Italian dining with flair and flavor wins award

Students enjoy La Cuciina Italiana at tables adorned with fresh flowers and white table cloths.

11:59 a.m., May 24, 2004--La Cucina Italiana, a special dinner held in Pencader Dining Hall on March 11, has won an Honorable Mention gold award from the National Association of College and University Food Service (NACUFS) in the “residence hall dining special event/theme dinner category.” Robin Moore, senior director of residential dining and catering, will receive the award at NACUFS’ conference in Las Vegas in July.

Pencader Dining Hall was turned into a bit of Italy for the event, Moore said. Students entered the service area where a punch fountain and breads, cheeses, olive oils and vinegars greeted them. Tables were covered with white cloths and adorned with fresh flowers, and the dining room was decorated in red, green and white, the colors of the Italian flag.

The menu featured such Italian favorites as Italian wedding soup, pasta fagioli, antipasta salad, chicken Parmigiana and shrimp and scallop scampi made to order. Chef Rob LoFurno baked pizelles on location as one of the desserts, and a strolling violinist added to the ambiance.

“The reaction from the students was positive,” Moore, said, “with many of them saying it was the best thing we have done.”

Article by Sue Moncure
Photo courtesy of Dining Services

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