Chef Michael Smith (centre) was visiting Brock Thursday as an ambassador for Sodexo, the University's food service provider.

More than the usual fare was served up at the Guernsey Market Thursday.

Celebrity chef Michael Smith was dishing out autographs and posing for photos with students and staff during a stop at Brock in his role as ambassador for Sodexo, the University’s food services provider.

Smith oversaw General Brock’s October Soirée in 2010 and 2011 but Thursday was his first time here for “typical, average day on campus.”

“This is a great opportunity to see one of the best examples of the quality of our company in serving food and customer service,” Smith said. “What works so well here is that the University’s expectations are so high. The expectation is that it’s local food and good service… .

“Not every university is as enlightened as Brock is.”

Chef Michael Smith signs a cookbook for a student during his visit to Brock Thursday.

Smith served up smoked meat to the lunch crowd and signed copies of his cookbook Fast Flavours: 110 Simple, Speedy Recipes. He is best known for his popular Food Network cooking shows, including Chef at Home, Chef at Large and Chef Abroad.

Smith, a native of Prince Edward Island, was in Niagara for two days. During his stay, he also visited with students at Niagara College’s Canadian Food and Wine Institute.