What happens when you combine a thoughtfully curated dinner, colorful courses inspired by UNO, and a little friendly competition? The result was an evening filled with laughter, new connections, and a reminder that some of the best college memories begin around the dinner table at UNC Greensboro.
On Sept. 29, Spartan Dining partnered with the UNCG UNO Club to host the “UNO Supper Club” at Fountain View Dining Hall. Ten students selected to attend could each bring a friend, joining members of the UNO Club board for an evening of culinary creativity and community building.
The concept was simple: bring students together over a shared meal and let a little friendly competition do the rest.
A Dinner Inspired by UNO
The UNO Supper Club transformed a traditional dining experience into an interactive, multi-course event inspired by the iconic card game.
After mingling over mocktails and appetizers, Spartan Dining’s Campus Executive Chef Darelle Bey introduced the culinary creations, while members of the UNCG UNO Club explained the tournament rules and prepared students for the competition ahead.
Each food course incorporated the colors of UNO:
- Green — appetizer: Avocado and basil pesto crostini served with sliced cucumber and arugula
- Yellow — entrée: Lemon-herb roasted chicken breast over sweet corn risotto, finished with a charred corn relish
- Red — dessert: New York-style cheesecake with a strawberry coulis
The drinks added another colorful element to the experience. Students could choose between a blue butterfly pea tea mocktail and a yellow mango coconut fresca-tail.
Between courses, students played rounds of UNO as the competition grew more intense. The evening culminated in a final round, the crowning of a tournament winner, and an opportunity to challenge members of the UNO Club board.
More Than a Meal: Building Community Through Shared Experiences
College is full of opportunities to meet people, but making meaningful connections can sometimes be challenging. The UNO Supper Club was designed to create a welcoming environment where students could step outside their usual routines, share a meal, and get to know people they might not otherwise have met.
That goal came to life throughout the evening.
What began as a quiet dinner among new acquaintances soon became an energetic gathering filled with laughter and playful rivalries. As the rounds continued, conversations grew more animated; competitors cheered one another on, and unfamiliar faces became friendly opponents.
By the end of the evening, students were exchanging phone numbers, making plans, and leaving with new friendships that extended beyond the dining hall.
Upcoming Spartan Dining Events
Oct. 20: Teaching Kitchen: Mug ShakShuka
Oct. 22: UpCycle Lab
Oct. 29: Battle of the Chefs
Nov. 5: Gourd Vibes Only
Nov. 19: Friendsgiving
Dec. 1: Finals Week Locked-in
Dec. 2: Late Night Breakfast
Creating Experiences That Make Campus Feel Like Home
For Spartan Dining, the UNO Supper Club reflects a broader commitment to creating engaging, memorable experiences that contribute to student life at UNCG. Through creative programming, campus partnerships, and interactive dining events, Spartan Dining continues to explore ways to bring students together beyond their everyday meals.
By collaborating with student organizations like the UNCG UNO Club, these experiences also provide opportunities to celebrate student interests, strengthen campus partnerships, and create spaces where students feel welcomed and included.
It was a powerful reminder that dining experiences can be about much more than what’s on the plate. When students are given opportunities to gather, participate, and share something new, a simple meal can become the starting point for lasting connections.
Story by Des St. Cyr, Spartan Dining
Photography courtesy of Spartan Dining
