April 02, 2010

Old Main Restaurant to host Asian buffet

by Christi Mathis

CARBONDALE, Ill. -- April is sushi time at Southern Illinois University Carbondale’s Student Center.

Old Main Restaurant will host an Asian buffet Tuesday, April 6, complete with hand-rolled sushi courtesy of the Student Center Craft Shop. Held in conjunction with the University’s Asian American Heritage Month, the buffet will feature sweet and sour chicken, spicy beef and broccoli, red and gold steamed rice, steamed jasmine rice, sesame green beans and fried pork gyoza along with the sushi and cream of chicken rice or “Chef’s Choice” for the soup of the day.

The all-you-can-eat buffet runs 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. and the price is $7.29. Old Main Restaurant diners may also enjoy the soup and salad bar or order from the grill menu. For reservations, recommended for the buffet, call 618/453-5277.

You can also learn how to make your own sushi at the “Just Want to Make Sushi” workshop at the Craft Shop. There are two separate sessions for the workshop, on April 15 and April 27, each set for 5:30-7:30 p.m. Participants will learn how to cook the vinegared rice and roll the nori, making their very own hand-rolled sushi. Of course, you’ll sample your handmade sushi too.

The workshop is $10 for SIUC students and $12 for the general public and the price includes all materials and supplies. You must be at least 12 years old to participate. To register, call 618/453-3636.

For more information about the sushi making or any of the other workshops and activities at the Craft Shop and the Student Center, visit the Web site at www.siucstudentcenter.org.