Bruce Mattel is an associate professor in culinary arts at The Culinary Institute of America, where he teaches advanced garde manger in the college's degree programs. Chef Mattel graduated from the CIA with honors in 1980 and worked as a chef at several notable restaurants, including the Coq d'Or, Le Bernardin, and Prunelle. Prior to joining the CIA faculty, he was chef and owner of Custom Cuisine, a catering company and gourmet shop in Tarrytown, New York.

Founded in 1946, The Culinary Institute of America is an independent, not-for-profit college offering bachelor's and associate degree programs in culinary arts and baking and pastry arts. A network of more than 37,000 alumni in food service and hospitality has helped the CIA earn its reputation as the world's premier culinary college. Courses for food service professionals are offered at the college's main campus in Hyde Park, New York, and at The Culinary Institute of America at Greystone, in St. Helena, California. Greystone also offers baking and pastry arts, accelerated culinary arts, and professional wine certifications.