Book a banquet at Orlando’s

We’ve said a few times over the years that the student-run restaurant at the Inland Northwest Culinary Academy is one of Spokane’s best-kept dining secrets.

Want to hear another secret? Orlando’s at Spokane Community College also offers a private banquet room that can seat up to 45 people for lunch meetings.

Students learning banquet service work the tables, while fourth-quarter culinary students prepare food in the kitchen.

Banquet room reservations can be made for Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays at 11:30 and 11:45 a.m. and noon.

The menu includes such succulent-sounding entrees as Seared Scallops with Orange Jicama Salad, Beer Braised Short Ribs and Basque Style Chicken with Fresh Garlic Sausage. The price of $15 per person includes a drink, salad, bread and a dessert.

The room must be reserved in advance with menu selection made about a week prior to the banquet.

For more information, contact Janet Breedlove at (509) 533-7283 or jbreedlove@scc.spokane.edu. There is also information on the school’s Web site: www.scc.spokane.edu/?culinary.

For those who would rather dine in Orlando’s main room, check for the days the restaurant is open online or call Breedlove for information and reservations.

The Orlando’s restaurant menu changes weekly and there is at least one new entrée and soup each day.

Students at the Inland Northwest Culinary Academy also run a bakery across from Orlando’s. It is filled with traditional artisan baked goods made fresh daily by students and is open 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., Tuesday through Friday.

A variety of cakes is available and students will make wedding and special occasion cakes with advance payment and notice (cash and checks only). For more information about the bakery, call (509) 533-8685.

Orlando’s is at Spokane Community College, Building 1, Room 14. The address is 1810 N. Greene St.