The Communique

Issue date: 9/27/07 Section: Feature

Media Credit: Scott Kinzel Zoraida Vega, Kelli Wessels, Collen Klegg, all Culinary Arts majors, listen to the lesson being taught while five decorated cakes are displayed.

Media Credit: Henry Kaufmann Ande Neyendorf, Culinary Arts and Restaurant Management major, garnishes a dish.

New students may have misconceptions about The Class Act, a student-run restaurant on Kirkwood Community College's main campus. Reserved seating, gourmet meals and fresh flowers on tables could give the impression that the restaurant is expensive but prices are adjusted to keep it more affordable and convenient.

The Class Act is now open and will operate through Dec. 4. It's located in the Atrium of the Mansfield Center and serves meals Monday through Thursday from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Menu changes are made regularly but at any given time it will include soups, pastas, salads, sandwiches, entrees, desserts and beverages. The restaurant attracts customers with daily specials and vegetarian options. There are weekly pizza specials for $5 and pasta specials for $6.50. There are also frequent diner deals. For patrons who eat at the Class Act 10 times, the 11th meal is free. This also applies to espressos. After ordering 10 espressos the 11th is free.

Currently, some items on the menu include Cuban plantain soup, Asian salad, spicy salmon BLT and crab cake with crawfish risotto. Dessert trays are also available and may change daily. Beverages range from sodas to tea to espressos.

The Class Act also offers in-room dining for faculty - an option to have food delivered to an office if it's connected to the Mansfield Center. The Class Act guarantees the meal will be delivered within 30 minutes or it's free.

The Hospitality Program students operate the restaurant and earn a total of five credits through their participation. Students earn four credits by working two four-hour shifts per week. Students must also attend a lecture each Friday, which allows them to earn one additional credit.

Jon Yackely, Restaurant Management major, said he wanted to remind students that "the Class Act will prepare meals 'to go' and also offers the '5-15' deal, which means that if a customer spends $5 the meal will be delivered within 15 minutes or it's free."

Yackley is taking the class and said he recommends it for anyone looking for a future in the restaurant or culinary arts business. He also said he wanted students to know that the Class Act is "a four-star restaurant for a two-star price."

The Class Act will be offering brunch buffets on Oct. 10 and 11. There will also be holiday buffets on Dec. 3 and 4. These special events require reservations. Gift certificates are also available for any amount and can be purchased in the Hospitality Program's office in room 217 Iowa Hall.

Students, faculty and staff also have the option to be added to the mailing list for the two Classical Cuisine Dinners and the Garde Manager Buffet which are held each semester. These events are organized by the Restaurant Management, Culinary Arts and Lodging Management students.

Deyli Sanders, Elementary Education major, said she recently went to The Class Act for the first time. "The staff was extremely courteous and helpful. I'm glad I went and will be going there again," she said.

Reservations are available for any size party but required for all parties of four or more. Reserving a table can be done by calling the restaurant at 398-5468 or sending an e-mail to classact@kirkwood.edu.

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