Chef Jet Tila sizzled, sautéed, and supported students facing food insecurity at George Mason

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The scent of garlic and citrus filled Southside Dining Hall as students lined up to meet celebrity chef Jet Tila, who visited George Mason University's Fairfax Campus on April 29.

Hosted by Mason Dining, the event brought Tila-chef, television personality, and bestselling author-to campus for a day of food, conversation, and connections with students.

Photo by Evan Cantwell/Office of University Branding

Tila is known for his appearances on The Food Network's Iron Chef America, Chopped, and Beat Bobby Flay. Students had three opportunities to meet and chat with Tila: at Southside Dining Hall, the Johnson Center, and Ike's Dining Hall.

Photo by Evan Cantwell/Office of University Branding

Tila's visit also supported students facing food insecurity at George Mason. While Tila prepared meals at Southside for lunch, every meal swipe was matched by Mason Dining with a donation to the Student Support and Advocacy Center. As a result, more than 1,500 meal swipes were donated to benefit George Mason students facing food insecurity.

1,500 meal swipes were donated to benefit George Mason students facing food insecurity. Photo by Evan Cantwell/Office of University Branding

Later, Tila hosted a live cooking demonstration and Q&A in the Johnson Center, where he talked with students and shared stories from his upbringing immersed in his family's restaurants.

Photo by Evan Cantwell/Office of University Branding

The day concluded at Ike's, where the first 50 students received signed copies of Tila's cookbooks.

Tila's signature style of food fit in remarkably well at George Mason: bold flavors rooted in tradition, with a modern edge.

Photo by Evan Cantwell/Office of University Branding Photo by Evan Cantwell/Office of University Branding

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