by Kevin Estrella, '23
Kevin from Drexel Business Services recently met with Chef Tom Ramsey, campus executive chef for Drexel Campus Dining, to learn more about his passion for serving students.
Q: When did you start working for Aramark at Drexel, and what do you currently do here?
A: I joined the Drexel Campus Dining team in 2019, and I am currently the campus executive chef. I work with my team to develop menus and dishes – I am presently creating a hot sauce and spices line for the Drexel Campus Dining program! Working with Aramark has provided me with various opportunities to have more extensive outreach and interact with a diverse crowd serving the students at Drexel University.
Q: Why did you decide to become a chef, and how do you find inspiration for your dishes?
A: After seeing my dad cooking on TV when I was about 11 or 12 years old, I fell in love with cooking. My dad worked as a chef at the University of Pennsylvania, so working at Drexel follows in his footsteps. Next to family, cooking has become what I love doing the most. Our sense of smell connects how we remember events, and I enjoy bringing back memories through my cooking. I'm always seeking to create and recreate memories for myself, my family and everyone I serve. I find inspiration from the people around me and my conversations with them. I'll ask people where they are from and what their background is. I'm constantly learning and experiencing new things through these conversations and exploring new recipes through these conversations.
Q: How have students responded to the opening of True Balance, the new allergen-friendly station in Urban Eatery?
A: It's been great, and the students appreciate that they can see the food freshly prepared in front of them! Drexel's all-you-care-to-eat dining plan has also made it easier for the staff to accommodate students requiring allergy-friendly food since they can review what works and what is popular each day and week. From this information, we make as many changes as needed to be able to make as many people as possible happy with their meal plans.
Q: What do you want students to take away from their dining experience at Drexel?
A: I want Drexel students to try new food and meals that they typically wouldn't. My goal is to get students out of their culinary bubble and experience something new in hopes that they will continue to explore more options.
Q: Is there anything you would like the University community to know about you or your team?
A: There is an entire talented culinary team dedicated to serving Drexel students that I have the privilege of overseeing. I'm very thankful to my team and the chefs at Drexel for their work and perspective on cooking. Chef Matt, Chef Tim, Chef Lauren and Chef Peter are the hardest working people I know. Further, when developing new dishes and menus, I'll ask my team about their background and culture because it allows me to get a deeper understanding of who they are, where they come from, and how they cook. Their unique experiences contribute to the dining experience at Drexel.
It's clear that Chef Tom Ramsey is passionate about his work and is determined to make Drexel student lives better through food. He is also very appreciative of his team and looks to give them their credit whenever possible.
Because of this determination and appreciation, Chef Tom and his team will continue to review, improve, and elevate the Drexel Campus Dining experience. The Drexel community can share feedback directly with the Drexel Campus Dining team through the Your Voice Counts Survey.