In an eagerly anticipated return, renowned food personality and author Simon Majumdar will revisit Penn State University on March 25-26, 2024. This visit marks his second appearance at the university, following a highly successful engagement in March 2024 that garnered accolades for the university's dining program. Last year’s events earned Penn State’s residential dining staff a prestigious gold award and grand prize at the National Association of College & University Food Services (NACUFS) conference. Majumdar praised the quality of the food and the exceptional talent of the chefs, likening the experience to working with top-tier restaurant professionals. The upcoming visit promises a series of engaging activities, including keynote speeches, cooking demonstrations, and a culinary challenge.

A Culinary Journey through Time and Space

In the enchanting spring of 2024, the vibrant campus of Penn State will once again welcome the charismatic Simon Majumdar. His itinerary includes a keynote address on March 25 at the Kern Building, where he will inspire students and staff from the School of Hospitality Management. Following this, attendees will have the opportunity to meet Majumdar and obtain autographs during a book signing session. On the subsequent day, March 26, Majumdar will lead lunchtime cooking demonstrations at Pollock Commons and emcee a culinary challenge at Redifer Commons in the South Food District. These events will showcase unique dishes such as bunny chow, a South African dish with Indian origins, and gambas pil pil, a tapas dish that migrated from North Africa to Spain. Through these demonstrations, Majumdar aims to illustrate how culinary traditions travel across borders and evolve over time.

From Jim Meinecke, director of residential dining, comes an expression of excitement: “We are thrilled to host Simon again. His presence last year was unforgettable, and we look forward to another memorable event.” The Penn State community is invited to follow @pennstatedining on Instagram for ticket information and updates on these exclusive events.

Simon Majumdar, hailing from Rotherham, England, has dedicated much of his life to exploring global cuisines. Known for his ambition to "Go Everywhere, Eat Everything," Majumdar has traveled extensively, covering all 50 states and numerous countries worldwide. His passion for food and storytelling promises an enriching experience for everyone involved.

Majumdar's visit not only highlights the excellence of Penn State’s dining program but also underscores the importance of cultural exchange through cuisine. It serves as a reminder that food is a universal language capable of bridging gaps between people and cultures. For those fortunate enough to attend, it will be an enlightening journey into the heart of culinary history and innovation.