Hinnerk von Bargen is an associate professor of culinary arts at The Culinary Institute of America, San Antonio. Since joining the CIA faculty in 1999, Chef von Bargen has been teaching various culinary arts courses in the associate degree program and continuing education for culinary professionals at the colleges campus in Hyde Park, NY and San Antonio, TX. A Certified Hospitality Educator (CHE), Chef von Bargen holds a Master Chef certificate from the Hotel School in Hamburg, Germany. He completed two apprenticeships in his native Germany before beginning his professional career, which has included chef positions in hotels and restaurants in Germany, South Africa, and China.

Founded in 1946, The Culinary Institute of America is an independent, not-for-profit college offering bachelor's and associate degrees in culinary arts and baking and pastry arts, as well as certificate programs in Latin cuisines and wine and beverage studies. A network of more than 44,000 alumni has helped the CIA earn its reputation as the world's premier culinary college. The CIA, which also offers course for professionals and food enthusiasts, as well as consulting services for the foodservice and hospitality industry, has campuses in Hyde Park, New York; St. Helena, California; San Antonio, Texas; and Singapore.