International small plates centerpiece of UConn renovation

Aug. 3—University of Connecticut students returning to the Storrs campus this fall will be greeted by small plates, European-style at the renovated McMahon dining hall.

UConn is completing the $9 million renovation to the facility, which will increase seating from 374 to 530. The open kitchen design includes stools surrounding the cooking areas, so students can watch and interact with the chefs.Stainless steel appliances and cooktops, energy-saving lighting, bright yellow backsplash and glass paneling give the dining hall a trendy, state-of-the-art look.

The "small plate" concept allows students to try a bit of everything and is environmentally friendly because, as Dennis Pierce, director of UConn Dining Services said, students' eyes are sometimes bigger than their stomachs.