In June Bates Technical College added a priceless component to the Culinary Arts Program. A first for the school, second-year students have the unique opportunity to serve dining clientele in this live practice restaurant environment and create recipes, menus and gourmet dishes in the school’s kitchen classroom.

A recent lunch visit yielded a mixed bag of dishes: excellent lamb chops, artful yet undercooked potato balls, tender, seasoned seared scallops, tasty tortilla soup, salty prawns, delicious chocolate cake with cherries, and mediocre cheesecake.

As long as it is understood that student chefs are preparing lunch and things may not be just right, this is a fun foodie adventure at low prices (average $3-$9).

The makeshift restaurant is set-up in the Cascade Room complete with printed menus, white table linen and flowers.

Given the limited seating and experience of the student staff, reservations are required to allow for proper preparation.

[Bates Technical College, 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Tuesday-Thursday, Cascade Room, 1101 S. Yakima, Tacoma, 253.680-7247]