The CM 155 Tasting Menu Functions, hosted by students from CM 155 (Gastronomy – Food and Culture) and THM 115 (Introduction to Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, & Events (MICE) Management), showcased the union of culinary art and event management through hands-on learning. Held on July 18, 25, 31, and August 7, 2023, at the Cañao Creativity Hall and the 9th-floor CHTM Kitchen Laboratory, this event offered students an opportunity to apply classroom theories in real-world practice. The functions also served as fundraising events for the S.P.O.O.N.S. Community Extension program, fostering a sense of social responsibility among the students.
THM 115 students took charge of marketing, venue design, and event facilitation, while CM 155 students crafted unique tasting menus and street food experiences. Together, they created events that were not only educational but also engaging for attendees, blending gastronomy with hospitality management skills.
Themed as a picnic-style affair, the Sunset Park Fusion Feast event was a Mediterranean-inspired showcase of flavors. Over two days, guests enjoyed live music performances and Mediterranean dishes created by the students. Challenges arose, including venue setup constraints, but with resourceful planning and teamwork, students transformed the space into an inviting picnic-themed venue. The event highlighted lessons on communication, organization, and flexibility, with students learning from initial missteps to improve service quality on the second day. The experience emphasized the importance of preparation, role designation, and effective communication, leaving the team with valuable takeaways for future events.
Celebrating urban street food culture, The Boulevard brought together students and guests for an immersive culinary experience, complete with vibrant decorations, a photo booth, and live cooking demonstrations. Attendees enjoyed a variety of innovative street food dishes. Despite inclement weather, the team’s commitment and creativity shone through in the event’s execution, which earned praise from guests for its energetic ambiance and culinary variety.
In an exciting display of multicultural street food, the UC CHTM Boulevard Urban Street Food Culture 2023 featured dishes like Cheese Roti Canai, Pho Bo, Banh Xeo, and Tod Mun Pla. Held at Cañao Hall, the event gathered food lovers to celebrate a blend of flavors and foster cultural exchange. THM 115 and CFM students worked together to create a lively market atmosphere complete with booths and interactive entertainment, while guests sampled a variety of global dishes. The event also highlighted the importance of cultural appreciation, as guests interacted with student hosts and learned the cultural significance behind each dish. It left attendees with lasting memories of community and connection, and the organizers were commended for successfully executing an event that celebrated both food and unity.
The CM 155 Tasting Menu Functions not only allowed students to gain practical skills in culinary presentation and event management but also emphasized teamwork, creativity, and adaptability. Each event underscored the importance of effective communication, planning, and guest engagement, as students learned to address real-time challenges with professionalism. As fundraising campaigns, these functions also allowed students to contribute to the S.P.O.O.N.S. Community Extension Program, reinforcing the impact of hospitality on the community. Through each function, students demonstrated a passion for their craft, leaving a lasting impression on attendees and a legacy of experiential learning that will inspire future CM 155 and THM 115 students.
By:
Mr. RYAN ROY QUIRANTE BARTOLOME
Sustainability Program Coordinator, UC CHTM
