Community College of DuPage Student Run Restaurants

One might think that with the closure of the Waterleaf that visitors to the community college will now have to dine on cafeteria fare. That was never the case.  There are a variety of opportunities for good dining on fare prepared by students.  In other words, we  taxpayers are no longer supporting a fine dining professional restaurant at the college which will compete with students in the Culinary Program.

With the closure of the infamous Waterleaf Restaurant at the College of DuPage, one might assume there is a lack of suitable fare at the community college. Not so. Former president Robert Breuder once told nearby residents who expressed concern about the financial losses at the Waterleaf that this tre' restaurant was a "lab" and as such it did not have to make money. I know, because I was sitting about 15 feet from him when he pronounced those words. If I were cynical, I would say that this "laboratory" was for the personal aggrandizement of the former president, members of the board of trustees, and to impress cronies.

COD Restaurant facilities which provide good eating (including fine dining) AND support student endeavors

Here are the cafe's and venues which are managed by college faculty with dinners prepared by culinary students. Note: The dates, times and locations may change with the announcement of the closure of the Waterleaf Restaurant. Readers should check with the Community College for current schedules.

Welcome to Wheat Café/Culinary Market
"Wheat Café is our 60-seat, casual dining room specializing in contemporary American cuisine. Students use fresh seasonal ingredients to create a culinary experience that is both memorable and educational. Culinary and Hospitality program Knowledgeable College of DuPage faculty teaching in state-of-the-art facilities prepare you to manage hotels or restaurants, become a chef, run a catering business or start your own business."

Capstone Dinners Classical Cuisine
"Culinary Class Dinners Enjoy an evening of fine food and wines prepared and served by advanced culinary students. Fresh flowers and elegant, welcoming service will delight your senses at the Classical Dinners. The multi-course dinner, in the Waterleaf dining room, is a contemporary expression of classical French cuisine served with appropriate wines.

The total cost of each evening of gourmet dining is $60 per person. (Includes 8.25% tax). Seatings are at 6, 6:15 and 6:30 p.m. on select Tuesdays this Fall beginning Sept. 8.

Click Here for COD wheat cafe classical cuisine

International Cuisine Class Dinners
Experience the enjoyment of a wonderful and relaxing evening by taking a gastronomic tour of the world from the comfort of the enchanting Waterleaf Dining Room at the College of DuPage. Regional cuisines will feature recipes celebrating the seasons and utilizing the freshest ingredients. Guests will also appreciate attentive service as they enjoy a carefully chosen wine or beer to compliment the menu. The total cost of each evening of gourmet dining is $45 per person. (Includes 8.25% tax). Dinner is served at 7 p.m. on select Mondays this Fall."

Click Here for COD International Cuisine


Culinary Market 
"The Culinary Market features baked goods, soups, salads, sides and other items created by students in the Culinary program. Pre-orders are welcome but subject to item availability. Credit cards (Visa, MasterCard, and Discover), personal checks (payable to College Of DuPage) and cash are accepted. The market is open Tuesdays to Thursdays, noon to 2:30 p.m. during each term. 15 minute parking is available outside the Culinary & Hospitality Center. Call (630) 942-3809 for more information."