Campus Residential Dining is bringing a taste of the Middle East on Wednesday Nov. 15 during dinner hours at the dining halls. With the first special dinner of the year, there was heavy focus on authenticity and student involvement.

The Residential Dining Special Events Committee started researching for this event last year, and gathered ideas for multiple food options from that region. With such options as chicken matzoh ball soup, and khoresht aloo, flavor and variety are abundant.

In addition to a fresh menu, Residential Dining is showcasing different student organizations that perform or appreciate the culture from the Middle East in some way. Penn State International Dance Ensemble (PSIDE) is just one group performing belly dancing throughout the evening. Starting at Findlay Commons at 5:30 p.m, moving to Pollock Commons at 6:15 p.m. and finishing at Redifer Commons at 7 p.m.

A Residential Dining special dinner last year won a Loyal E. Horton bronze award from the National Association of College and University Food Services (NACUFS) for Residential Dining Special Event, and the team is looking to submit the Middle Eastern Dinner this year. There will even be a snapchat filter, and those that use it have the potential to win a prize from Residential Dining. Keep up on their social media @PennStateDining, to see rules and conditions.

Campus Dining is committed to enriching students’ residential experience. With five dining halls on campus, and over 35 options of places to eat, Campus Dining works towards serving quality food and beverages at all times, with quick, friendly and responsive service. If you have more questions about Campus Dining or would like to apply you can follow the link here, or contact Jim Meinecke, Residential Dining Coordinator 814-867-6357, jwm248@psu.edu.