Local food writer Priscilla Martel will teach a course, Food Writing (HSP249), at Gateway Community College, beginning January 28. The class is open to anyone who is passionate about food and wants to find a voice and mode of expression for writing about it.

“Everyone has their own flavorful story to tell,” says Martel. “You don’t have to have years of experience to write about food, who is cooking it, how it is being served and what food means.

Food Writing (HSP249) is offered on Wednesdays from 5:25 p.m. to 8:15 p.m. The 15-week class is especially designed for aspiring restaurant critics, food bloggers, and those who would like to  break into the non-fiction market. It will cover blogging, memoir writing, restaurant reviewing, recipe writing and service articles and will help students develop their food vocabulary and communication skills. Martel’s food-writing colleagues will be guest speakers that share their valuable practical tips on career success.

“The only prerequisite is enthusiasm and curiosity,” says Martel.

Priscilla Martel is a former restaurateur and author of two best-selling culinary textbooks, On Cooking and On Baking. It was curiosity and enthusiasm that lead Martel to start her career by opening Restaurant du Village in Chester, Conn.—a recreation of the kind of village restaurant found in rural France. Martel’s column All About Food appeared in Connecticut newspapers for many years and led to her work writing culinary textbooks and for national trade magazines. 

“My food writing reflects my interest and experience,” she says of a career writing recipes, educational materials and about food trend articles. “Everyone has their story and way of telling it. This class offers anyone the opportunity to talk about food whether their experience is as a cook or consumer.”

Registration is ongoing through January 30 and spring semester classes begin January 23. New students should contact the admissions office at (203) 285-2010. For more information about registering for the Food Writing course, contact Stephen Fries, Professor & Coordinator Hospitality Management Programs at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..