AVONDALE, Arizona – Regions, Estrella Mountain Community College’s (EMCC) academic-focused restaurant, re-opens Thursday, September 10 for the fall 2015 semester.
Open to the public since fall of 2002, Regions has developed a remarkable reputation for serving exquisite lunches at a very affordable price, and all revenues are invested directly back into the program. Individual guests and groups have been enjoying full-course, gourmet lunches prepared by students enrolled in the Culinary Institute who are training for careers in the professional food industry.
Regions normally serve 40-70 patrons per lunch experience, with the larger number of guest settings offered as the students’ culinary skills become more “seasoned” throughout the semester. As an indicator of success, there are limited reservations remaining for the fall 2015 semester.
The restaurant is open only on Thursdays and Fridays and is located in Komatke Hall, building C, on the EMCC campus, 3000 North Dysart Road in Avondale.
Sharing their recipe for success and learning, Regions is also regularly visited by several West Valley high school culinary programs. The high school student guests get to experience a gourmet lunch, as well as the opportunity to tour the facilities and learn about post-secondary options in professional food service at EMCC.
“We always look forward to the start of the new semester, and serving our community groups that have supported Regions and our students over the past 13 years,” said Steven Griffiths, EMCC Culinary program director.
Patrons interested in participating in the spring semester lunch experiences are encouraged to make their reservations early in January 2016. The restaurant closes during the winter break and summer semesters.
Regions provides students with the skills, creativity and confidence for careers in professional kitchens and the food and beverage industry. Through classroom and kitchen-lab learning, students are exposed to varied American and international cuisines, plus baking and pastry arts.
EMCC offers an Associate in Applied Sciences (A.A.S.) degree in Culinary Studies, which is also transferable to Northern Arizona University’s bachelor’s degree program in Hotel and Restaurant Management. Certificates of Completion are offered in the areas of Baking and Pastry and Culinary Studies.