New Dining Experience For McHenry County

Foodies take note: Bring your appetite for fine dining to McHenry County College Monday, February 4 from 7 to 8 p.m. for a grand re-opening of Slàinte (pronounced “slawn-cha”), the College’s student-managed restaurant.

Billed as a “sampling buffet,” the event gives diners a chance to sample a variety of fare and experience the restaurant’s newly remodeled dining room and kitchens. Admission is free, and donations will be accepted to help support the College’s culinary management program.

Students in McHenry County College’s Culinary Management program learn the skills needed for a range of job opportunities in the food and hospitality fields. With a strong focus on sustainable and hands-on practice, students learn preparation, handling, sanitation and safety. In addition to standard coursework, students gain real-world experience at Slàinte, where they produce various menu items like, lobster mac-n-cheese, parmesan crusted tilapia, bacon-wrapped steak and white chocolate mousse with a chia seed cake, along with set up the dining room, mixing non-alcoholic specialty drinks, fresh brewed espresso drinks and, of course, the most professional and friendly customer service.

Slàinte is designed to both educate students and delight customers. Slàinte is also a classroom full of future restaurant owners, executive chefs, pastry chefs, sous chefs, cooks, bakers, servers, bussers, bartenders and more. Slàinte is a Scottish toast that means “to good health!” which is the philosophy embraced through the restaurant’s emphasis on integrity of food, sustainable ingredients and a delicious diversity of dishes, according to Executive Chef and Department Chair for Culinary Management Thomas Kaltenecker.

“The name also represents MCC’s connection to the Scottish roots of the community,” he said.

The official re-opening is slated for 6 p.m. Monday, Feb. 11. Slàinte’s menu changes three times during the semester with a special Valentine’s Day four-course banquet prix fix, including soft drinks, for $25 per person on Tuesday, Feb. 12.

Restaurant hours are 6-7:30 p.m. Monday and Tuesday through April 23. Seating capacity is 60. Average dinner price per guest is $20 with payment by cash or check. Reservations are suggested.

The restaurant is located in the MCC Scot Room, Building B, Room 178. The College is located at 8900 U.S. Hwy. 14 in Crystal Lake. For menu details and more information, visit www.mchenry.edu/slainte.

Photo Caption:

A McHenry County College culinary management student prepares the dessert course during the testing of Slàinte’s new menu.