Careme’s is a high-end and affordable student-run restuarant at Atlantic Cape Community College’s Academy of Culinary Arts.
MAYS LANDING — Atlantic Cape Community College’s high-end and affordable, student-run restaurant Careme’s reopened for lunch on Sept. 13. Dinner service will begin on Nov. 3.
Often touted by loyal customers as the “best kept secret in Atlantic County,” Careme’s will be open for lunch 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday through Thursday. Lunch and dinner service will run through Dec. 14.
The 80-seat restaurant is also open for catered lunch and dinner events throughout the semester.
Named for famed 19th century Chef Marie-Antoine Careme, Careme’s has been operating at the Academy of Culinary Arts for nearly 40 years.
“By the customers’ participation, they’re supporting a great service to the community,” said Chef Tim O’Donnell, director of the ACA and Hospitality.
Students are totally vested in the success of Careme’s gourmet restaurant on Atlantic Cape’s Mays Landing campus.
The restaurant teaches the students all the skills required to run a restaurant. Each shift, about five students work the kitchen while another five serve tables.
“All the menu items are cooked by and served by culinary students working on their associate’s degrees in culinary arts or baking and pastry,” Chef Educator Joe Sheridan explained. “They take the foundational skills they learn in their lab classes and they put them into practice in an actual restaurant that’s open to the public.”
Sheridan said that the academy purchases items through many local vendors including Randall’s Seafood in Pleasantville, Ocean City Coffee Company and Boylan Bottling Company.
Denise Coulter, dean of Professional and Liberal Studies who oversees the Academy of Culinary Arts, said customers should expect high quality products and top notch service because of the dedication of students to their future careers.
“The students are invested in the whole product,” she said.
Funds collected through menu prices and gratuities go toward supporting ACA students through scholarships.
Reservations are accepted, but not required. To reserve a table, call 609-343-4940 and leave a message or email caremes@atlantic.edu. All reservation requests are returned within 24 hours.
Careme’s is located in the M Building at Atlantic Cape’s Mays Landing Campus, 5100 Black Horse Pike. Visa, MasterCard, American Express and Discover are accepted. Parking is available in Lot 3.
For more information about Careme’s or the Academy, visit www.atlantic.edu/aca.
