Last week, UC Merced Dining had the privilege of welcoming Chef Sean Sherman, founder of The Sioux Chef and co-founder of the nonprofit NĀTIFS (North American Traditional Indigenous Food Systems), for an inspiring evening that blended food, culture, and community. A member of the Oglala Lakota Nation, Chef Sherman is internationally recognized for his work… Continue reading Honoring Indigenous Foodways: Chef Sean Sherman at UC Merced
Tag: recipes
Beyond the Kitchen: How Chefs Can Be Educators in Every Community
When most people think of a chef as an educator, the image is often limited to traditional culinary training—knife cuts, sauces, mise en place, or plating techniques. While those skills remain foundational, I believe the role of a chef as teacher can, and should, reach much further. Food is one of the most universal entry… Continue reading Beyond the Kitchen: How Chefs Can Be Educators in Every Community
“From the Central Valley to the National Stage: A Year of Recognition and Collaboration”
As we move toward the close of another academic year, I find myself reflecting on the incredible journey we’ve had at UC Merced Dining—and what a year it has been. One of the standout moments was our collaboration with Chef Ed Porter, which resulted in the creation of his award-winning short film, The Food That… Continue reading “From the Central Valley to the National Stage: A Year of Recognition and Collaboration”
Chefs Are Athletes Too – Just in Aprons, Not Jerseys
I’m writing this with a heating pad on my back, full of ibuprofen and an ice pack on my shoulder—battle wounds from another long day in the kitchen. As I limped through service today, I started thinking: if chefs had trading cards, they’d probably look a lot like athlete profiles—minus the million-dollar contracts. We may… Continue reading Chefs Are Athletes Too – Just in Aprons, Not Jerseys
“From Comfort Food to Clean Eating: Asian Dishes with a Healthy Twist”
Finding healthy food options in Asian restaurants can sometimes be challenging. While these dishes are undeniably delicious, they often contain hidden sugars in sauces, are heavy on carbs like rice and noodles, and include items fried in oil. For those of us who crave Asian flavors but want to maintain a healthier lifestyle, these choices… Continue reading “From Comfort Food to Clean Eating: Asian Dishes with a Healthy Twist”
A Feast of Tradition: Dr. Claudia Serrato’s Impactful Visit to UC Merced
This past week, UC Merced had the honor of hosting Dr. Claudia Serrato, an Indigenous culinary anthropologist and chef, as part of our celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month. Dr. Serrato’s visit brought with it a deep sense of connection to food, culture, and heritage. Her presentation on Indigenous Culinary Heritage left a lasting impression on… Continue reading A Feast of Tradition: Dr. Claudia Serrato’s Impactful Visit to UC Merced
Culinary Connections 