Samford’s cafeteria has undergone major renovations, but that’s not the only thing that’s new. Samford’s cafeteria’s new renovations have been recognized as a great step forward for the campus. Along with the new changes came Chef James Briscione, a Samford Alum.
“James is a proud Samford Alum and he’s made a very distinguished career for himself in the culinary arts,” said Samford President Beck Taylor. “He owns a very successful restaurant in Pensacola, called Angelana’s, and he’s distinguished himself on a number of TV shows.”
Chef Briscione was brought in last year during a Mardi Gras celebration and made beignets for Samford students. With the success of his treats and a desire to provide high-quality food to students, Samford offered him a position as a culinary advisor.
“Really excited about teaching some recipes, you know, doing some recipes and doing some of the things I’ve done on TV for so many years that we can share with Samford students, you know, that can really enhance their lives, that they can take along with them,” said Chef Briscione. “Whether it’s going back home for Thanksgiving and having a new side dish that you can contribute to Thanksgiving dinner or at the new year when everyone’s thinking about resolutions and being healthful, some easy type of takeaways that they can take with them to achieve whatever goals they may have set out.”
Along with his position at Samford, Chef Briscione keeps busy with other things in the food world. Chef Briscione and his wife, Brooke, opened Angelena’s in Pensacola, Fla. where he serves as the executive chef. He is also a featured chef on Food Network’s app, a two-time Chopped champion, Beat Bobby Flay winner and judge, as well as a best-selling cookbook author. His many accolades have helped him get to this point in his career and Samford President Beck Taylor is excited for the changes coming to the caf.
“His love of food and for food and good food I think is contagious and so I hope he brings a little bit of that to Samford students,” said President Taylor
Chef Briscione’s impact at Samford will slowly, but surely be made known, starting in the cafeteria.
If you’re interested in trying Chef Briscione’s food, come to the caf next Friday. He will be serving a creamy pumpkin pasta dish for all students to enjoy before Homecoming weekend begins.
