The Culinary Arts Department is challenging every appetite on and off campus with its Thanksgiving menu returning this Thursday from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the Student Center.

This holiday menu is an annual tradition held on Thursday before Thanksgiving, open to all students, faculty and the general public.

For a mere $7.75, the bountiful meal consists of turkey, with choice of light or dark meat, mashed potatoes and green beans. You also get a miniature pumpkin pie and a drink, all served as a one-course meal.

The Thanksgiving menu will be coupled with regular entré items for less traditional tastes

Award-winning culinary arts instructor Michael Pierini, a self-titled “culinary purist,” would like to remind everyone that this and all meals made by the Culinary Arts Department are created from scratch.

“We’re a school, so everything on the menu is made from scratch. The dinner rolls are made from scratch. The gravy and stuffing is also from scratch. There is no mix or pre-made anything here.”

The Culinary Department is expecting at least 150 customers to enjoy this holiday meal.

With patrons coming in from local businesses, such as folks from Cerritos Auto Square, the local fire department and Infinity Insurance, anyone planning on attending should try to make it early.

The Culinary Arts Department is open to the public Monday through Thursday from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Chef Pierini would like to invite everybody to dine in and enjoy a gourmet meal. “Anybody that wants to come in and enjoy our food is welcome to do so.”

Chef Michael Pierini is the recipient of the California Community College Association for Occupational Education 2006 Excellence in Teaching Award.