Cafe Laura, a Penn State on-campus eatery operated by hospitality management students, announced the themes for its fall 2024 dinners. The restaurant provides an industry-standard experience students can take into the post-graduate experience.

Every semester, students enroll in advanced food production and service management to collaborate to host a series of theme dinners at the facility. The rigorous course is required for all hospitality management students and includes a weekly, seven-hour lab session.

From sports to pop culture, there are eight themed dinners, each taking place twice a semester, for guests to choose from, each with their own unique style and flair.

A few nights at the restaurant will transform State College into a European gallery of taste with “Opa Fusion: From Greece to the World,” served on October 9 and November 8, and “French Bistro Classics: Experience the Elegance of French Cuisine,” served on October 24 and November 21.

Some selections have taken inspiration from popular American cities and events, including “A Night in the Hamptons: Simple Elegance,” served on October 10 and November 7, and “Kentucky Derby – A Night at The Race,” served on October 17 and November 14. Some of the menu items on those nights include Derby Day Deviled Egg Flight, New York Strip Steak, and Buttermilk-Brined Fried Chicken.

College sports fans will be in luck with the “Big Ten Bites: A Culinary Championship” theme, served on October 30 and December 4. The menu includes food inspired by several colleges within the Big Ten, including College Park Crab Cakes, Ann Ar(herb)-Crusted Chicken, and Nittany Apple Cobbler with Creamery Ice Cream.

Cafe Laura is taking inspiration from one of the biggest blockbuster movies of the year with its “Inside Out: A Feast of Emotions” dinner, served on October 16 and November 13. The menu references several movie characters, including Bing Bong Shrimp with Angry Sauce, Disgustingly Good Spinach Salad, and Joy’s Zesty Salmon.

Folks trying to stay in their comfort zone might like “Retro Diner Revival – Classic Comfort Food Reimagined” on October 31 and December 5 with many familiar American-style dishes. For those feeling adventurous, the “Palette and Plate: Gastronomy Meets Gallery” theme dinner on October 23 and November 20 will serve as a more palette-expanding menu.

Cafe Laura does not serve alcohol, but it does have a B.Y.O.B. policy where patrons can bring two 12-ounce beers per person or one 750mL bottle of wine per two people.

For more information on dates for the themed dinners and Cafe Laura policies, folks can visit its website here.