Specialties
Located on the top floor of Drexel University's Paul Peck Problem Solving and Research Building, the Academic Bistro includes three professional kitchens, a full-sized dining room, private dining room and a bar and lounge with an adjoining wine cellar. Students taking courses in hospitality management and culinary arts and science utilize the Academic Bistro to rehearse the skills that will prepare them for a successful career in hospitality and fine dining. In addition to sourcing and preparing a full menu, instructors cover the finances, management, and delegation of staff necessary to run a dining room. During the fall, winter, and spring terms, the restaurant is open to the public on the days service courses are running, providing a delicious meal that demonstrates the students' creativity, planning, and preparation of food as front of the house expertise such as service techniques and dining room management. Students prepare all meals from scratch, from sauce stocks to ice cream, using the freshest, highest quality ingredients. No two meals are the same and are guided by the rule of thumb that all must be delicious and visually appealing. An emphasis on health and sustainability drives students to seek ingredients locally, including produce and herbs grown in Drexel's student-run garden. The Academic Bistro also hosts culinary demonstrations and events that include top chefs and representatives of the food and hospitality industries from around the country.