Collegiate Times

A Shultz worker pours gravy over beef tenderloin at the Titanic-themed dinner.

The sound of a lone bugle signaled to the crowd at exactly 6 p.m. — indicating that dinner was served. The line started forming close to 30 minutes before dinner as people eagerly awaited the start of the Titanic experience.

Diners attended Shultz dining center's last themed-dinner yesterday evening, just weeks before its closing in May — which Patrick Harton, Corps of Cadets member and a sophomore international studies major, is not happy about. 

“I had (a) blast tonight, but I’m depressed about the end of Shultz because I’m here every day,” he said. “I wish they could at least keep the top portion of Shultz open because I will miss the breakfast.”

Regardless, Shultz will soon be overtaken with construction for the Center for the Arts building. The dinner provided a memorable way for people to say goodbye to Shultz. 

Last night, diners were greeted with a variety of appetizers brought around by waiters dressed in full tuxedos. Diners were given a boarding pass upon entry that allowed them to try both the rack of lamb and beef tenderloin. The boarding passes also had information on an individual who was a passenger on the actual Titanic ship.

Shultz was broken up into different sections, representing class distinctions. The center tables covered in red tablecloths distinguished first class, while the surrounding outside tables represented the lower class on the ship.

Cutout stars were taped around Shultz with facts about the ship, incorporating an educational aspect to the experience. Diners could also take a turn spinning a wheel, as part of a game to test their knowledge of Titanic trivia.

Large fruit trays featuring melon, pineapple, strawberries and star fruit surrounded by an assortment of cheeses served as the first course of the meal. Long lines stretched throughout the hall as guests waited to try the duck breast, curry chicken, as well as the beef tenderloin and rack of lamb.

To finish off the meal, diners had access to a full dessert table featuring items including orange sorbet, vanilla ice cream and strawberry rhubarb pies.

A Shultz team constructed a replica of the front of the Titanic ship that was centered in the back of the hall looking out onto the other tables. Waiters, employees and managers all participated in the Titanic theme by donning clothing accurate to the time period. A large volume of students came out to support the event including the Corps of Cadets, whose members frequent Shultz because of its proximity to the upper quad. 

“As a member of the Corps, I came out tonight to support Shultz,” said Forrest Rush, a sophomore business major. “I tried the beef tenderloin, which was excellent.”

Likewise, Heidi Mull, a freshman economics major, lives in Thomas Hall and frequents the dining center at least once a day.

"... (Shultz has) awesome breakfast, and I’m going to have to find a new place to get grilled cheese,” Mull said.

In the fall, a new dining center — Turner Place — will fill the void of Shultz, as it is set to open in the fall. 

A version of this article appeared in the Apr 11 issue of the Collegiate Times.