Students Bring Gastronomy to Life at Fusion and Flavor Culinary Showcase

Students in the Department of Modern Languages will invite the Fisher community to explore the rich diversity of Hispanic cultures through food at the LSPN 340: Fusion and Flavor Culinary Showcase on Thursday, March 19, from 3:10 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. in the Golisano Gateway Midlevel.

The event offers an immersive tasting fair featuring authentic dishes prepared and presented by students.

The course is designed to help students understand how food reflects histories across the Hispanic world. Throughout the semester, students study gastronomy in Spanish-speaking regions to examine how cultural identities are expressed and transformed through cuisine.

Empanadas, arroz con pollo, and other delicious foods reflect Hispanic cultures around the world.

“This class was created to give students a tangible way to explore the central themes of the course — how food reflects histories of migration, cultural exchange, resistance, and creativity,” said Dr. Marina Bonilla‑Conejo, assistant professor in the Department of Modern Languages. “The showcase allows students to bring this learning to life by presenting dishes that illustrate these processes of fusion and cultural dialogue.”

To prepare for the event, students conduct cultural and historical research on the origins and evolution of their chosen recipes. They analyze how migration and regional influences shape culinary traditions and present their findings in Spanish, strengthening both academic and practical communication skills.

“By preparing and presenting their dishes, students gain a deeper appreciation for gastronomy as a cultural practice,” Bonilla‑Conejo said. “They learn how cuisine connects people, cultures, and creative traditions across regions.”

Attendees will have the opportunity to engage directly with Spanish majors and minors, learning about the history, ingredients, and cultural significance behind each dish.

“Beyond enjoying the dishes, I hope attendees leave with a greater understanding of the richness and diversity of the Hispanic world,” Bonilla‑Conejo added. “Each dish represents a story about cultural exchange, resilience, and artistic expression.”

This article was written by Hailey Gunther, a senior marketing major, who is working as an intern in the Office of Marketing and Communications at Fisher for the 2025-2026 academic year.