This year, UMD Dining launched our Chef Spotlight Series, a special pop-up event that brings our talented chefs front and center, allowing them to share their passion for food in an exciting, interactive way. These events give our chefs a chance to step out of the kitchen and connect with students while showing off their incredible skills. And let’s be honest—who doesn’t love free, delicious food?
From handmade pasta to decadent pastries, our chefs have been wowing guests all across campus. Here’s a look at what’s been cooking so far:
🔥 Xavier Shepler popped up in LSBE, serving handmade, fall-inspired gnocchi with a rich butternut squash sauce.
🌮 Marcos Robles brought the flavors of Mexico to Superior Dining for National Quesadilla Day, crafting authentic quesadillas with handmade salsas.
🥩 Leif Hunter set up in the Library, impressing guests with his braised short rib, pomme purée, red wine jus, and crispy leeks—a dish that looked as good as it tasted.
🍬 Amanda Bergstedt showcased her pastry expertise on Valentine’s Day by crafting delicate, picture-perfect French macarons.
🐟 Ben Zaban-Boylan turned heads outside Bohannon 90 with his coffee-oil poached salmon, curried vegetable mash, and chili crisp, creating a flavor combination that was nothing short of mind-blowing.
But we’re not done yet! Two more incredible events are still on the menu:
📅 March 26 – Chef Eric Hartley will pop up in the Library, serving bite-sized comfort food featuring Hawaiian rolls, steak sliders, caramelized onions, and a homemade horseradish sour cream sauce.
👨🍳 Chancellor Charles Nies in the Kitchen! To close out the series, our very own Chancellor Nies will step into the kitchen for a special event, highlighting local ingredients—expect to see wild rice featured in his dish! See you at the Kirby Garage at 11 am on Monday, April 7!
At UMD Dining, food is more than just a meal—it’s a way to bring people together, celebrate our diverse talents, and show our love for the campus community. Keep an eye out for our final pop-ups, and don’t miss your chance to grab a bite of something amazing! 🍽️✨