October 8, 2008 — University of Virginia students will get a taste of Scotland Friday evening when chef Bruce Harper from Aberdeen, Scotland, prepares a dinner for them at Observatory Hill Dining Hall.

Harper is executive chef with ARAMARK'S operation at British Petroleum headquarters in Aberdeen. U.Va. contracts with ARAMARK to provide food in its dining halls.

Harper will prepare a dinner complete with appetizer, dessert and an entrée of sustainable Alaska wild salmon during his visit, part of the company's international guest chef exchange.
 
The exchange program offers the company’s chefs from North America, South America, Europe and Asia an opportunity to work at other international accounts and share their talents, tips and tastes. Only 25 chefs were selected to participate in the 14th annual exchange.

Harper said he chose U.Va. because he is “looking forward to working with different people from a different culture.

"One of the most valuable lessons that I learned as a chef is that nothing is more satisfying than working within a team, with those who are professional in attitude and ability, to get the job done daily," he said.

Harper is a graduate of the City and Guilds of London Institute and enjoys cooking Indian cuisine, Aberdeen Angus steaks and fresh-catch salmon.
 
Headquartered in Philadelphia, ARAMARK has approximately 250,000 employees providing food and facilities management to clients in 19 countries, including hospitals, universities, schools, stadiums and businesses.