Colombian Chef

Colombian Chef Warms up Winter with Visit to Campus

Joaquin Suarez

February 19th, 2007 -- Western Washington University Dining Services will welcome Executive Chef Joaquin Suarez from Bogota, Colombia to campus as part of a global exchange program, February 26 - March 2, 2007. Suarez will participate in an international chef residency in the United States during which he will share traditional South American cuisine with Western's culinary teams, students, faculty and staff.

Suarez will present two events to the campus community and general public, including an "Authentic Colombian Lunch" in Viking Union Market from 11:30 am to 1:30 pm on February 27, and a dinner featuring the "Flavors of South America" at Fairhaven Commons from 5:30 - 6:45pm on March 1.

The lunch includes Passion Fruit-Marinated Chicken Breast served with Yucca, Tomato filled with Potato Puree, Minted Carrots, dessert and a fountain drink and is just $4.99.

Featured in the South American Dinner at Fairhaven Commons are Churrasco of Beef with Chimicurri, Fried Fish with Coconut Rice, Grilled Vegetables, Fried Plantains with Creole Sauce, Fresh Fruit in Tropical Juices, traditional soup and dessert and much, much more. The $10.35 cost can be paid for with a meal plan, Flex Points, Munch Money, cash or credit card.

"The Global Chef Program provides a unique learning experience for students to explore new foods, cultures and traditions," observes Warren Jaferian, Vice-President of Sodexho Worldwide Education Market, the tour's sponsor. Chef Suarez will provide active demonstrations of meal preparation in the classic Colombian style, so that there will be ample opportunity for students to interact with him.

Currently serving as National Director of Culinary Training for Sodexho Colombia, Joaquin Suarez has 13 years of experience as a hotel and restaurant manager. A native of Colombia, Chef Suarez has shared his culinary talents at the Hotel Tequendama Intercontinental of Bogota, the Hotel Bogota Plaza, the Hotel Oro Verde in Quito, Ecuador and La Petite Ferme in New York City. He is a graduate of the Culinary Institute of America.

For additional details about Chef Suarez, the Global Chef Exchange Program and international recipes, please visit www.GlobalChefProgram.com.

To learn more about Chef Suarez's visit to Western Washington University, contact University Dining Services at (360) 650-2970 and ask for Lisa North, or visit the web at www.dining.wwu.edu.