Guests in the premium spaces of Notre Dame Stadium cheered on the Fighting Irish, and were treated to some culinary delights this season as part of the Experience Notre Dame Visiting Chef Series. Each game, local chefs were invited to the 7th and 8th floors of Duncan Student Center and Corbett Family Hall to cook for guests in the premium seats. The new program was established to bring in talented local chefs in partnership with the culinary talent already at Notre Dame. The Visiting Chef Series celebrated the eclectic culinary offerings in the greater Notre Dame and South Bend communities.
Kicking off the season was Chef Lathay Pegues of JohnTom’s BBQ. Chef Pegues featured his award-winning BBQ sauce on some tantalizing dishes including 12-hour smoked brisket, pasta salad, and a cheesy potato bake that got Irish fans ready for a golden season during the Tennessee State vs. Notre Dame game
It was all Midwest favorites with a funky Polynesian twist at the Central Michigan game. Drew Sachau of The Bucket brought some of his restaurant’s favorites - grilled pork tenderloin, Bahama Mama rice, and a tropical power salad. You can find The Bucket restaurant and tiki bar along the St. Joseph River in South Bend.
Guests who love a good steak were thrilled at the Ohio State game as Laurel Marnocha of LaSalle Grill, in downtown South Bend, featured the restaurant’s signature steak sandwiches, gorgonzola mac and cheese, and salad.
Then it was on to the ultimate rivalry game, USC vs. Notre Dame, as Chef Liz Drew of Iron Hand Winery cooked for guests. The restaurant and small boutique winery located along the St. Joseph River in South Bend served grilled chicken skewers with Asian BBQ glaze, Thai peanut noodle salad, and marinated cucumber salad.
Chef Laquisha Jackson of Soulful Kitchen brought the heat at the Pitt vs. Notre Dame game. Chef Jackson partners culinary excellence with a heartfelt passion for good food. She served delicious jerk chicken thighs, red beans and rice, and southern green beans.
The Wake Forest vs. Notre Dame game wrapped up the Experience Notre Dame Visiting Chef Series as Chef Ernesto Flores of Levy Catering presented some special family recipes like birria, street corn and frijoles charros.
There’s nothing like good food and Notre Dame football to bring people together!
Originally published by at experience.nd.edu on November 13, 2023.