Friday November 9, 2018 11:32 PM Seven Students in the hospitality management program spent the semester putting together the one-night-only pop-up restaurant. Written by Matthew Nojiri Spring Township, PA — On any other day, Room 246 is a standard 60-seat classroom in the Gaige Technology and Business Innovation Building. But on Friday, the classroom transformed into The Lion’s Gate at Penn State Berks, the college’s first pop-up fine dining restaurant. The Berks Big Band Club provided a jazzy soundtrack and the low lights set the mood for the five-course meal. Seven students in the college’s hospitality management program have spent the semester putting together the one-night-only fine dining experience. The 12-week project is part of the capstone Advanced Food Production and Service Management course. The students carefully considered every detail from the menu and decor to the venue and budget. They worked with Michael Schaeffer, executive chef from Dans at Green Hills, to bring their menu ideas to life. “I’ve seen so much joy and excitement today,” Schaeffer said as the seared tuna appetizer made its way to the diners. Travis Gilbert, a 22-year-old Shillington senior, spent the day prepping food. The night had a “twist on a tailgate” theme, as several traditional tailgate items like buffalo wings and sliders were elevated with a fine dining touch. “It’s been very hard but rewarding,” Gilbert said. “I think it’s awesome to do this, to get this application in class. This wrapped up everything we learned in our four years.” Dr. Pauline… [Read full story]
Leave a Reply