In October and November, the MSU Culinary Services (CS) team hosted three successful themed dinners across campus. Specials dining events organized throughout the year bring Spartans together and allow for collaboration and engagement in our neighborhoods.
On Oct. 24, the Heritage Commons at Landon team held Sheila’s Hawaiian Adventure, a tropical dinner featuring authentic Hawaiian cuisine. In addition to delicious desserts like Chocolate Huapia Cream Pie, the menu included Kona Coffee Rotisserie Pork with Pineapple Salsa, a build-your-own Poke Bowl option and Hawaiian Sweet Rolls with Coconut Butter.
As they entered Heritage Commons, diners were greeted and given a floral lei necklace. Bright décor was placed throughout the hall and island music added to the ambiance of the room.
Near the dessert set up in the Ivy Room, the team created a steaming volcano. Guests could also enjoy colorful mocktail beverages while taking in the breathtaking fruit display surrounding the sweet treats.
The event was named in honor of Sheila Adams, an assistant dining service manager at Heritage Commons, who passed away in September.
Across campus, the East Neighborhood team planned their annual Halloween dinner. Held on Oct. 30 at Hubbard, this year’s event portrayed Stranger Things, the thrilling web television series developed by Netflix.
Students and guests entered through the Upside Down, a decorated tunnel leading into Hubbard Dining Hall. Key settings from the show, including the Hawkins Middle School Snow Ball, Mike Wheeler’s basement and a fully-realized arcade, provided a realistic experience for fans.
Culinary team members were dressed in costume, depicting Jim Hopper, Eleven, Steve Harrington and Barbara Holland. In addition, a DJ played tunes from the 1980s to set the scene and inspire movement on the dance floor.
Throughout the dinner, guests had an opportunity to try their hand at arcade games, earning a prize for the high score. Those dressed in costume, including their favorite Stranger Things character, were also entered into a contest.
The menu featured a build-your-own waffle bar, Hopper’s Triple Decker Eggo Extravaganza, Eleven’s Belgian Waffle with Demogorgon Tenders, a Demidog Loaf (meatloaf) and custom-image cookies from MSU Bakers. In front of a display, resembling the Christmas lights that Joyce uses to communicate with Will in the series stood a display cake crafted by the bakery team. One layer of the cake was stacked waffles, and the topper was reminiscent of an open Demogorgon.
The most recent fall dinner, held Nov. 8 at The Vista at Shaw, honored veterans. A special discount was extended to those in uniform or with proof of service.
Guests had an opportunity to write and decorate letters to active, reserve and veteran military. Through a partnership with Dick Scott Motor Mall, a drop-off location for the A Million Thanks initiative, the letters are delivered to service members. In addition, the center of the hall featured an impressive display of military uniforms and equipment from past wars and conflicts set up by the REHS Facilities team, including supervisors Bob Hernandez and Jordan Luna. MSU retiree Ann Booren also displayed commemorative quilts.
Equally impressive was the lineup of menu options, including Carved New York Striploin, SOS (Chipped Beef on Toast), Fried Shrimp with Pina Colada and Cocktail Sauces, Garlic Dill Salmon and commemorative cookies from MSU Bakers.
Keep an eye out for future events at eatatstate.com, or follow @EatatState on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter for the latest information.