Regent's Ordinary adds flavor to Hispanic Heritage Month

By Sandra J. Pennecke

Correspondent

KEMPSVILLE

Chef Dan Murphy is cooking up a meal to show that Hispanic food is not all rice and beans.

Murphy, the head chef in the Ordinary, a dining facility located in Regent University's student center, is known for the delicious fare - which is far from ordinary - he and his staff prepare.

During Regent University's Hispanic Heritage Month, the Ordinary is dedicating two days to Hispanic Culinary Tastes.

Lunch this Friday and lunch and dinner on Wednesday will offer the taste and flavor that often captures palates.

Marcela Chavan-Matviuk, adjunct professor and international program specialist and coordinator for the Center for Latin Leadership, is coordinating this year's Hispanic Heritage Month, which includes a symposium, musical concert and reception, an art exhibit and Hispanic authors' exhibit.

"We welcome people to come," said Chavan-Matviuk who is originally from Argentina. "Our cultures tend to blend and somehow my impression is that we are not seen in the community; so I decided it'd make our presence more alive."

Since Hispanic cuisine varies from region to region, town to town and family to family, it is difficult to define "authentic" Hispanic cuisine. That's why Murphy selected a sampling of items.

All meals cost between $6 and $8 and soup is approximately $3. Lunch on Friday will include a sandwich de bistec (steak sandwich), roast beef brisket with caramelized onions and topped with a Monterey Jack cheese, served with fried plantain and Jicama (yam bean) slaw.

Lunch and dinner on Wednesday will consist of Sopa Juliana, Como de Cerdo Relleno con frutas (stuffed pork with prunes and apples), quick braised collared greens, brown potatoes and cornbread with cheese.

According to the United States Department of Agriculture's Web site, food plays an important role in the Hispanic culture. In some Hispanic cultures, the people believe that foods, herbs and illnesses are characterized by degrees of "hot" and "cold."

"This is a chance for others to learn about the Hispanic culture and for Hispanics themselves to become more in touch with our reality," Chavan-Matviuk said.

Sandra J. Pennecke, pennecke@cox.net