Tuesday Evening – Optional Dining Experience

Culinary Arts Experience at the Tony & Libba Rane Culinary Science Center

Join us for an immersive Culinary Arts Experience at Auburn University’s Tony & Libba Rane Culinary Science Center. This evening offers a behind-the-scenes look at Auburn’s hands-on approach to culinary and hospitality education within a fully operational teaching environment.

Attendees will take part in a chef-led culinary demonstration hosted in the Center’s Viking Culinary Exhibition Laboratory, following the Rane Center’s established culinary demonstration format designed for larger groups. The experience includes live instruction and concludes with a full, professionally prepared meal inspired by the demonstration, along with one included alcoholic beverage.

The Tony & Libba Rane Culinary Science Center is a 155,000-square-foot, state-of-the-art academic and hospitality complex that brings together culinary science and hospitality management through public-facing venues such as the Laurel Hotel & Spa, the 1856 Restaurant, the Hey Day Market food hall, exhibition kitchens, and specialized instructional laboratories. The Center also includes a brewery science laboratory and taproom operated in partnership with New Realm Brewing Company, where students gain hands-on experience in beer production, quality control, and beverage service.

Chef Eric Rivera has proposed the following menu:

Pan-seared North Carolina Sunburst Trout, sautéed haricot verts and roasted tomatoes, blue corn grits, and citrus beurre blanc. The meal will be paired with a white and a red wine selected to complement the dish.

Please note: This experience is priced higher than other “Dinner on Your Own” options because it includes a full chef-prepared meal, one alcoholic beverage, professional culinary staff, and exclusive access to a specialized teaching facility.

The conference rate is $75 per person — approximately half the typical price for this experience — and participation is limited to 50 attendees. The event time is 6:30-8:00pm.

Reservations must be made by May 8.