Without a doubt, Kendall College is one of Chicago’s leading Culinary Schools. So when my friend Monika , the Director of Dining and Event Services at Kendall College, invited me for lunch at the The Dining Room , I was eager to see. Its been a struggle to connect with her and we finally nailed a date.The Dining Room is a living classroom providing real world experience in a Zagat rated establishment under the tutelage and supervision of Kendall faculty.The students get in depth front and back of house experience, which is essential in managing their own establishments. If the chef doesn’t know whats going on out front, or the front doesn’t know whats going on in back, it spells disaster.
Did you know the Dining Room is the first and only Culinary School restaurant that is included in the Michelin Guide to Chicago?The Dining Room at Kendall college is committed to sustainability and is a certified Green Restaurant by the Green Restaurant Dining Association. They also source their ingredients locally , compost, recycle, and practice energy conservation. In addition the students have a sustainable garden on campus to provide even more ingredients for the restaurant.
I chose the Mozzarella Salad prepared table side for lunch as part of a $19 Prix Fixe main course. The starter was a divine dish of Salmon Quenelles. The mozzarella curds are pulled in hot brine while you watch and served with dressed arugula greens and roasted chickpeas. Dessert was a fried funnel cake with Rhubarb. An outstanding meal worth far more than the $19 charged.
Here is quick video showing how to prepare the mozzarella salad.
Kendall College offers great event space options for 6-200 guests . It truly is a Chicago Gem you need to explore. The following are some series coming up that you can’t miss. Or just come in and take advantage of the Prix Fixe lunch menu for $19 .
Hours/ Schedule Spring 2011
As the restaurant is operated around the students class schedule, please check ahead for the schedule each season.
Lunch Schedule
April 14-27
May 2-13
May 18-June2
June 7-20
Monday- Friday 12:00 p.m-1:30 p.m
Dinner Schedule
April 15-May 14
May 20-June 18,
Tuesday – Friday 6:00 p.m -7:30 p.m
Saturday 6:00 p.m-8:00 p.m
In addition please check out…
The Dining Room Wine Dinner Series
With an impressive and International student body,The Dining Room at Kendall College has so much to offer from future culinary stars, to some of the countries leading chefs , many based in Chicago, who pass through for special events and series.
Kendall College also offers Recreational Cooking Classes called Spice Up Your Life from beginner to advanced techniques.
With the beautiful Chicago Spring ahead , you owe it to yourself to check out the The Dining Room at Kendall College and then enjoy a nice walk by the river. Consider this for your next business meeting, friendly outing, or for a place to impress out of town visitors.
How wonderful to have a teaching restaurant close by where you can get an excellent meal for a reasonable price! Yum. 🙂
I’ve long known that culinary schools have restaurants that serve as a classroom, but I’ve never known they were on par with real restaurants. This sounds like a fun dining expeirence and one I will have to check out. The fact that it sounds like it’s a great meal for a bargain is a bonus.
I have to to few that have been not so great. That’s why I was in awe at Kendall. Just superb.
Wow Courtney, sounds like a fabulous meal and a fabulous deal. I was just telling yet another friend about my favorite unknown, the cafe inside Nordstroms. Chef on premises, fresh foods and great prices; it’s a gem that I seem to introduce everyone in Denver to! Maybe I’ll stop before the uncrowded aspect changes, huh
I’ve passed this information on to friends who live in the Chicago area. This is my first visit to your site, so I’ve taken some time to browse through your earlier entries. You’ve created a wonderful spot for your readers to visit and I’ve enjoyed the time I spent here. I’ll definitely be back. I hope you have a great day. Blessings…Mary
What a cool idea! That mozzarella salad sounds AWESOME.
This place sounds fabulous Courtney!!! How lucky you are to have a friend “in the know.” We had a culinary college nearby when I lived on Long Island. I can’t remember a time I was ever disappointed. I especially enjoyed the brunches. The price of your meal sure sounds worth it. Oh if I ever make it back to Chicago…
Thanks for sharing…
Hi Courtney – sounds great…I’ve never heard of it but would love to try next time I’m in town.
LL
P.S. Let me know if you try Blackbird, we loved it!