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PrintStyle File: Eat for Cheap
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Producer:
Angela Caraway
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We all know how expensive it is to eat out in South Florida, especially if you crave fine dining. In tonight's Style File, Seven's Belkys Nerey shows us how to go for gourmet without the gourmet prices.
WSVN -- Do you have champagne tastes, but operate more on a beer budget? Satisfy your gourmet urges without breaking the bank by lunching at Florida International University's School of Hospitality and Tourism.
Mary Lou Pfeiffer: "This is the best kept secret in all of Miami."
Move over top chef, these students know what they're doing. They're in training to be some of the restaurant industry's finest.
Michael Moran: "One of the things we put them through is a full battery of restaurant training, learning how to cook, learning how to serve, how to prep."
About 12 times a semester the students treat the public to a gourmet lunch which is designed and made by them. It's so she-she, but so cheap.
Orlando Vega: "It's $15, you get a three course meal, two wines paired. Each meal is gourmet. We have a choice to work with it, put our input in the menu."
Starters like lobster chowder. Entrees like chicken with bourbon sauce. Sides like macaroni and cheese, made with goat and monterey cheeses, and a cranberry pastry to die for.
Mary Lou Pfeiffer: "I have never had a bad meal. It's always been absolutely incredible. This compares to some of the finest restaurants in all of Miami, because you get that added touch of service."
Nice touches like fine linens to dine on and the students, who greet and serve you. After all they're not working for tips, they're working for a grade.
Sharon: "Definitely giving it an a plus."
Joseph West: "I give them an A for enthusiasm, and today I'll give them a B plus for the meal. They did a good job."
And just like in a fine restaurant, you can take away your left-overs in style.
Wanda Wright: "It was so delicious. I had to take it with me. It's an excellent touch."
Hey most places you can't even get an appetizer for $15.
Belkys Nerey: "You do have to call ahead and make reservations. It's always packed."
FOR MORE INFORMATION:
FIU School of Hospitality and Tourism Management
3000 NE 151 Street
Miami FL 33181
305-919-4500 for reservations
Hospitality@fiu.edu