When it was announced that Chef Cal Peternell from Chez Panisse was coming to Yale, I knew I had to go. It was like my two worlds — the Bay Area and Yale — were colliding in one fantastic meal. I had been to Chez Panisse once, on my fifteenth birthday. In addition, I had been to every Guest Chef (or as I commonly call it, “Celebrity Chef”) event hosted by Yale Dining. This was the first chef whose name I actually recognized. And so, even when I was put on the wait list for the event, I hounded the event coordinators to get in. And I did.

Like all of the previous Guest Chef Events, the menu was created by Chef Peternell, but the cooking was conducted by the Yale Dining staff. Some dishes were more stellar than others. Overall, all of the dishes were better than the dining hall food. Some of my eating-mates expressed disappointment, but I left my meal pleased.

Iceberg lettuce salad.

Deviled eggs with curry and saffron.

The roasted butternut squash hummus was excellent. I probably devoured 3/4 of this bowl.

Chef Peternell spoke, but mostly read from his new book.

These meatless meatballs were meh.

The twice-cooked pork with salsa verde was definitely the best main dish. Filling, rich, and good.

Braised chicken legs.

The macaroni and cheese was no different from the regular dining hall macaroni and cheese (which is pretty good) save for the oven-baked bread cumb topping.

Pear upside-down cake.