As executive chef for Colgate Dining Services, one of my great pleasures is thinking about the food offerings we provide at each of the unique stations within Frank Dining Hall.
Damian Price
For this first Chef’s Station column, I’d like to highlight G8, which is located just to the right of our full-service coffee bar. G8 is a unique station designed for our guests with food allergies and sensitivities. Menu items prepared at the station avoid the eight major food allergens highlighted by the FDA, including milk, eggs, peanuts, tree nuts, shellfish, gluten, and soy. Dishes at G8 are free of these ingredients, and we pay special attention to seasonings and variety.
Daily offerings at G8 include fresh sautéed vegetables and a rotating menu of starches and proteins that are Halal certified. G8 also offers a variety of fresh roasted vegetables; gluten-free breads, pastries, baked goods; and composted salads such as kale and red grapes with house-made lemon dressing. New vegetarian recipes have also been added to the station this semester, including sweet potato black bean tacos with lime slaw, and vegan pho with house-made lemongrass broth and rice noodles.
While delicious menu items are the visible stars of G8, safety is the first concern for our diners with dietary restrictions. Everything that goes on behind the scenes makes this station unique. To reduce the risk of cross-contamination, all food served at G8 is prepared within the station. From serving tongs to sauté pans, all kitchenware in G8 is dedicated to that station, and all pre-service food preparation is conducted on dedicated equipment and stored in special containers maintained by the G8 staff. The G8 cooking and service staff are also trained in food allergy awareness and are encouraged to discuss specific menu items or other questions with guests at the station.
I encourage anyone with questions about food preparation at Frank Dining Hall to reach out and I will be glad to assist. If you have sampled the food at G8, let us know how we’re doing. Your feedback helps inform our constant drive for improvement.
Damian Price
dprice@colgate.edu
315-228-7670