CMC culinary graduate A.J. Fazendin launches Prescribed Spirits in Broward County, Florida. He's custom distilling gin and breaking ground with an entrepreneurship partnership. An excellent martini gin, his recipe blends herbs and botanicals. He said it’s very fragrant, smooth and without overpowering juniper flavor.

“I started out at the [Keystone] Ski Tip as executive chef in ’04, and 11 years later, we were recognized nationally for creating consistent, upscale cuisine. With the Open Table award, last year we made the top 100 list, and we felt like our hard work had finally been recognized. This year [2014], this time around, being named sixth best restaurant in the country goes to show that consistency in product and a quality staff in the front and the back of the house — the majority of whom come from Colorado Mountain College’s culinary program — make a real difference."

Brian Baker, Chef/Owner, Watershed Café, Leavenworth, WA (locally sourced - farm to table, Pacific north west cuisine)

“The culinary apprentice program at Colorado Mountain College was the perfect start to my career in the hospitality industry. It furnished me with the tools to become the Executive Chef of the award-winning Ski Tip Lodge and go on to owning my business as a personal chef in House Cured Culinary. You, too, can jump start your culinary career with the Colorado Mountain College Keystone Culinary Institute."

Kevin McCombs, House Cured Culinary/Owner/Executive Chef, Dillon, Colorado

"My education at CMC has helped me in my career because of the three years of true kitchen experience. Not only was I introduced to all of the elements of classic cuisine, but I also was able to apply my classroom education in kitchens around the resort on a daily basis. When I graduated I was ready to step into any kitchen I wanted to. The chefs at Keystone helped mold me into the professional I am today.

Awards/Accolades: 2014 Zagat 30 under 30; 2015 Prince of porc Winner Dever Cochon 555/Competitor Grand Cochon; 5280 Magazine Best New Restaurants 2015; Best New Restaurant 2015 Westword; 5280 Magazine Best Restaurants 2015 #3; Ten Coolest Train Station Restaurants in the World - Travel & Leisure Magazine.

Matt Vawter, Chef de Cuisine/Proprietor, Mercantile Dining & Provision, Denver.