Culinary Arts Students to Showcase Work April 19

Culinary Arts students at Joliet Junior College showcase their work every spring in the Spring Gala. Held at main campus, all proceeds from the gala go toward buying ingredients and equipment for the Culinary Arts Department as well as scholarships (ranging from $500-$1,000) for students and professional development for faculty.

Last year, JJC's culinary scholarships totaled $30,000 according to McGreal.

This year, there will be a twist on how attendees are seated. Instead of banquet-style seating, the gala will feature one long U-shaped table with seats for up to 160 guests. This arrangement, as well as the way dinner will be served, is called Escoffier style, Michael McGreal, culinary chair at JJC said in a written release. McGreal said all student chefs will be coming out in a line with each person’s meal and serve in a synced and uniform way.

“We’ve never done it before. It’s a cool way to do a dinner and see the reaction of the customer,” McGreal said in a written release.

This year’s six-course menu will feature:
• First course: Salmon and Alaskan crab
• Second course: Wild game consommé printanier a la royale
• Third course: Local field greens with chive dijon vinaigrette
• Intermezzo: Red currant
• Fifth course: Ribeye of beef
• Dessert: Chocolate and raspberry charlotte royal and amaretto ice cream

The gala, takes place April 19 at main campus, 1215 Houbolt Road in Joliet, at 6 p.m., Tickets are $95 per person.

To make reservations, contact Dori Miller at (815) 280-2255.

In other business news:

• Joliet Area Community Hospice is hosting a 5K on May 18. You can view its Facebook post about the 5K by clicking here.
• Jody's Express is offering $2 gyros at its new location at the Shell Station on Larkin Avenue and McDonough.
• Barolo Restaurant announced lunch specials starting at $7.95. They also were the winners of the Charity HUGS Chocolate Ball 2013 Dessert for their Chocolate Tiramisu
• Patch is partnering with Bill Jacobs Joliet for the March of Dimes walk on April 21 at Joliet West High School.

Are you participating in the March of Dimes walk? Tell us in the comments.