Let's play a trivia game: what scrumptious, student-run event is coming up at the Conrad N. Hilton College of Hotel and Restaurant Management at the University of Houston? It's the College's 38th Annual Gourmet Night on Saturday, April 9, in the Conrad N. Hilton Ballroom at the Hilton University of Houston and, with the theme "GOURMET-OPOLY", the evening is sure to offer some fun and games as well as unforgettable food!

Gourmet Night is Hilton College's signature event, and students plan every detail of the night. This year the ballroom will be set for 360 guests. The evening features a cocktail reception and silent auction, a multi-course, gourmet dinner with wine pairings, and live entertainment. Each year students wow guests with their skills in the culinary arts, event planning, beverage management and service direction. About 300 students and 10 student leaders volunteer for the event and are led by a team of student managers. Volunteer course captains, wine stewards and servers execute the evening with precision, from appetizers to dessert.

Many details of Gourmet Night, including the menu and entertainment, are kept top secret so that guests can enjoy some unexpected surprises, said senior Baker Goldsmith, this year's Gourmet Night student general manager. But Goldsmith did offer a few hints about what to expect.

"Our guests can anticipate that it will be a fun, interactive night—like a board game would be," he said. "And it's a great night to look at what we do here at the College. Our guests get to see what Hilton College students are capable of accomplishing and witness first-hand the kind of talent we'll be sending out into the industry."

Gourmet Night 2011 begins at 6 p.m. with a cocktail reception and silent auction, followed by dinner at 7 p.m. This year's guest chef is Craig T. Meyer of the Lakeside Country Club. Black tie dress is optional and complimentary valet parking is provided. Individual tickets are $200 and table sponsorships also are available. 

For reservations, contact Erin Oeser, executive event director, at 713.743.9482 orekoeser@uh.edu by March 4, 2011. Tickets are expected to sell out quickly and no guarantees can be made for seating even if you respond before March 4. Click here to view the full invitation and RSVP card.

Contact:
Debbie Maurer
713.743.5594
dkmaurer@uh.edu