Dolci – Middlebury’s Student Run Restaurant

Every Friday at 5:30pm, 88 (we’ve expanded!) people are seated at “Dolci”, a four-course gourmet dinner in the Proctor dining room, prepared and served by Middlebury students. Supported and sponsored by Middlebury Dining Services and the Student Activities Fund, the price is just right–it’s free! Over five years ago in the winter of 1998, Jill Santopietro (’99), three of her friends, a crew of excited new members, and Richard O’Donohue’s Chateau kitchen staff spearheaded what is now known to be one of Middlebury College’s most unique attributes and best dining options.

Dolci’s mission is twofold: to be an active and instructive culinary outlet and restaurant on campus, as well as to be a valuable and enjoyable service to Middlebury students. As a member of Dolci, one has the option of being a dishwasher, a waiter, a prep cook, a chef, or a head chef. Our primary goal for these participants is to gain knowledge through experience. We encourage creativity, sharing of knowledge and suggestions, and strive to make this process one of continuous learning. The kitchen is a fun and productive place to be, and it’s because of this that our list of members continues to expand every year. However, cooking that is creative and fun does not necessarily mean that we adopt a laissez-faire attitude in the Proctor kitchen. The standards we maintain for our final products of service and food are very high, so the ways in which we strive to meet them are appropriately structured. Overall, we aim to have this be an enjoyable experience for diners and members alike, and pride ourselves in being quite successful at just that.

We open our doors to everyone on the Middlebury campus. Whether you want to show off or develop some gourmet cooking skills, learn how to be a server, or simply enjoy the fruits of our labor, we’d love to have you at Dolci. Bon appétit!