Photo of a young woman and older gentleman plating some food.

Community Events

Join us for a variety of educational and recreational events at the Tony & Libba Rane Culinary Science Center! Wine tastings, cooking classes and other special events will be offered to the public throughout the year. Learn how to pair wines with your meal. Experiment with flavor. Rub elbows with professional chefs. The Horst Schulze School of Hospitality Management is eager to provide incredible opportunities for the community to enjoy its resources. Sign up for one or more of our upcoming events below. More events to come!


Fusion Flavors: Thai-Italian Auburn Chef Showcase

Join us for a unique East-meets-West dining experience featuring four wine-paired courses and showcasing chefs from the Horst Schulze School of Hospitality Management. Executive Chef and AU Culinary Instructor, Chef Eric Rivera, and AU Hospitality Management alumna, Chef Natasha Whitt (’23) of Ravello Ristorante, will bring the flavors of Thailand and Italy together for an unforgettable dinner party.

Menu
Course 1: Thai Duck Spring Rolls, Lemongrass & Lime Chili Sauce
Course 2: Oyster Duo: Chilled Oyster with Lemon Parsley Cream and Grilled Oyster with Sesame Seaweed Butter & Thai Kimchee
Course 3: Mafaldine Pasta, Braised Short Rib, Roasted Garlic, Thai Basil, Bok Choy, Pesto Rosso
Course 4: Coconut Sticky Rice, Fresh Mango, Mango Sorbet, Limoncello Syrup

Talent:
Executive Chef and Culinary Instructor Chef Eric Rivera
AU Hospitality Management Alumna Natasha Whitt (’23) of Ravello Ristorante

Attire: Dressy casual

Fusion Flavors

Monday, February 17, 2025
6:00 - 8:00 p.m.
Purchase Tickets


Gluten-Free, Flavor-Full: A Cooking Demonstration with Chef Molly Arnett

Join us for a unique culinary educational event: Gluten-Free, Flavor-Full! Chef Molly Arnett, Auburn alumna, former “Chopped” competitor, and Emerald Coast’s Gluten-free Chef of the Year, will demonstrate how she innovates recipes to make dishes that are absolutely delicious and surprisingly gluten-free. Guests will have the opportunity to taste the dishes she prepares and engage with the chef.

Menu
Roasted merlot grape and roasted pecan crostini with herbed cheese
Fried Coconut Shrimp with a mango peach sweet chili sauce
Rosemary Cherry Lamb Chops with Chunky Mashed Potatoes (Chef Molly’s signature dish that includes a secret ingredient in the potatoes!)
Triple Berry Brown Butter Crisp with Salted Vanilla Bean Ice Cream

About the Guest Speakers:
Hello! I’m Molly Arnett, originally from Gadsden, Alabama and a proud graduate of Auburn University. My journey took a unique turn when I was diagnosed with celiac disease, which sparked my passion for culinary arts. Determined to specialize in restrictive cooking, I ventured to New York and successfully graduated from the Institute of Culinary Education.

Currently, I reside in the beautiful Santa Rosa Beach, where I specialize in creating delicious dishes tailored to dietary restrictions. My culinary adventures have been highlighted by exciting experiences, including appearing on Food Network’s “Chopped”. This opportunity has fueled my ambition to expand my personal chef business globally.

I believe in the power of food to nourish not only the body but also the soul, whether it’s crafting innovative recipes or sharing my knowledge with others, I am dedicated to making a positive impact through my culinary expertise. I look forward to connecting with fellow food enthusiasts and clients alike, as I continue to grow and innovate in the world of cuisine.

Chef Molly Arnett

Monday, January 27, 2025
6:00 - 7:00 p.m.
Purchase Tickets


Wine Tastings with Master Sommelier Thomas Price

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The Horst Schulze School of Hospitality Management invites the community to a variety of wine tasting classes with Master Sommelier Thomas Price in the fall 2024 semester. Guests will learn about the wines and tasting techniques in a fun, casual class environment. Tickets are $60-$75 per person, depending on content, and may be purchased online. Guests must be 21 or older and show proof of ID. Guests will taste various wines accompanied by light snacks.

Master Sommelier Thomas Price has spent the last 35 years working in some of Seattle’s most prominent restaurants, including his own. Shortly after obtaining his Master Sommelier certificate in 2012, Price joined Jackson Family Fine Wines as National Director of Wine Education, in addition to working with Auburn University’s Hospitality Management program as a visiting sommelier over the last eight years. Read more about Mr. Price’s journey in this feature from Wine Spectator.

These classes are basic wine appreciation classes that feature a different country or theme each month. Guests will taste various wines accompanied by light snacks.

Bottle of sparkling wine

Pop, Fizz, Sip!
Sparkling Wines

Saturday, January 25, 2025
3:00pm
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graphic with a bunch of grapes.

Bordeaux Bliss
Saturday, February 15, 2025
1:00pm
Purchase Tickets

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Tuscan Treasures:
Divine Wine from Tuscany

Saturday, March 29, 2025
3:00 pm
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Globe Icon with plane circling.

Sip the World in a Glass!
Wines from Around the World

Saturday, April 5, 2025
3:00 pm
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Wine Glass Icon with the letters ABC

ABC’s of White Wines:
Anything But Chardonnay!

Saturday, May 3, 2025
3:00 pm
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For questions, contact Caitlin Myers via email or 334-844-4267.