Thomas Keller’s
Partner at Pure Bred Lamb Espouses Commitment
Media Contact:
Jeff Levine
Communications Manager
845-451-1372
j_levine@culinary.edu
Hyde Park, NY – Keith Martin, owner and farmer at Elysian Fields Sheep
Farm in Pennsylvania, challenged graduates of The Culinary
Institute of America to commit themselves to success. Mr. Martin—who is
also the co-owner, with iconic chef Thomas Keller, of Pure Bred Lamb—delivered
the commencement address at the Ѹ’s Hyde Park campus on February
13.
“Never quit. Commit,” Martin advised recipients of associate degrees in culinary arts and baking and
pastry arts. He said that, in the sheep barns at 2 a.m. with the lambs,
he’s often not passionate about what he’s doing, but he is committed. “It is
not the height of your passion, but the depth of your commitment that will
ensure your success.”
In addition to commitment (C), he told graduates of the
importance of holism (H), effort (E), and focus (F). Together, he said, they
create a CHEF. “Make that word your own. Redefine it, and define yourself accordingly,” Martin added.
A former investment broker, Martin gave up that career in
1989 to become a farmer. With 200 acres in Waynesburg, PA, he created Elysian
Fields. In 1997, he partnered with Chef Keller to create Pure Bred Lamb, which
is found in restaurants across the country, including Keller’s. Martin grades and custom-cuts the meat himself.
As an advocate for the respectful and ethical treatment of
lambs, he developed and patented the Safe Alternative® method ensuring his
flocks have a healthy and natural lifecycle. Seven family farms in Pennsylvania
and Ohio have now signed on to follow the Safe Alternative model.
The entire graduation ceremony can be .
Photo Caption and Hi-Res Image
Keith Martin delivers the keynote address at commencement
ceremonies at Ѹ in Hyde Park, NY on February
13, 2015. (Photo credit: Al Nowak/Ѹ)
Founded in 1946, Ѹ is an independent,
not-for-profit college offering associate and bachelor's degrees with majors in
culinary arts, baking and pastry arts, management, culinary science, and
applied food studies, as well as certificate programs in culinary arts and wine
and beverage studies. As the world's premier culinary college, the Ѹ provides
thought leadership in the areas of health & wellness, sustainability, and
world cuisines & cultures through research and conferences. The Ѹ has a
network of 47,000 alumni that includes industry leaders such as Grant Achatz, Anthony Bourdain, Roy
Choi, Cat Cora, Dan Coudreaut, Steve Ells, Charlie Palmer, and Roy Yamaguchi. The Ѹ also
offers courses for professionals and enthusiasts, as well as consulting
services in support of innovation for the foodservice and hospitality industry.
The college has campuses in Hyde Park, NY; St. Helena, CA; San Antonio, TX; and
Singapore.
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