Unforgettable culinary showcase by East Texas Baptist University

Why talk about a Christmas party in February? Because attendees are still remarking on the culinary talents showcased by the chefs at East Texas Baptist University (ETBU).

Sodexo annually hand selects Executive Chefs from the district to team up with the local Executive Chef, Michael Cook to create a Christmas feast to remember.

This year, Executive Chef Charlie Edwards from University of Tyler and Chef Marc Boyd from Wiley College collaborated with Chef Mike.

Chef Marc Boyd prepared a few of his signature dishes while Chef Michael Cook and Chef Charlie Edwards purveyed local shops to provide the dishes served.

General Manager, Kenny Hines traveled to local Bear Creek Smokehouse with ETBU’s Assistant Vice President of Operations Chris Crawford, Chef Michael Cook, and Chef Charlie Edwards and hand selected and tasted each item that would help the amazing charcuterie display.

“The Sodexo team always goes above and beyond for any event on ETBU’s campus, and the ‘Merry Marshall’ Christmas Party is a prime example of their culinary expertise,” President J. Blair Blackburn reflected. “A spread of hors d'oeuvres, charcuterie, entrée delicacies, and desserts were beautifully crafted and presented for the attendees to enjoy.”

The “Merry Marshall” Christmas Party is a special event for leaders in the Marshall community to celebrate the holiday season with East Texas Baptist University President Dr. J. Blair Blackburn and his wife Michelle at the ETBU President’s Home.

Over 200 people attended the event, giving the University an opportunity to extend gratefulness to the community leaders of Marshall for their continued support of ETBU’s Christ-centered mission.

“A number of our party guests expressed to Michelle and me that they look forward to this evening as the premier food and fellowship event of the Christmas season,” said President Blackburn. “East Texas Baptist is honored to partner with the talented, professional catering team at Sodexo as we serve our campus and engage our community.”

Catering Manager Amber Dortch organized the event by utilizing the extensive network Sodexo has put together in the East Texas area.

“Amber put together an outstanding catering team at East Texas Baptist University and also incorporated the expertise from other local accounts University of Texas at Tyler, Wiley College, and Panola College,” said Hines. “Each of these Sodexo accounts in East Texas were able to showcase their area of expertise at the Merry Marshall event. Amber has also developed a strong team of ETBU students who work closely with our catering department to deliver amazing experiences to the University.”