Summer 2024 Theme Dinners
Cafe Laura's theme dinners offer a unique opportunity for the public to sample original and innovative cuisine prepared by Penn State Hospitality Management students. Our goal is to create an environment where students can gain real-world management experience that prepares them for careers in the hospitality industry. Patrons can choose from several menu options including appetizers, entrees, desserts, and beverages unique to each night's theme.
Cafe Laura will validate up to two hours of parking for the Nittany Parking Deck.
Be on the lookout for our Summer menu and dates!
Route 66: Inspired by Diners, Drive-ins, and Dives | June 18 & June 25
Book a reservation for Route 66 - June 18 or June 25
APPTIZERS
Asian Sticky Wings
Served with spicy sauce
Tostada Nachos
Served with cheese, black beans, carne asada, jalapeño, and Mexican crema
Salad
Arugula and Mixed Spring Salad
Served with Sweet and Spicy Dressing
Entrees
Peppercorn Steak
Served with gravy on top
Cajun Chicken Alfredo
Shrimp Gumbo
Sides
Asparagus
Parmesan Truffle Frites
Desserts
Cheesecake with Blueberry Sauce
Crowns and Forks: Elevating Taste to Royal Heights | June 20 & June 27
Book a reservation for Crowns and Forks | June 20 & June 27
APPETIZERS
Lobster Bisque
Velvety smooth lobster bisque infused with a rich cream. Garnished with fresh scallions. Fit for kings and queens.
Crown and Charcuterie Affairs
The finest meat and cheeses the palace has to offer. A warm baguet served with brie and white cheddar. The majesty’s favorite prosciutto and salami. Sweet and savory dipping options include horseradish and cranberry sauce.
Salad
Caprese Royale
Entrees
Regal Wellington
Prime filet of tender beef, wrapped in a mixture of wild mushroom and baked to perfection. Flaky puff pastry crowning the top.
Salmon en Croute
The high rank filet of salmon topped with a mixture of spinach, mushrooms, and herbs baked until a golden brown and served with hollandaise.
Crown Jewel Stuffed Portobello Mushroom ;
A hearty portobello mushroom cap filled with a decadent blend of quinoa, roasted vegetables, and goat cheese then baked to perfection. Drizzled with red pepper coulis.
Sides
Lemon asparagus
Seasoned roasted potatoes
Desserts
Royal Decadence Brownie Delight with Gold Crumbles
Queen’s Berry Crown Tart
Service Charge Policy
A key component of the education process at the School of Hospitality Management at Penn State is learning how to deliver outstanding service. Students in the School of Hospitality Management are not permitted to accept tips in accordance with IRS regulations. Only paid employees are allowed to accept tips. We thank you for honoring the service charge policy and for giving our students the opportunity to serve you. In light of this policy, and to keep the student experience focused on education, we have included an 18% service charge on each check. All monies from the service charge are returned to our students to defray their expenses of uniforms, decorations, and other costs involved in their taking this class.
Menu Pricing
Appetizers..............$6.00-10.00
Entrees...................$18.00-32.00
Desserts.................$6.00-9.00
Beverages...............$1.50-3.75
Pricing is subject to change.
Private Dining Options
During theme dinners, Cafe Laura offers private dining in our Statler Executive Dining Room. This state-of-the-art dining room can accommodate up to 14 people and features a large TV with internet connectivity and USB capabilities. To reserve the Statler Executive Dining Room, call (814) 865-1853.
The Statler Executive Dining Room is named in honor of a Legacy Grant provided by The Statler Foundation to the School of Hospitality Management. The Statler Foundation was established in 1928 by the will of legendary hotelier Ellsworth M. Statler to further industry education. No outside food is permitted.
Join our listserv and be among the first to know when our theme dinners and menus are announced.