Club explores art of dining

A club that lets students explore different foods offers an adventurous perspective.

The Classy Cuisine Club consists of 10 members and is adding more students who want to learn and try new dishes.

Vice President, Michael Chen, 22 says the club was “established last semester but as a group of friends it existed long before that.”

Chen continues to say, “ The club was created because we wanted all of our members to be able to afford classy cuisine wherever we ate at to experience international food of all kinds.”

Founding member and club President, Chris Ramirez, 25, said his motivation for forming the club was, “Just the fact that you can gather together, have good food, good people and just enjoy going out.”

“(I joined because) I want to eat a lot of food, and I do want to explore different kinds of food,’ said member Grant Wong, 21, ‘I feel the club would help me overcome foods that I would be afraid to try and understand where they come from.

Each week there is a new demonstration for the club, such salad and sandwich making, camping without cooking and the art of mustard.

This club is much more than eating new dishes; they are learning the history of some foods as well.

Psychology major, Antoinette Marmeljo, 22, is intrigued.“ I like the idea of going out and eating different types of foods. Getting the experience of trying authentic Chinese, Mexican and Greek food even the experience of going to a restaurant where you eat in the dark.”

That is what restaurants such as Opaque in Santa Monica focus on. By putting customers in a completely dark dining room guests must rely on their other senses to concentrate on taste, texture and smell rather than just sight.

It may get messy at times but a difference in ambiance can create a change in the food that people eat as well.

The club drew a lot of attention when students saw their booth at Club Rush and were curious about what foods they haven’t tried around campus and were tempted to go out and be adventurous with their palate.

Linda Chan, Club advisor and Professor of Astronomy said, “ I like supporting the students and letting them get that college experience, a good reason to join the club is to get together with other students and enjoy each other’s company.”

The club will be hosting a pizza competition for local pizzerias next month in the Campus Center, where they will give an award to the best pizza.

The club asks for a $10 donation for the semester to help pay for food, but it may be worth it if learning about and tasting new foods sounds entertaining then come to club meetings on Mondays at 4 in MA 227. Bon appetite.