It offers a wide selection of fresh fruit, tasty breakfast and lunch wraps, salads and even Caribou coffee.

Welcome to the new Sunlght Café, an innovative partnership between the Chicago Lighthouse and Le Cordon Bleu Cooking School.

The café, which officially debuted on February 21st, is dedicated to providing healthy and delicious cuisine prepared by student interns trained at the famed institution.

“This is your café and we want all of you to enjoy it,” said Lighthouse President Dr. Janet Szlyk.  “We’re so very pleased to be working with Le Cordon Bleu in bringing nutritional and creative dishes to the Sunlight Café!”

In her dedication remarks, Dr. Szlyk praised Lighthouse board member Bruce Foudree and ex Flair Committee member Kaye Rahn for advocating the Le Cordon Bleu partnership. 

Also receiving thanks was Christina Tran, manager of the new IDFPR Call Center at the Lighthouse, for suggesting the name, “Sunlight Café,” in a contest among staff members.  For her winning entry, Ms. Tran received a $100 gift card that’s good for café meals and treats.

Chef Jeff Santicola, director of education at Le Cordon Bleu, noted that the new venture will enable his students, several of whom have a disability, to hone their skills by working in an actual cafeteria environment.

“Our students are thrilled to be working here,” he maintained, adding that the experience they’ll receive will be invaluable on their resumes.

Chef Jeff also pointed out that Le Cordon Bleu was eager to work with the Lighthouse.

“You do so many wonderful things for the community that it is an honor for us to be a partner,” he stated.

For those customers who don’t want to give up on some of their favorites, Giovanni Francese, manager of the café, has reassuring words. 

 “Don’t worry!  ‘We’ll still be offering omelots, BLTs and other staples of the old cafeteria.”