Dillard University executive Chef Kraig Dixon participated in and won the first round of the Cooking for a Cause: Chef Cook Off against Xavier University on Sept. 18.
The event raised awareness of food insecurities. Students came together to spectate the first round that was located in Dillard’s dining hall, enjoying delicious dishes from Dillard and Xavier Dining made from food pantry items. Each dish supports the Swipe Out Hunger program in the fight against food insecurity.
“Food insecurity is a sensitive subject because most people are not comfortable to speak on their insufficiencies,” said Dixon.
The event attracted many students and faculty and staff on campus during lunchtime. The aroma and presentation from both chefs made people eager to try the dishes themselves.
“I give Dillard a 9.5 out of 10. It was very good!” said Kennedy Harris, a senior biology major from Lake Charles, Louisiana.
Dixon, A New Orleans native, has a history of being a “culture ambassador” in the city through his musical talents and culinary expertise. Growing up in his family’s restaurant and being a musician, Dixon has traveled abroad since the age of 18.
Being relatively young in the kitchen, Dixon started off as executive chef at Loyola University and then transferred to Dillard a few years later. He said that he brings vibrant energy to his role and presents different things that his youthfulness caters to.
“I came here as an interim chef and I honestly fell in love with the community,” said Dixon.
“Being from New Orleans, you know, being a chef, also being a musician, it [kind of] embodies what New Orleans represents. That just made me have more of [an] appreciation of the culture, you know what I’m saying, that I embody,” said Dixon.
For the cook off, Dixon said he picked random pantry items that students and faculty can find in most collegiate pantries and composed a well–balanced meal with minimum items. The meal consisted of lentils, mango salsa, rice, pulled chicken, and white rice.
Round 2 of the competition took place at Xavier University on Monday, Sept. 23.
