Summerlin suits taste of culinary instructor

Mark LeVasseur, a chef at Le Cordon Bleu College of Culinary Arts Las Vegas, has always found teaching to be a rewarding element of his career. So when he was asked to appear in Summerlin's new print advertising campaign as a culinary instructor, he was eager to participate.

The ad, headlined, "Home is teaching the art of cooking," features LeVasseur in one of the school's teaching kitchens.

The international facility opened its Summerlin location in July 2003, which has since taken in more than 600 students.

LeVasseur joined the staff in August 2003 after years of working for various five-star restaurants. He oversees the student-run fine dining restaurant, Café Bleu.

"I like to explain things, and I love watching my students master culinary skills and presentation techniques," LeVasseur said. "There is something to be said about presentation, which extends outside of the kitchen into all aspects of life, including the community you live in.

"Summerlin's presentation, like a beautifully prepared and presented meal, distinguishes the community from others in the Las Vegas Valley. I have always appreciated the community's beautiful presentation."

In addition to the community's aesthetics and amenities, LeVasseur also enjoys his work being close to home.

"The school is so close to my house that I frequently ride my bike to work," he said.

An outdoor enthusiast, LeVasseur hikes at Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area and walks his dogs on the trails and parks throughout the community.

The 55,000-square-foot culinary arts school, located in The Crossings Business Park, includes classrooms, instructional kitchens, computer labs, and the teaching restaurant.

The school has become a popular amenity for residents both in terms of dining and education, according to Kim Haley, associate director of marketing for The Howard Hughes Corp., developer of Summerlin.

"Le Cordon Bleu's restaurant, Café Bleu, offers a unique experience for fine dining enthusiasts," she said. "In addition, the school offers monthly community classes that have been very popular for residents and weekend cooks."

Situated along the western rim of the Las Vegas Valley, Summerlin is home to 107 neighborhood and village parks, more than 100 miles of trails, houses of worship, shopping centers, medical facilities, cultural facilities, business parks and nearly 100 model homes.

Single-family homes, townhomes and condominiums are available, priced from the mid-$300,000s to more than $2 million. Custom-home sites start from the $500,000s. Apartments offer monthly rents starting from the mid-$800s.

For more information, visit www.reviewjournal.com/real estate and click on the Summerlin link.

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