On November 8, UC Merced hosted an unforgettable evening celebrating local agriculture, community, and culinary excellence. The Dinner and Movie with Chef Ed Porter brought together campus supporters and UC Merced chefs for a night of storytelling and seasonal flavors that highlighted the unique richness of the Central Valley.
The evening began with a private screening of The Food That Fuels, Chef Ed Porter’s short film showcasing the stories of San Joaquin Valley farmers, UC Merced’s innovative Smart Farm, and the UC Merced dining student and chef team. The film has already been accepted into 12 film festivals worldwide, including in Japan, England, Spain, and Canada. It has received three awards to date, including two “Short Film of the Month” honors, one from Bridge Fest in Vancouver and the other from Gothamite in New York, and one for “Musical Score of the Month,” solidifying its impact on a global scale. Many attendees, including lifelong Merced residents, shared that the film opened their eyes to the vital role local farmers play in our region’s food system.
https://thefoodthatfuelsmovie.com/
Following the screening, guests enjoyed a meticulously crafted 5-course dinner featuring Chef Ed’s recipes that he created for this event. The dinner was prepared with Chef Ed Porter and the Lakeside Catering in collaboration with UC Merced Dining’s residential dining chefs. Each dish celebrated autumn’s bounty, featuring produce and products from farmers highlighted in the film. The Lakeside student. The flowers on the tables were from The Humble Rice Farmer. The catering team provided impeccable service, earning praise for their professionalism and flawless execution.
Chef Ed Porter added a personal touch by mingling with guests after dinner. Attendees had the opportunity to ask him about his experiences on Netflix’s Pressure Cooker and Guy’s Grocery Games and take photos, making the evening even more memorable.
To honor the farmers featured in the film, each guest received a bottle of Joe’s Premium Extra Virgin Olive Oil as a parting gift, accompanied by a custom recipe created by Lakeside Catering’s Executive Chef. This thoughtful gesture ensured the event’s message—celebrating and supporting local agriculture—would continue to resonate long after the night ended.
The Dinner and Movie with Chef Ed Porter exemplified UC Merced’s commitment to collaboration, education, and community. It was a night to remember, blending the best of storytelling, culinary artistry, and local pride.
Culinary Connections 