Lots of folks know that the annual South Beach Wine and Food Festival helps  raise money for the Florida International University School of Hospitality. But not everyone knows that FIU has its very own gourmet dining room – and it’s open to the public. Lunch is served in an intimate, sunny dining room staffed by students – who even have a hand in making the wine and beer. White linens and fresh flowers decorate the tables.  Guests relax into comfortable chairs, nibble on a homemade breadsticks, and browse a prix fixe menu offering two choices of appetizer, entrée and dessert. In the kitchen, student chefs are busy preparing sauces, reductions, frisée and soufflés while the wait staff learns the ins and outs of fine dining service. A recent menu featured steamed black mussels with Arabbiata sauce, followed by Sautéed Veal Scallops with Calvados, capped off by a divine Chocolate Hazelnut Marquise. The FIU Dining Room team hails from many different parts of the globe, reflecting Miami’s multicultural atmosphere. Best surprise? It’s affordable! A three-course lunch with wine is $18.

Right now, the dining room is on hiatus during midterm exams. Beginning March 23^rd, lunch will be served on Tuesday, Thursday and Friday at noon. The FIU Dining Room is located at the school’s Biscayne Bay Campus, off Biscayne Boulevard and 151^st street in North Miami Beach.  Call 305-919-4500 for reservations and menu information. Bon appétit!