Elgin Community College’s Culinary Department Presents Flavors for Flights Wine Dinner

Elgin Community College’s (ECC) Culinary Arts department will present its Flavors for Flights Wine Dinner on Friday, November 7, 2025, at 6 pm. The dinner will be held at ECC, 1700 Spartan Drive, in Building H, in the Arts Center. 

“All event proceeds benefit the Culinary Study Abroad program, expanding students’ education beyond the classroom,” said Jenn Loiacano, director of Spartan Terrace. “The community’s support really helps fund this learning experience for students.” 

Guests will be able to indulge in a five-course dinner paired with exceptional wines from Sokol Blosser Winery in a memorable evening filled with flavor, music, and support for a great cause. 

Each course will be prepared by ECC culinary instructors and served by culinary students. Guests will hear directly from the chefs about their creations and learn how the wines are paired with each course. 

As a token of appreciation for guests’ support, all guests will receive a delicious chocolate gift to take home, crafted by our talented pastry students. 

The menu includes:

Study of Squash

• This includes kabocha, butternut, buttercup, apples, ash, goat cheese, and pickled beets.
• The portion is paired with a 2023 Pinot Gris from Sokol Blosser, located in Oregon’s Willamette Valley. 

Bread "Course"

• Which includes croissant, isi brioche, duck bacon, red onion marmalade, sour pickled carrots, and microgreens.
• The course is paired with a 2023 Evolution by Sokol Blosser Pinot Noir, located in Oregon’s Willamette Valley Vineyard.

Oceans of Knowledge

• This includes wild black cod, brussels sprouts, cauliflower, blackberries, hazelnuts, and hibiscus gastrique.
• The course is paired with the 2024 Estate Rosé of Pinot Noir Sokol Blosser from Dundee Hills-Willamette Valley Vineyard in Oregon.

Lessons in Contrast

• Which includes venison & tuna loin, plum jus, celeriac, ricotta gnudi, sweet corn, and cavolo nero.
• It is paired with a 2023 Redland Cuvee Pinot Noir Sokol Blosser from Oregon’s Willamette Valley Vineyard.

The Art of Indulgence

• Which features apples and pears: tatin-style, sorbet, spiced apple-brandy ganache, brown butter, cranberry curd, cranberry cake, pecan streusel
• The dessert is paired with a 2022 Bluebird Cuvee Brut Sparkling from Willamette Valley Vineyard in Oregon.

Tickets are available for purchase at the ECC Arts Center website or by calling the ECC Box Office at 847-622-0300.

General questions can be directed to the Director of Spartan Terrace, Jenn Loiacano, by calling 847-214-7822 or by emailing spartanterrace@elgin.edu. 

Media inquiries can be directed to news@elgin.edu.