College of DuPage becomes fine dining destination

With the new year here, it's time to start planning for the return of a Glen Ellyn favorite: luncheons and dinners hosted by students from College of DuPage's Hospitality Administration Department.

Reservations are being accepted for the 2009 menu options that begin Jan. 29 and continue through April.

The meals are prepared and served by the students in the elegant Escoffier Dining Room, where a dash of gourmet entertainment is dished up along with the food.

"In the back of the dining room, there's a theater," said professor Chris Thielman, culinary educator, certified executive chef and coordinator of the college's Hospitality Administration Department.

With cameras focused on the kitchen and a large stone countertop where food is carefully and skillfully prepared, the stage is set for a repast that provides a feast for all the senses.

The Escoffier Dining Room, located near the cafeteria in the Student Resources Center, offers a serene change of atmosphere from the hustle and bustle of the college's brightly lit hallways. The décor features rich burgundy-colored walls adorned with colorful artwork created by students.

Those in the dining room sit in comfy high-backed chairs crafted of cherry wood. Seated at the table, diners can keep an eye on four plasma televisions arranged around the room and literally watch their food being prepared, Thielman says.

Those who already know about the luncheons and dinners jump at the chance to partake again, and several of the dates already are sold out.

"Last year we had a waiting list," Thielman said, and he knows why the meals are so popular. "The guests get a good meal. The students get experience. Everything is high quality and fresh. It's a win-win all the way around."

Thielman knows the value of experience. He got his start as a dishwasher in the mid-1970s at a downtown Glen Ellyn restaurant while he was a student at Glenbard West High School.

"The restaurant was called Tiffany's Parlor," he said. "When it was slow, I would help the cooks in the kitchen. I just really enjoyed it and continued on that path. "

Thielman grew up here and graduated from West in 1978. He now lives in Aurora and has been on the faculty at College of DuPage for 22 years.

Thielman teaches culinary arts, food service classes and pastry arts classes along with his duties as coordinator of the hospitality administration office.

"I like to be able to give something to the next generation," he said.

He has especially relished watching his students go on to bigger and better things, working in hotels and restaurants all over the world, and in several cases, opening their own businesses.

Television cooking shows have sparked even more interest and enthusiasm for food, Thielman said.

"Our enrollment has increased," he said. "I think it gives people a lot of good ideas. It keeps our industry alive and vibrant."

He says there will always be jobs for those who are skilled in food service and the culinary arts.

"People have to eat," he said.

The dining experiences at College of DuPage range in price from $13.95 for lunch to $55 for "Classical Cuisine" dining.

To make reservations, call (630) 942-2284 or visit opentable.com. For information and a complete listing of times and menus, visit the College of DuPage Web site at cod.edu/hospitalityadministration and click the link for spring lunch/dinner.

• Kathy Slovick writes about Glen Ellyn in Neighbor.