Fordham University soon will get a taste of Spanish cuisine, courtesy of Sodexo’s Global Chef Program.

Francisco “Paco” Manzano, executive chef at the European University of Madrid, will visit Fordham as part of
Sodexho’s Global Chef Program.

Photo courtesy of Sodexho

Francisco “Paco” Manzano, executive chef at the Universidad Europea de Madrid, will visit the Rose Hill campus from Oct. 19-21. “Chef Paco” is the first Spanish chef to participate in the annual culinary exhibition.

Sodexo, which manages Fordham’s food service program, introduced the Global Chef program in 2003 to facilitate the exchange of their executive chefs between affiliates. Each Global Chef shares authentic international cuisine and traditional cooking techniques with clients, customers, staff and the host institution’s on-site culinary team.

Chef Paco received his culinary training at theEscuela Superior de Hosteleria y Tourismo in Madrid, Spain. After graduating in 1994, he spent the first several years of his career honing his craft at some of Madrid’s leading hotels and catering firms. In 2002, Chef Paco was hired by Sodexo as its executive chef at the European University of Madrid, one of Spain’s most prestigious international universities.

So what can the Fordham community expect from Chef Paco’s kitchen?

Students, faculty and staff will have the opportunity to enjoy the truly representative and traditional recipes from the various regions of Spain, such as paella—a dish made with rice, saffron, seafood and vegetables—the Spanish omelet, and Gazpacho soup.

The Global Chef Program at Fordham kicks off with “A Taste of Spain,” featuring Spanish tapas (mini dishes) at The Marketplace from 5 to 7 p.m. on Monday, Oct. 19.

On Tuesday, Oct. 20, “Lunch with Chef Paco” will be served in The Marketplace from noon to 2 p.m.That night, students can learn how to prepare authentic paella with Chef Paco from 5 to 7 p.m. in the faculty dining room.

On Wednesday, Oct. 21, Chef Paco will make Spanish omelets and a regional breakfast from 7:30 to10:45 a.m. in The Marketplace.

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