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Niagara Falls Culinary Institute

Feb 28
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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

Feb 26
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Niagara Falls Culinary Institute

SUNY Niagara welcomes community leaders to annual event

By News Archive

February 26, 2020

SUNY Niagara will welcome community representatives from business, education, religious groups, non-profit organizations, and legislative leaders to a luncheon at the Niagara Falls Culinary Institute (NFCI) on Thursday, March 12th. This event will feature presentations from various areas of the college, highlighting SUNY and college advocacy initiatives, as well as developments at SUNY Niagara. Updates from Academic Affairs, Workforce Development, the Niagara Small Business Development Center, Grants, and a Strategic Plan overview will be presented by faculty and staff of SUNY Niagara.

In addition to college representatives, attendees will hear from Katie and Nick Graves of Craft Coffee House in Pendleton. The couple, both SUNY Niagara graduates, will share their experience as former students and now community partners. The Leadership Luncheon is the third annual event of this nature, an initiative that started under President William J. Murabito, Ph.D.

Media Contact Information

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

Feb 11
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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!

Jan 08
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Niagara Falls Culinary Institute

NFCI completes successful active shooter drill

By News Archive

January 8, 2020

An active shooter response drill was conducted at the Niagara Falls Culinary Institute (NFCI) on Tuesday, January 7, 2020.  Under the direction of the Niagara Falls Police Department, the drill was conducted during non-operational hours.

The drill was conducted to test the emergency phone notification system (RAVE system) as well as the response from the SUNY Niagara Public Safety Department.  As part of the drill, the College collaborated with other first responders, including the Niagara Falls Police Department and the Niagara Falls Fire Department.  Participants were asked for their input regarding any necessary safety enhancements and training recommendations.

This event is part of continuing training to improve safety on campus, and plans are in place to invest in additional security features in the coming months.  A similar drill was conducted on the Sanborn campus of SUNY Niagara on Friday, July 26, 2019.

Dec 20
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Niagara Falls Culinary Institute

NFCI plans active shooter drill for Tuesday, January 7, 2020

By News Archive

December 20, 2019

An active shooter response drill will be conducted at the Niagara Falls Culinary Institute (NFCI) on Tuesday, January 7, 2020.  Under the direction of the Niagara Falls Police Department, staging will begin at 8:00 a.m. and the drill is scheduled to begin at 9:30 a.m. The event is closed to the public.

The drill is being conducted to test the emergency phone notification system (RAVE system) as well as the response from the SUNY Niagara Public Safety Department.  As part of the drill, the College will be collaborating with other first responders, including the Niagara Falls Police Department and the Niagara Falls Fire Department.  A debriefing session will take place following the drill to assess the response from all participants.

This event is part of continuing training to improve safety on campus.  A similar drill was conducted on the Sanborn campus of SUNY Niagara on Friday, July 26, 2019.

Nov 12
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Gingerbread Wonderland

NFCI presents sweet holiday tradition of Gingerbread Wonderland for 8th year

By News Archive

November 12, 2019

The talented students and chefs of the baking and pastry arts program at the Niagara Falls Culinary Institute (NFCI) have been working for months now planning and now building the life-size gingerbread village that is a part of Gingerbread Wonderland.  This colorful, edible masterpiece takes approximately 3,000 man-hours to complete and is comprised of 1,200 pounds of gingerbread, 2,400 pounds of royal icing, 400 pounds of edible decorations and tiles, and 100 pounds of fondant.  Last year’s creation was featured in Food and Wine’s list of “7 Magical Gingerbread Houses to See This Season” and this year promises to impress with a new design for guests to enjoy.

As if a giant gingerbread house wasn’t sweet enough, NFCI also offers a variety of holiday-themed activities for the whole family to enjoy.  Starting Saturday, November 30th through Sunday, December 22, visitors can experience live entertainment, face painting, cookie decorating, crafts, and even visits with Santa Claus himself!  The hours are Fridays, from 5 to 8 p.m.; Saturdays, from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.; and Sundays, from Noon to 4 p.m.

For those who wish to view a variety of smaller gingerbread houses, entries in the annual competition sponsored by Delaware North can be viewed from Thursday, December 5th through Tuesday, December 10.  Those interested in other activities might enjoy an ice carving demonstration on Old Falls Street on Saturday, December 7 at 12:00 p.m. or the train show featured on Saturday, December 14-Sunday, December 15.  One of the final special events of the season at NFCI will be a magic show on Saturday, December 21 at 2:00 p.m.

The Niagara Falls Culinary Institute is located at 28 Old Falls Street, Niagara Falls, NY.  For more information on the Niagara Falls Culinary Institute’s Gingerbread Wonderland, visit www.nfculinary.org/gingerbread.

Nov 08
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Daniel DiPirro

New Experience to Savor at NFCI

By News Archive

November 8, 2019

The Niagara Falls Culinary Institute (NFCI) has always provided up-and-coming chefs with a hands-on learning environment to sharpen their skills in culinary arts and baking and pastry arts, and now these unique programs will provide even more opportunities for students to excel and stand out in their field.  New this fall, the retail outlets at NFCI have revised their approach by launching a completely academic model supported by SUNY Niagara.

This all-academic model means that chef instructors at NFCI will be incorporating rotations in the retail outlets as part of the curriculum for students.  The applied learning experience of preparing and serving food in an active restaurant right in the heart of a world-class tourist destination is a unique and valuable tool to ensure students are ready to be successful in a career right after graduation.  Those looking to accelerate the program may be interested in the new 16-month curriculum at NFCI, which allows students to graduate and get into their careers much sooner than a traditional 2-year program.

In addition to the student-run restaurant experience, the menu will be updated to a prix fixe format.  Guests will be able to enjoy a two-course lunch menu weekdays from 11:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. including an appetizer and entrée.  A three-course dinner including an appetizer, entrée, and dessert will be served from Tuesday through Saturday from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.   Guests will be able to indulge in savory entrées and decadent desserts created by chef instructors and students, and can watch them refine their craft in an open view kitchen.

Like a good meal, cooking up these new developments at NFCI has taken time.  In an effort to prepare students for their new roles and provide the best dining experience for guests, the Savor schedule revolves around student class modules.  The restaurant will reopen for lunch and dinner service on Wednesday, November 13th.  While not required, it is recommended that guests make a reservation by calling 716-210-2580.  Rest assured that the quality of food and service will be the highest priority, and guests will be treated to an experience worth savoring.

For more information on the academic programs and retail outlets at the Niagara Falls Culinary Institute, visit nfculinary.org

Aug 09
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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.

Apr 24
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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/

Mar 28
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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.