C3 transforms into ‘Hunger Games’ set

Crossroads Culinary Center (C3) in Red Jacket Quad was transformed into the set of the “Hunger Games” Tuesday night — complete with decorations, sound, costumes and especially food — all inspired by the movie sensation popular among university students.

As part of “Hunger Games Theme Night,” part of Campus Dining & Shops’ (CDS) popular “theme night” series, staff dressed in “Hunger Games” costumes. Special effects reflected the setting of the movie series, with a green screen providing the movie background to allow guests to “step into” the movie.

Each food station represented a district from the “Hunger Games” books and movies.

Guests were invited to dress as their favorite “Hunger Games” character, with a grand prize of $500 in Dining Dollars awarded for the best costume.

Students also were encouraged to bring non-perishable food to the event to be donated to the University Presbyterian Church food pantry. Each food item guests brought earned them a soft arrow to shoot in Katniss Everdeen’s Archery Range for a chance to win a prize.

“We enjoy doing themed events that our students are really into,” said Elizabeth Amato, C3 general manager. “‘Hunger Games’ is very popular with this demographic and students were super-excited for this dinner.

“The entire night was an experience — from the food and the decor to the costumes and the food drive. There was something for everyone.”

As far as determining the menu for the event, Amato said the “Hunger Games” books are filled with food references. “We crafted the menu to include several of them,” she said.

Students feasted on orange-rosemary chicken, rabbit stew, herb-rubbed Cornish hens, Rue’s Roasted Parsnips, beef stew with crumbled bacon polenta, vegetable ratatouille and black rice, and black bean and pumpkin soups. There also were selections from Peeta’s Family Bakery, including warm and hearty local breads along with gourmet cakes and decadent sweets.

In addition, the menu featured locally produced items, including cheese and honey.

CDS will submit the event for consideration in the residential dining special events category of the 2015 Loyal E. Horton Dining Awards contest, organized by the National Association of College& University Food Services (NACUFS).

Previous UB special dining events include serving the celebratory meal featured in Everyday With Rachael Ray, Ray’s monthly magazine that used UB for its backdrop, and the “Eat Like a Roman” themed dinner held last spring and co-hosted by the Department of Classics.