NU hosts six ‘Spotlight on Chefs’ dining events for community

Tribune, Dispatch, Sentinel, February 9-11, 2006

From February through May, Niagara University’s College of Hospitality and Tourism Management, in cooperation with the university’s Office of Continuing and Community Education, will host a series of six fine-dining events for the community. In addition, a special benefit dinner for the Heart and Soul food pantry and kitchen in Niagara Falls will take place on April 27.

This is the fifth year of the college’s interactive “Spotlight on Chefs” dining series showcasing the culinary skills of guest chefs and student managers. The events will be held in the Statler Dining Room, located on the fourth floor of St. Vincent’s Hall, the university’s main classroom building.

“People are very interested in learning more about gourmet foods, fine wines, liquors and elaborate desserts,” said Scott Beahen, director of food service operations for the college. “Our popular ‘Spotlight on Chefs’ dining series offers people a chance to ask questions of our guest chefs and student chefs, and to relax in a beautiful setting while enjoying gracious service, fine foods and refreshments.”

Reservations for each of the upcoming events can be made through Niagara University’s Office of Continuing and Community Education at 286-8181. Payment with credit card is required when reservations are made. To reserve a seat for the Heart and Soul event, call the organization at 282-5687. Reservations for that event will not be accepted at the Office of Continuing and Community Education.

The dates for the guest-chef events are Feb. 23, March 9 and 23, April 6 and 20, and May 4. The dinners will celebrate a variety of regional and international cuisines. Each of the festive-themed sit-down dinners begins at 6 p.m., and includes soup, salad, appetizer, entrée, dessert and a beverage. Each dinner is unique, so exact menu options are not available. For the last four years, these popular dinners have sold out immediately.

The Heart and Soul food pantry and kitchen dinner will be held Thursday, April 27. The volunteer appreciation dinner and fund-raising event will be held in conjunction with NU’s College of Hospitality and Tourism Management. Heart and Soul is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to feeding the less fortunate and improving their quality of life. The event will be held at 939 Ontario Ave., Niagara Falls. The deadline for reservations is April 20. Call 282-5687 for tickets.

Reservations for the Heart and Soul food pantry event will be accepted by calling the organization at 282-5687.