Fordham University and Stevens Institute of Technology students dine on UAE cuisine by Sodexo Global Chef

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is a federation of seven states and one of the Middle East’s most important economic centers. Culinary traditions of the UAE are influenced by geography and resources, and now with cosmopolitan cities like Abu Dhabi and Dubai, cuisine reflects all parts of the world.

Hosted by dining services partner Sodexo, students of Fordham University and Stevens Institute of Technology recently experienced these distinctive flavors as both schools welcomed United Arab Emirates Chef Bilal Eido.

At Fordham University, the music of the United Arab Emirates played, a digital screen showcased scenic vistas of the UAE, and flags lined the entrance to The Marketplace Café at the Rose Hill campus.

“Students loved being able to interact with Chef Eido after selecting their food,” said John Azzopardi, Resident District Manager for Sodexo at Fordham University. “Some were speaking Arabic with him and others commented on their own trips to the UAE.”

At Stevens Institute of Technology, Chef Eido prepared classic UAE dishes such as Sea Bass, Green Beans Salona, Kabsah Rice, Mouhalabiyah, Tabouleh, Flatbread, Babbaganoush, Chicken Shawarma, Vegetable Solona over Basmati Rice, and Rice Pudding.

Chef Eido’s campus visits were part of the 2014-2015 Global Chef Program, a month-long international chef residency in which Sodexo’s top chefs travel worldwide and share authentic international cuisine with local teams, students, faculty and staff.

“This culinary program allows students to sample a slice of another culture while exposing our local dining teams to new techniques and flavors,” said Cynthia Farabaugh, Director of Stevens Dining Services for Stevens Institute of Technology. “It’s a great example of how Sodexo leverages its presence in 80 countries across the globe to benefit the entire campus community.”

A native of Lebanon, Chef Eido spent the last twenty years sharing his culinary passion with friends, students and co-workers at exclusive restaurants, hotels and catering companies such as Albert Abela & Company, Amore Café, Safir Bhamdoun Hotel, Sarrasin Sal, Melting Pot Restaurant, and Kazami Sarl in Lebanon; Glob Shark in Syria; Oriental Pearl Restaurant in Doha Qatar; and Ras Al Khaimah Hotel and Sodexo / Kelvin in the United Arab Emirates.