Prom?

[chubbyalaskagriz]

My niece's Prom photos came back recently and we were all discussing prom memories. Do you all remember where you ate- and WHAT you ordered?

My date and I (Jackie) double-dated our senior-year with David & Robin. We went to Jumer's Castle Lodge in Peoria. I remember we all had steak and lobster that was elegantly removed from it's shell tableside, and I know we ate dessert that was selected off of a wheeled cart, but I cannot recall what it was.

[KYHeirloomer]

Strange as it may sound, I've never been to a prom. And I grew up when they weren't the Hollywood productions they've now become. Girls still made their own prom gowns back then; and members of the graduating class decorated the gym for the big event.

In Junior High I just wasn't interested in that sort of stuff. In High School I ran with a crowd that saw itself as far to sophisticated for childish things like a prom. We were too busy saving the world, I reckon. As a matter of fact, I didn't even attend graduation.

College? Do they even have proms at the college level? I dunno. My life, other than classes, had nothing to do with the school. I was older, a veteran, married, and working to support my education jones. To this day I wouldn't be able to direct you to the student union.

[KYHeirloomer]

I think there are a lot of food memories related to school besides prom night, Chubby. I don't mean the quality of the cafiteria food, but special events at which food played a role.

Any problem expanding this thread to encompass some of those?

[chubbyalaskagriz]

Heck no, KYH! Let's expand-away!

My first ever catered function was a school-event. I played 'Mr. Bumble' in the Spring Musical "Oliver!" and I was asked by the director to cater the cast-party for about 50 students, teachers and volunteers. I remember making deli-trays, assorted salads, chips & other munchies, and brownies for all- oh, and a punch bowl w/ fruited ice-ring! This was in 1984 when I was 17.

[KYHeirloomer]

Well, one actually involves my youngest son.

Chad attended Vandercook College, then in Chicago but now out in the burbs. Vandercook is where you go if you're interested in music education.

Part of the graduation requirements is a recital. The student plays a selection of music, on his/her prime instrument (by the time they're done, at a minimum, they can play all 19 band instruments), and put out a reception for fellow students, facilty, and guests.

I catered the reception for him. What I did was come up with a finger-food dish that represented each country he was playing. That is, if one of the pieces was by a Russian composer (as it was) then piroshky was on the table.

As it turns out, there were seven countries in the recital, and it became quite a challenge. But in the end I did it. And to this day his classmates couldn't tell you what he played, but they remember the food.

[Haley]

Oh prom.... When I was in high school I actually went to the prom all 4 years. I grew up in a smaller town, so we would all go eat at nicer restaurants nearby. I know one year we ate at a hibachi grill and another at an Italian food restaurant, but my favorite prom dinner was actually at my date's grandmother's house. She wanted to cook us a fancy dinner, so we and a few friends ate there. I don't remember what we ate, but I remember it was good! She even made little menus and set them on our plates. I don't remember where we ate the 4th year.... I guess it must not have been that great.

[Cook Chatty Cathy]

My favorite memory of a food production associated with school was at an "International Heritage Day". The function was for every person in the class to bring in foods that are typical of their homeland or thier families nationality. It was there I tasted my first tamale and it was most definitely "Love at First Bite"!!! Many many more different foods were served that day all excellent and all prepared by the studenst parents.

I was in the 7th grade (eons ago) and to this day I have never forgotten that very special event!!!

[chubbyalaskagriz]

Great stories, KYH, Haley and Cathy... I love Haley's bit about the date's Grandma cooking for their group... how special! She must have been an awesome cook! Nothing like the love of a Gramma!

And Brook & Cathy... seems most of us got our first exposure to international cuisine perhaps through school in the early years, huh? Pretty cool! I have done story-readings of Alaskan children's book in my niece and nephew's classes over the years, but as Hailley has gotten older (she's a senior this Fall) I hadn't given any thought to doing anything food-related for the older kids. Maybe I should look into doing an Alaskan foods thang- salmon, crab, berries... hhhmmmmmm... might be a kick!