UMW global food fair promotes study abroad

Dishes from over two dozen countries wowed students at the University of Mary Washington (UMW) during a Global Food Fair dinner in early January.

Dining Services by Sodexo hosted the event to celebrate international cuisines and help promote the University's Center for International Education (CIE) study abroad programs.

German sauerbraten, Spanish paella, and Indian aloo tika with tamatar chutney were just a few of the specialties on the menu.

Mary Williams, production manager with UMW Dining Services, drew upon her own Ukranian heritage for the event, adding Cossack chicken to the selection. Using Williams’ family recipe, the dining team slow-cooked the chicken in a rich sauce of butter and white wine with garlic, nutmeg, onions and mushrooms.

Sarah Moran and Sarah Polensky, the University's Study Abroad Advisors, were on hand with other members of their team to talk with students about study opportunities in other countries for a short-term, semester or summer program through a variety of University sponsored or approved programs.

"We had a great time planning, preparing, and serving a menu that represented so many diverse cultures", said UMW Dining Marketing Manager Rose Benedict, "and it is particularly satisfying to host a dining event that explores global cuisines and supports and promotes the University's vision of cross-cultural education."

For additional information about the dining services program at UMW, call 540-654-2165 or Dining@UMW.edu or Rose Benedict, 540-654-2169 or rbenedic@umw.edu.