Restaurants

• What to Expect

  This semester will be fluid and we will follow the guidelines set forth by the Governor, state public health officials and our institution. As restaurant restrictions change, we will be sure to let you know.

  Thank you for trusting us throughout this very challenging time, supporting our program and students as they pursue their culinary education, and being part of our JJC extended family. Stay safe and we look forward to providing your culinary created take-out meals in the near future.

Restaurant Menus

Black History Month is a time to celebrate diversity, create awareness and honor Black culture in America. In celebration of Black History Month, Chef Bucci and his students will offer the following specials on this Wednesday 2/24 for lunch and this Thursday 2/25 for dinner in our Culinary Arts Department’s Thrive restaurant: Jerk Chicken Mac-n-Cheese - Grilled jerk chicken/cheddar mac-n-cheese, Roasted peppers, green onions, pickled shallots 6; Southern Soul Food Platter - Grilled hot link/Thrive’s special fried chicken, Braised greens, honey butter cornbread, Vinegar slaw 10; Cajun Shrimp Po’ Boy - Remoulade sauce/lettuce/tomato House fries and Cajun ketchup 9; Smothered Beef and Onion Sliders - Grilled Sweet Slider Buns, Spicy cheese sauce/pickles, Fries/Cajun ketchup 9; Sweet Potato Cheesecake-Spicy caramel, bourbon whipped cream/smoked pecan praline crumble

• Lavu Culinary Kiosk - Carryout Menu

  Lavu, our culinary kiosk on the ground floor of the City Center Campus, is open for carryout orders Monday through Thursday 9a.m. to 1:30 p.m., serving items such as:

  • Paninis
  • Salads 
  • Soups
  • Bakery goods 
  • And more!

• Saveur Menu

  To Order Carryout or Make a Reservation

  • Please call (815) 280-1200.
  • Open Tuesdays and Thursdays between 11a.m. to 12:45p.m.
     

  While the menu changes from week to week, below you'll find information about regular culinary offerings.

  Spring 2021 menu

  Snacks

  • "Bahn Mi" Fries: Crispy fries, Chinese BBQ pork, pickled daikon and carrot, shaved jalapeno, kewpie mayo, house fermented sriracha, cilantro, house made fortune cookie - $7
  • Spring Artichoke, Goat Cheese & Parmesan Doughnuts: Smoked tomato dipping sauce, roasted garlic aioli, parmesan dust - $6
     

  Soup

  • "Margherita": Cream of Roasted Tomatoes, basil emulsion, waffle grilled cheese and pesto "croutons" - $4
     

  Salad

  • Saveur Spring Salad: Spring greens, orange balsamic vinaigrette, honey-goat cheese with fresh strawberries, golden raisin and pistachio, roasted strawberries, pickled oranges, lemon-thyme shortbread - $6
  • Petite Antipasto Salad: Mixed greens, salami, provolone, kalamata olive, blistered cherry tomato, parmesan Italian red wine vinaigrette, parmesan (ala carte) - $4
     

  Flat Bread

  • Napoli Style Crust: San Marzano tomato base, blistered cherry tomatoes, shaved Italian sopressatta, burrata cheese, parmesan, Calabrian chili, baby rugula, extra virgin olive oil - $5 special
     

  Sandwiches

  • The Burger: Grilled, chuck patty, bacon, red onion jam, whole milk mozzarella, truffle aioli, brioche, house cut fries - $10

  Entree (includes a petite antipasto salad):

  • Spicy Tuna Ramen: Seared, rare sesame crusted tuna, tofu, baby bok choy, julienne vegetables, organic white miso broth, ramen noodle, soft poached egg, sriracha mayo, nori tempura crisp - $9
  • Honey Glazed Roasted Chicken Breast: Northern Italian style, chicken mousseline ravioli with pistachio and apricot, sauteed baby spinach, glazed spring vegetables, chicken-madeira jus, chicken skin crumble - $11
     

  Carryout Meal Kit of the Week (Limited Amounts)

  • Ask for details
     

  Dessert

  • Selection changes daily

• Thrive Menu

  To Order Carryout or Make a Reservation

  • Please call (815) 280-1201.
  • Open Wednesdays from 11:00 a.m. to 12:45 p.m. and Thursdays from 6 to 7:45 p.m.
     

  While the menu changes from week to week, below you'll find information about regular culinary offerings. 

  Spring 2021 menu

  First Sight

  • Succulence: Petite Braised Short Rib: Red wine, ricotta gnocchi, smoked tomato fondue, parmesan, basil, truffle - $7
  • Heart of Thistle: Ricotta and Artichoke Croquette: Braised artichokes and spring vegetables, watercress veloute, black olive, almond - $7
     

  Hot and Cold

  • White Silk: Cauliflower Veloute: Curry roasted cauliflower, mint, almond, golden raisin, shaved cauliflower - $4
  • Fields: Greens with Orange Vinaigrette: Goat cheese and grape terrine, roasted red grapes, hazelnut, pink peppercorns, vanilla - $4
     

  Between Wheat (only available Wednesdays)

  • Plains: Chargrilled Smoked Gouda Burger: Caramelized onion roast garlic aioli, beef fat and wheat brioche, fried pickle chips, bacon, fries - $10
  • Compressed: Chicken Sausage Scacciata Panini: Tomato basil dipping sauce, provolone, onions, sweet peppers, focaccia, basil, parmesan fries - $9
     

  Brick and Fire

  • Italian Sausage and Pancetta Pizza: San Marzano tomato sauce, mascarpone cream, house cured pancetta, basil, parmesan, black pepper - $10-$11
  • Quattro Formaggio Calzone: Ricotta, provolone, mozzarella, parmesan, braised kale, basil, garlic, olive oil, creamy sun-dried tomato dip - $10-$12
     

  Culmination

  • Oceana: Grilled Salmon: Smoked salmon tortelloni, nori pasta, petite vegetables, furikake crisp, buttered herb fumet - $11-$19
  • Pen and Forest: Chicken Breast and Pine: Wild mushroom and chicken fricassee, fenugreek roasted carrots, burnt birch wood maple reduction - $10-$15
     

  Range and Grassland (only available Thursdays)

  • Toasted Oat and Herb Crusted Grilled Strip Loin: Aged parmesan barley risotto, glazed crepinette of beef, smoked beef fat glazed cabbage, red wine beef reduction, pickled sorghum - $25
     

  Dream

  • Sweet delicacy prepared by our culinary arts students

About our Restaurants

Please note that the information provided below relates to JJC's restaurants during a typical semester.

• Saveur

  Tuesdays and Thursdays
  11a.m. to 12:45p.m.

  Reservations are suggested and encouraged. Please call (815) 280-1200.

  One of two restaurants run by the students in the Culinary Arts Program, Saveur features a journey of tastes and textures through contemporary American and International cuisine all prepared from scratch by our talented culinary students.

  Saveur is a full-service restaurant, providing table service with a friendly atmosphere. The restaurant will be open at the City Center Campus located at 235 N. Chicago St., Joliet, IL on the second floor. All proceeds go directly to the Culinary Arts Department. 

• Thrive

  Wednesdays 
  11a.m. to 12:45p.m.
  
  Thursdays
  6 to 7:45p.m.

  Reservations are suggested and encouraged. Please call (815) 280-1201.

  The focus of Thrive is to craft elegant and imaginative cuisine, showcasing fresh ingredients. All pastas are produced in house, as well as cheeses, breads and more to create a menu both classic and approachable that is simple yet flavorful. Thrive is also run by the students in the Culinary Arts Department.

  Thrive Restaurant is located on the first floor of the City Center Campus, facing Chicago Street. 

• Lavu Culinary Cafe (kiosk)

  Monday through Thursday
  9a.m. to 1:30p.m.

  Lavu Culinary Cafe, located on the main floor of the lobby next to Thrive Restaurant, is available for carryout featuring coffee, breakfast items, sandwiches, soups and desserts.