Multicultural Valuing - Ethnic Restaurant Visit

General Education Capstone Course

Event/Experience Details and Guideline Form

Gen. Ed. category event should be listed under: Multicultural Valuing

SCC competency addressed by event: Students should be able to identify and analyze their own values as well as those of others and recognize how these values affect opinions decisions and behaviors; Demonstrate an understanding of the relationship between the practices/products and perspectives of the cultures studied

Event experience title: Visit an authentic Ethnic restaurant in the St. Louis area

Anticipated learning outcome:

Through this culinary experience students will increase first hand awareness of another culture.

Students should compare authentic ethnic restaurants with traditional American restaurants and reflect on how cultural differences are reflected in food preparation and dining.

Reflection on this event should encourage personal reflection on the student’s ethnic heritage and how this has impacted their current cultural perspective.

Guidelines for accomplishment of event (assume completion by a non-major)

Students will attend an authentic ethnic restaurant for a meal. After attending the event, the student will write a one to two page journal entry, using the following criteria:

• Before visiting the restaurant, students should do individual research about the authentic food from the designated country and visit the website of the restaurant (if one is available) to learn about the perspective o the owner and chef regarding the type of food presented
• Read recent review about the restaurant to gauge the public response.
• Observe and analyze the menu. Notice whether the food offered is authentic or “Americanized” and whether there is a selection of items offered in the native language of the designated country.
• Students should try to communicate with the host/owner/waiter about the food selection and preparation, and try to learn about the cultural background of the establishment.

The Journal entry should include the following:

• Identify the restaurant and date of visit
• Summarize the experience based on the above requirements
• Compare this experience to that of a traditional American restaurant
• Reflect on new cultural knowledge and awareness gained by the experience

If websites are available, regarding supplementary information, evaluate these websites

• Attach a copy of the menu

Provide at least one the following: 

Event contact name: depends on restaurant chosen

Event contact Web site URL: Suggested Restaurants:

Café Brazil http://www.saucecafe.com/article/2/26

Lulu’s (Chinese restaurant) http://stlouis.citysearch.com/profile/37157449/st_louis_mo/lulu_dim_sum_restaurant.html

Barcelona http://www.diningstl.com/Clayton.htm

Bastante  http://www.saucecafe.com/article/2/13

Italian restaurants on “The Hill” (select based on individual restaurant)

The Blue Elephant http://www.saucecafe.com/drill.php?EstID=1943&page=TextSearch.php&Text=Blue+Elephant

The King and I  http://stlouis.citysearch.com/profile/5745816/saint_louis_mo/the_king_i.html

India Rasoi  http://www.thokalath.com/missouri/restaurants.php

SCC event creator: Gayle Feng-Checkett

Estimated time for full completion (include: making contact/appointment; attending activity; travel; and journal consideration and entry) 2-4 hours