Nashville may be Music City, but we’re also known for our food. From barbecue to hot chicken to fine dining, our culinary scene is impressive — and growing. One thing the industry needs, though, is skilled workers. Enter: Nossi College of Art’s brand new Culinary Arts program.

Established in 1973, Nossi College of Art is Tennessee’s only private art college, offering degrees in graphic design, photography, illustration, and video + film — and now culinary arts.

The program kicks off this fall and will be offered as a 2-year associate’s degree led by award-winning Chef Anthony Mandriota, with a curriculum designed with the help of an advisory board of professional chefs and managers (including Chef Tom Eckert, who has worked under celebrity chef Maneet Chauhan).

Chef Anthony Mandriotta, Department Chair of Nossi College of Art’s new Culinary Arts program | Photo by Nick Fantasia

Nossi transformed part of its existing building into a professional culinary kitchen for students to gain hands-on experience. You can see the space — and the faculty in action — in this video.

In addition to learning kitchen fundamentals, advanced techniques, and recipe development, students will also gain leadership and financial management skills. Read: They’ll be learning how to make money as well as great food.

Classes include:

Fundamental Culinary Techniques
Restaurant Technology and Cost Control
Pastry Science
Culinary Capstone
and more.

Applications for the program are open now for the Fall 2021 semester, which begins Sept. 7. Learn more. Ⓟ