6 International House Times
e I-House Dining Commons officially reopened in August,
2015 to much anticipation and excitement after undergoing
extensive renovations. An $8.75 million dollar initiative, the
Dining Commons Transformation Project sought to increase
energy efficiency, upgrade outdated equipment, and most
importantly, provide a higher level of engagement between
residents and kitchen staff.
e new equipment, such as a pizza oven, blast chiller, yogurt
machine, and charbroiler have been met with rave reviews
from staff and residents alike.
With residents from more than 60 countries living under the
dome this fall, cultural and dietary restrictions are treated very
seriously. anks to the new open-concept kitchen, dining
staff members are able to able to build stronger relationships
with residents, often times remembering a resident's specific
needs and preparing custom options without them having to
ask.
One such relationship is resident
Neil ayamballi and chef Sean
Garcia. Sean simply knows Neil's
dietary needs and how best to
cook for him.
Stories like Neil and chef Sean
are at the heart of the Dining
Commons Transformation
Project. e renovation has
proven once more that food is
the great unifier at I-House for
residents, staff members, and
guests.
e I-House Dining Commons is open to the public. We
would like to invite you to join us for lunch in the remodeled
space. Please contact the alumni office at (510) 642-4128 or
ihalumni@berkeley.edu to schedule a time.
To see our weekly menu and dining hours visit ihouse.berkeley.
edu/dining.
A New Vision for Interactive Dining...
Resident Neil Thayamballi
and Chef Sean Garcia build
relationships in new space.
The new and improved servery in the I-House Dining Commons. Photo by David Wakely.
