Culinary Arts program plans for beach bistro, reopens deli

Hungry for more NIC culinary arts delicacies? There’s a possibility that fans of Emery’s might also enjoy food created by NIC culinary art students in the 2022 summer semester.

“We’re talking about buying a food trailer and maybe putting it on the other side of the dike,” said Jeff Jenkins, culinary arts instructor. “There’s a couple different places where we may put it.”

The expansion will come with changes to the curriculum so students taking the two-year culinary program will be in school throughout the summer semester and finish the following fall after enrollment.

Hillary Faeta-Ginepra, right, culinary arts instructor, shows Richie Deaver, 21, a second-semester culinary student, how to prepare short rib enchiladas for the Grab-and-go menu on Wednesday. “I really like to create things,” Deaver said. “I like to share it with other people. I just really like having a career where I can share it with those around me and give back to the community.”

“Especially in their industry, it’s hard that summer between the two years, because they get pulled into the industry,” Jenkins said. “Then they’re full-time working, and they don’t come back that second year.”

Jenkins said the changes to the program schedule would help students complete their degree faster and keep the semesters more connected so students would be more likely to complete the program.

“I feel like it would make the experience on the beach really cool,” said Kennedi Engelbrecht, 19, a second-semester culinary student. “It would allow us to interact with customers a lot more which we are limited to.”

On Dec. 16, the NIC Foundation Grant Program awarded the program $7,000 to cover the cost of site preparation for a beachside bistro. Jenkins said the summer food operation will be student-run, with students creating marketing and meal plans in class.

“I just think it’s a cool opportunity for us to be out and about,” said Joshua Whitt, culinary arts student and member of the culinary club.

NICularts, the student-run deli, reopened once again Wednesday to serve the community. Emery’s however will remain close except for private functions as it did in the fall semester.

Alex Cole, 19, a second-semester culinary student, prepares the shrimp taco salad for the NICularts Deli on Wednesday. Cole said that his inspiration to study culinary was his mom who taught him everything he knew up until starting the program. Cole said he hopes to open up a bakery after graduation and will probably study under a baker.

“Right now, because of the campus restrictions, it’s too hard for people to go in and have lunch because all the students, staff, everybody have to have the social distance,” Jenkins said. “We’re hoping we might get to be opened up a little more by the end of the semester.”

Jenkins said that the Thursday Take ‘n’ Reheat meals, started in the fall semester, has been doing very well, selling out almost every week.

“That’s been a big help,” Jenkins said. “We also don’t have much foot traffic, even for the deli.”

Jenkins said it is undecided as to whether they will continue offering Take ‘n’ Reheat meals after COVID-19 restrictions are lifted.

“The reason is we can only do so much,” Jenkins said. “We don’t even know what next year is going to look like.”

However, fans of the culinary art program still make sure to visit on Wednesdays and Thursdays when the deli is open from 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Sonja Nehr-Kanet, left, medical lab technology program director and instructor, treated her senior students to lunch at NICularts Deli on Wednesday. Photo by Seth Hoisington.

“I always like to support my culinary school,” said Sonja Nehr-Kanet, medical lab technology program director and instructor, took her senior students to the deli for lunch as they prepare to launch off on their internships. “This is my treat for them. It’s so hard with COVID to do anything special so this is a nice way of doing that too.”

NICularts Deli and Emery’s is located on the second floor of the Hedlund building. You can find information on their weekly menu or watch for updates on their Facebook page or Instagram.