We’ve got all the details on the upcoming West Chester University Annual Presidential Scholarship Community Gala! The full menu for the evening’s festivities, which will be prepared by New Street Catering, has just been announced. Take a look at the delicious lineup:
Hors D’Oeuvres: Stationary Hors D’Oeuvres—Stuffed Grape Leaves and traditional Hummus with accoutrements, including Roasted Red Peppers with Toasted Almonds, White Bean & Mint Salad and Basil & Feta with Preserved Lemon, served with Grilled Pita Bread, Spiced Flat Bread & Herb Crostini. Butlered Hors D’Oeuvres—Poached Pear, Honey Walnuts & Lavender Syrup Served on a Focaccia Crisp; Miniature Wild Mushroom Risotto Cake Served with Thyme Scented Crème Fraiche & a Scallion Leaf; Cured Queen Olive filled with Basil Mousse & Marinated Capri Tomato Served on a Bamboo Skewer; Jumbo Lump Crab Meat tossed in Coconut Milk Accompanied by Ginger Poached Mango & Sliced Jalapeños; Lime Scented Pulled Jerk Chicken with Mango Salsa & Avocado Mousse On a Toasted Plantain Chip; Five Spiced Duck Breast with Candied Apricot & Lingonberry Jam On a Buttered Croustade; and Sliced Thai Flank Steak & Shredded Daikon Salad Wrapped in Pickled Cucumber.
Fresh and Poached Seafood: Fresh Oysters on Half Shell, Jumbo Shrimp, Long Island Little Neck Clams and Marinated Mussels, Accompanied by Traditional Cocktail Sauce, Horseradish Tartar Sauce & Citrus Ponzu Sauce.
Dinner: First Course—Crisp Red Oak Leaves with Champagne Infused Strawberries & Blueberries, Crumbled Feta & Toasted Almonds Dressed with a House Made Herb Vinaigrette. Second Course—Filet Mignon Au Poivre Baby New Potatoes, Garlic Scented Broccoli Rabe in a Brandy & Peppercorn Sauce; Coq Au Vin Piped Yukon Mash Potatoes & Sage Scented Root Vegetable Succotash; Monaco Seared Bay Scallops Creamy Parsnip Puree, Orange Zest Braised Fennel & Vanilla Bean Crème; The Mount Charles – an ambiance of Grilled Zucchini, Yellow Squash, Eggplant, Red Peppers & Pesto Rice Drizzled with Balsamic & Basil Oil.
Dessert Station: St. Honore Cake—Cream Puff Pastry Tower coated with Creamy Caramel; Miniature Gateau Chocolate Cake accompanied with Blueberry Wine Coulis; Almond Macaroon Torte with Ganache Frosting & Oranges.
As was previously reported on West Chester Dish, the theme for this year’s extravaganza is Midnight in the Monte Carlo—the Vintage Vegas Experience. WCU’s 14th President, Dr. Greg Weisenstein, and his wife Sandra will host this year’s 30th Anniversary of the Gala from 6 p.m. to midnight, with the help of Honorary Chair Martha Carson-Gentry and Co-Chairs Linda Antonowich and Lisa Lucas. Hollinger Field House will be completely transformed to the 1940s by On Q Productions, owned by WCU’s decorator and alumna Ellen Williamson, ’83, for this premiere black-tie event.
In addition to fabulous food, entertainment will be provided by the City Rhythm Band; the evening will also include an upscale silent auction with close to 100 items and a casino for the guests’ pleasure. Tickets for the event are $175 per person; all proceeds benefit the WCU Presidential Scholarship, a renewable, four-year award—one of WCU’s largest and most prestigious scholarship awards—which is funded entirely by private donations.
Individuals, businesses and corporations can also participate by attending the event, purchasing a corporate table, donating an item or service to the evening’s silent auction or making a donation as a corporate sponsor.
For tickets, sponsorship and additional information, visit West Chester University Foundation online or call (610) 430-4127.
Food photos courtesy of New Street Catering; gala photo from WCU Foundation.
