Who'd a thunk?

When I think of Greenville Tech, I think of learning a trade like plumber or electrician or auto mechanic or nurse. I think of a technical college that provides a wealth of talent for the manufacturing facilities we so covet in our area. This past week, I was enlightened to a new dimension of Greenville Tech. First, I knew there were multiple campuses, but I was not aware of the fairly new Northwest campus. It is in the Northwest area of the county, in the Berea area. It is in an area not frequented in my world. Quite frankly and sadly, I felt lost getting there. It's just not a familiar area for me. Somewhere out White Horse Rd. take a left through a beautiful entranceway, drive down a long and spectacular tree lined drive and come upon a magnificent campus. Wow. I had no idea. In the midst of an apparently very low economic part of town is this resort like campus. On this campus houses a major I have never associated with Greenville Tech. Food. There are approx 400 culinary students learning to be world class chefs in a state of the art facility. Who'd a thunk? On this occasion, I was invited to participate in one of the many "meals" prepared by the students. Apparently, every third week or so, the college puts on an eating event to allow the students to showcase their talents. It is not open to the public, but it is open to anyone invited. In my case, someone who knew someone who knew someone asked me. This day it was a general buffet lunch. Sometimes it is a themed lunch or dinner. Upcoming events include an Italian night, German night, etc. The cost for this lunch was $8, all inclusive. It included tax, dessert and drink. No tipping allowed. Just the way I like it. I walked in and the first thing that struck me was the unbelieveable ice sculpture. Turns out, ice sculpting is part of the curriculum. The many students in attendance were dressed in full white chef outfits along with chef hats. Their jackets were custome embroidered with their names. Impressive. The tables were dressed with linens, silver and glass. It was first class event. There was food everywhere. It reminded me of a spectacular Sunday brunch at a five star resort. I, of course, tried everything. Some things multiple times. Of those items I tried at least twice were...carved pork loin with mango and peach chutney, curried chicken with honey coconut glaze and lemon rice, poached egg with prosciutto on herb focaccia with basil mustard hollandaise, vegetables with goat cheese and lemon flavored turkey breast, spinach pear frisee sald with curried hazelnuts and there was much, much more. The desserts I enjoyed many times over included scotch scones with clotted cream, fresh fruit filled crepes and fresh baked danishes and muffins drizzled with flavored butter. Yes, I was a very bad Eating Man this day and I'm sure my boyish Eating Man figure will be penalized severely. But what the heck, I'm ready for the next one. TEM