Endlessly Delicious Life: Thrifty Tip for Trying New Food

Do you like to try new dishes?

Do you enjoy decadent meals where you don't have to do anything - cook, wash the dishes or even plan the menu?

Here's an insider tip for an inexpensive way to enjoy these delicious meals that are normally costly affairs reserved for special occasions -- look to local universities, cooking schools, technical and community colleges!

I work at a community college with a wonderful Culinary Arts associate degree program. Part of the students' training, beyond the basics of learning what does and doesn't work in dishes and technical skills, is how to develop a menu and serve a crowd. At our institution, the Culinary program is called upon for many catered functions, where students cook, transport, serve, bus etc. throughout the meal.

But one of their best offerings is their International and Classical meals. During these events, a student is selected as Head Chef to designs a menu around an international or classical cuisine. Their fellow students then fall in as sous chefs, waiters, expediters and other kitchen staff. This presents the class with a real-life experience of working in a fast-paced kitchen, for real guests.

And these events are marvelous.

Of course, the students are learning so there are some recipes that fall short - under seasoned, awkward presentation, and some table services that are lacking - but for the price, you can't beat the experience.

Here, the international lunches are three courses and only $10! For $15 the springtime classical dinners feature between eight and ten courses (one of which is a full-sized entree)!

I rarely get a chance to take advantage of the lunches, what with being chained to my desk and all, but I don't miss a dinner!(Scroll down for the most recent menu!)

I've been partaking in these meals for about five years now and have had a blast - we've tried dishes we wouldn't usually order, cuts and ingredients that are normally out of our price range, and experienced the "high life" - I don't normally get a palate cleanser with my meals at home. Furthermore, it's such a wonderful, carefree way to spend an evening. It's like being back on our cruise!

Most community and technical colleges offer academic programs with similar such events. They may also cater their own school cafeteria and greatly reduced prices, sell goods or cater. If you have a community college in your area - NC has 58! - take the time to review their website for information on their program and ask their faculty how you can support the students. And if there's a culinary school anywhere near you, you're doing yourself a disservice if you don't at least attempt to reap some benefits!

Beyond your own enjoyment, these events are incredibly helpful to the students who are the future (and oftentimes, current) food service workers in your area. Your critiques and this experience is teaching them and preparing them to be the most skilled workers they can be.

Also, if you're thrifty with more than just your food budget, look closely at locations with cosmetology, therapeutic massage and medical programs (such as respiratory therapy, physical therapist assistant etc.). These programs are also likely to offer reduced-price or free services to community members. Just think of all the professionals you encounter on a daily basis - they had to get their training and practice somewhere. Why not literally invest in the development of more skilled practitioners?

What have you got to lose?

Here is the January Classical Italian menu.

Appetizer: Salmon crudo