Dining with Distinction

I am not a food critic, by any means. In fact, food and I have had a love-hate relationship for years. But that's for another day. One thing I do enjoy is being with my husband. He likes to eat. So, I've had this idea in the back of my mind for years; we finally got around to making it happen.

Many universities and culinary schools have their own dining experiences open to the public. Since we are just a stone's throw from Widener University, we visited their Hospitality Management Program's "laboratory", the Marriott Dining Room, located on campus. What a treat! For a fraction of the cost of a four course dinner for two, Scott and I enjoyed a delicious, relaxing dinner, prepared and served by the students.

I tell you all this not because I want to discuss the piquant flavors or the comfortable atmosphere; I tell you this because I am all about people. And the reason for my experience was all about people. I wanted to spend time with my husband. This was something easy we could do, midweek -- a time when our schedule usually consists of work, sleep, repeat. This was also a new thing for both of us. We experienced something new together, discussed new things in a completely new setting, while interacting with some new people.

But there were some other people I was interested in as well -- the students. While I do not necessarily chase after great places to eat, I love to cook. So, I sort of "get" their passion. My first "real" job was in food service. That job ignited something in me that has remained ablaze ever since -- a desire to create with food and to serve others. As we dined, I watched them nervously search our faces for that look of satisfaction, delight and sweet surprise. If you've ever created something or done some meaningful deed for someone, you understand that look; you understand the hard work and thoughtfulness it takes to get that from the people you serve, and what it means when you know your labors have brought happiness to others. You understand the excitement and anticipation, and maybe even wonder at what you were able to accomplish. I enjoyed being able to encourage the students and give them specific, helpful feedback; I enjoyed hearing a little about them and their goals, and watching them loosen up, their tension melting from their faces as smiles took over.

Well, the food was delicious, and the experience was more than I could have imagined. But, rather than a wait staff who made themselves available but invisible, this group of hard-working students and their cuisine were the stars of the show. And rightfully so!

http://www.widener.edu/academics/schools/sba/hospitality/marriott.aspx