Making tasty choices

November 13, 2009

By Colleen MacPherson

A major renovation of Choices in St. Thomas More College is nearing completion, and along with the new look, the executive chef and food services manager is preparing new food options and new services.

 “We’ve always had the ability to cater big events, but the pillars hindered the space,” said Amy Frank, gesturing to the new, pillar-free eating area. There is new paint on the walls, new flooring, and new tables and chairs are on order. Now, she will be promoting Choices as an event location “for cocktail parties, galas or weddings. We now have room for about 170 for a sit-down meal.”

As part of the $300,000 renovation, the kitchen was equipped with natural gas appliances, greatly expanding Frank’s grilling capacity “and giving us the option of doing more creative things.” The chef said her menu will change seasonally but will still feature produce supplied by the U of S Horticulture Club and Saskatoon area producers. “Students play a huge part in what we do and students want locally-grown food, organic food, home-style food.”

Frank said the Choices staff has also been expanded “because it’s more labour intensive to make food from scratch. And we have a lot of international people so that has a big influence on our menu. We like to keep it interesting.”

One thing that will not be changing is the size of Choices’ portions, said Frank. “We provide food that’s wholesome, nutritious and that fills you up.”

The official re-opening of Choices will take place in January.