Culinary Creativity meets Automotive Legacy at “Driven by the Harvest” Fall 2026 Chefs’ Dinner
You can purchase tickets for “Driven by the Harvest” online
Tickets may also be purchased in person.
The HFC Culinary Arts and Hospitality Management program is delighted to announce the “Driven by the Harvest” Fall 2026 Chefs’ Dinner, a semi-annual event that showcases the extraordinary talents of our culinary arts students and faculty.
Please join us at Fifty-One O One, HFC’s acclaimed student-run restaurant, on Saturday, November 7, at 6:00 p.m. The restaurant is in the John McDonald Student and Culinary Arts Center (Building M on the main campus).
Five-course dinner pays homage to iconic Ford automobiles
This year's theme celebrates two of Michigan's greatest legacies: The innovation and craftsmanship of Ford Motor Company and the rich agricultural bounty of Michigan's fall harvest.
Our guests will experience five thoughtfully prepared courses inspired by the Ford Model T, the 1949 Ford, the Ford Thunderbird, the Ford Mustang, and the Ford GT40. Each course reflects a different chapter of Ford's automotive legacy while incorporating the rich flavors and seasonal ingredients of the Midwest harvest.
Menu highlights include a rustic buckwheat and caramelized onion galette, delicate lake trout prepared en papillote with Michigan tomatoes and fresh herbs, and juniper-roasted venison accompanied by seasonal root vegetables. The evening concludes with elaborate desserts featuring persimmon, black walnut, cranberry, and complementary flavors that bring the culinary journey across the finish line.
This dining experience will be prepared by HFC’s talented culinary arts students under the guidance of expert faculty and professional chefs. The evening will begin with a cocktail and Hors d’Oeuvres reception at 6:00 p.m., followed by the first course and program at 6:30 p.m.
As part of the dining experience:
- Coffee, tea, and soft drinks will be provided.
- House-made bread will be provided.
- Beer and wine will be available for purchase for guests ages 21 and older with a valid photo ID.
“From the first course to the final bite, guests will experience a celebration of creativity, craftsmanship, and the next generation of culinary talent,” said HFC culinary arts instructor and Fifty-One O One maître d'hôtel Lauren Wallace. “Just as Ford has driven generations of automotive excellence, our talented culinary students will take our guests on a one-of-a-kind culinary journey with each thoughtfully crafted course paying homage to an iconic Ford vehicle. Inspired by the character, history, and ingenuity of Ford's automobiles, each dish will showcase the vibrant flavors, seasonal ingredients, and farm-to-table traditions that define Michigan's autumn harvest.”
Proceeds benefit the scholarship fund
Beyond the creative menu and memorable dining experience, this dinner serves a greater purpose: Investing in the next generation of culinary and hospitality professionals.
Proceeds from this dinner benefit the HFC Hospitality Scholarship Fund, providing financial assistance to students pursuing careers in culinary arts and hospitality management.
For guests, the evening is more than an exceptional meal. It is an opportunity to experience the talent, dedication, and creativity of tomorrow's hospitality professionals while directly supporting their educational journeys.
Tickets and Reservations
Tickets are $65 per person, with $40 of each ticket designated as a tax-deductible donation to the HFC Hospitality Scholarship Fund.
Tickets may be purchased online at the link above or in person at Fifty-One O One during regular operating hours. Cash, checks, and major credit cards – including Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover – are accepted.
Checks should be made payable to the HFC Foundation with “Hospitality Scholarship Dinner” in the memo section. Complimentary parking is available in the Campus Safety lot near Building N. Additional parking information can be found on the campus map.
About HFC’s Culinary Arts and Hospitality Management
The HFC Culinary Arts and Hospitality Management program is renowned for its hands-on training and commitment to excellence. Students gain real-world experience in the College’s acclaimed Fifty-One O One restaurant, preparing them for successful careers in the hospitality industry.
About Fifty-One O One
Fifty-One O One offers a unique dining experience in which HFC culinary arts students showcase their skills under the close supervision of our professional chefs and staff. Students are committed to providing an outstanding dining experience while preparing for successful careers in the hospitality industry.
For questions or more information, please call 313-206-5101.