Leaders of the restaurant and hotel industry created the The French International Culinary Society (FICS) in 1972. Our association is a small, but very unique, professional group based in Washington, D.C. The membership is varied, but has always regrouped individuals concerned about the evolution of techniques used in the food service industry. FICS members are working together to defend and preserve certain traditions of quality inherent to the French culinary art. We believe that in order to protect these fundamentals, the use and learning of specific techniques must be encouraged through the promotion and teaching of their values. The FICS is a non-profit organization with a social and educative purpose.