Food, Culture, and Panther Pride Flood BBC

Emilie Gonzalez and Sofia Bellon | PantherNOW Staff Writers

The Taste of the Bay, hosted by FIU’s Homecoming council at the Biscayne Bay Campus, featured a multitude of restaurants sampling their products on Tuesday, Sept. 17.

From the Caribbean to the Mediterranean, just about every culture was present within the food. Some of the restaurant participants included Sergio’s, Rice, PDQ, Just Salad, and many more. 

Packaged lunches for students courtesy of Rice Mediterranean Kitchen | Sofia Bellon, PantherNOW

This event was free for students and staff, and to partake in the event, students just had to undergo a quick check-in process.

Director of Homecoming Council and event organizer, Becky Campos, says that the event was about fostering school spirit and connecting students to their community through food.

“This is to bring students and the community together to try the food around the area and lift up the school spirit here in the Bay,” she said. “We want students to have a good time.”

The goal of the event was realized as students flocked in from both major campuses to participate.

Many students were thrilled at what it had to offer.

Students lining up for food courtesy of Just Salad | Sofia Bellon, PantherNOW

“Taste of the Bay is a great way to bring the FIU community together and bring different cultures together within food. I wish I found it before my senior year,” said Adrian Lora, a fourth-year communications student.

This event was not only a great way for students to meet new people and try restaurants in the area, but was also an opportunity for the corporate participants themselves. David Quill, an employee at Sergio’s, offered PantherNow his personal experience as a vendor. 

“For me, this was such a fun event, and it is very good for the company,” said Quill.

Campos talks about the ties FIU has with our community and how it plays a big part in a school’s identity. 

“We like to bring vendors from around the Biscayne Bay area to shine and light on it and get this campus the attention it deserves,” she said. 

Student, Jacqueline Pecker, with her food sample from Rice and event merchandise | Emilie Gonzalez, PantherNow

However, the lineup was not limited to just restaurants.

South Beach Food and Wine Festival (SOBE) was also present, taking the opportunity to connect with Panthers at the hospitality hub of BBC. Their Student Program Manager, Mari Trelles Costa, loves the event and the way it brings together both incoming and returning students.

“We love it, we do it every year,” she said. “We love to be part of FIU and show our school spirit.”

Trelles Costa emphasizes the opportunities students have through these events.

“It’s a wonderful networking opportunity,” she said. “It’s one of the best opportunities to meet students. Everything goes back to the students.”

Homecoming events are planned by Panthers for Panthers to show off FIU Pride. More fun events like Taste of the Bay will be happening throughout Homecoming Week, so be sure to check the FIU Homecoming website for additional information.

A volunteer helps gift samples from Nothing Bundt Cakes | Sofia Bellon, PantherNOW