Having a taste for different types of flavors, gives individuals a sense of culture and adventure, and the same was experienced at Food for Thought on Wednesday 16. Oct. This food for thought featured faculty member, Dr. Lionel Thomas Associate Professor, International Tourism and Hospitality Management. Dr. Thomas a self-proclaimed foodie hosted his third food for thought, with the intent of meeting students from other majors.
Dr. Thomas’ thought was that, hopefully he could show students how relatable their current majors were in line with the Hospitality industry. The group of 20+ students were slated to eat at Texas Roadhouse however, due to minor inconveniences at the restaurant moved down the street to Bahama Breeze. Having hosted students at a Food for Thought at the eatery prior in the year, Dr. Thomas entreated the attendees to try different meals, that they would not ordinarily try- to encourage their palettes to embrace change.
Saint Leo University’s Campus Activities Board has tickets available for a limited time on SaintLeoTickets.com
Each person was given a strict guideline to the amount of food they could purchase, and encouraged to combine efforts with their neighbor to try more things on the menu. Thomas believes that this was one of the most effective ways of experiencing a restaurant as every dish can be tried in a moderate way. Conversation littered the air as, seniors connected with freshman and juniors met sophomores in a friendly environment.
Freshman and Communications major, Pleshae McPhee enjoyed being able to attend the event. Pleshae said, “I enjoyed food for thought. The food was delicious and it was nice meetings and socializing with new people and Dr. Thomas, I will definitely be going again.”
McPhee’s sentiments were shared by numerous other students, who left satiated by the meal but also through the communal activities of the evening. Dr. Thomas looks forward to hosting another food for thought should the opportunity arise as he can continue to meet students in other disciplines. Thomas said that promoting the hospitality minors in the university is paramount to him, as well as growing the organization, National Societies for Minorities in Hospitality (NSMH) of which he is the faculty advisor.
Food for thought continues, throughout the academic year and promises to give an opportunity to students to dialogue with faculty members. Look out for the next opportunity on SaintLeoTickets.com.
