2008 Woodie Awards
Vote Absentee
Taste-testing at the Mullins
Andrew Sheridan, Collegian Staff
Issue date: 4/29/08 Section: Arts & Living
This past Thursday, the Mullins Center underwent a staggering transformation. Basketball nets and courtside seats disappeared, but the crowd noise remained. Concession stands closed down, but the scent of food lingered even stronger in the air.
The court was packed with vendors and Dining Commons chefs alike, as thousands of hungry students elbowed their way through the crowd for a shot at some free food, drinks, and maybe - just maybe - a little taste of glory.
This was the scene at Taste of UMass. Put on by the University of Massachusetts Dining Services, the annual extravaganza is the nation's largest campus food service event, and they take it very seriously. Every dining hall on campus was closed down for the evening to allow preparation time, with the desired effect being an out-of-the-ordinary eating experience.
This year's theme was "Global Dining, Smart Eating," and that mantra was reflected in the choices offered up by the DC-run booths. Tapas from Spain, sushi from Japan, salsa from Mexico and scallion pancakes from China were among the international offerings, while rotini with meat sauce and other standard DC fare held down the home front.
The University was not the only food supplier of the evening. Major retailers such as Trader Joe's and Big Y were in full-scale free sample mode, fishing for customers, local businesses used their booths to get the word out about their new, healthy products. Even the likes of Frito-Lay, Coca Cola and Tyson Chicken were present, handing out snacks by the armful (and, inadvertently, stocking fridges across campus).
The food theme carried through into the entertainment for the evening, as big-name celebrity chef Martin Yan was in attendance, giving stir-fry demonstrations and handing out signed copies of his latest hardcover, "The Yan Can Cook Book."
Iron Chef UMass, a new event this year, was also a hit, pitting four teams of students (one representing each dining hall) against one another in a heated culinary battle. Iron Chef America's Kevin Brauch hosted the event, narrating the challenge and hamming it up with Chef Yan on the JumboTron. In the end, the team from Worcester DC emerged victorious, winning themselves a brand new set of iPhones and some serious kitchen cred.
The court was packed with vendors and Dining Commons chefs alike, as thousands of hungry students elbowed their way through the crowd for a shot at some free food, drinks, and maybe - just maybe - a little taste of glory.
This was the scene at Taste of UMass. Put on by the University of Massachusetts Dining Services, the annual extravaganza is the nation's largest campus food service event, and they take it very seriously. Every dining hall on campus was closed down for the evening to allow preparation time, with the desired effect being an out-of-the-ordinary eating experience.
This year's theme was "Global Dining, Smart Eating," and that mantra was reflected in the choices offered up by the DC-run booths. Tapas from Spain, sushi from Japan, salsa from Mexico and scallion pancakes from China were among the international offerings, while rotini with meat sauce and other standard DC fare held down the home front.
The University was not the only food supplier of the evening. Major retailers such as Trader Joe's and Big Y were in full-scale free sample mode, fishing for customers, local businesses used their booths to get the word out about their new, healthy products. Even the likes of Frito-Lay, Coca Cola and Tyson Chicken were present, handing out snacks by the armful (and, inadvertently, stocking fridges across campus).
The food theme carried through into the entertainment for the evening, as big-name celebrity chef Martin Yan was in attendance, giving stir-fry demonstrations and handing out signed copies of his latest hardcover, "The Yan Can Cook Book."
Iron Chef UMass, a new event this year, was also a hit, pitting four teams of students (one representing each dining hall) against one another in a heated culinary battle. Iron Chef America's Kevin Brauch hosted the event, narrating the challenge and hamming it up with Chef Yan on the JumboTron. In the end, the team from Worcester DC emerged victorious, winning themselves a brand new set of iPhones and some serious kitchen cred.
Viewing Comments 1 - 2 of 2
D Abrams
posted 4/29/08 @ 12:04 PM EST
Is anyone else upset that this was held during passover?
Ryan Damon
posted 4/29/08 @ 7:54 PM EST
Yeah, I'm not Jewish but that does seem to be bad timing. I'm more upset that this event closes down the Dining Commons. Who wants to use a swipe to have samples of food rather than having a fully satisfying meal at a dining hall? Taste of Umass? Well, I guess Umass tastes unsatisfying. (Continued…)
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