Food lovers are in for an unforgettable dining experience at The University of Akron Graduate Chef’s Showcase Dinner, says Chef Richard Alford, UA associate professor emeritus of hospitality management. The Saturday, Nov. 20, dinner event at the University’s Gallucci Hall will offer dishes prepared by renowned area chefs and graduates of UA’s Summit College hospitality management program.
Guests will enjoy a range of gourmet entrees from crawfish wontons drizzled with sweet teriyaki glaze and orange Thai chili sauce to butternut squash soup with apple cider gastrique and Granny Smith apples. Other entrées include paprika rubbed salmon with mango and red pepper jelly vinaigrette and beef short ribs a la mode, with oven-roasted red potatoes, rosemary and whole green beans.
Chef Scot Jones of VegiTerranean will prepare butternut squash and apple salad, finished with a white peach-and-Riesling sorbet. Chef Mike Pallota of Pallotta’s Pastries and Gift Baskets will prepare sticky bun cheesecake, while Alford will share an assortment of breads and chocolates. Other featured chefs include John Bush of CEC Regina Health Center; Aaron Hervey of Crave; Anthony Scolaro of Westfield Center; Joe Schmeltzer, senior instructor, Copley High School; and Brad Smith, Copley High School junior instructor.
The University of Akron Graduate Chef’s Showcase Dinner begins with a cash bar at 6 p.m. followed by dinner at 6:30 p.m. Admission is $50 per person. Reservations are recommended and available by calling 330-972-6615.
Event proceeds will benefit the Garde Manger Club, a culinary arts student organization.
Media contacts: Paige Poleondakis, 330-972-6482 or pep7@zips.uakron.edu, or Denise Henry, 330-972-6477 or henryd@uakron.edu.