New Mexico State University’s Department of Hotel, Restaurant and Tourism Management students are gaining hands-on experience in the hospitality industry by facilitating a series of food and beverage events this fall.
The funds raised from these events support the operations of the HRTM program and provide resources for other activities and travel for students. The students working at these events are from experiential learning classes and student clubs.
“The employers that hire our students really like that all our students have guest service experience,” said Jean Hertzman, department head and director of HRTM. “Many other hospitality programs do not have food and beverage operations anymore. The employers know the students are getting this experience in an academic setting. This gives them a leg up on the competition for internships and jobs after graduation.”
Fall 2024 events include weekly lunches, gourmet dinners, happy hours, and culinary competitions.
The 100 West Café Lunches feature an à la carte menu with various appetizers, entrees, desserts, and beverages served on a walk-in basis. These lunches are managed by students enrolled in HRTM 3310 Quantity Food Production and Service, taught by College Assistant Professor Danielle Young. The menu, prices, and weekly specials will be posted on the 100 West Café website weekly. The lunches will be held from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. each Friday from Sept. 27 until Nov. 22 and will conclude Dec. 6 at 100 West Café.
The International Dinner Series offers gourmet dining experiences managed by students in HRTM 4320 Restaurant Operations Management, taught by College Assistant Professor Pete Mitchell. Each event begins at 6 p.m. at the Bobby Lee Lawrence Academy of Wine for wine and appetizers before moving to 100 West Café at 6:30 p.m., where guests enjoy a five-course meal with specially paired wines. Dinners will be held monthly on Sept. 26, Oct. 24, and Nov. 21 at $80 per person; reservations can be made at Gerald Thomas Hall or via phone.
At The Adjustment Project (TAP), specialty cocktails, beers, wines, and non-alcoholic beverages can be purchased along with complimentary appetizers available with beverage purchases. All proceeds benefit student clubs' activities and travel expenses. TAP sessions will take place from 5 to 7 p.m., Fridays on Sept. 6, Oct. 11, Nov.1 ,and Dec .6 at the café.
The "575 Food Fights" is a culinary bracket-style competition featuring local chefs, bakers, restaurant professionals as well as culinary and hospitality students competing in secret ingredient battles for a $5 cover charge that includes complimentary snacks; beverages are available for purchase during these competitions held from Sept .23 through Oct .28 every Monday evening.
For more information about these events visit https://100west.nmsu.edu/Events-Brochures-Draft-F24.pdf
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CUTLINE: New Mexico State University’s Department of Hotel Restaurant & Tourism Management Students Will Host Food & Beverage Events In Fall Semester(NMSU Photo By Andrés Leighton)