Taste of Italy Dinner

prepared by Student Chef Cadyn Rollings

Get ready to savor a cozy, flavor-packed Italian dinner crafted from start to finish by student chef Cadyn Rollings.

This meal is all about the food, comforting classics, rich sauces, and thoughtfully prepared dishes inspired by Cadyn’s favorite style of cooking. From the menu and recipes to the ingredients on your plate, every bite has been carefully planned and prepared as part of his capstone project in the WorkSMART Connector Hospitality program.

This dinner is Cadyn’s chance to showcase his skills in the kitchen and share his love of Italian cooking through a memorable, made-from-scratch meal. Come hungry, enjoy the flavors, and experience an evening where great food takes center stage. Buon appetito!

Friday, March 27, 2026  |  Central College Maytag Center  |  6-8 pm

Order Tickets Here

Menu

(see detailed menu/allergies below):

Zuppa Toscana
Chicken Piccata
Focaccia
Tiramisu

Served buffet style - Cash Bar available - Business Casual attire suggested

Menu details:

Zuppa Toscana:
A hearty, creamy Italian-style soup made with ground Italian sausage, diced yellow onion, garlic, and savory herbs simmered in Chicken broth. Russet potatoes add body and texture, while kale adds color and freshness. The soup is finished with heavy cream for richness and can be finished with red pepper flakes and parmesan cheese. It has a comforting, slightly spicy, and savory profile with a creamy finish. Possible allergens may include: Dairy, Wheat, Soy, Celery, Egg.

Chicken Piccata
A classic Italian-American dish featuring tender, lightly floured chicken breasts sautéed in butter and olive oil until golden brown. The pan is deglazed with chicken broth, fresh lemon juice and zest, then finished with capers and heavy cream to create a bright, buttery and slightly tangy sauce. The dish is typically garnished with parsley or parmesan cheese for freshness and richness. Possible allergens may include: Dairy, Wheat, Soy, Egg.

Focaccia
A traditional Italian flatbread made with a yeast leavened dough, olive oil, and aromatic herbs such as oregano, thyme and basil. The dough is mixed with flour, sugar, salt, garlic powder, and dried herbs, then kneaded until smooth and allowed to rise. It is then pressed into a sheet pan, dimpled, brushed generously with olive oil, and topped with parmesan and optional mozzarella cheese before baking until golden brown. Possible allergens may include: Wheat, Dairy, Soy, Sesame.

Tiramisu
A classic Italian layered dessert made with delicate ladyfingers soaked in a strong black coffee layered with a rich, creamy mixture of mascarpone cheese, egg yolks and sugar. The dessert is flavored with optional rum or amaretto liqueur and finished with a dusting of cocoa powder. After chilling, it develops a smooth, custard like texture with notes of coffee, cocoa and sweet cream. Possible allergens may include: Dairy, Egg, Wheat, Soy, Tree Nuts.