Kitchen and dining room renovations are complete in Club 213, Loyalist’s student-run gourmet restaurant, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere for the community to enjoy fine cuisine. The changes were made possible with $450,000 in funds provided through the Apprenticeship Enhancement Fund (AEF) from the Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities. In addition to the dining room’s updated decor, the kitchen now has the industry’s state-of-the-art equipment including gas ranges, an indoor grill, Rational Combi ovens, Hobart mixers, new refrigerators and freezers, a Salamander overhead broiler as well as an overhead digital camera and flat screen that provide a clear view for all students during cooking instruction. The improvements ensure that Loyalist’s Hospitality Management – Hotel and Restaurant and Culinary students will be prepared to work in the most advanced culinary environments.
“The creativity and skills of our professors have earned our programs a reputation of excellence that draws students from across Canada,” said Jim Whiteway, Chair of the School of Business, Bio-Science, and Justice Studies. “This new technology enables us to expand our existing curriculum, allowing us to do things we were unable to do in the past and raising the level of quality even higher. Baking and pastry arts are just some of the areas in which we will now be able to provide more extensive training. When you come to Club 213 you have an exceptional meal that is part of a great experience.”
Jessi-Lyn Watson is a second-year Culinary student from Norwood. “We have amazing teachers and I learned so much last year,” she said. “This year, however, with the new equipment, we have the opportunity to learn so much more. We have a lot more room and equipment to work with. This is the wave of the future, which most of us had never even seen before. Knowing how to use the intricate features of this new equipment will definitely make our skills more in demand.”
“We are both retired school teachers,” commented Enid Moroney. She and her husband Terry have been frequent diners in Club 213 for many years. “Seeing the students in this positive learning environment and watching them grow throughout the year has always been a very satisfying experience for us. The atmosphere and professionalism in this setting is amazing. Club 213 is our favourite local dining experience and one of Belleville’s best kept secrets.”
Club 213 has a new fall menu that can be enjoyed at 12:00 noon or 6:00 p.m. from Wednesday to Friday. Group reservations are also welcome and, while seating accommodates up to 63 guests, exclusive reservations can be made for groups exceeding 35 people. The Club also offers a Dinner Club package, composed of four, four-course meals. For reservations or to purchase a Dinner Club package call (613) 969-1913, ext. 2213 or e-mail club213@loyalistc.on.ca.
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Media Contact: Marilyn Warren, Communications, Loyalist College (613) 969-1913, ext. 2332, e-mail: mwarren@loyalistc.on.ca, or Jim Whiteway at (613) 969-1913, ext. 2329