Recipe: New Senior Executive Chef
This senior executive chef is an inviting blend of passion for cuisine and community. The recipe pairs perfectly with a diverse culinary staff and student-led organizations. Enjoy!
Roman Lazowski, New Senior Executive Chef at the Wisconsin Union
Prep Time: 13 years of previous experience
Cook Time: 13 years at the Wisconsin Union
Total Time: 26 years in the culinary field
Serving Size: Roman Lazowski
Yield: Oversight of culinary operations at Memorial Union, Union South, & more
Ingredients
- 1 former associate executive chef
- 3 ½ cups culinary talents
- 1 degree in telecommunications from Indiana University
- 1 two-year culinary program at Kendall College
- 1 toque blanche that reads “senior executive chef”
- 2 cups innovation
- A pinch of different students’ perspectives, to taste
- 3 heaping tablespoons of support from community members
- 2 gallons gratitude
Preparation
After 13 years at the Wisconsin Union, former Associate Executive Chef Roman Lazowski is shifting into a new role this fall. As he heads into his new position, senior executive chef, it is clear he has two key passions: cuisine and community.
Roman’s culinary zeal was sparked just outside of Chicago, not long after completing his education at Indiana University where he earned a degree in telecommunications. The pairing of these two seemingly unconnected educations instilled a unique perspective in Roman going forward in his career.
“You communicate through food, just like any other device. It brings people together,” Roman explained. “What I’ve always loved about culinary is…you immediately know if what you’re doing is right or wrong, good or bad. You get an immediate response.”
Roman has been able to explore his culinary creativity during his time at the Union—such as an event this summer where they created a crab and shrimp ice sculpture—and looks forward to innovating more in coming years. He attributes a lot of that innovation to the students and community that make him excited for work every day.
“There’s an energy [at the Union] that’s different than other places,” Roman said. “We feed off of each other—the community feeds off of the students, the students feed off of the community—and it creates an incredible atmosphere.”
Roman is excited to work closer with more of the student groups and find out what their needs are. One of the opportunities Roman is most looking forward to is learning more from his staff’s diverse knowledge. With such wide diversity in the kitchen, Roman and his team have built a program designed around everyone’s talents. In the past, they’ve learned about using ash as spices from local American Indian tribes and even cooked a traditional Hmong dinner, thanks to the team’s expansive reach. The Union team is always looking for new things to change up or try, and Roman loves that team members constantly work to stay as relevant as possible.
How to Serve
This position—which is new to the Wisconsin Union this year—was developed in late summer to oversee the culinary operations at both Union buildings: Memorial Union and Union South.
“[The senior executive chef] will allow us to have greater consistency between both operations, as well as handling the redesign of our culinary structure for quality, efficiency, safety and staff teamwork,” said Carl Korz, associate director for dining and hospitality services at the Wisconsin Union. “This long-awaited role will also be very student-oriented, acting as a liaison to the Wisconsin Union Directorate Cuisine Committee and taking responsibility for developing a culinary training program for student staff.”
Roman was ultimately selected for the position because of his talents that will keep the Union competitive in a changing marketplace, and for the respect and trust he’s earned from his staff during his time at the Union. We are so excited to welcome Roman into his new role!
Reviews and Cooking Notes
Carl Korz, associate director for dining and hospitality services at the Wisconsin Union
“Roman is tremendously passionate about all aspects of food…and I think he’s gonna bring a lot to the table.”
Roman Lazowski, senior executive chef
“Exciting times coming up in the culinary world! There’s a lot out there to explore; there’s a lot of employees that have knowledge that would make us better.”
Join the Wisconsin Union dining team: union.wisc.edu/jobs. We have full-time and part-time positions available.
