Mrs. Mary Catherine Motchar and Mr. Jim Clayton; and Dr. and Mrs. William Scheeren.
“This year, we celebrate the 33rd anniversary of this wonderful dinner which has raised a combined total exceeding $1.5 million,” Stanley said. “I am grateful for everyone whose generosity has supported this event that benefits our outstanding culinary arts and hospitality students.”