

Congratulations to the prize winning WMU Catering staff and Chef Nick Petruska who recently participated in the March of Dimes Signature Chef's Auction held Wednesday, October 24, at the Radisson Plaza Hotel in downtown Kalamazoo. Sixteen local chefs and area restaurants provided samples of their culinary specialties and donated additional items for a live auction to support the March of Dimes in their mission to improve infant health.

The honorary WMU Catering team received a first place prize for best display, and also took second place in the best dessert category. The catering staff prepared some of their finest signature desserts including:
Special Presentations
Poached Pear Satay with Kandied Kirsh Karamel
and Toasted Hazelnuts
Chocolate Almond Dacquoise, a rich coffee chocolate torte
"W" Signature Chocolate and Grand Marnier Petite Fours
Lox Crepes with Dilled Creme Fraiche
Mini Grasshopper Pie Charlottes
Pumpkin Praline Fudge
Keoke Coffee
Dessert Crepes |
Gourmet Sorbets |
|---|---|
| Goldschlager Apple with Currants Dark Sweet Cherry Bourbon Brandied Peach Bananas Foster Flavored Whipped Creams: Toasted Coconut, Bailey's, Vanilla, Cocoa |
Ruby Port Sorbet and Stilton Cheese Ice Cream Mango and Pineapple with Garam Masala Pumpkin and Apple Cider Black Raspberry Lemon-Mint |
Executive Chef Nick Petruska, who has participated in the event for three years, is honored to be involved in such a worthwhile cause.
"It was my sincere pleasure to put my culinary skills together with a great team of WMU Catering managers and student staff to represent WMU in one of the most well organized charity events with which I have been involved. Kudos to Kara Nuismer, Smitty Moore, Linda Doremus, Sue Green, Evan Birch, Jessica Hughes, Andrew Lim, and Nancy Pine for all their time and energy.
WMU's involvement with this event supports an organization dedicated to saving childrens' lives and in the process enriches our own lives by reminding us of the ideals: commitment, dedication, perfection and teamwork."
Chef Nick Petruska
WMU Catering
Division of Student Affairs