Culinary Arts Program Grows with Inspiration from TV Food Shows

Monday, November 4, 2024 | By: LaVigne, Anna M

Big-name food shows like "Top Chef” have put Wisconsin’s culinary talent on the map, sparking a surge of interested students at Fox Valley Technical College in the Culinary Arts program. To highlight this trend, Spectrum News 1 produced a story about the topic and asked Chef Mike Balistrieri, department chair and instructor of Culinary Arts at FVTC, and students for their thoughts.

One of those students is Grace Schmechel, who enrolled at FVTC with a deep-rooted love for food. Her passion for cooking was also shaped by her childhood love for food television.

“I enjoyed watching “MasterChef Junior” growing up. That was a lot of fun,” Grace explains.

Cooking shows have long been a source of inspiration for aspiring chefs, and Grace isn’t the only FVTC student influenced by them.

The Culinary Arts program has experienced significant growth, a trend that Chef Mike attributes to Wisconsin’s food scene.

Read the full Spectrum News 1 article to learn more about the big-name food shows that have inspired students:

FVTC In the News:

Spectrum News1: Food shows filmed in Wisconsin pique interest in the culinary arts

When a Cliff is Your Classroom

Celebrating Native American Heritage Month

Tags: Culinary Arts

Upcoming Events

Nov

Faculty Day - No Classes

Nov

On Campus: Lakeland University

Thinking of transferring to Lakeland University?

Nov

Open Registration Begins for Winterim & Spring Semester

Nov

Express Admissions Day - Appleton, Oshkosh and Wautoma

Visit us anytime between 8 a.m. and 6 p.m. and we’ll help you get started on your path to earning a degree. We’ve got a team ready to assist you through every part of the process. No need to register, just drop in when it’s convenient for you.

Nov

Explore Starting a Business - Appleton

This complimentary session provides an inside look at what it takes to launch a small business.

Nov

Manufacturing Job Fair - Appleton

Connecting students and employers at Fox Valley Tech's Appleton campus.

View All Events

@FOXVALLEYTECH ON INSTAGRAM

View this profile on Instagram

Fox Valley Technical College (@foxvalleytech) • Instagram photos and videos

Join Our Email List

Subscribe Today

_{Your information will remain private. FVTC will never share our email lists. See FVTC's privacy policy.}

Focus Magazine: 2024 Edition

This is your classroom

To prepare for work in the real world, we believe you need to learn in the real world.

Read the current issue of FVTC Focus magazine, highlighting students and alumni in hands-on programs like Natural Resources, Diesel, Cosmetology and much more!