SUNY Niagara to host ACF Monte Dolce Spring Classic & Niagara Falls Culinary Institute open house

SUNY Niagara press release

SUNY Niagara will welcome aspiring chefs, culinary professionals and the community for a dynamic weekend of food, artistry and education at the Niagara Falls Culinary Institute on Saturday and Sunday, April 25-26.

The weekend will feature the American Culinary Federation (ACF) Monte Dolce Spring Classic competition, alongside a Niagara Falls Culinary Institute (NFCI) open house, offering visitors a unique opportunity to experience both high-level culinary competition and hands-on exploration of academic programs.

The Monte Dolce Spring Classic, an approved American Culinary Federation competition, brings together student and professional chefs from across the region to showcase their skills in both static and live culinary formats. The event is open to the public for viewing.

On Saturday, the competition will feature a display segment, where participants present intricate culinary creations across multiple categories. Guests can view artistic cold platters, specialty cakes, pastry tables and bread display, highlighting the creativity and technical precision of competitors in culinary arts and baking & pastry arts.

Also, on Saturday, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. (check-in begins at 10:45 a.m.), NFCI will host an open house for prospective students and families. Attendees will have the opportunity to:

√ Meet with faculty to learn about degree and certificate programs

√ Tour state-of-the-art culinary, baking and hospitality labs

√ Connect with admissions and financial aid representatives

√ Explore student life and support services

√ Visit Savor restaurant and La Patisserie bakery

On Sunday, the competition shifts to an exciting live cooking format, where student and professional chefs will demonstrate their skills in real time. Competitors will have one hour to prepare and plate their dishes within a 10-minute presentation window, under the close evaluation of ACF-certified judges. The live competition will take place in Lab 208 on the second floor of NFCI, with ample viewing areas for spectators. Finished dishes will be displayed for public viewing following each round.

“This weekend showcases the very best of what NFCI offers – from industry-level competition to an immersive, supportive learning environment,” said Josh Blumberg, dean of hospitality, baking and culinary arts. “It’s a great opportunity for the community to see our students and facilities in action while exploring future career pathways.”

The Niagara Falls Culinary Institute, located at 28 Old Falls St., in downtown Niagara Falls, is a premier destination for culinary and hospitality education within the Western New York region.

Both events are free and open to the public.

For more information or to register for the open house, visit https://sunyniagara.edu/nfci-open-house/.