During the month of January, our graduating associate students all went on once-in-a-lifetime international trips as part of the tuition-paid travel opportunities at Walnut Hill College! First up, our A.S. in Culinary Arts and Pastry Arts students embarked on an eight-day exploration of France. Their adventure began in the Champagne region, where they discovered one of France €™s luxury champagne houses. Then they traveled to Burgundy, Dijon, Beaune, Auxerre, and finally Paris, all while enjoying action-packed days of tours and tastings in each city. Every afternoon, students took advantage of free time for shopping, dining, and discovering the special charms of France.

Here in the states, our A.S. in Restaurant Management and Hotel Management students escaped the bitter cold on a cruise and resort trip to Florida and the Bahamas. While on their trip, students received an exclusive behind-the-scenes tour of Disney €™s hospitality suites and visited other Florida resort destinations, including Saratoga Springs, Hard Rock Cafe Hollywood at Universal CityWalk, Disney €™s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa, Lakeridge Winery & Vineyards, and Arnold Palmer €™s Bay Hill Club & Lodge. On their way to the Bahamas, students enjoyed an amazing getaway on Carnival Cruise Lines that culminated in a stay at the breathtaking Atlantis Paradise Island Resort. All of our students who went away this month returned with unbelievable memories and experiences that they are sure to carry with them as they continue their studies at Walnut Hill College and beyond in their future endeavors.

Today we recognized the best and brightest of our student body at our Student Life and Learning Awards ceremony. We encourage our students to get involved on and off campus in a variety of activities that serve not only the Walnut Hill College community but also the Greater Philadelphia area. Students receive what are known as Student Life and Learning Points for their efforts and, at the end of every term, the students who receive the most points are invited to a ceremony where we celebrate their outstanding school spirit and service work. Given pineapple pins, a symbol of hospitality, and official certificates, we hope they are all proud to share their achievements with everyone. Congratulations to all of today €™s winners!

From January 6 to February 5, the graduating class at Walnut Hill College will transform the International Bistro into a unique gastronomic experience called PHLAVOR. This pop-up event will highlight the diverse neighborhoods in the city of Philadelphia with inspired dishes. The prix-fixe menu is $21 and offers a choice in each of the 3 courses: appetizer, entrée, and dessert. PHLAVOR offers a unique menu that not only allows diners to enjoy new dishes in an award-winning ambiance, but also allows them to contribute to the growth of our young hospitality professionals.

PHLAVOR is a gastronomic experience like no other. The entire restaurant is a collaborative effort of the graduating class at Walnut Hill College. Everything is executed by the students, from the front of the house staff to the kitchens. The concept of PHLAVOR is based on the diverse culture of Philadelphia. There are inspired dishes from areas like South Philly, Kensington, and many more! Not only do we offer a three-course menu celebrating Philadelphia, but also we have a customized drink menu available. The menu offers unique cocktails as well as a beer flight from local breweries. We encourage you to come out and experience PHLAVOR before it’s gone!