Chef Roger Thomas will bring a taste of Italy to Akron on Saturday, Sept. 29, at 6 p.m. in UA's Crystal Room Bistro in Gallucci Hall, 200 E. Exchange St.
Chef Roger Thomas
"An Evening in Tuscany" will feature the culinary creations of Thomas, who is executive chef of Piatto Novo at Sheraton Suites in Cuyahoga Falls, and hospitality students who will prepare a six-course meal for guests.
Dinner starts with zuppa di setano e porro, a celery-and-leek soup with olive oil crostini, followed by two main entrees. Guests can select seared striped bass "bagnati" with minced olives, garlic and extra-virgin olive oil, or prosciutto-wrapped chicken breast served with Swiss chard, roasted beets and pistachio pesto. Other courses include lemon risotto with peas; and mixed greens with Thomas' aged red wine vinegar, sea salt and extra-virgin olive oil. Dolce orange panna cotta with balsamic strawberries and almond cantuccini for dessert will top off the evening.
Sommeliers from the Winery at Wolf Creek will be on hand to help guests with wine pairings.
Open to the public, the event costs $45. Proceeds will help fund educational events and activities for UA Hospitality Club members. For reservations, call 330-972-6615. Visit the Hospitality Management website to learn more about the program and the Crystal Room Bistro.
Story by Drew Williams
Media contact: Denise Henry, 330-972-6477 or henryd@uakron.edu.