(Nelsonville, Ohio) - Nelsonville's arts district is home to Rhapsody Music and Dining, Hocking College's casual fine-dining restaurant. The restaurant opened in 2005 as a live learning lab for Hocking culinary arts students. It quickly became a spot for food enthusiasts seeking fresh American cuisine and live music in the Nelsonville area.
Music is a large part of the dining experience at Rhapsody. Since the restaurant opened, it has featured live music on Friday and Saturday nights, including local favorites such as Kay Carter and Otis Crockron, with new additions added regularly. Guests can also enjoy Jazz Night on the first and third Wednesday of the month.
Hocking College recognizes that what sets Rhapsody apart is not just the food, live music or atmosphere—it's the blend of culinary excellence and education.
The restaurant serves as a dynamic classroom where students learn the basics of the culinary industry, preparing them for successful careers. Under the guidance of seasoned chefs and managers, Hocking students utilize Rhapsody as a real-world training ground to refine their culinary skills and gain hands-on experience in a professional setting.
“Guests who come into our restaurant to enjoy delicious food prepared by the kitchen under the leadership of our Creative Executive Shawndray Williams, who graduated from Hocking, contribute to the education of students enrolled at the college in Culinary Arts, Baking, and Hospitality & Events Management," said Eladio Vassell, Hocking's director of the McClenaghan Center for Hospitality Training. “Being able to provide our students with real-life restaurant experiences is an important aspect of our programs, and I think many guests enjoy supporting the local students as well.”
Rhapsody's opening Chef, Doug Weber, built the foundation for a culinary experience that is diverse and exciting. Over the years, the restaurant has had a succession of chefs from Hocking Culinary School, each adding their own style and flair to the menu. Besides training local talent, Rhapsody has served as a classroom for many culinary and hospitality students who have gone on to succeed in the United States and abroad.
For more information about Hocking College’s Rhapsody Music and Dining, please visit https://2ly.link/1vj2c.