It seems everywhere you turn a new restaurant is popping up trying to get a foothold in a very competitive industry. Miami Dade College hopes to support this enthusiastic entrepreneurial spirit at the Miami Culinary Institute. A long awaited addition, the $22-million eight story building located at the downtown Wolfson Campus is experiencing some construction delays but will be ready in April and open for summer semester classes. Featuring a professionally run restaurant, organic food lab, top-of-the-line instructional kitchens, and food & wine demonstration studios, it should be quite a facility.
MDC is the first and only public option for a culinary degree in South Florida. Another first is the school's commitment to a soil to soil concept. "Everything is sourced from the local market and all waste and refuse is turned into compost", explains Juan Mendieta, MDC's Communications Director.
The program will connect with the local community on several levels, offering a two-year culinary degree, an enthusiasts program for those looking to hone in on their cooking skills, and corporate training programs for local businesses. In addition, with the help of local chefs like Michelle Bernstein, Norman Van Aken, and Michael Schwartz, the program's curriculum will be competitive and "give students an opportunity to meet and learn from some of the best in the industry" explains Mendieta.
Classes are already in session, just not in their new digs. So sign up if you're looking to change up your future or work on your knife skills.
For more information and enrollment go to miamidadeculinary.com.
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