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Event gives participants chance to sample local restaurants
Wednesday, April 2, 2008
By Luke Runyon
Staff Writer
People love food. College students are poor. Science has proven both of these statements to be true. Therefore, it was only logical for the Progressive Dinner, sponsored and planned by the Student Life Department, to be a huge hit- and it was.
As the fliers around campus described, one could pay just five dollars for a three course meal all across our fair city. Springfield restaurants were the host for this shin-dig, with 15 passenger vans being the mode of transportation.
No, a progressive dinner is not what one might think. In this case, the term ‘progressive’ does not mean that each course was spent discussing environmentalism or social justice. Instead of those mentally stimulating topics, students were given a night of relaxation and great food. It was called the ‘Progressive Dinner’ because it did just that; it progressed through the night.
Keep in mind that this entire excursion was only five dollars; this certainly was not a night that broke the bank. There is nothing wrong with frugality and this venture into the tastes of Springfield certainly showed that.
The group, comprised of 25 students and Student Life employees, departed campus for the popular Applebee’s Neighborhood Grill (2554 Sunrise Drive) to start the meal. The typical appetizer fare was served. Spinach and artichoke dip, buffalo chicken wings, and onion rings were a great way to start off the dinner.
Not only were the meals progressive, but as were the conversations among attendees. People who had never spoken before were sitting side-by-side at a dinner table, making conversation. Strangers who pass by each other on the quad or in the PAC were given the chance to get to know one another.
As the conversations at the tables died down and the plates started to empty, it was time to venture to the highlight of the meal, the entrée at Caitie Girls Inc. (400 E Jefferson St). The restaurant itself made the entire trip worthwhile. A splash of warm, vibrant color automatically makes Caitie Girls feel like a little piece of home. That feeling only gets amplified by the attentive and friendly service.
However, the service is not what set Caitie Girls apart from most other restaurants in Springfield. The flavorful and aesthetically pleasing food was the true star of the restaurant. I was treated to the Roasted Garlic and Sundried Tomato Chicken, which I was able to finish even after appetizers. It was served over vegetables and boiled potatoes. If forced to describe the meal, I would say it felt like a great big hug. It was truly comfort food.
This description is fitting because it was a part of Caitie Girls’ winter menu. They debut their new spring menu this week.
With most of the Progressive Dinner attendees feeling quite full, a walk was in order if we were still expected to have dessert. Two and a half blocks away is Cold Stone Creamery (124 S. Sixth Street). It felt like a long walk after two courses, especially the filling entrée at Caitie Girls.
Cold Stone Creamery makes most other ice cream joints look bad. Also, while it may have been less than ideal weather for ice cream, the treat was certainly welcome.
After a small dish at Cold Stone, it was back to the vans and the end of a very successful Student Life excursion. With more friends than when I started, I was extremely pleased with the conversation, service, and most importantly, the food.
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