ABOUT NICOLE

Nicole Flowers has been teaching people to cook since 2016. After receiving countless requests for private lessons, she founded The Culinary Cottage in 2016, transforming a charming 1912 home into one of San Antonio’s most sought‑after spaces for hands‑on culinary classes. Her welcoming approach, chef‑driven techniques, and knack for making every student feel at ease quickly set her apart in the local food community.

For Nicole, cooking is much more than following a recipe — it’s creativity, connection, and joy. Her love of food began early in the kitchen of her Greek grandmother, an extraordinary home cook who taught her to trust her senses, pair flavors intuitively, and cook with heart. Many of Nicole’s childhood memories revolve around food: her father, a former restaurant owner and chef, reinforced the same effortless, flavor‑forward style that continues to shape her teaching today. Whether she’s sharing a meal with loved ones or cooking for family and friends, Nicole simply loves being around food.

Nicole earned her Culinary Certification through a CIA‑based program and has worked as both a personal chef and pastry chef, crafting award‑winning desserts for The Dodging Duck restaurant and brewery in Boerne, Texas — including her diner‑style chocolate pie, which placed 3rd at the 2011 Texas Chocolate Festival.

In 2023, Nicole closed her brick‑and‑mortar cottage and transitioned to teaching in partnership with local businesses, along with hosting intimate culinary workshops in her home kitchen. This shift allows her more time with her family while continuing to share her passion with the community. Her mission remains the same: to help people build real confidence in the kitchen and discover a genuine love for cooking.