Among the many unique features of the SNHU campus is the presence of a full-service, student-run restaurant known as The Quill.
This restaurant has been the center of the culinary program at SNHU since the program began. The space has undergone extensive alterations over the years, but the commitment to high-quality dishes in a comfortable setting has remained constant.
Chef Kristy Ammann, a SNHU alumni and professor, serves as the General Manager of The Quill along with senior Marissa Stahl-Hodgkins.
The Quill serves as both an alternative dining option on campus and as a teaching model for students enrolled in the culinary program. “It’s a nice working model. It’s a real restaurant with a controlled atmosphere,” said Ammann.
The Quill is open for lunch on Tuesdays and Fridays, with service hours starting at 11:15 a.m. and ending at 12:30 p.m. Dinner is served every Thursday from 5-7 p.m.
For the current fall semester, the lunch menu has an Italian theme, while the dinner menu alternates between classical French cuisine and international cuisine, which concentrates on a specific world region, such as northern Europe or the Middle East. A full bar is available for those 21 and older.
In addition to this standard schedule, The Quill staff organize special events throughout the year. One of the most popular is titled, “Let Them Eat Cake.” “Our advanced pastry class has the opportunity to create full-scale wedding cakes,” said Ammann. Students are encouraged to get creative and demonstrate their skills. Attendees are given the opportunity to try each creation.
Other popular events include the International Passport Dinner, student-inspired dinners and holiday-themed meals. “We have Classical Italian and French Christmas Dinners. Those are really popular,” said Ammann.
Students are responsible for nearly all aspects of the dining experience, including prepping several hours before service, working on the line, plating, serving customers and cleaning up at the end of the night. Instructors are present for guidance, but students are expected to act independently.
Meals at The Quill are fixed price. Lunch costs $15 per person and dinner is $35; all courses are included. Cash, credit and Penmen Cash are all accepted. Additionally, those who use Penmen Cash are given a $5 discount.
By dining at The Quill, students and faculty are not only treating themselves with a high-quality meal, but also supporting a group of students training to become experts in their craft.
