Culinary Arts program set at UNH Thompson School

Beginning in the fall, the University of New Hampshire will offer a culinary arts program in its Thompson School of Applied Science.

The chef training program will allow students to partner with University Hospitality Services, where they will have the opportunity to cook meals at Holloway Commons dining hall and the university-run New England Center. The university said the program will be the only one of its kind on the Seacoast.

In addition to using the cooking labs on campus as part of the regular curriculum, the two-year program also will allow students to cook at the open kitchen in UNH's Holloway Commons, where customers watch their meals being prepared.

At the New England Center conference center and restaurant, students will learn how to manage buffets, banquets and a la carte menus. They also will take a fundamental baking class in the Thompson School kitchen, creating foods to support the two Thompson School-run dining venues, Stacey's Buffet and the Balcony Bistro.

"It's an exciting partnership," says Charlie Caramihalis, associate professor of food service management. "The students get great opportunities on campus and in the community to work in their field."

Another component of the program will be the summer work experience, which will allow students to work at a resort or restaurant. As part of the school's existing food service management curriculum, faculty have placed students at Foxwoods Casino in Connecticut, the Balsams in the White Mountains, and Cape Neddick Lobster Pound and Harborside Restaurant in Maine.

The integrated culinary arts curriculum allows students to take courses in the other majors within food service management, dietetic technician and restaurant management. After completing the culinary arts program, students can stay at the Thompson School for an additional year to get a second specialization in applied business management. Since students are already accepted at the Thompson School, all credits transfer for the third year option.

For more information, visit thompsonschool.unh.edu.

Copyright Business Publications Inc. Jun 6, 2008
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