Kelly the Culinarian: Food find: President's reception

Tuesday, October 16, 2007

Food find: President's reception

Tonight I went over to the Capitol Hill Club for a reception to honor Bradley University's newest president, Joanne Glasser. She's the 10th president and the first woman to act as president of the university. Since the university was founded by a woman, Lydia Moss Bradley, I'd say it's about time.

As an alumna, I couldn't be more excited to see someone else running the show there. She seems excited to actually do things on campus and bring about change without disturbing tradition. While she's cautious to say what she wants to achieve, at least she's out trying to get to know the alumni and students. I'm cautiously optimistic.

But on to the food! There was quite the spread of hot buffet foods, cold fruits and crudite along with cheese platters. There was also a cash bar, but I can't afford $6 beers. Following my previous theory about the relationship between style of food and the importance of an event, this was a pretty important night. As Glasser's first appearance on the alumni circuit, I would guess it was an important night in her views as well.

Beyond the melon, pineapple, strawberries, diced veggies and customary cheese tray, there were some interesting offerings. One that didn't photograph well was a crumbly, dry white cheese that I tried that had apricots in it and was deliciously sweet. There wasn't any staff around to ask about it, but I'd like to try it again. Since these weren't labeled and there was no one to ask, here are my best guesses at the exact ingredients: At the top of the photo is little bite-sized chicken satay. These tiny pieces of chicken were wrapped around a fresh sliver of ginger and poached, then topped with a bechamel sauce. Yum! On the left are two pastries made using several layers of phyllo dough and filled with a tomato and cream cheese sauce and some veggies, then topped with cheese. And at the bottom of the plate are mini crab cakes, which were served with a tangy cocktail/tartar sauce.
Everything was delicious and presented in an attractive and sophisticated manner, especially for buffet reception food. If I ever got invited to this club for a meal again, I'd certainly accept. If they can do a buffet and make it work, imagine what they could do with a sit-down dinner.

4 comments:

Retno Prihadana said...

I always like the way you tell the story. White cheese with apricot in it? should try this.

Oh for the love of food! said...

Sounds like you had a great time and the food wasn't too bad either!

A Mature Student said...

The food sounds nice but $6 for beer?? Exhorbitant. $6 for a can/bottle or a pint/568mls?

Taylor said...

The last time I was in DC, I stayed at a hotel two blocks from that restaurant and considered eating there, but didn't. Not the best story, but...