Gulf Coast State College Culinary

08/14/2026

Meet the Chefs:

Let's give a warm welcome to Chef Kara Enache!

An alumna of Sullivan University’s American Culinary Federation Accredited Baking and Pastry Arts program, Chef Kara brings 24 years of culinary experience to our students.

Chef Kara trained under Certified Master Pastry Chef Chris Northmore at The Everglades Club of Palm Beach Island, owned her own award winning local bakery for a decade in KaraBoo Bakery of Miramar Beach, led the large bakery team of Black Bear Bread Co. in Grayton Beach and its growth to three locations throughout the 30a area, taught culinary classes to food insecure K-12 students of Walton & Okaloosa County and the public at The Emeril Lagassee Foundation’s Full Circle Kitchen, and most recently expanded her hospitality industry repertoire by managing the front of the house at Fonville Press in Alys Beach.

Chef Kara specializes in baking and pastry arts, special event design and production, and hospitality management.

Her mission as an instructor is to share her knowledge and love of culinary artistry, while laying the groundwork of future integrous, talented culinarians.

Chef Kara is thrilled to be a part of Gulf Coast State College’s culinary team!

08/13/2026

Meet the Chefs:

Chef Mandy Gainey

An alumna of the Gulf Coast State College Culinary Program, Chef Mandy Gainey has more than 25 years of food service industry experience spanning both front and back of house operations.

After graduating from GCSC Culinary, Chef Mandy trained in catering and pastry at the Walt Disney World Resort before returning to Panama City and bringing her industry experience back to her Alma Mater.

Chef Mandy is an active member of the American Culinary Federation and recently earned her first level certification through the Court of Master Sommeliers. She specializes in service standards, hospitality, wine tasting and service, nutrition, and dining room management.

Her mission as an instructor is to empower the next generation of culinary professionals with the confidence and skills to provide exceptional service and hospitality; skills they can carry forward not only throughout their careers, but throughout life.

08/12/2026

Meet the Chefs:

Chef Jacob Fravel

An alumni of the Gulf Coast State College Culinary Program, Chef Jacob Fravel has a combined 15+ years of culinary industry experience.

After working his way up through local culinary establishments, Chef Fravel took his first steps into education teaching culinary skills to adults with disabilities before returning to his Alma Mater.

Chef Fravel has trained in Michelin starred kitchens and is an active member of the American Culinary Federation. He specializes in advanced kitchen skills, food science, molecular gastronomy and modernist cuisine.

His mission as an instructor is to cultivate individual talent and prepare the next generation of culinary professionals to carry the craft forward.

08/11/2026

08/07/2026

Your next chapter starts in 10 Days.

Let's Go, Dores!

07/31/2026

07/31/2026

Just a few spots left in our Basic Cooking and Basic Baking classes for this Fall!

Grab your seats with no Application Fee starting tomorrow!

🎓GCSC Free Application Weeks start tomorrow!
From August 1 - 14, anyone can apply to Gulf Coast State College with no application fee.

07/29/2026

A toast to our very own, Chef Mandy Gainey! 🥂

Learn more at: www.gulfcoast.edu/culinary