I Can’t Believe It’s Plant-Powered
On March 21, five dining halls – Faculty House, John Jay, JJ’s Place, Chef Mike’s Sub Shop, and Ferris Booth Commons – competed in an epic food showdown with a new twist – all the dishes were entirely plant-based!
This year’s plant-based theme recognized Columbia Dining’s participation in the New York City Plant-Powered Carbon Challenge, a new initiative from the Mayor’s Office of Food Policy designed to activate the private sector in cutting NYC’s carbon footprint through climate-friendly, plant-powered food. “We’re thrilled that our best and biggest event of the year, Battle of the Dining Halls, could celebrate our new collaboration with the Mayor’s Office and demonstrate how plant-powered food can be fun, delicious, and creative,” said Columbia Dining Assistant Vice President Vicki Dunn.
Each dining hall prepared a dish, dessert and beverage for the event. Event guests were invited to sample all the food and vote on their favorite dish, while a panel of student judges and celebrity Chef Robert Irvine formally scored each dining hall. The competition was fierce, and each dining hall fought to win Judges’ Choice and People’s Choice!