Culinary off to a great fall start

OCC’s Culinary Studies Institute has kicked off the academic year with a bang.

The American Culinary Federation Michigan Chefs de Cuisine Association awarded OCC Chef Douglas Ganhs the Educator of the Year Award on August 26. The award goes to a chef who has contributed greatly to furthering the culinary profession and has exemplary skills in pastry arts and who embodies the Culinarian’s Code.

The Culinary Studies Institute, its staff and students have prepared a bountiful lineup this fall at the Orchard Ridge campus featuring the following:

·         Culinary Studies Institute students celebrate the Day of the Dead with a Mexican Fiesta at 6 p.m., Thursday, October 24. The $50 five–course meal will reflect the food and culture of Mexico including wine and beer. The “Día de Los Muertos,”or Day of the Dead, is a Mexican national holiday celebrating departed loved ones with decorations, favorite foods and parades. Tickets can be purchased using this form with checks made payable to OCC. For more information, contact Roz Turner at (248) 522–3700 or email dmlevins@oaklandcc.edu or smbaier@oaklandcc.edu.

·         The Ridgewood Café is open 11:15 a.m. to 1 p.m., most Tuesdays and Wednesdays, September 10 to December 4, on the 3^rd floor of Building J. It is closed October 22 and 23. Menu changes daily offering salads, sandwiches, entrées and desserts. 
·         Reflections is open 11:15 a.m. to 1 p.m., most Thursdays, September 5 to December 5, on the 4th floor of Building J. This Prix Fixe $15 menu offers a four-course meal with three entrées to select from that change weekly. Wine and beer are available.  The restaurant is closed Oct. 17 and reservations are encouraged.
·         The Bakery is open Wednesdays beginning September 18 on the 3rd floor of Building J. Purchase breads, pies, Danish and cookies. Check here for details.
·         High Tea in Reflections is 11:15 a.m. to 1 p.m., September 26 and November 21. High Tea tickets are $25. Advance purchase is required.
·         Grand Luncheon Buffets are 11:15 a.m. to 1 p.m., October 17 and November 14 on the 3rd floor of Building J. The $13 menu features appetizers, salads, fish, seafood, poultry and beef entrées, starches and vegetables, and a dessert table with French pastries, tortes, ice cream and cookies. Reservations with a deposit are required for large groups.
 
More event information is available at www.oaklandcc.edu/culinary.