RIVERSIDE, Calif.—The inaugural Culinary Salon Riverside, scheduled for September 22-25, 2011 at The Mission Inn Hotel & Spa and other Historic Downtown Riverside locations, will be a celebration of the culinary arts for people of all ages.

Culinary Salons are remarkable forums of display and exhibition for the professional, student and admirers alike. They create a unique opportunity for learning, networking and sharing ideas to enhance one’s personal growth in the Culinary Arts and Food Service Industry. They also present a great learning experience for children.

In an effort to encourage children to attend Culinary Salon Riverside, the event has partnered with Riverside Art Museum who will present “Edible Art Projects” on Saturday, September 24 and Sunday, September 25 in the cooking demonstration area. Inland Empire children aged five to 12 will be welcome to attend and work with instructors from the museum to create art out of food. There will be no cost to participate.

“Art and food is such a great combination for children,” said Beth Yeager, Riverside Art Museum’s Art Educator. “And what better way to educate them on both by allowing them to create an art project that they can eat! We are thrilled to be involved with Culinary Salon Riverside and hope the entire community will come out to support us and everyone involved.”

During “Edible Art Projects,” children will have the opportunity to make one edible piece and one that can be taken home as a decoration. The Riverside Art Museum promotes an appreciation of the arts by presenting quality exhibitions and community educational programs for the cultural enrichment of the region.

The concept of Culinary Salon Riverside was developed by Duane R. Roberts, who with his wife Kelly are the “Keepers of The Mission Inn Hotel & Spa.” The event involves a collaboration of organizations and talented individuals throughout the Inland Empire region:  Riverside Community College Culinary Academy, the American Culinary Federation Southern California (ACF) and the California Inland Empire Chefs & Cooks Association. The array of activities will include:

• The Duane R. Roberts Culinary Competitions.  Both professionals and students will compete in more than 30 categories in various locations throughout Downtown Riverside.  American Culinary Federation (ACF)-sanctioned categories will include the savory and sweet, as well as ice carving.
• The Judges.  ACF-certified judges from around the nation will oversee the competitions.
• The Prizes.   Awards and prize monies will be slated for each category, with Best of Salon as the “crème de la crème.”
• The Demonstrations.  Visitors will enjoy observing professional and celebrity chefs as they demonstrate their skills and expertise.
• The Celebrations.  Culinary Salon Riverside will feature many displays, demonstrations, competitions, cocktail parties and dinners in an extraordinary atmosphere of international world-class cuisine.

For more information on Riverside Art Museum, please visit www.riversideartmuseum.org and for more information on Culinary Salon Riverside, please go to www.culinarysalonriverside.com.