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culinary

SUNY Niagara Chef Presents at National Convention

By News Archive

Niagara Falls, N.Y. – Nathan Koscielski, an assistant professor of hospitality and culinary arts at SUNY Niagara’s Niagara Falls Culinary Institute (NFCI), presented at the American Culinary Federation (ACF) National Convention in Phoenix last week. Koscielski’s demonstration, “Exploring Cannabis Terpenes for Culinary Use,” discussed how to incorporate cannabis strains into recipes and how different cannabis compounds can match the flavor profile of a dish.

The ACF National Convention brings together culinary professionals from various facets of the industry. It is the largest annual gathering of chefs, students and foodservice professionals in the U.S. Only recognized subject matter experts receive invitations to present at the conference.

“Being invited to speak at the ACF National Convention is truly an honor and a highlight of my career thus far,” said Koscielski. “The culinary cannabis industry has so much potential, and I am excited to share my knowledge with the other great chefs at the convention.”

Koscielski has helped establish SUNY Niagara as a leader in culinary cannabis education. He created SUNY’s first credit-bearing, culinary cannabis-focused college coursework and began teaching the first class he developed, “Culinary Cannabis and Edibles,” in 2021, before New York state legalized the cultivation, sale and use of cannabis.

SUNY Niagara was the site of the inaugural SUNY Cannabis Conference in 2023, bringing in cannabis experts and enthusiasts from across the world. The college hosted the annual event again in January, adding a showcase of culinary cannabis at NFCI that featured the first-ever ACF culinary cannabis competition and a CBD-infused lunch and dinner. Koscielski hosted a cooking demonstration at each conference, crafting CBD-infused Bananas Foster in 2023 and Cherries Jubilee in 2024.

Chef Nathan Koscielski demonstrates his CBD-infused Bananas Foster.

“Chef Nate’s relentless pursuit of culinary cannabis innovation has been a game-changer for NFCI,” said Assistant Vice President of Academic Affairs Josh Blumberg. “His unwavering dedication to both his students and his craft exemplifies the transformative power of culinary arts.”

The SUNY Niagara Workforce Development Office offers a variety of horticulture cannabis classes, including culinary cannabis, which are open to the public. For more information, click here.

Gingerbread Wonderland

Life-Sized Gingerbread Wonderland Returns to NFCI In December 2023

By News Archive

November 17, 2023

Gingerbread Wonderland will return to the Niagara Falls Culinary Institute (NFCI) from November 25 through December 17. Events will run Saturdays from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Sundays from 12 to 4 p.m. The public is welcome to check out the colorful, giant gingerbread masterpiece, constructed by the talented students and chefs of the Baking and Pastry Arts program.

Gingerbread Wonderland also offers a variety of holiday themed activities for the whole family to enjoy. Visitors can experience live music, face painting, cookie decorating, crafts, children’s story times, and even visits with Santa Claus himself! Admission is free and festive activity sets are available to purchase for $10. Each set includes two delicious cookies with supplies to decorate them, two crafts, two coloring sheets with crayons, and two letters to Santa.

The annual gingerbread competition will also return to this year’s schedule of events. All are welcome to enter as we offer professional, amateur, high school, college, and children’s categories. Entry forms are due by November 27 and all physical entries must be brought to NFCI, located at 28 Old Falls Street, Niagara Falls, on Thursday, November 30 between 9:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m.

In addition to the holiday fun inside NFCI, Jingle Falls USA will also provide activities on Old Falls Street outside of the building on November 24 through November 26. Gingerbread Wonderland and Jingle Falls events are free and open to the public.  For more information about the Gingerbread Wonderland or to sign up for the gingerbread competition, please visit our website at: https://www.niagaracc.suny.edu/nfci/gingerbread/.

Gingerbread Wonderland will return to the Niagara Falls Culinary Institute (NFCI) from November 25 through December 17. Events will run Saturdays from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Sundays from 12 to 4 p.m. The public is welcome to check out the colorful, giant gingerbread masterpiece, constructed by the talented students and chefs of the Baking and Pastry Arts program.

Gingerbread Wonderland also offers a variety of holiday themed activities for the whole family to enjoy. Visitors can experience live music, face painting, cookie decorating, crafts, children’s story times, and even visits with Santa Claus himself! Admission is free and festive activity sets are available to purchase for $10. Each set includes two delicious cookies with supplies to decorate them, two crafts, two coloring sheets with crayons, and two letters to Santa.

The annual gingerbread competition will also return to this year’s schedule of events. All are welcome to enter as we offer professional, amateur, high school, college, and children’s categories. Entry forms are due by November 27 and all physical entries must be brought to NFCI, located at 28 Old Falls Street, Niagara Falls, on Thursday, November 30 between 9:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m.

In addition to the holiday fun inside NFCI, Jingle Falls USA will also provide activities on Old Falls Street outside of the building on November 24 through November 26. Gingerbread Wonderland and Jingle Falls events are free and open to the public.  For more information about the Gingerbread Wonderland or to sign up for the gingerbread competition, please visit our website at: https://www.niagaracc.suny.edu/nfci/gingerbread/.

 

 


Media Contact Information

Barbara M. DeSimone
AVP of Institutional Advancement
Phone: 716-614-5904
Email: deSimone@niagaracc.suny.edu

Gingerbread House

Life-Sized Gingerbread Wonderland Returns to NFCI

By News Archive

November 21, 2022

Gingerbread House

Winner from the 2021 Gingerbread Competition at NFCI.

Gingerbread Wonderland will return to the Niagara Falls Culinary Institute (NFCI) from November 26 through December 18. Events will run Saturdays from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Sundays from 12 to 4 p.m. The public is welcome to check out the colorful, giant gingerbread masterpiece, constructed by the talented students and chefs of the Baking and Pastry Arts program.

As if a giant cookie village wasn’t sweet enough, NFCI’s Gingerbread Wonderland also offers a variety of holiday themed activities for the whole family to enjoy. Visitors can experience live music, face painting, cookie decorating, crafts, children’s story times, and even visits with Santa Claus himself! Admission is free and festive activity sets are available to purchase for $10. Each set includes two delicious cookies with supplies to decorate them, two crafts, two coloring sheets with crayons, and two letters to Santa.

The annual gingerbread competition will also return to this year’s schedule of events. All are welcome to enter as we offer professional, amateur, high school, college, and children’s categories. Entry forms are due by November 28 and all physical entries must be brought to NFCI, located at 28 Old Falls Street, Niagara Falls, on Thursday, December 1 between 9:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m.

In addition to the holiday fun inside NFCI, Jingle Falls USA will also provide activities on Old Falls Street outside of the building on Saturdays from November 26 through December 10. Gingerbread Wonderland and Jingle Falls events are free and open to the public, with free parking provided by Niagara Falls State Park and the City of Niagara Falls on Nov. 26, Dec. 3 and Dec. 10 only.  For more information about the Gingerbread Wonderland or to sign up for the gingerbread competition, please visit our website at: https://www.niagaracc.suny.edu/nfci/gingerbread/.

Gingerbread Wonderland will return to the Niagara Falls Culinary Institute (NFCI) from November 26 through December 18. Events will run Saturdays from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Sundays from 12 to 4 p.m. The public is welcome to check out the colorful, giant gingerbread masterpiece, constructed by the talented students and chefs of the Baking and Pastry Arts program.

As if a giant cookie village wasn’t sweet enough, NFCI’s Gingerbread Wonderland also offers a variety of holiday themed activities for the whole family to enjoy. Visitors can experience live music, face painting, cookie decorating, crafts, children’s story times, and even visits with Santa Claus himself! Admission is free and festive activity sets are available to purchase for $10. Each set includes two delicious cookies with supplies to decorate them, two crafts, two coloring sheets with crayons, and two letters to Santa.

The annual gingerbread competition will also return to this year’s schedule of events. All are welcome to enter as we offer professional, amateur, high school, college, and children’s categories. Entry forms are due by November 28 and all physical entries must be brought to NFCI, located at 28 Old Falls Street, Niagara Falls, on Thursday, December 1 between 9:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m.

In addition to the holiday fun inside NFCI, Jingle Falls USA will also provide activities on Old Falls Street outside of the building on Saturdays from November 26 through December 10. Gingerbread Wonderland and Jingle Falls events are free and open to the public, with free parking provided by Niagara Falls State Park and the City of Niagara Falls on Nov. 26, Dec. 3 and Dec. 10 only.  For more information about the Gingerbread Wonderland or to sign up for the gingerbread competition, please visit our website at: https://www.niagaracc.suny.edu/nfci/gingerbread/.

 

Gingerbread House

Winner from the 2021 Gingerbread Competition at NFCI.


Media Contact Information

Denyel Beiter
Public Relations Assistant
Phone: 716-614-5974
Email: dbeiter@niagaracc.suny.edu

American Culinary Federations Judges examine entry in 2019 culinary competition.

NFCI Hosts Culinary Competition to Honor Monte Dolce

By News Archive

April 12, 2022

American Culinary Federations Judges examine entry in 2019 culinary competition.

American Culinary Federations Judges examine entry in 2019 culinary competition.

The Niagara Falls Culinary Institute (NFCI) will host the American Culinary Federation (ACF) Monte Dolce Spring Classic Competition on Saturday, April 23 – Sunday, April 24 from 8:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. each day.  While most competitors are from NFCI, there are also participants from California, the Patterson Club in Connecticut, the Duquesne Club in Pittsburgh, and one competitor from Guatemala.

The faculty at NFCI are eager to host the event after it has been postponed for 2 years due to COVID.  “The professionalism and talent that surrounds this event is so very inspiring,” says Chef Scott Steiner, Coordinator of Culinary Arts at NFCI.   Saturday features cold platter displays, specialty cakes, pastry tables and bread displays, and live ice carving on Old Falls Street in front of NFCI.  Sunday will consist of live contemporary cooking for student and professional chefs and pastry chefs.  Competitors will have a 1-hour time slot with a 10 minute window for plating to create and exhibit their best live-action skills as they are being closely watched by ACF-certified judges.

The competition has been named after Monte Dolce, who was a chef, educator, adjunct instructor at NFCI, and founding member of the ACF of Greater Buffalo.  Following his death from cancer in 2021, the ACF of Greater Buffalo wanted to honor Chef Dolce for the dedication he showed to the organization since 1968.  “Chef Monte was a very close friend of mine, and I want to keep his legacy alive,” says Steiner.

The competition coincides with the Spring Open House at the Niagara Falls Culinary Institute on Saturday, April 23, allowing the public to an opportunity to view the state-of-the-art culinary labs in action, as well as explore college programs and career opportunities.  Both events are free to attend, and more information can be found at https://www.niagaracc.suny.edu/nfci/

The Niagara Falls Culinary Institute (NFCI) will host the American Culinary Federation (ACF) Monte Dolce Spring Classic Competition on Saturday, April 23 – Sunday, April 24 from 8:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. each day.  While most competitors are from NFCI, there are also participants from California, the Patterson Club in Connecticut, the Duquesne Club in Pittsburgh, and one competitor from Guatemala.

The faculty at NFCI are eager to host the event after it has been postponed for 2 years due to COVID.  “The professionalism and talent that surrounds this event is so very inspiring,” says Chef Scott Steiner, Coordinator of Culinary Arts at NFCI.   Saturday features cold platter displays, specialty cakes, pastry tables and bread displays, and live ice carving on Old Falls Street in front of NFCI.  Sunday will consist of live contemporary cooking for student and professional chefs and pastry chefs.  Competitors will have a 1-hour time slot with a 10 minute window for plating to create and exhibit their best live-action skills as they are being closely watched by ACF-certified judges.

The competition has been named after Monte Dolce, who was a chef, educator, adjunct instructor at NFCI, and founding member of the ACF of Greater Buffalo.  Following his death from cancer in 2021, the ACF of Greater Buffalo wanted to honor Chef Dolce for the dedication he showed to the organization since 1968.  “Chef Monte was a very close friend of mine, and I want to keep his legacy alive,” says Steiner.

The competition coincides with the Spring Open House at the Niagara Falls Culinary Institute on Saturday, April 23, allowing the public to an opportunity to view the state-of-the-art culinary labs in action, as well as explore college programs and career opportunities.  Both events are free to attend, and more information can be found at https://www.niagaracc.suny.edu/nfci/

American Culinary Federations Judges examine entry in 2019 culinary competition.

American Culinary Federations Judges examine entry in 2019 culinary competition.


Media Contact Information

Sara Harvey
Assistant Director of Public Relations
Phone: 716-614-6220
Email: sharvey@niagaracc.suny.edu

Nathan Koscielski

SUNY Niagara Blazing a Trail in Culinary Cannabis Industry

By News Archive

SUNY Niagara Blazing a Trail
in Culinary Cannabis Industry

February 25, 2021 

The cannabis economy is growing and SUNY Niagara has answered the call to educate those who wish to enter the field. The College began offering a cannabis-focused curriculum through their Horticulture program in 2019. Now, they plan to grow their cannabis-infused lesson plans to their accomplished culinary arts program.

During a May 2020 curriculum meeting at SUNY Niagara, Chef Nathan Koscielski, a Certified Culinary Instructor at the Niagara Falls Culinary Institute stated, “Many states are legalizing cannabis for recreational use. I want the Niagara Falls Culinary Institute and SUNY Niagara to be the gold standard when it comes to professional culinary cannabis education.” He added, “I understand that this is a controversial topic and there are stigmas, but I am approaching this from an educational perspective with a focus on safety as more chefs and culinarians enter this growing space.” His research, education, and presentation were widely accepted, and by January 2021, students were enrolled in the College’s first-ever culinary cannabis class.

Nathan Koscielski

NFCI Instructor, Chef Nathan Koscielski, poses with his Specialization Certificate in Culinary Cannabis and Edibles from the American Culinary Federation.

Speaking of firsts, Chef Koscielski was part of the inaugural Specialization Certificate in Culinary Cannabis and Edibles from the American Culinary Federation, making him one of the first 50 chefs in the United States to receive accreditation in culinary cannabis. SUNY Niagara is the only SUNY school to offer a culinary-centric cannabis course. The premier class is already a big hit; he proudly shares that class attendance has been at 100% since the beginning of the semester. His students are passionate, they share lively discussions, and are proud to be student pioneers of this fast-growing industry, state and nationwide.

The chef’s vision for cannabis-based cooking courses at NFCI is as vast as the cannabis industry is endless. “I cannot think of a single ingredient that could be used for savory and sweet dishes, beverages, and even retail,” explains Chef Koscielski. “There are so many different strains, each one with its unique flavor profile. The health benefits are bountiful and fluctuate depending on the variation. Cannabis is changing the foodservice industry. Those who have a growth mindset and can see it as an ingredient are going to thrive.”

The Culinary Cannabis and Edibles course does not yet include hands-on culinary training or sampling as New York State has not passed the legalization or regulation of recreational marijuana. Rather, this course focuses on educating student chefs about the proper handling of THC-based ingredients as well as non-THC ingredients, such as hemp and CBD (cannabinoids). The course covers terpenes, the primary reason cannabis strains smell and taste the way they do. Students learn how to determine which cannabis to choose based on the type of sweet or savory dish they would prepare. For example, Super Citrus Haze is tart, perfect for pairing with a light sugary dessert while a Sweet Pink Kush strain would complement seafood. Distinctive Sour Diesel cannabis will shine through even when paired with bold ingredients like rosemary and a variety of rich game meats.

The curriculum is also heavy in math and science covering topics such as: extraction, concentrates, dosing, plant anatomy, and the human endocannabinoid system. Business and retail topics in this course include cannabis shopping and storage. Students will also spend a considerable amount of time exploring careers in the culinary cannabis industry. This course is specifically designed to prepare students for the American Culinary Federation’s Specialization Certificate in Culinary Cannabis and Edibles exam.

The world is just at the dawning of cannabis opportunities on a grand scale. Chef Koscielski shares, “SUNY Niagara is at the forefront of it all. The future of our cannabis curriculum could attract students from across the nation.” He explains, “I would love for our students to stay in the Western New York region after they graduate, but some do move to other places. I want them to take this type of education with them if they decide to cook in states where recreational marijuana is legal.” He concluded, “The benefits of cannabis are undeniable when it comes to its medicinal properties and the effect on the economy.” This ingredient could play a major role not only in the lives of SUNY Niagara students’ but could also across our region in the horticulture, health, and culinary fields as well.


Media Contact Information

Denyel Beiter
Event Coordinator, Public Relations and Event Management
Phone: 716-614-5974
Email: dbeiter@niagaracc.suny.edu

Alexander Dispence

SUNY Niagara Alumnus to Compete in WNY’s Taste of Education Iron Chef Champions Competition

By News Archive

February 28, 2020

SUNY Niagara Alumnus Alexander Dispence will compete in this year’s WNY Taste of Education Iron Chef Champions Competition on Tuesday, March 10th at Salvatore’s Italian Gardens. Three previous winners of the Iron Chef Competition will compete to be named the best-of-the-best!

Growing up, Alex said that food has always been a big part of his life. “I loved watching Food Network and especially Iron Chef America,” he said. “It was so amazing to see what everyday food items can be transformed into!” From there, Alex began working in the food industry in 2009. “I knew that this was my passion,” he said, “and that I was willing to work hard to be successful in it.”

In order to achieve his goals, Alex recognized that he needed to receive an education. “I toured SUNY Niagara and NFCI and was so impressed with all that they had to offer their students! I was excited to be a part of it.” Alex graduated from the Niagara Falls Culinary Institute with his degree in Culinary Arts in 2013 and to this day continues to thank his instructors for the impact they had on him. “There were so many instructors from NFCI who became mentors to me that I can’t name them all; I am so thankful for all the positive influence they had on me. While I’m cooking, I think about how I want to make them proud so I try to prepare the best dish possible every time.”

Upon graduation, Alex has worked in some of America’s most prestigious clubs and resorts such as the Greenbrier in White Sulpher Springs, WV as well as The Vintage Club in Indian Wells, CA and Oak Hill Country Club in Rochester. He even worked as a live-in private chef in the Hamptons and Manhattan. Currently, Alex is the Executive Chef at Byrncliff Golf Resort & Banquets. When asked how it feels to have achieved so much success already, Alex continues to stay humble. “I am honored to have been selected to compete in this year’s competition and to make it to this point in my career. It’s important to me that I always keep growing so that I can continue to make my family, friends, peers, and mentors proud of me.”

To watch Alex compete in this year’s competition or for more information on the event, please visit https://www.eventbrite.com/e/taste-of-education-tickets-91254323137.


Media Contact Information

Sara Harvey
Assistant Director of Public Relations and Event Management
Phone: 716-614-6220
Email: saharvey@niagaracc.suny.edu

NFCI Youth Camp Instructor Jesse Dejac

Culinary fun for chefs of all ages at NFCI

By News Archive

February 11, 2020

The Niagara Falls Culinary Institute (NFCI) is a well-known spot for budding chefs to hone their culinary skills, and community education classes offer opportunities for even the youngest of kitchen connoisseurs.  In addition to traditional degree and certificate programs, NFCI offers a healthy list of one-time classes for the public to enjoy.

For adults, classes are offered in the evenings, each showcasing a different theme.  From scratch ravioli to cupcake decorating, the lineup of offerings is sure to please every palate.  Community education classes are popular for date nights, team-building exercises for companies, and for those who just enjoy cooking as a hobby.  Don’t see a class that suits you, or interested in setting up a culinary competition between your friends?  NFCI instructors are able to customize a private class to satisfy any appetite!

For those aged 8-17, NFCI offers multiple youth camps in the summer to educate and inspire young chefs.  Kids are able to explore food in a fun way both in a team and individually while using professional tools and techniques used by real chefs.  The best part is that students can even take home some of the food for their parents to try!

Registration for youth camps and adult community education classes is now open.  To see what’s cooking at NFCI and to reserve your spot, visit nfculinary.org today!

Chef Scott Steiner

Local Chef from Culinary Institute Wins National Educator of the Year

By News Archive

August 9, 2019

Chef Scott Steiner, Assistant Professor and Culinary Arts Program Coordinator at the Niagara Falls Culinary Institute (NFCI) was awarded the American Culinary Federation (ACF) National Chef Educator of the Year Award at the ACF Conference in Orlando.  Chef Steiner competed against three other chefs from different regions across the country in a live-action demonstration at the annual conference.  The American Culinary Federation is the largest professional chefs’ organization in North America.

Steiner, of Lockport, NY, advanced to the national challenge after winning the ACF Northeast Regional Chef Educator of the Year Award in March held at the Niagara Falls Culinary Institute.  The Niagara Falls Culinary Institute is a division of SUNY Niagara.

Chef Steiner has been a faculty member at NFCI since the building opened in August 2012, and was instrumental in getting the culinary arts program accredited by the ACF.  Chef Steiner has mentored many students during his career, helping them to receive substantial scholarships, and ultimately putting them on a successful path to become professional chefs themselves.

Chef Steiner began his culinary journey as a student at Emerson Vocational High School in Buffalo and continued his education at SUNY College at Buffalo receiving a B.S. in Career and Technical Education and an M.S. in Multidisciplinary Studies.  As an educator, he is always looking for ways to update the curriculum and keeping courses relevant and current.  Most recently, Chef Steiner has been assisting in the transition of Savor Restaurant, the fine dining establishment at NFCI, to a full academic operation opening in October 2019.

ACF Judges from 2018 competition at NFCI

NFCI to host culinary competition

By News Archive

April 24, 2019

The Niagara Falls Culinary Institute (NFCI) will host an American Culinary Federation (ACF) competition on Saturday, April 27 – Sunday, April 28 from 8:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. on both days. This annual competition is geared towards promoting student and professional cooking excellence and is open to the public for anyone interested in viewing the action. There is no charge to attend.

NFCI offers a class specifically designed to train students to become culinary competitors. “Competition creates an atmosphere of learning and striving to take your abilities to the next level. Competitors involved improve their skills, and spectators build confidence by watching and prepare to take on the challenge of competing in the future,” says Assistant Professor and Coordinator of Culinary Arts, Chef Scott Steiner.

Some highlights of the 2-day competition include live ice carving along with pastry and culinary display work on Saturday. Sunday will feature a live cooking competition with professionals plating four entrees and student competitors plating two.

For more information on offerings at NFCI, visit www.nfculinary.org/

NFCI’s Scott Steiner honored as Chef Educator of the Year

By News Archive
Dorothy Morton, ACF of Greater Buffalo Chapter President, Chef Scott Steiner, Mark Wright, American Academy of Chefs National Chair

Dorothy Morton, ACF of Greater Buffalo Chapter President, Chef Scott Steiner, Mark Wright, American Academy of Chefs National Chair

March 28, 2019

Chef Scott Steiner, Assistant Professor and Culinary Arts Program Coordinator at the Niagara Falls Culinary Institute (NFCI) was awarded the American Culinary Federation (ACF) Chef Educator of the Year Award for the Northeast Region. The American Culinary Federation is the largest professional chefs’ organization in North America, with the Northeast Region covering 14 states.

Chef Steiner has been a faculty member at NFCI since it opened in August of 2012, and was instrumental in getting the program accredited by the ACF.  He has continually moved up and looked for opportunities to expand his role, including organizing an annual gingerbread competition in December as part of the Gingerbread Wonderland activities and running an ACF sanctioned competition and food salon at the end of each school year.  Chef Steiner has mentored many students during his career, helping them to receive substantial scholarships, ultimately putting them on a successful path to become professional chefs themselves.

Chef Steiner began his culinary journey as a student at Emerson Vocational High School in Buffalo and moved on to receive a B.S. in Career and Technical Education and an M.S. in Multidisciplinary Studies from SUNY College at Buffalo.  As an educator, he is always looking for ways to update the curriculum and keep courses relevant and current.  Most recently, Chef Steiner is assisting in the transition of Savor Restaurant, the fine dining establishment at NFCI to a fully academic operation for the fall of 2019.  In addition to his numerous duties at NFCI, Chef Steiner will be competing against 3 other chefs from different ACF regions across the country for the national title of ACF Chef Educator of the Year this August.