Creating a Menu for a Fusion Restaurant

Lesson Content

• Lesson Plan Template:

  CTE Lesson Plan

• CTE Course Info and Benchmark Notes

  
  

  Program Title (as applicable): Digital Media/Multimedia Design

  Course Title: Digital Media/Multimedia Foundations 2

  Course Number: 8201220

  Career Cluster: Arts, A/V Technology and Communication

  CIP Number: 0609070220

  Course Type: Secondary Career Preparatory

  CTE Standard(s) or benchmarks:

  Focus:

  7.05 Design and develop a print and/or digital portfolio (e.g., business cards, posters, billboards, magazines, and brochures).

  Supporting:

  5.01 Demonstrate knowledge of advanced design.

  5.02 Identify design strategies to reach the intended audience.

• Unit Outline

  
  

  This lesson is designed to be used with the case study, “The Couple’s Cafe.” See CPALMS resource ID# 208707.

• Career Connection

  
  

  This lesson will help students develop the career building skills including graphic design and marketing skills, communication skills, teamwork, and collaboration with future clients.

• Learning Objectives

  
  

  Students will be able to:

  • Use digital tools to create a menu encompassing two unique cultures.
  • Problem-solve using advanced design strategies to create a menu that is appeasing to customers.
  • Design and develop an aesthetically pleasing menu encompassing two unique cultures.

• Prior Knowledge

  
  

  Students should be able to:

  • Communicate clearly and effectively.
  • Demonstrate creativity and innovation.
  • Utilize critical thinking.
  • Demonstrate proficiency in design, color modes, and fonts.
  • Demonstrate proficiency in illustration and design layout software.

• Guiding Questions

  
  
  • How can designers work with business owners to develop a unique product and marketing campaign to launch and develop a menu for a new restaurant?
  • What design strategies can be used to create an appealing menu for customers?

• Procedure

  
  
  1. To introduce the lesson share "The Couple’s Café" Italian and Laotian Introduction (see attachments). Ask students: How can two different cuisines come together for a restaurant concept? (Slide 2)
     • Provide general information on Laotian/Italian cuisines (see Slides 3-4)
  2. Give students a copy of the case study, “The Couple’s Café” (see CPALMS Resource ID #208707 and Slides 6-8) to read. Pose the guiding questions (Slide 5) to the class and ask students to think about them as they read.
  3. Allow students time to read and discuss the case study with a partner.
  4. Pose the following questions to the class for a discussion:
     • How can the couple blend the two cuisines to create a menu that reflects both cultures?
     • What should they consider when creating a menu?
     • How can the couple avoid having the cultures clash?
  5. With a partner, the students will research Italian and Laotian cuisines and cultures. Students will determine which foods to include in the restaurant's menu (slide 9).
  6. Review the requirements of the menu and provide time for students to create a visually appealing menu blending the two cultures and cuisines.
     • While creating the menu the students should consider the following.
       • The menu should be centered around the restaurant’s concepts, reflecting the culture, theme and tone.
       • The menu should be sequentially broken down by section: Appetizers, Soups and Salads, Entrees, Desserts.
       • Allergens should also be addressed in this portion of the menu.
       • Price points should be clear.
       • Fonts and colors should be clear and easy to read.
       • The graphic layout of the menu should be aesthetically pleasing.
       • The menu should be creative and original.
  7. To close the lesson, distribute the attached Peer Evaluation and have students do a gallery walk viewing each other’s menu creations.
     • This could be done by printing the menus or viewing them on computer monitors.
     • Students will select another menu to give feedback to their peers using the attached Peer Evaluation.

• Teacher Notes

  
  
  • After introducing the lesson and sharing the PowerPoint, allow students time to discuss and develop a strategy for designing the menu. Make sure students are aware of the timing to allow time at the end of class for Peer Review Handout during the gallery walk. The menus could be printed or simply displayed on the computer screen to save time.
  • Teachers may choose to find and add photos of Laotian and Italian cuisine to the presentation.

• Optional

  
  

  Extension Ideas:

  • This project can be extended to include marketing material for the restaurant. This would give the students the opportunity to create flyers, billboards, or postcards to attract patrons to the restaurant. These activities would and expand on design and marketing skills.