Nov. 21, 2019
Ask any expert how best they learn, and chances are they’ll all have the same answer: In the field.
That’s no different for students studying food, though for them, “the field” is often a state-of-the-art kitchen with all the bells and whistles, located in a region known for its food and culture. So, where exactly is this dream kitchen? Many would argue it’s at the Culinary Institute of America (CIA)—located in Napa Valley, the heart of wine country in the United States.
Northern Arizona University students who earn a bachelor’s of science degree in Hotel and Restaurant Management (HRM) now have the option to attend CIA for the Accelerated Culinary Arts Program (ACAP)—a 10-month program that incorporates the courses HRM students have already taken at NAU and counts them toward the ACAP certificate.
NAU is continually ranked in the top 10 for best hotel and restaurant management programs in the world, but does not have a program specific to culinary arts. The new 4 + 1 program (four years at NAU spent earning a bachelor’s degree combined with one year earning the ACAP certificate at CIA) allows interested students to explore the art of cuisine.
“This innovative certificate program awarded by the CIA provides yet another amazing opportunity for our NAU students wanting to study culinary management at the world’s premier culinary management school,” said Frederick DeMicco, executive director and professor in HRM, who also is a founder of the CIA Greystone, Napa Valley ACAP Certificate. “The Greystone campus is an amazing educational venue located in world-renowned vineyards and fields of fresh produce.”
In addition to spending time in the kitchen, students learn how to incorporate fresh and best-in-season ingredients from the region while acquiring the skills needed to pair world-class wines with cuisine.
“The Culinary Institute of America is one of the premiere schools delivering powerful educational programs,” chef and HRM professor Mark Molinaro said. “The CIA is well established in the industry and the alumni networks are organized and supportive.”
While attending CIA Napa Valley Greystone Campus, students will learn from a variety of faculty, including professors, master chefs, food executives, restaurant owners and master sommeliers. After graduating with their certificates, students join the CIA alumni network and are provided opportunities to connect with more than 50,000 people in their field throughout the world. Notable alumni include Anthony Bourdain, Cat Cora, Grant Achatz and more.
“The CIA at Greystone is one of the world’s most unique and enriching schools for food and wine education,” DeMicco said. “And now our students will have the opportunity to study there.”
The CIA Napa Campus, built in the late 19th century and listed in the National Register of Historic Places, was once home to the Christian Brothers Winery. The winery includes several kitchens, classrooms and an auditorium in addition to restaurants, retail space and a student-run garden for herbs and produce. The CIA offers a certificate program in culinary arts and a master’s degree in wine management.
For more information, contact Frederick DeMicco or visit the CIA website.
Carly Banks | NAU Communications
(928) 523-5582 | carly.banks@nau.edu