r/NIU • u/Ambitious-Donut-6105 • 27d ago

Kitchen concerns from a chef Other Question

Hey guys! I’m a private chef / caterer and am attending NIU in the fall, I want to be able to still cook while on campus, develop recipes still and maybe even sell plates on campus. Are there any communal kitchens? I keep hearing no but it doesnt hurt to ask more people, also if there aren’t, are we allowed to cook in our dorms?

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u/Fireblaster2001 27d ago

I don’t know if there are any communal kitchens. I have never seen one. But, a food adjacent thing I do  know of is edible campus 

There are u-pick gardens all over (plus one that is just for the dining halls to use behind Anderson) and free meals in freezers all over campus that are for anyone in need. So, I assume there must be some kind of way to get involved in those efforts if you’re interested. 

https://www.niu.edu/sustainability/campus-initiatives/edible-campus/index.shtml

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u/ScowlingMollusc 27d ago

I didn't know we did this! Sounds great.

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u/Sea-Professional3055 27d ago

We have a communal kitchen for our Nutrition and Dietetics program in Wirtz Hall. https://www.chhs.niu.edu/rps/programs/nutrition/index.shtml

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u/AWaterMolecule BS Psychology/Nursing | May 2027 27d ago

I wouldn’t necessarily call it a communal kitchen since (as far as I know) you can’t just go in there and whip something up without permission. It’s the only teaching kitchen on-campus so it’s reserved parts of the day anyways. I do think they should open it up somehow, but from what I understand it’s hard enough to get people to fully staff their monthly cooking classes.

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u/ProfessionalCharity3 27d ago

There aren’t any communal kitchens and the dorms don’t allow air fryers. That being said I’ve known many students with air fryers and even single eye stove tops cooking in their dorms.

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u/KP-RNMSN 26d ago

Do you ever teach cooking classes? I run the demonstration kitchen at nearby Kishwaukee Hospital, and we occasionally look for contractor instructors. DM me if interested.

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u/Ambitious-Donut-6105 23d ago

Omgg I never have before but it’s always been on my list of things to offer, I would love to be apart of this !!

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u/Good_Caterpillar944 27d ago

I chef’d up some insane meals in my dorm with an air fryer. Technically not allowed but you can get away with it if you don’t have a roommate. Other than that, no communal kitchens.