An American Thanksgiving in Scotland

Later this week, Dr. Frank Costantino, Dean of the School of Hospitality Management and the Culinary Institute of New York (CINY), will bring a taste of America to Scotland in a unique celebration of international collaboration and culinary excellence.

In honor of the 15th anniversary of the City of Glasgow College, Dr. Costantino will prepare an American Thanksgiving Dinner at the College’s Scholars’ Restaurant on Thursday, November 6. The evening will celebrate the College’s enduring partnerships with Monroe University and other U.S. institutions, highlighting a shared commitment to education, creativity, and global exchange.

The delicious menu for the Thanksgiving feast will be a true transatlantic collaboration between Dr. Costantino and Gary Maclean, Scotland’s National Chef, supported by the College’s professional cookery and hospitality students.

“It’s a grand way to return the favor to our partner, Gary Maclean, who has visited Monroe to inspire our students,” said Dr. Costantino. “Now, I’ll have the honor of cooking for about 60 dignitaries and political leaders in Scotland.”

Representing Monroe University abroad, Dr. Costantino views the dinner as both a celebration and an opportunity. “It’s an incredible moment to showcase our partnership and our shared commitment to culinary excellence on an international stage,” he added.

Titled “An American Thanksgiving in Glasgow,” the dinner will fuse classic American flavors with Scotland’s finest seasonal ingredients, blending tradition with modern culinary artistry. Through this event, Monroe University continues to elevate its reputation as a global leader in hospitality and culinary education—uniting students, chefs, and educators through innovation, excellence, and cultural exchange.

Just look at this amazing menu:

Finger Foods for Passing 

-- “Buffalo Wing” Cromesquis
-- Eggplant and Gruyere Doughnut with Salsa Verde 
-- Wild Mushroom Cappuccino Shooter with Almond Foam and Savory Biscotti 
-- Arugula Crostada with Cashew Hummus 
-- Smoked Salmon on Oat Black
Pepper Cracker with Crème Fraiche and Trout Roe 
 
Thanksgiving Dinner 
-- Seasonal Salad Featuring Local
Squashes and Mixed Baby Greens with Frisée, Pumpkin Seed Oil Vinaigrette, Local
Honey-Roasted Butternut Squash, “Everything Bagel” Cracker with Goat Cheese Ice
Cream, Pickled Acorn Squash, BBQ Spiced Pepitas 
-- Trio of Locally Sourced Turkey: Apple Cider-Brined Smoked Turkey Breast, Mosaic of Thigh and Liver with Toasted Pistachio and Dried Cranberry, Turkey Croquette with Comté, Turkey Giblet Jus, Savory Traditional Thanksgiving Bread Pudding with Apples and Pecans, Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Turkey Crackling, Candied Sweet Potato Timbale

Dessert
-- New York Style Lemon Ice Intermezzo 
-- Contemporary Tasting of Pumpkin and Apple – White Chocolate Pumpkin Spice Mousse, Grenadine Poached Apples, Poached Pumpkin, Jivara 40% Piped Ganache, Chestnut Sponge, Green Apple Iced Buttermilk 

Sounds like an amazing dinner event!

Monroe University’s partnership with the City of Glasgow College exemplifies the power of education and hospitality to build bridges across borders -- one remarkable meal at a time.