FACTS
THE BEAR Vol. 42, Issue 1, October 2021
Ursuline Academy of Dallas
theuabearfacts.com
Unveiling the New-and-Improved Fox Dining Hall By TESS BOWERS ‘22
Q&A With Chad
By HANNAH SINGER ‘23
What got you into cooking? “I was studying jazz music, and I got a part time job at a Thai restaurant across the street. After a while, that’s what became my passion. A mother suggested that I start taking culinary classes, so I did, and that’s where it started.”
“I told everyone… I’m going to put a cot in my office and live here now.” These were Chad’s first words as he walked into his new kingdom. Ursuline’s newand-improved Fox Dining Hall in Haggar Center has been expanded by 4,000 feet, allowing A, B and C lunch to be consolidated into just A and B lunch. New additions include a deli bar and beverage bar, along with a brand-new kitchen. Now beginning his fourth year at Ursuline, Chad Nielson said, “I like to call myself a senior!” He began as a cook at Ursuline and now continues his third year of being the Food Service Director. The new kitchen is now six times bigger! Previously, all supplies and ingredients were within a reachable distance, but now Chad said all of
“It almost feels like we are at a college campus! Everything is so new and updated, and going to lunch is now so much more fun.”
What is your favorite part of the Sage renovation? “Oh, man. How much space we have – it’s so much bigger.” the kitchen staff “walks an What are you most excited to cook? “A lot of stuff. We have a new piece of equipment called a combination oven, and it lets us smoke indoors. In about a month or two, starting our indoor smoked things: cheeses, salsas, and sauces. I’m excited, and it’ll smell real good throughout the halls.” What is your favorite dish to cook for Ursuline students? “I love doing the build-yourown bars. Those are my favorite days because you get to see everyone make their own combinations of things, and it’s an easy way to please a lot of people all at once.”
beverage counter, there are assorted flavors of spa water, including strawberry basil, lemon rosemary, and watermelon.
average of seven miles” each day in the kitchen. “There is so much more capability for new food… so much opportunity,” Chad said after describing what he was most excited about in the new kitchen. He enjoys making build-your-own stations at lunch, where there are 20 different toppings and 10 different sauces. “It lets us play around,” he said, “and also acts as a way for you—students—to make your own food.” Some of the buildyour-own menu items include an avocado toast bar, a build-yourown sandwich bar, a soft-pretzel bar and even a bubble tea bar. This year, one of Chad’s main projects is to expand the beverage selection. On the
Another addition coming to the beverage counter is a coffee bar. There will be many different coffee flavors, along with the necessities like milk, cream and sugar. Just last month, juniors Holly Kai-ghan and Sabrina Rameriz collaborated with Chad to feature a Baja Blast drink on the beverage counter. The bright blue drink was said to be a big hit and tasted just like Taco Bell’s signature item. Students love Chad’s openness to their ideas, and his creativity has made lunch at Ursuline better than ever. The feedback from students and teachers about the Fox Dining Hall has been nothing but positive. “It’s a beautiful cafeteria. I love the open kitchen and the use of color is
What is your favorite meal? “I’ve been doing a lot of fried rice lately. It’s perfect for breakfast, it’s perfect for lunch or a midnight snack.” Courtesy of Ursuline Academy Images
great. It looks completely brand new,” Dr. Surmiller said. Students say this year they really love the food from SAGE and even seniors have been staying on campus for lunch so they can eat there. “I love going to Fox Dining Hall each day and seeing what Chad has prepared for lunch. There is always something different on the menu and the food never disappoints,” Tori Wasinger said. Senior Avery Zulick said, “It almost feels like we are at a college campus! Everything is so new and updated. Going to lunch is so much more fun.” One of the biggest hits of the new dining hall has been the spa water. It was served previously, but its flavors have expanded. Senior Grace Lamont said, “My favorite part is definitely the assortment of spa water—it is so fun coming to school in the morning and seeing what flavors there are each day.” While the new dining hall has proven to be a big change, Chad said, “We were, as a group, really surprised and proud for how much of an easy transition it was for everyone. We are grateful.” New Baja Blast in Fox “Chad fulfilled my dream of bringing the Baja Blast to Fox Dining Hall,” Holly Kaighan ’23 said. As a regular customer, Kaighan never leaves Taco Bell without purchasing her favorite drink, the Baja Blast. This exclusive Mountain Dew flavor was sold only from Taco Bell soda fountain machines and in limited quantities at grocery stores until it made its first appearance at Ursuline in September. Continue Reading “The Baja What” on p.09