“A Cook’s Holiday,” the annual luncheon hosted by Food Services, has expanded to three days this year: Dec. 12-13 from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. and Dec. 14 from 11 a.m.-1:30 p.m. at the Village Summit in Joe Frank Harris Commons on East Campus.
The meal will feature traditional holiday-inspired foods: black-oak ham, green bean casserole, mashed potatoes, glazed sweet potatoes with a pecan crumble, cornbread dressing, shrimp and grits, corn muffins and warm apple cider.
The buffet-style meal will include an assortment of salads, entrees, side dishes, breads and beverages, plus a Cook’s featured entrée and side each day. There also will be a dessert buffet with pecan tarts, petit fours, cobbler and cookies.
The dining commons will be decorated for the holidays with this year’s theme: “Toyland.” One feature will include a 6-foot gingerbread house. Adding to the holiday spirit, the Allegro Quartet will perform classical music and seasonal favorites.
Doug Ross, director of auxiliary services, has been going to “A Cook’s Holiday” for as long as he’s been at the university—14 years.
Keeping with tradition, Ross treats the 8-12 employees in his unit to lunch. It’s such an anticipated event it’s on Ross’ calendar in September.
“It’s fun,” Ross said. “The food’s fantastic.”
And while the entrees are delicious, Ross said what he really saves room for are the desserts—especially the triple chocolate fountain spectacular.
“It started out as a nice luncheon,” he said. “But now it’s a Disney fantasy with all the lights and Christmas decorations. You should see it.”
The luncheon is open to the public. Tickets are $15.25 per person, $7.60 for children 6-12 or free for children 5 and younger. Tickets can be purchased in advance at http://foodservice.uga.edu/holiday. Complimentary parking will be available at the East Campus Deck.
