Cornell chef pursues opportunities for growth and learning
By Ben Badua, Student and Campus Life
Chloe Greenhalgh has always been driven by a commitment to growth and lifelong learning. An avid traveler, she spent time living in Italy and visited Portugal and Spain. During this period of her life, she developed a love for Mediterranean cuisine.
“I enjoy acidic accents to food,” said Greenhalgh, a senior chef now in her 16th year with Cornell Dining. “I just love basic vegetables on a plate with a little bit of olive oil and lemon. I appreciate the simplicity and the fact you don’t have to do a lot to it to make it taste great.”
In 2021, Greenhalgh got her first opportunity to bring her passion for simple, nutritious meals to campus. While working to re-open Martha’s Café, which closed during the renovation of Martha Van Rensselaer Hall, Greenhalgh connected with a group of students who expressed their desire for healthier food options. To make menu items more approachable, Greenhalgh pulled from her culinary experiences travelling through Europe. The result was a revamped, plant-forward menu that featured Mediterranean-inspired grain salad bowls and wraps with a focus on fresh ingredients.