NCC’s Hampton Winds has new look, more to offer after pandemic pause
For more than 25 years, Northampton Community College’s Hampton Winds has been a teaching restaurant that’s helped produce some of the top chefs and hospitality staff in the Lehigh Valley.
But COVID-19’s unwelcome arrival in March 2020 meant the restaurant had to shut down — and the school’s culinary program was forced online.
The college used that time to give the restaurant a new look, upgrade the kitchen, and conceive of new ways to share the students’ dishes — all to help further the mission of the program: To set NCC’s culinary students up for success.
On Wednesday, NCC showed off the new Hampton Winds, offering a sneak peek at the work that’s been done during the pandemic and what diners will now find.
“Time and time again, I have heard our customers say that Hampton Winds is a hidden gem ... but really, the best-kept secret about Hampton Winds is the culinary program that trains our students,” said Dr. Francine Marz, director of culinary programs at Northampton Community College.
Shortly before the pandemic arrived, NCC’s culinary program received grant funds to provide for a state-of-the-industry kitchen and restaurant renovation.
COVID then hit and NCC went fully online, including the culinary program. As restaurants across the country closed to in-person dining, NCC took the opportunity to renovate Hampton Winds.
“The idea behind the renovation was to have people, as soon as they walk in the door, be blown away that they were in the teaching restaurant of a community college,” said Marz. “Before they even get to taste the food — which is where we really turn heads. I really wanted the facility to match the modernized culinary curriculum.”
Hampton Winds was closed until June 15, when NCC held a soft reopening. Now, closer to the start of the new school year, NCC took the opportunity to show off the space and the work that’s been done.
“If 2020 has taught me anything, it was the year of resilience,” said Nicole Bittner, a 24-year-old NCC student in her final semester of the culinary program.
From the minute you walk into NCC’s Alumni Hall, you notice a big change. The entrance to Hampton Winds is all glass, with a new logo, inviting you inside. The tables are now square, making them easier to move and accommodate larger parties.
Overall, the dining room looks like an elegant restaurant.
There’s also a new outdoor patio area with seating for about 20-25 people. Hampton Winds had no outdoor seating before this renovation. Outdoor seating has become popular and preferred during the pandemic.
One of the biggest changes is something most diners won’t ever see: The completely upgraded kitchen.
“Having the ability to train in a modern kitchen and restaurant will have a significant impact on the success of our students,” Marz said.
The total redesign of the kitchen not only allows for more efficient expediting of food but also allows NCC culinary instructors to more quickly and efficiently help student chefs on the line. The kitchen is loaded with additional features to make preparing meals more efficient including new, adjustable, overhead heat lamps.
Also new: Hampton Winds Express, a new grab-and-go spot adjacent to the restaurant. Marz said HW Express provides another learning opportunity for students, giving them food retail experience as well as another type of culinary service to learn.
You’ll find delicious fresh sandwiches, salads, delicious soups (especially the red pepper soup) and baked treats. There’s also a freezer with pints of freshly-made ice cream.
“It sells out fast,” Marz said.