Open for Lunch
HCC MGM Culinary Arts Institute now serving lunch on Wednesdays
For the first time, beginning Wed., Feb. 12, Holyoke Community College will open its Wednesday culinary arts program luncheon series to the general public.
For years, the spring semester lunches, prepared by HCC culinary arts students and instructors a part of their A La Carte Cooking and Food Service Course, have been open only to HCC faculty, staff, students and invited guests. Now, members of the public are being invited to dine at the HCC MGM Culinary Arts Institute to indulge in a series of delicious Wednesday lunches featuring a different culinary theme each week.
The three-course meals are offered free of charge with a suggested donation of $10 to the President's Student Emergency Fund, which is managed by the HCC Foundation. The fund is used for students experiencing food or housing insecurity in need of immediate assistance.
"As guests at our culinary lunch series, members of the community can take part in our students' academic success by providing them with real-world experiences that lead to meaningful careers.," said Amanda Sbriscia, vice president of Institutional Advancement and executive director of the HCC Foundation. "But beyond striving for academic success, our students face real barriers, such as food insecurity and homelessness. Our guests can also help our students overcome these barriers by simply visiting the Culinary Arts Institute for a meal and making a donation."
Lunches will be open to the public on the following dates: Feb. 12 and Feb. 26 (Spanish Tapas); March 11 and March 25 (Italian); April 1 and April 8 (French Bistro), April 15 and April 22 (Brunch); May 6 and May 14 (American Diner).
Guests have a choice of four seating times: 11:30 a.m., 11:45 a.m., 12 noon, and 12:15 p.m.
Full menus for each lunch are available at hcc.edu/culinary-lunch-series
Because seating is limited, reservations are required and granted on a first-come, first-serve basis. To reserve a seat or seats, please contact HCC MGM Culinary Arts Institute coordinator Stacy Graves at 413-552-2838 or sgraves@hcc.edu.
PHOTOS by CHRIS YURKO: An HCC culinary arts student prepares lunch at the HCC MGM Culinary Arts Institute. (Thumbnail) A chocolate mousse dessert prepared by HCC students
