VCU dining center to participate in international guest chef program

By Michael Ford
University News Services

Virginia Commonwealth University’s dining center will be the host site for a visiting chef participating in an international exchange program sponsored by one of the leading food-service companies in the world.

VCU’s award-winning Shafer Court Dining Center, located at 810 Cathedral Place, will host Chef Ahmed El Borhamy from Oct. 11 through Oct. 13 as part of the 11th annual International Guest Chef program, sponsored by Aramark Corp., the university’s food service provider. El Borhamy, sous chef at Guinness Storehouse in Dublin, Ireland, is one of 26 executive chefs – representing 10 different countries – sharing his culinary skills in new environments in October.

A dozen of the participating Aramark chefs are from Asia, Europe and Mexico; the remaining 14 executive chefs are based in the United States. The chefs exchange ideas, techniques and recipes, increasing the breadth and depth of their culinary experience, building camaraderie within Aramark’s culinary talent and developing greater appreciation for different cultures.

“Shafer Court Dining Center was designed to highlight exhibition-style cooking, so it should be an exciting venue for Chef El Borhamy and our patrons,” said Diane Reynolds, director of business services for VCU. “Aramark provides managed services for thousands of client accounts across the globe, but only 26 have been asked to participate in this year’s international guest chef program, so we are honored to have been chosen.”

El Borhamy is originally from Egypt and has a professional cookery certificate from E.G.O.S. Institute in Alexandria, Egypt. He was co-winner of the Campbell Catering Culinary Excellence Award for 2005.

El Borhamy will prepare meals at the dining center’s main dining hall, Market 810, on Oct. 12 and Oct. 13.

VCU’s $18 million dining center accommodates students and the greater VCU community. It includes a retail food court on the first floor, with a spiral staircase that leads to Market 810, which features exhibition-style cooking, diverse menu options and unlimited servings. Market 810 seats approximately 800 guests.

Aramark Corp. is a world leader in providing award-winning food and facility-management services to health care institutions, universities, school districts, stadiums, arenas, and international and domestic corporations, as well as providing uniform and career apparel.

For more information about VCU Dining Services and the International Guest Chef program, go to www.bsv.vcu.edu/vcufood.