Roger Street Bistro from North Island College’s culinary programs is open again to serve lunch to the public. It operates Tuesday to Thursday from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. and supports hands-on training in efficient service and presentation.
The students began their program back on Jan. 26 and continue through to Aug. 7, for a total of 28 weeks. They are in class Monday through Thursday each week.
At the Bistro, the menu changes regularly as part of student training, allowing them to work with a variety of ingredients, techniques and service styles. The format continues through the end of May, after which the Bistro will transition to a reservation-based, sit-down three-course lunch service running until July.
“All items are prepared and served by our culinary students as part of their hands-on learning experience, with menus evolving each day,” said Chef Instructor Jonathan Frazier.
Rotating daily soups focusing on building flavour, consistency, and proper seasoning. Examples include carrot ginger, beef and barley, potato leek and tomato basil.
Composed and entrée salads highlight fresh ingredients and house-made dressings. Salad offerings include roasted sweet potato and chickpea, Greek chicken, roasted beet and goat cheese, Caesar and steakhouse-style salads.
There are globally inspired sandwiches such as grilled chicken shawarma pita, pork bánh mì, meatball subs, buffalo chicken burgers, croque madame and fish tacos, as well as grab-and-go sandwiches made fresh each day.
Last but not least, there are short order meals and hot entrées. Examples include pan-seared chicken, shepherd’s pie and pork tenderloin medallions.
Roger Street Bistro is located at NIC’s Roger Street campus In Port Alberni.