BRANDON, Man. (January 4, 2018)—This year marks the 30th anniversary of Assiniboine Community College’s Grey Owl restaurant, an accomplishment perhaps most appreciated by the eyes and stomachs of past and future diners.
The Grey Owl restaurant was born from humble beginnings when it was first held at the college’s Victoria Avenue East campus in 1987. At that time, it had space for fewer than 30 guests. Since then, Grey Owl’s location and size have changed, but its purpose remains the same: to provide hands-on learning opportunities for Culinary Arts and Hotel & Restaurant Management students.
Students and faculty come together to present a blend of contemporary and classic cuisine in a fine dining environment that runs over 20 nights.
The restaurant took a one-year hiatus in 2007 when the Manitoba Institute of Culinary Arts (MICA) opened, officially marking the college’s relocation and expansion to the North Hill campus. Now set inside the stunning 1920’s heritage building (the former Brandon Mental Health Centre’s Nurses’ Residence), Grey Owl hosts close to 1,400 guests over the four weeks.
Reservations to the annual event are among the most sought after in Westman, with tables being fully booked within hours of phone lines opening year after year.
To mark this year’s 30th anniversary of Grey Owl and the 10th anniversary of MICA, Hotel & Restaurant Management students are introducing new celebratory cocktails as well as bringing back crowd favourites. The Culinary Arts program have surprises in store for guests, including dishes from past menus and a special dessert.
This year’s Grey Owl runs Monday to Friday from January 22 to February 16, 2018. Those interested in booking a reservation may call 204.725.8738 or 800.862.6307 ext 6516 once the phone lines open on Thursday, January 11 at 9 a.m.
Reservations are available for tables of two, four or six. There is a maximum of one reservation per caller. This year’s full menu is expected to be made available at assiniboine.net/greyowl<http:/
Assiniboine is inviting non-profit organizations and community groups to submit their proposals for a complimentary reservation for eight inside the private dining room at the 2019 Grey Owl restaurant. The organization selected by the college may use the donated table to support their fundraising efforts. Details can be found at assiniboine.net/greyowl<http:/
