Special Events
For our team, every meal is special. But sometimes, we really go overboard. Columbia Dining is known for some extraordinary annual events that are student favorites.
Our Biggest Events
Battle of the Dining Halls
The Battle of the Dining Halls is an epic food showdown between all five of our dining halls: John Jay, JJ’s Place, Ferris Booth Commons, Chef Mike’s Sub Shop, and Faculty House. Each dining hall will prepare a signature dish based around the event theme and face off in a cooking competition judged by a celebrity guest and panel of students.
See a recap from the 2026 event, "As Seen on TV."
Champions Through the Years
- Year
- 2026
- People's Choice
- Ferris Booth Commons
- Judges' Choice
- Ferris Booth Commons
- Year
- 2025
- People's Choice
- JJ's Place
- Judges' Choice
- John Jay Dining Hall
- Year
- 2024
- People's Choice
- Faculty House
- Judges' Choice
- Ferris Booth Commons
- Year
- 2023
- People's Choice
- Ferris Booth Commons
- Judges' Choice
- Faculty House
- Year
- 2020
- People's Choice
- Ferris Booth Commons
- Judges' Choice
- Ferris Booth Commons
- Year
- 2019
- People's Choice
- JJ’s Place
- Judges' Choice
- Ferris Booth Commons
- Year
- 2017
- People's Choice
- JJ’s Place
- Judges' Choice
- JJ's Place
Friendsgiving
A night of good food and good fun with good friends at John Jay and Ferris. Enjoy Thanksgiving-themed menus and a pop-up photo booth and hot chocolate table in the Van Am Quad.
Surf, Turf, and Earth
The stuff of legends: including a shrimp boat, lobster, steaks, and vegetarian delights. We help students celebrate the start of spring with this outdoor feast.
Meet and Eat Series
During the year, we’re lucky enough to have chefs visit us from local neighborhood favorites and nationally recognized restaurants. Stay tuned for opportunities to meet the latest guest - you never know who it’ll be!