NMSU Catering earns People's Choice Award at Taste of Las Cruces

New Mexico State University Catering has earned the People's Choice Award at this year's Taste of Las Cruces, recognizing the team's culinary creativity, exceptional service and commitment to representing NMSU in the community.

The award honors the NMSU Catering team, which oversees catering operations and 1888 Taphouse & Kitchen, after attendees selected its menu as their favorite during the annual community event benefiting local hunger relief efforts.

Led by Campus Executive Chef Anthony Tovar, the team spent three days preparing nearly 3,000 individual servings featuring a modern New Mexican fusion menu that showcased local ingredients and globally inspired techniques.

“We were honored that the attendees selected our dishes as the best tasting at Taste of Las Cruces,” Tovar said. “The team was happy that their hard work and dedication paid off. We’re proud to be part of this event and to help our community, and we’re already looking forward to next year's Taste of Las Cruces.”

The award-winning menu featured creative interpretations of familiar flavors, including a fried bao bun filled with al pastor-marinated pork belly and grilled pineapple slaw, jalapeño poppers made with locally sourced New Mexico pecans, an Italian-inspired shrimp crudo with avocado oil and chile water, and a strawberry cream horchata cheesecake topped with fried cheesecake bites.

Paul Filby, resident district manager for NMSU Dining, said the recognition reflects the team’s dedication to delivering memorable dining experiences both on and off campus.

“Winning the People’s Choice Award is especially meaningful because it came directly from the people attending the event,” Filby said. “It validates the hard work, creativity and pride our team puts into representing New Mexico State University and the Las Cruces community. It's a proud moment for our chefs, catering staff, managers and the entire dining team.”

Filby said the recognition reinforces the team’s commitment to providing high-quality food paired with exceptional hospitality.

“Whether we’re serving students on campus, supporting university events, catering special occasions or representing NMSU in the community, our goal is always to provide food and service that people remember for the right reasons,” he said. “Great food is important, but great service is what completes the experience and makes it memorable.”

In addition to showcasing NMSU's culinary talent, Taste of Las Cruces provides an opportunity for the university to strengthen community partnerships while supporting a meaningful cause.

“Participating in Taste of Las Cruces aligns NMSU Catering with the event's mission of fighting local hunger while strengthening our connection with the community,” said Cosette Atherton, conference and catering director. “It gives our culinary team a chance to engage with local residents outside the campus setting while highlighting the quality and creativity we bring to every event.”

NMSU Catering provides customizable food service for events of all sizes, from intimate gatherings to large conferences and galas. The team offers tailored menus, professional event support and full-service catering for university and community events throughout the region.

For more information about NMSU Catering services, visit https://dining.nmsu.edu/catering.html.