MSU-Denver Soiree: hospitality students get cooking

 As garden parties go, this Saturday’s “Summer Soiree” on the lawn at the Auraria Campus Student Success Building might have a little more to show off.  Jimi Webb from the MSU-Denver Hotel and Hospitality Learning Center visited “First Take with Lando and Chavis” with a preview of the event and some tasty truffles (literally).  Audio posted below.

“(The HLC, which opened in 2012) is a state-of-the-art facility, with the latest technology in cooking equipment.  We’ve got combo-therms!”  Hold on, Jimi.  What?  ”It uses steam heat and regular hot air, and computers to make them do things even I don’t know about.”

I wondered if “kitchen management” is just a fancy way to learn how to play with knives.  ”We get that a lot, but we also get people who are afraid of knives.”  MSU-Denver students learn the entire kitchen operation, from elementary chopping to health-department cleaning.  And they do some food preparation for the Degree Restaurant attached to the SpringHill Suites Hotel.

“We hold them to a high standard.  The food scene here in Denver is very aggressive.  (And) even if you have a degree, you have to work your way up and put in the time and effort.”

The dark chocolate truffles with white chocolate drizzle melted in the mouth.  Not tart, but smooth.  They will be enjoyed at the “Summer Soiree,” Saturday, June 4, 2016 at 6:30.  Ticket information is available at   ​www.msudenver.edu/soiree.  Metropolitan State University – Denver is finishing a year long celebration of its founding 50 years ago.

interview with Jimi Webb, MSU-Denver Hotel & Hospitality Learning Center