U. of Buffalo to try a “Hunger Games”-themed service

BUFFALO, N.Y. — The dining complex (UB’s newest and one of its most well-appointed) will become a “Hunger Games” movie set. Staff will dress in “Hunger Games” costumes. Special effects will reflect the setting of the movie series. A green screen with the movie background will be set up for guests to “step into” the movie. Guests including students are encouraged to dress as their favorite “Hunger Games” character. Grand Prize for best costume: $500 Dining Dollars.

Each food station will represent a district from the “Hunger Games” books and movies.

Students are also encouraged to bring non-perishable food to the event. All items will be donated to the University Presbyterian Church food pantry. Each item guests bring earns them a soft arrow to shoot in Katniss Everdeen’s Archery Range for a chance to win a prize.

"We enjoy doing themed events that our students are really into,” says Elizabeth Amato, general manager at Crossroads Culinary Center. “The Hunger Games is very popular with this demographic, and they are super-excited for this dinner.

"The entire night will be an experience, from the food and the decor to the costumes and the food drive. There will be something for everyone."

Menu: “The books are filled with food references and we crafted the menu to include several of them,” Amato says.

A sample of the menu: orange-rosemary chicken, rabbit stew, herb-rubbed Cornish hens, Rue’s Roasted Parsnips, beef stew with crumbled bacon polenta, vegetable ratatouille and black rice, black bean and pumpkin soups. The menu also will include selections from Peeta’s Family Bakery, featuring warm and hearty local breads along with gourmet cakes and decadent sweets.

In addition, the menu will feature locally produced items, including cheese and honey.