Schools
Sodexo and the James Beard Foundation® Bring Chef Marcela Salas to South Dakota State
A high-energy campus visit delivers bold flavors, hands-on training, and fresh community connection.
BROOKINGS, SD – South Dakota State University lit up its dining scene when Chef Marcela Salas — a James Beard Foundation-recognized Sioux Falls chef and the talent behind Bibisol Kitchen — arrived on campus through Sodexo Campus’ new partnership with the James Beard Foundation® (JBF). The initiative brings local chefs to colleges across the country and introduces new flavors directly into campus kitchens.
Chef Marcela spent time with SDSU’s culinary team before the event, walking them through her techniques and ensuring her dishes would be served with accuracy. Her menu brought a burst of interest at Larson Commons, featuring Flautas with Bibi Salad, Wild Rice Quinoa Bowls, and Breakfast Burritos.
Students, faculty, and staff turned out steadily during her appearance at Ramen inside Larson Commons on Wednesday, November 12, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. The line moved quickly, but interest never dipped as guests showed up for the chance to try her dishes.
“It was wonderful having Chef Marcela on campus! Students had the unique opportunity to enjoy authentic Mexican cuisine from a James Beard–recognized chef—an experience that’s rare at SDSU and on college campuses in general. Our own culinary team also had the chance to collaborate with Chef Marcela, which made the event even more fun and rewarding for them,” said Emily O’Connor, Catering Director, South Dakota State University.
The visit strengthened SDSU’s connection to the region’s food community, brought new dishes into the campus dining program, and gave the culinary team direct exposure to fresh techniques and perspectives.
The SDSU event is one in a series of chef visits planned through the Sodexo–JBF partnership, each bringing new recipes, fresh energy, and a direct link to local culinary talent.
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