Old Main proved to be the ideal setting for this lavish dinner. Originally known as the Strong Mansion, Old Main was purchased in 1941 by Bishop Mark Gannon to serve as the center of the recently founded college. When Charles Strong married Annie Wainwright Scott in 1881, they united two of the area’s wealthiest families. The mansion was left to Annie and her husband by her father, Senator William Scott, upon his death in 1891. The 46-room mansion soon became the showplace of Erie. Today, much of the mansion has been restored and its opulence is a background to the bustle of administrative offices. Since it became part of the institution, the mansion has seen a great deal of activity and serves as a symbol of Gannon University's rich academic traditions.

“The dinner was held in the former ballroom of the Strong Mansion,” said Tracy Harrington, office manager, Metz & Associates, Ltd. at Gannon University. “The room was decorated in shades of gold and burgundy, with glistening tree lights and an elegance reflective of a dinner the Strong’s may have hosted in their home in the 1800’s.”

The unique menu, expertly created by Crystal Baldwin, Metz & Associates executive chef at Gannon University, added even more luster to the event. Wines were chosen and paired by Mr. Michael Rainforth, a Certified Sommelier and guest of the Universitas Society.

Guests began the evening with hors d’oeuvres, including Pate on Toast Points and Stuffed Snow Peas & Fingerling Potatoes with Caviar Dip. A multi-course dinner followed, and consisted of Sopa de Ajo accompanied by Pierre Sparr Brut Rose Cremant D’Alsace, Sweet Potato Agnolotti with Sage Cream accompanied by Grgich Hills Estate Grown Chardonnay Napa Valley 2005, Lamb Shank Braised in Syrah accompanied by Cave de Tain Hermitage Rhone Valley 2003, Baby Greens with Roasted Beets and Warm Goat Toast accompanied by Girlann Gewurtztraminer “Aime” Alto Adige 2005. Dessert was a rich Chocolate Ganache Cake accompanied by Dow’s Crusted Porto Duoro.

Metz & Associates, Ltd., a premier food service company for the Northeast United States, provides dining and environmental management to clients such as hospitals, assisted living & long-term care facilities, school districts and independent schools, colleges and universities and corporate offices. For more information on Metz & Associates, Ltd., visit our website at www.metzltd.com or call 570-675-8100.