Rocky Top Dining Hall Welcomed Celebrity Chef Grace Ramirez

Rocky Top Dining Hall recently welcomed celebrity chef Grace Ramirez for a vibrant culinary takeover! Chef Ramirez brought her signature La Latina Cocina inspired menu to life at the grill station, treating guests to bold flavors and authentic Latin flair. The space was transformed with black and pink décor, setting the scene for an energetic and festive dining experience.

Chef Ramirez greeted guests, signing cookbooks and branded hats to commemorate the event. It was a lunch filled with delicious food, lively music, and the joyful spirit of community that defines Vol Dining.

Grace Ramirez is a celebrated chef, author, and activist whose work bridges culture, community, and cuisine. With roots in television production at the Food Network, Grace’s journey has taken her from behind the camera to center stage—leading humanitarian efforts, curating unforgettable culinary experiences, and advocating for food justice on a global scale.

During the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, Grace played a pivotal role with World Central Kitchen, helping deliver over 100,000 meals daily to frontline workers and underserved communities. Her leadership helped prevent the closure of more than 250 restaurants in New York and contributed to over 9.5 million meals served—efforts that earned her recognition as a COVID Hero by the City of New York. She later partnered with the United Nations to promote the Chefs’ Manifesto, further deepening her commitment to advocacy and sustainability.

Appointed to the NYC Chefs Council, Grace develops culturally relevant, plant-based meals for public schools, and supports culinary education through her mentorship at Co-op Tech and other youth programs. Her passion for flavor and impact comes to life through La Latina Cocina, her fast-growing collaboration with Aramark that brings authentic Latin dishes to more than 85 university campuses across the country.

A dynamic speaker and creative force, Grace has collaborated with global brands like Zacapa Rum, Hormel Foods, and La Española Olive Oil to shape immersive brand experiences rooted in authenticity and connection. She is also the author of La Latina, a vibrant celebration of Latin American food and culture, and has contributed to several other cookbooks featuring recipes from renowned chefs around the world.

As the only chef in Food Network history to host programs in both North and South America simultaneously, Grace continues to use food as a tool to tell powerful stories, uplift communities, and inspire the next generation of culinary changemakers. She is also a current guest chef on Top Chef VIP, Beat Bobby Flay, among other notable television programs.