At Michigan State University, dining has become a more interactive experience thanks to the culinary team’s innovative experiential dining events. Students can now use their Combo-X-Change swipes to participate in hands-on, exclusive events that go beyond the typical dining experience. Whether it's learning from professional chefs, exploring new cuisines or connecting with peers, these events are bringing excitement to campus dining in unexpected ways. 

The concept for experiential dining came from the culinary team’s expertise and passion for building community with food. As the program grew in popularity, the team began analyzing which events were capturing the most interest. Cheryl Berry, associate director of marketing and communications for Culinary Services, shares exactly how they are able to do this. "We look at trends in campus dining, student preferences, and the skillsets of our team members," Berry says. "Some of the chef table events are based on the cultural backgrounds of the chefs, allowing us to provide students with insights not only into the food but also the culture that shapes it." 

The events vary from dessert demonstrations and mixology classes to cake decorating and cultural chef tables. These events are not just about eating; they're about learning and interacting. By pre-registering and using CX swipes, students gain access to free, interactive sessions where they actively participate, guided by skilled chefs and culinary experts. “I loved how interactive the instruction was for everyone regardless of ability,” shared a student. 

After each event, students are encouraged to share their thoughts through feedback surveys, and the response has been overwhelmingly positive. "Students love learning from the chefs, participating in hands-on activities and meeting new people," says Berry. Many participants expressed how much they enjoyed discovering new cooking techniques, ingredients and dishes they had never tried before. As one student puts it, “I really like these fancy dinners that are unique, and unlike anything you can find at MSU!”. 

Building Community Around Food 
These events are about more than just satisfying hunger; they create a sense of community among students. "The events give students a reason to gather, try new things and build a sense of community around food," Berry explains. The close-knit environment also fosters stronger connections with the chefs and dining team, offering students the chance to learn not only about food preparation but also the cultural significance and history behind the dishes they’re making. 

From interactive chef demos to community-driven dining experiences, MSU’s experiential dining program is transforming the way students dine while enriching their campus experience. It’s clear that at MSU, food is much more than just a meal — it’s an opportunity to connect, learn and try something new. 

Author: Hanah Khan