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Culinary Institute Settles into Haverhill’s Food Scene

High above the busy streets of downtown Haverhill, there’s a hustle and bustle with a rhythm all its own. Mixers whir, knives slice and dice, and timers sound, all while the Merrimack River flows coolly by.

The product of a long-simmering idea to grow a culinary program at the college, the Lupoli Family Institute of Culinary Arts at Northern Essex opened in 2020 and is now offering up a full slate of credit and non-credit classes. The institute occupies two floors in The Heights, a newly built ten-story luxury building on Merrimack Street.

“We have kitchens equipped with the very best, in a building with an amazing view,” said program coordinator Chef Denis Boucher. “It’s an inspiring place to cook and learn.”

Bringing Classes To The Community

More than 250 people are currently enrolled in this fall’s non-credit culinary classes. These classes are designed for adults looking to brush up on their skills, learn new dishes, and make new connections. All classes are taught by industry professionals.

“There’s increased interest in growing your own food and cooking at home, and we’ve tailored our courses with that in mind,” says Sandy Zappala, program coordinator with the NECC Center for Corporate & Community Education.

One of the main ingredients for the success of the noncredit program is its course flexibility. Most meet on weekday evenings and cost about the same as a meal out. Participants can self-register at any time and choose from a wide variety of topics. Current classes include: Hara Bhara Kebabs and Sweet Potato Chaat; Chinese Lo Mein and Crab Rangoon; and Beef Bourguignon & Mediterranean Seafood Stew in a Flash.

“These courses are for people who enjoy cooking and want to learn more about the culinary arts,” says Zappala. “The focus is on having fun while learning.”

Students get to enjoy the meals they prepared at the end of each class and, Zappala says, there are often extra portions they can take home.

Preparing For Culinary Careers

The Lupoli Family Institute of Culinary Arts is also home to two credit programs. Chef Denis says the 63-credit Associate Degree in Hospitality Management focuses on an understanding of business operations and can be transferred to a bachelor’s degree program in hospitality or a related major. The 29-credit Culinary Arts Certificate is geared toward people who want to prepare quickly—in under a year—for careers in restaurants, hotels and more. The program is already off to a promising start. One of the first recipients of the Culinary Arts Certificate, Mercedes Rodriguez, is now at the renowned Culinary Institute of America (CIA). She credits her teachers at NECC for helping her reach the next step in her academic journey.

“The teachers are the biggest resource. All you have to do is ask. I bother them all day with questions.”

Rodriguez joined the CIA’s Associate Program in Baking and Pastry this past September. One day, she hopes to open a vegan bakery.

The Sky Is The Limit

Restaurants and food-based businesses have played a large role in revitalization efforts in downtown Haverhill. In fact, The Heights has space for a restaurant and rooftop bar, which will provide a training ground for students in the Northern Essex culinary program. The Lupoli Family Institute of Culinary Arts will become part of the thriving food scene by training new culinary talent, tapping into local industry professionals, and utilizing area vendors for supplies and provisions. Once COVID restrictions ease, the Institute will also have the ability to host a communitywide open house.

Plans are also in motion to add two more credit programs—an Associate Degree in Culinary Arts and a Certificate in Baking and Pastry— by this time next year. New non-credit classes are being added to the line-up continually.