PANJIM:
V. M. Salgaocar Institute of International Hospitality Education (VMSIIHE) encourages its first-year students to organize themed banquets as a part of their ‘Food and Beverage Service’ curriculum. Following the tradition, VMSIIHE conducted two themed banquets.
The themes were ‘500-year anniversary of the Mona Lisa Painting’ and the ‘47th Annual MET Gala Awards’. The banquet was planned and organised by the students for 30 guests each under the guidance of Prof. Irfan Mirza, Gauri Patil, Charmayne D’Souza, Chef Sebastian, Chef Sujatha and Chef Priti.
Students consider this as a hands-on opportunity to learn how a banquet is organised including creating seating charts, curating special menus, planning décor and ambience, back-end operations, service styles and more.
The banquets consisted of a four-course menu which was in a sit-down dining style where students served the esteemed guests. Starting with beverages and wine, the menu is carefully planned and crafted by the students under the guidance of the faculty. The menu for the ‘500-year anniversary of the Mona Lisa Painting’ themed banquet consisted of Prawn Cocktail, Cream of Chicken soup, Beef Wellington with glazed Carrots, sautéed Broccoli and Shallots and Passion Fruit Mousse in Chocolate Rings.
The ‘47th Annual MET Gala Awards’ themed banquet commenced with a student explaining the theme and welcoming the guests. The menu for this banquet was equally elaborate starting out with Cream of Tomato soup followed by a main course of Panko Fried Prawns with a Wasabi dip, Chicken Galantine with Dried Fruits and Spinach, Sautéed Zucchini and Cherry Tomatoes and Mashed Potatoes ending with the delectable Mille Feuille with Blueberry Yogurt Cream.
The student team manages the entire banquet service right from start to end, including welcoming the guests and taking them through the menu planned to managing the service and kitchen operations.
