Monroe has always known that its students are the cream of the crop – passionate and intelligent with a competitive spirit. So, when Frank Constantino, Dean of the School of Hospitality Management and Culinary Arts, challenged his students to score perfect attendance, a remarkable 195 students rose to his challenge. On August 1, the program held the Golden Ticket Ceremony to celebrate its success.
The event kicked off with a delicious array of signature dishes inspired by the streets of New York City. The feast included Astoria Boulevard’s Mini Beef and Sheep Souvlaki with Tzatziki; 125th Street’s Fried Chicken and Mac and Cheese Balls; Mott Street’s Hoison Duck Buns with Scallions; and Lexington Avenue’s Chicken Samosas with Chutney. 108th Street in Corona, Queens was represented with Ancho Chile Pork Tacos, Fish Tacos, Corn Salad and Virgin Margaritas. Dessert, inspired by Main Street in Flushing, capped off the festivities with Mini Panna Cotta with Asian Pineapple, Chocolate Mousse and Pink Grapefruit Champagne Granite.
While the food was impressive – and could have made for a celebration all on its own – the students adorned with golden pineapple pins were the real honor of the night. Of the 195 students with perfect attendance in more than one class, 34 of those students had perfect attendance in all of their Hospitality courses and a dedicated 21 had perfect attendance in every one of their classes for the semester. The night was a true reflection of the success of the semester, Monroe’s motivated students and Dean Constantino’s program. |