International Cuisine: Chile
Menu Development
Chile is known for its unique geography, running 2,640 miles in length but only about 100 miles wide. Its geographic extremes range from the Atacama Desert (the driest nonpolar desert on Earth), to the fertile Central Valley where about 85% of the population lives, to the south where heavy forests and volcanoes give way to the glaciers and lakes of Patagonia. However, with the exception of some regional specialties, a similar cuisine is enjoyed throughout the country. Chilean food...
On the Road With Rob: Worlds of Flavor® International Conference and Festival
Menu Development
We’re back with a new edition of our “On the Road” blog series! We’re excited to feature SAGE’s Director of Menu Development Rob Coutu, who traveled out to Napa Valley in November 2022 for the Worlds of Flavor® International Conference and Festival, presented by the Culinary Institute of America. The theme of the 2022 conference was Africa and the World. Below, Rob shares his experience at this critically acclaimed annual conference. The conference explored the foods, culinary techniques, and diverse...
Celebrating Black History Month
Menu Development
February is Black History Month, which honors the accomplishments, cultures, contributions, and history that the Black community has made in shaping the United States and Canada. To celebrate Black History Month, we’re highlighting a few renowned Black chefs from the U.S. and Canada who’ve made a powerful impact in the culinary world, as well as featuring a recipe inspired by Zoe Adjonyoh. Matthew Raiford, who calls himself a “CheFarmer” (chef and farmer), is paving the way for future culinarians...
One-On-One with General Manager Dan Maertz
Setting Good Examples
Meet SAGE General Manager Dan Maertz! He’s been with SAGE for 15 years and currently serves as General Manager at Wilson College in Chambersburg, Pennsylvania. He was recently recognized by Food Management as one of 15 college dining directors and general managers who made a difference over the past year. He was chosen from more than 400 nominations across the country for stepping up to ensure that students and staff continued to be fed throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. We chatted...
2023 Food Trends
Articles
As we welcome the new year, SAGE’s Director of Menu Development Rob Coutu shares food trends you’ll likely see on menus in 2023. Boards: Just as charcuterie and artisanal cheese boards have become more popular, other types of boards — like breakfast boards, butter boards, buttercream boards, and whipped feta boards — are also gaining momentum. Boards are interactive and a fun, easy way to offer variety and entertain guests. Crema: This spreadable condiment is similar to sour cream and...
Lunchroom as Classroom Part 2: How SAGE Makes the Dining Hall a Learning Space
Setting Good Examples
This is Part 2 of a two-part series. Read Part 1 here. At SAGE, we believe that positive dining experiences support and enrich classroom learning. As such, we make it our mission to create exceptional dining experiences that delight the senses, inspire minds, and foster community. Here’s a step-by-step guide to how we fulfill our promise—and how you can make lunch a more enriching, educational experience: Provide safe, delicious food for everyone. A great dining program starts with amazing food. We...
Lunchroom as Classroom Part 1: How Lunch Furthers Education
Setting Good Examples, SAGE Community
Imagine if there were a class that improved students’ wellbeing and performance in every other class. Here at SAGE, it’s not a utopian dream. We call it “lunch,” and many schools are missing out on the opportunity to make the most of it. Lunch provides a number of benefits. Let’s start with the basics: hungry kids don’t learn well. Study after study demonstrates that kids who have breakfast, who get the recommended levels of iron, and who do not...
About Us
At SAGE Dining Services®, our unparalleled expertise in nutrition, sustainability, and culinary trends produces exceptional dining experiences that delight the senses, inspire minds, and foster community.
