Advertisements
Doña Ana Community College (DACC)’s instructor for Culinary Arts has been nominated for Chef of the Year for New Mexico.
DACC Culinary Arts Chef Tom Drake is a contender for the state’s Chef of the Year from the New Mexico Restaurant Association. Chef Drake joins several other nominees from New Mexico restaurants; he is the only nominee from a culinary arts program.
“Chef Drake is so passionate when it comes to culinary arts. He doesn’t just teach recipes or how to create food, he ignites excitement and creativity,” says Dr. Monica Torres, chancellor of the NMSU Community Colleges. “He exemplifies what it means to be a great teacher and does it with love and energy.”
DACC’s Culinary Arts Program is hosted in the East Mesa Campus, 2800 Sonoma Ranch Blvd. There is limited entry to the program which pairs students with American Culinary Federation certified chefs. Each August, a cohort of 48 students begin their journey. Currently, there are over 160 students enrolled in the Culinary Arts and Hospitality Programs. Students who graduate from the program receive their Associate of Applied Science degree. To learn more about the program, go to Culinary Arts. Winners will be announced at the 2025 Hospitality Industry Awards on September 29th in Albuquerque.
Advertisements
KXPZ 99.5 FM Zia Country- Real Country