Schools
University of Loyola New Orleans Hosts Renowned Chef Nini Nguyen
The event by Loyola Dining Services provided students with the opportunity to learn the art of culinary craftsmanship from a local legend
On February 20th, the University of Loyola New Orleans proudly welcomed acclaimed chef, recipe developer, and entrepreneur, Chef Nini Nguyen, for a captivating cooking exposition. The event, organized by Loyola Dining Services, provided students with a unique opportunity to learn the art of culinary craftsmanship directly from a local legend.
Chef Nini Nguyen, a distinguished figure in the culinary world, delighted students with a hands-on demonstration on crafting pork and chive dumplings from scratch. The event, held on the university campus, drew inspiration from Loyola's Jesuit traditions of educating the whole student and fostering community impact.
Mallory Garcia, a Loyola student, and avid follower of Chef Nguyen since her Top Chef debut in 2020, expressed her excitement, stating, "It's a little surreal. To me, she's a local celebrity." The Maroon captured the sentiments of students who were thrilled to have the opportunity to learn from Chef Nguyen's expertise.
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Chef Nini Nguyen, based in New Orleans, has a rich culinary background, having worked in renowned kitchens such as Coquette in New Orleans and Eleven Madison Park in New York. Her journey to culinary stardom began with her notable participation in season 16 of Top Chef and later in Top Chef: All-Stars, earning her a dedicated fan following.
As an embodiment of Loyola's commitment to community impact, Chef Christopher Hustad, a Loyola-Sodexo chef, expressed his anticipation for Chef Nguyen's visit. "Being a New Orleans-native herself… I was hoping she'd come and give back to the community and show students things they hadn't seen before… maybe get [them] into Asian cuisine if they hadn't before," Chef Hustad remarked.
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In addition to her culinary prowess, Chef Nini Nguyen has channeled her love for Vietnamese cuisine into the creation of "Đặc Biệt: An Extra Special Vietnamese Cookbook." Scheduled for release in June 2024, the cookbook is a fusion of her Vietnamese heritage with a touch of Louisiana influence, promising a unique and delightful culinary experience for enthusiasts.
Excitement continues to build around Chef Nini Nguyen's culinary journey as she prepares for an exhilarating debut on the Food Network in Spring 2024. Her passion for cooking, positive outlook, and dedication to inspiring young people make Chef Nini Nguyen a beacon in the culinary world.
