Culinary students: Be our guest
Their practical experience can be your night on the town.
This weekend, the Institute of Culinary Arts at Robert Morris University kicks off its fourth annual fine dining series. Open to the public, the dinners are an opportunity for culinary staff and students to showcase their work and for diners to enjoy a nice meal while helping future chefs.
"It's a very nice outing for guests, too," said Nancy Rotunno, executive director/dean of the culinary institute.
The five-course prix fixe meals are presented in fine dining fashion, Rotunno said. "Everything is very nicely plated," she said.
This year's series spotlights regional cuisines around the world. Saturday's premier will feature hearty American dishes. Cuisines to follow include French, Polish and island.
For $40 per person, $20 of which is considered a charitable contribution, diners receive a five-course meal. The institute does not have a liquor license so it cannot serve cocktails but diners are welcome to bring their own wine and corkage will be provided at no additional charge.
Here's the schedule for this year's series:
• A Taste of America.
Saturday, Orland Park Campus only. From the corners of the United States we will bring you a fabulous menu that features the diversity of our very own country. Hearty, plentiful, delicious and uniquely American, each dish will represent the traditions that are uniquely American.
• Kuchnia Polska (Polish Cuisine).
Jan. 9, Chicago campus
Jan. 23, Orland Park campus
• Viva La France!--(French Cuisine).
Feb. 13, Chicago campus
Feb. 27, Orland Park campus
• Mangier Bene (Italian Cuisine).
April 10, Chicago Campus
April 24, Orland Park Campus
• Taste of the Islands
May 15, Chicago Campus
May 22, Orland Park Campus
Online reservations only, go to robertmorris.edu/culinary/finedining
For more information, contact Maria Garcia at (312) 935-6918
Robert Morris University
• 3 Orland Square and 82 Orland Square, Orland Park; (800) 762-5960
• 401 S. State St., Chicago; (800) 762-5960