The first of this season’s UNH Gourmet Dinners was the Twilight Dinner at Woodman Farm. Samantha Higgins, a student at the Department of Hospitality Management, sends in the this report on the evening’s success. The next UNH Gourmet Dinner, “Maple Movements,” will take place on December 2nd and 3rd — Chef Dan Dumont will be at the helm, giving students a unique opportunity to work with a Certified Master Chef. As always, the dinner will place emphasis on using local food, with tickets available online.
A Twilight Dinner at Woodman Farm: Deemed Rural Elegance
By Samantha Higgins, Department of Hospitality Management Student
On the last weekend in September, Department of Hospitality Management students in the Advanced Food and Beverage Management course at University of New Hampshire successfully executed the first Twilight Dinner held at Woodman Farm at UNH’s main campus. With the help of guest chefs Rolf Straub of Ron Julian’s, Hampton and Evan Mallett of Black Trumpet, Portsmouth the hospitality students were able to perform exceptionally. A major theme was the local scene. The majority of the food used to prepare the dishes was from Seacoast area farms and distributors.
The students managed underclassmen charged with coordinating parking and serving guests, handled décor and food preparation. All deemed not difficult, considering the beautiful nature of the white barn and the positive attitude of all participating. To add to the beauty, the students created atmosphere with designed lighting, candles, and table fixtures to brighten the space. The unique table settings found their livelihood with borrowed antiques and flowers donated from friendly home gardeners.
The class was able to apply a hands-on approach to a well-thought out process and execution. The course allows students to use knowledge from previous education to create an elaborate event twice a semester. The next Gourmet Dinner, Maple Movements will be held December 2 and 3, 2011 at UNH.
For more information and tickets visit www.wsbe.unh.edu/gourmetdinner.