Chef Instructor
Jeffrey Bratz
Chef Bratz
Moving to Franconia, NH with his family at an early age, Jeff enjoyed growing up with year-round outdoor activities in the mountains, especially alpine ski racing, and worked in restaurants throughout his teens. He graduated first from Littleton HS, Littleton, NH, and then St. Lawrence University, Canton, NY with a degree in English literature.
Upon returning to NH, Jeff assumed the beverage and bar management duties at Gordi’s Fish & Steak House, Lincoln, NH, where he remained for five years. It was during this time that he developed a deepening interest in the food and beverage industry and, increasingly, the activities of the kitchen. Jeff decided to pursue his education and passion at the New England Culinary Institute, Montpelier, VT, and graduated with an associate’s degree in culinary arts.
Jeff next held sous chef positions at the Atlantica restaurant, Camden, ME and at The Mountain View Grand Resort and Spa, Whitefield, NH, the latter of which provided a springboard to the position of executive chef at Whose Catering, NYC in 2005. As chef during the establishment of this concert and event catering operation located in The Bronx, NY, Jeff learned to adapt to the urban environment and develop many of the organizational skills that serve him well every day. Highlights included catering for The Rolling Stones, U2 and Paul McCartney; special events such as Farm Aid and The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame 25th Anniversary Show; collaborating with the Union Square Restaurant Group in planning and executing The Big Apple Block Party BBQ in Madison Square Park in Manhattan, where over 100,000 people gather and eat BBQ on a weekend in June.
Again returning to NH, Jeff continued his concert catering activities by touring with U2, and serving as chef for the end of their North American tour in 2011. He also took the event chef position for The White Apron Catering in Dover, NH, and worked there until joining the Salem CTE community this year. He is pleased to share his knowledge and passion for the culinary arts with CTE students as they prepare for their new career.