Yes, we did write an incredibly blunt review of our first trip to Cafe Laura. But we did it for good reason. HRIM students plan and execute meals at Cafe Laura to learn from their mistakes and get a taste of how things really are in the restaurant business. If you don’t learn how to take a little bit of harsh criticism sometimes, how are you going to survive in the big bad world called real life (especially if you are entering the cut-throat restaurant industry)?

Since Cafe Laura is run completely by students, it is inevitable that there are going to be some initial set-backs; however, these problems are recognized and eventually taken care of throughout the semester.

Unfortunately, my two original partners in crime could not make the second adventure to Cafe Laura due to paint parties and matzo times. But I am a woman of my word, so I went back to Cafe Laura to the same Se7en: Food to Die For meal to see how the HRIM students improved from their first meal to their second. Let’s get critiquing.

First, our server was lovely. She spoke eloquently, we never had to ask for a drink refill, and her attitude lit up the room. I could have left after receiving my Diet Pepsi and been happier than the last meal–that’s how good she was. But, alas, the meal must go on!

The Se7en team replaced an old appetizer on the menu for their second meal. Fried ravioli instead of tomato soup? You had me at “fried.” It was delightful. Just enough crisp and a bit of dipping sauce to accent the traditional, yet satisfying appetizer. So far, this evening was looking good.

Did you think I wasn’t going to mention the honey butter this time? WRONG. It was still fantastic. You can’t beat it. They did substitute rolls for the fresh bread which I’m not 100% in agreement with, but that honey butter can make anything taste good. They also updated the salad ingredients. Instead of the bland apples that topped the first meal’s salad, grapes were used instead. Our server also offered us fresh ground pepper, which was not offered to us last meal. Every little bit hits the taste buds, you know!

This time for my main course I ordered  Pride, which is a butternut squash and onion gallete. This was the lone vegetarian option on the menu, and it was fantastic. The combination of squash, onions, bell peppers, and fontina cheese inside of a puff pastry worked wonders. I also got a little side dish with a twice-baked potato and a veggie medley. I have zero complaints about my meal. It was literally 100 times better than the pork loin I ordered last time.

My dinner partner ordered Greed, which consisted of salmon, shrimp, and scallops over a bed of sesame noodles. This seemed to be a more popular dish on the menu. This entree fit the seven deadly sins theme perfectly, as it came with at least three helpings of food (so many noodles!).

Last, and certainly not least, was dessert. Remember when I told you that we were served cake batter last time? THE CAKE WAS BAKED THIS TIME. AND IT WAS DELICIOUS. Please see the comparison photograph attached to this article just so you do not think I made up that they served us cake batter last time. The difference of actually baking the dessert makes a pretty big difference when attempting to consume chocolate-y goodness.

Now, here ends my review of the second Cafe Laura meal. For those of you who complained about the last article and its criticisms of the meal, rest assured, the HRIM students have redeemed themselves. At least in Onward State’s books.

…but seriously, where’s my tub of honey butter?