Culinary Shop

The Culinary Arts program trains students in all phases of the food service industry. Students receive the foundational knowledge and skills needed to enter a career in food services. While operating a restaurant open to the public, students receive 1,775 hours of back-of-house and front-of-house on-the-job experiential learning. They employ critical thinking skills independently and in teams to solve problems and make decisions. Leadership and teamwork skills are developed in collaborating with others to accomplish common goals and objectives. Students know and understand the importance of employability skills before entering the workforce. 

Get to know the Chef Instructors

• Chef Katrin Mandiola - Department Head 

I graduated from Johnson & Wales University with an Associate’s degree in Culinary Arts and a Bachelor’s degree in Food Service Management. With over 20 years of experience in the food service industry, I have worked in various roles, including dishwasher, prep cook, sous chef, catering, food service director, sales, and executive chef. Currently, I have the privilege of teaching the next generation of potential culinary professionals, preparing them for the workforce. Throughout my career, I’ve gained invaluable experience, and I’m excited to now pass on my knowledge to students, helping them strengthen their culinary skills and potentially pursue a career in the culinary arts; or at least acquire a valuable life skill. 

• Chef Olivia Nosal 

I am a graduate of the Culinary Institute of America, where I earned an Associate's degree in Culinary Arts. Over the past 20 years, I have gained extensive experience in various roles within the culinary industry, ranging from dishwasher to sous chef, and have worked in both casual dining and fine dining establishments. My primary focus has been on the creation and decoration of wedding and special occasion cakes. I am thrilled to embark on my new role as a Culinary Instructor at Platt Tech and am eager to share my knowledge and passion with the next generation of chefs and bakers.

• Chef Daniel Mingay

I bring over 45 years of experience in the food service industry and more than 30 years in culinary education. I began my career as an apprentice baker before advancing to become a cake decorator and Pastry Chef at an Italian pastry shop, where I worked for ten years. My industry experience also includes serving as a Bakery Manager and Pastry Chef at a private country club. In 1996, I began my teaching career at Bullard-Havens Technical High School as a Commercial Baking Instructor and later served as the Commercial Baking Department Head from 2004 to 2014. I transferred to Platt Technical High School as in Instructor in 2014, where I continue to teach Culinary Arts. Throughout my career, I have gained extensive experience in baking, pastry arts, and culinary education. I enjoy sharing my knowledge and passion with students, helping them develop hands-on skills, build confidence, and prepare for future opportunities in the culinary and hospitality industry.

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