There is nothing like finding a hidden treasure. The Santiam Restaurant provides a fancy dining experience at college budget prices. Surprisingly, not a ton of people know about Santiam.
This restaurant offers great food, a wonderful atmosphere, a friendly staff and prices that will bring a smile to your wallet. The Santiam Restaurant is the perfect place to eat, especially if you are a broke college student.
Chef Scott Anselm, Culinary Arts Program Chair, said that Santiam opens for business the third week of the fall semester, which is Tuesday October 11th. Normal hours of operation will be Monday-Thursday from 11am-12:30pm. Chef Laurie Chang, Santiam Manager, told me, "Reservations are encouraged but walk-ins are welcome."
A sample menu from last year included; Poached Salmon in Cioppino Sauce (classic seafood stew) served with Cavatappi Pasta and Sauteed Summer Squash for only $8.50 or a Hazelnut-Crusted Chicken Strip Sandwich with Sweet Whole Grain Mustard served with French Fries for only $5.95.
With elegant food and prices like that college kids can impress a first date, feel like royalty for the hour, or actually take Mom and Dad out for a change.
The menu changes to fit the seasons. For example, broccoli is freshest and at its finest in the winter, so you will see that on a winter menu as opposed to a spring menu. The culinary department gets some of their produce from local farmers. Chef Anselm wants the best menu possible and allowing the menu to follow the season produces the freshest food; Chef Anselm says that the menu has really developed from last year, offering a wider range of french cuisine.
From the moment you walk in to the Santiam there is a feeling of elegance. The friendly service staff is dressed in black and white tuxedo style attire with bow ties and the table you are escorted to always has a lovely flower center piece. Warm, fresh bread is immediately brought to the table to be enjoyed before you even place your order. When the ordered meal is brought to your table it looks like a piece of artwork has been laid in front of you and smells like heaven.
When asked how they keep the prices so affordable Chef Chang said, "He[Chef Anselm] sets the prices. He keeps it affordable to encourage customers to keep coming back."
Chef Anselm said the true purpose of the Santiam Restaurant is education above all, "We don't really make a profit. Santiam is used to serve education. It is like a mission statement; my mission is education first. It is more important that the students prepare the meals than to make a profit."
Great food and great prices, that works out great for the customer! Joyce Pendrak dined at the Santiam last spring and still remembers the food and the ambiance. Pendrak said the food was great and she thought the all white table cloth made the restaurant feel "fresh." She said she would absolutely return.
There are several loyal customers that return monthly, weekly and even daily to enjoy the restaurant. Chef Chang said, "They keep coming back because of the great food, the ambiance, the service and the great prices."
Now that you know about this hidden treasure, make a reservation at 541-917-4392 or, if you are a student at LBCC, stop by in between classes and give your taste buds a treat.
At A Glance:
The Santiam Restaurant
Located at LBCC in Albany
Opens Oct. 11th, normal hours are Mon-Thur 11am-12:30pm
Seasonal Elegant Menu(last year's examples)-Poached Salmon in Cioppino Sauce, Hazelnut-Crusted Chicken Strip Sandwich
Call 541-917-4392 to make reservations
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