Spring Fellow Missy Robbins '89

On Friday, April 15, 2011, Missy Robbins '89 returned to campus as the 2011 Spring Hopkins Fellow. Missy is an executive chef for New York City's two A Voce restaurants. She has received critical acclaim for her classic Italian cuisine with a contemporary twist, and was recently named one of the best new chefs of 2010 in Food & Wine magazine.

Missy began her visit on Friday morning at assembly, telling the students about her years at Hopkins and how she was an average student. She told them that she discovered her passion for cooking while in college after eating at Charlie Trotter's restaurant in Chicago, and then decided to make it her life's passion. She encouraged the students that whatever they choose as their career, it should be something that they love and have fun doing every day, whether it be science, law, teaching, etc. She underlined the fact that she has gotten to her current level of critical acclaim with a LOT of hard work. She doesn't consider herself a celebrity, and said that many young chefs have an unrealistic impression of the celebrity and glamour of the cooking profession from television shows like "Top Chef."

As students left assembly, they were treated to a sweet treat to start their day: Chocolate and Sea Salt Crossante from A Voce's pastry chef. Throughout the morning, Missy and her staff, Hillary Sterling and Jeremy McMillan, set up a mobile kitchen outside Heath Commons, and cooked up delectable Italian street food for the students and faculty. On the menu were crostini, arancini and cassoncini. As soon as a new batch of each were ready they were devoured within minutes by the hungry masses. Missy has worked with Hillary and Jeremy for many years, and they have become close friends as well as colleagues in the fast-paced kitchens of A Voce Columbus and A Voce Madison in NYC. Hillary is the chef de cuisine at A Voce Madison, and Jeremy is currently head chef at the Bedford Post in Bedford NY, and was formerly the chef de cuisine at A Voce Columbus.

As 12:30 approached, a lucky group of alumni/ae, faculty, family and friends were invited to a special luncheon in Alumni/ae House prepared by Missy, Hillary and Jeremy. It was an incredible meal, expertly prepared and well enjoyed.

We thank Missy for returning to Hopkins and inspiring the students with her words and wonderful food. Many thanks also to Hillary and Jeremy for all their hard work throughout the day.

Watch the video of Missy Robbins' assembly address, as well as some clips of Missy and her team cooking throughout the morning above.

Click here to see a full photo gallery of Missy's day at Hopkins.