Hotel School to host Titanic Commemorative Dinner

Proceeds to go to Galway RNLI Lifeboat

The Hotel School at GMIT is holding what plans to be one of the best Titanic commemorative events this year, an 11 course black-tie dinner replicating the meal served to guests in the first class dining room on the Titanic. Tickets are already sold out for the event, which takes place on Wednesday 21 March, in aid of the Galway RNLI Lifeboat.

The evening kicks off at 6.30pm with a champagne & oysters reception followed by 11-course dinner, each course served with a different wine. A string quarter will provide entertainment throughout the evening.

GMIT Culinary Arts lecturer Noel Loughnane, who came up with the idea for this unique culinary experience, will lead a team, working in four kitchens, of students and their lecturers in Culinary Arts, Hotel Management, Hospitality Studies, Bar Supervision, Bar Management, and Tourism Management. Event Management students will "deck out" the Connemara Training Restaurant in an appropriate maritime theme for the occasion and also dress up in period costumes to lead guests through the campus to the Hotel School restaurant on the night.

Noel Loughnane, organiser of the event, has always had a great interest in the Titanic. He has read extensively on the subject and, having discovered the menu for the last meal served on that fateful night on 14 April 1912, decided it would be fitting to do something for a maritime charity.

"Our menu on the night is the same as it was 100 years ago but served in a contemporary style and in a different order. It will be a great learning experience for our students who are really excited about the event and happy to be volunteering their time and energy for a charity like Galway Lifeboat, while also respectfully marking the 100 year anniversary of the sinking of the Titanic."

Cait Noone, Head of the Hotel School, GMIT, says this event once again demonstrates the school's ongoing commitment to helping partners in the region. "Students in the Hotel School have a long and proud established reputation in the region for working with voluntary groups and managing fundraising events. In addition our students and colleagues have an opportunity at this event to showcase their outstanding culinary skills and restaurant service etiquette. We look forward to gastronomic delight."

Chairperson of the Galway RNLI Lifeboat Fundraising Committee, Ciara O'Byrne, expressed sincere thanks on behalf of the Lifeboat station to the GMIT Hotel School and in particular to Noel Loughnane and his team for organising this unique event.

"One life lost at sea affects families and community for generations. The dedication and selfless voluntary work of the RNLI crews in saving lives at sea does not go unnoticed but we are indebted to the people who fundraise and organise events to ensure funds are there for training our crews to successfully save lives at sea. We wish GMIT every success with this event and look forward to the night."

The MENU for the evening is as follows:

Reception on arrival with Oysters and Champagne

Horsd'oeuvre---Asparagus Salad with Champagne Saffron Vinaigrette

Soups---Duet of Consommé Olga/Cream of Barley

Fish----Salmon with mousseline sauce

Entrees----Filet mignon of beef 'Lili'

Sorbet----Punch Romaine

Removes---Calvados Glazed Duckling

Lamb with mint jelly

Sirloin of Beef Forestiere

Served with a selection of vegetables and potatoes

Cold Dish: Pate de foie Gras