Summer in Nashville brings serious heat, but it also brings one of our favorite traditions of the season. On Saturday, August 15, 2026, Nossi College of Art & Design returned to the iconic Nashville Farmers' Market for the annual 2026 Watermelon Festival.
As an ongoing community partner with the Nashville Farmers' Market, Nossi’s Culinary Arts program took center stage outdoors for a live cooking demonstration and free public tasting.
Chef Zac led the outdoor demonstration alongside three dedicated Nossi culinary students who volunteered their time. Together, the team tackled prep work, setup, live cooking, and plating right in front of a fantastic crowd. Despite the blazing hot Nashville summer sun, our student team gained real-world, off-premise service experience, handing out fresh samples and engaging directly with local food enthusiasts.
On the Menu: Watermelon-Glazed Wings
Chef Zac created a dish that balanced sweet, savory, and spicy flavors. The recipe paired a slow-simmered, fresh watermelon glaze with a bold hot honey chipotle rub. Here is the official recipe so you can recreate this summer favorite at home:
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Yield: 4 Servings
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Prep Time: 30 minutes
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Cook Time: 3 hours
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Category: Appetizer
Ingredients :
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3 lb Chicken Wings
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2 tbsp Olive Oil
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½ cup Bee Sting Hot Honey Chipotle BBQ Rub
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1 Whole Watermelon
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½ cup Balsamic Vinegar
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1 cup Sugar
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2 oz Fresh Ginger (peeled, left whole)
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3 tbsp Cornstarch Slurry (50/50 mix of cold water and cornstarch)
Instructions:
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Peel and chop the watermelon, then place the fruit into a small stockpot.
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Add the balsamic vinegar, sugar, and peeled ginger. Set over medium heat and stir occasionally until the mixture reaches a boil.
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Reduce heat to low and simmer for 2 hours.
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While the glaze simmers, preheat your grill or smoker to 350 degrees.
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Coat the chicken wings with olive oil, then season thoroughly with the Bee Sting Hot Honey Chipotle rub.
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Smoke or grill the wings for 35 to 45 minutes, turning them once halfway through.
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Strain the watermelon mixture through a fine-mesh strainer into a smaller saucepot, discarding the solids.
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Bring the strained liquid to a slow boil for 10 to 15 minutes to reduce. Whisk in the cornstarch slurry to thicken the glaze to a rich barbecue sauce consistency.
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Once the wings reach an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit, remove them from the heat, toss generously in the watermelon glaze, and serve.
Start Your Culinary Journey in Nashville
Events like the Watermelon Festival highlight how Nossi College of Art & Design brings practical experience directly to students through our PACE (Professional Accelerated Career Experience) program. If you are looking for a hands-on culinary school in Nashville, TN, our 2-year Culinary Arts Associate Degree offers personalized training in two professional-grade commercial kitchens. Guided by working Nashville chefs, our program equips you with classical techniques, menu design, kitchen management, and practical industry connections.
Be sure to visit the Nashville Farmers' Market to support local growers and artisans! Ready to turn your passion for food into a career? Explore Nossi's 2-Year Culinary Arts Degree Program or schedule a campus tour today!
Recipe from Chef Zac