Wrapping up the Week with Anika: A new O’Hill tradition

CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. Anika Agarwal, a second-year University of Virginia student and part-time UVA Dine employee, crafted banoffee cupcakes at O’Hill Dining Hall on Nov. 7 as part of “Wrapping Up the Week with Anika,” a collaborative event with UVA Dine.

This weekly tradition, which began last fall, brings the UVA community together through a shared love of sweet treats. Each Friday, Agarwal develops a unique cupcake concept, which is prepared by Mina Davis, the O’Hill baker. Agarwal then decorates each cupcake with her signature style, adding the perfect finishing touch to each treat. In collaboration with the O’Hill team, she has created more than 15 different varieties, from a cherry-themed cupcake honoring Thomas Jefferson’s birthday to a spring-inspired cupcake topped with Cadbury Mini Eggs. There is always something exciting to wrap up the week with!

Students, faculty and staff enjoy interacting with Agarwal as she decorates approximately 200 cupcakes each Friday and shares her passion for desserts. Her presence has become a highlight of afternoons at O’Hill.

“I always look forward to Friday afternoons at O’Hill!” Second-year UVA Student Tayla Payne said. “Anika’s cupcakes always have the cutest themes and are delicious! They have the same yummy taste as the Fontana bake shop cupcakes but a twist of aesthetic touch by Anika.”

Throughout her journey, Argawal notes the support she’s received from the UVA Dine team in bringing this event to life.

“I love how much they [UVA Dine] encourage and support independence and ideas,” Argawal said. “I work very closely with Jared, the O’Hill manager, and Mina, and they both have been so supportive. Jared has even taken on a mentor role for me. He’s been to culinary school and worked in various restaurants, and I’ve been able to learn from him, it has been so much fun.”

”Wrapping Up the Week with Anika” is part of UVA Dine’s ongoing initiative to foster community and collaborate with students across Grounds. It has become an integral part of the UVA Dine experience, helping connect with the student body and employees alike.