Master Chef

Joy Roberts has been working for Princeton University Dining Services since 1972, and she began working at the Center for Jewish Life in 1983 as a cook and server. In the 29 years since, Joy has become an institution at the CJL, and one of the immediately recognizable faces of kosher dining on campus, beloved by generations of students for her delicious dishes and caring, genuine service. Lakshmi Davey had a chance to speak to Joy about her long experience on campus, some of her most famous patrons and what she does when she is not providing delectable repasts at the CJL.

Q: Where else have you worked on campus?

A: I’ve worked everywhere— Forbes, Rocky, Butler/Wilson, the Grad College. But I’ve been at the CJL the longest. Sometimes I worked in the dorms over the summer. Cleaning and taking care of the place.

Q: Where was your favorite place to work?

A: I like to work in the dorms. Something different.

Q: How did you end up at Princeton?

A: Oh gosh, this is a long story. I came to this country in 1969 [from Guyana]. I had a very good friend of mine that used to work in housing. I was looking for a job and she told me, “Apply in food service!” When I put in an application, they never called me. One day in December, I just took a walk to the Office of Personnel (it was in Clio Hall). I met the director, and the same day I was hired. But I applied for the nursing school at Princeton Hospital. They accepted me, and I went to a seminar. What did I see — they were cutting off someone’s feet. I couldn’t stand the blood. So I said, “I’m going back to Princeton.” And I’m here still.

Q: How did you learn to prepare kosher food?

A: Before I came to Princeton, my cousin used to hire me to do some parties. And so I learned to do kosher for the Jewish parties. Later, when I came here, I wanted to be a cook, not a server. The only opening was in the CJL. I didn’t want to do it. But the manager, he told me I should do it because I’m a people person. So that’s how. And now I love it.

Q: Who are some of the memorable students you’ve come in contact with?

A: I did meet Michelle Obama. She was always pleasant, always smiling. She used to do community work in the town, teaching kids how to read. She always liked cheeseburgers and fries and salad. She was so skinny though! I never thought she was going to be that important, but I would love to meet her again! Even Brooke Shields ... I met Brooke Shields. I never knew they were going to be that famous! Oh, if this place could talk. You know what, I got a second generation here. Some of them, I took care of their father and mother, and now the kids are here, and I’m taking care of them. Could you believe it?

Q: How have Princeton students and the University changed since you started working here?

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A: These students are very particular about their education. The older students ... it wasn’t so hard on them. They used to have more free time. I understand the changes, though. I just take it as it comes. And Princeton, you know, you have to abide by their changes. Even with the recession, though, it’s still a nice place to work. The managers, the staff, they’re all nice. I like to chitchat with them because there are so many people from all over the world.

Q: What do you like to do in your free time?

A: In my free time, I like to go dancing. And you know, where I live there are some people who are homeless, so I feed and take care of them, drive them to the mall. And that’s what I like doing.

Interview conducted, condensed and edited by Lakshmi Davey.