Sorbet served during the Academic Bistro's lunch during fall term.

Good news for foodies at Drexel University: The Academic Bistro’s lunches are back for winter term. That means that you can now enjoy a three-course meal on campus for $12.

Yes, that’s right. $12.

For years now, the Academic Bistro in the Center for Food & Hospitality Management has been dishing up a wallet- and stomach-friendly meal prepared and served by Drexel students. Starting Feb. 1, you can see — and taste — the best that Drexel’s culinary, nutrition and hospitality students have to offer every Thursday and Friday.

Though the menu options vary by week, the first course is usually a choice of a soup or salad, the second course offers a protein-based or a fresh pasta-based option and the third course features a chocolate or fruity dessert.

You can get a taste of the revolving menu by checking with the Center for Food & Hospitality Management’s social media pages, including its Facebook, Instagram and Twitter accounts.

This week's options include:

Thursday

First Course:

Butternut Squash Soup

Bacon, apple & sage 

OR

Green Salad

Shaved radish & blood orange, honey-lemon dressing

Second course:

Roasted Chicken Breast

Celery root purée, Maitake mushrooms & glazed pearl onions

OR 

Sauteed Salmon

Brussels sprouts, roasted baby carrots & white wine sauce

Dessert:

Chocolate Budino

Drunken cherries, whipped crème fraîche

OR

Lemon Panna Cotta

Macerated berries, vanilla tuile

Friday

First course:

Cauliflower Soup 

Pickled red onion, curry oil

OR

Green Salad 

Quinoa, fennel & tomatoes, mustard vinaigrette

Second course:

Grilled Swordfish

Wilted spinach, sautéed mushrooms, brown butter vinaigrette

OR

Roasted Pork Loin 

Sweet potato purée, braised kale

Dessert:

Chocolate budino

Drunken Cherries, Whipped Crème Fraîche

OR

Mixed Berry tart

Crème Anglaise

This term, students are involved with the Academic Bistro’s lunch service through two different classes: “Commercial Food Production” taught by Chef Instructor Jim Burke and “Food and Beverage Customer Service” taught by Paul O’Neill, an assistant clinical professor of hospitality.

“From a monetary standpoint, these lunches are a great value,” said O’Neill. “Plus, it provides other people within or outside of Drexel with the option to see the depth and breadth of our program at a time when the food and hospitality industry is such an integral part of Philadelphia. And, above all, you’re getting amazing food and service.”

Reservation options are for noon, 12:15 p.m. and 12:30 p.m. — and you do have to make a reservation online through Reserve. You can pay for the meal with cash or Dragon card — credit cards aren’t accepted. Any and all dietary restrictions are able to be accommodated.