Dining on Campus the Gourmet Way

School meals aren't what they used to be

By Crystal Conde

Have you heard horror stories about the quality of food offered in college dining halls? Do visions of mystery meat, green Jell-o, and creamed corn come to mind? You can forget those less-than-appetizing notions. Fortunately for you and for other high school students who will soon be venturing off to college, dining services are offering gourmet options in an effort to woo prospective students and to cater to those currently enrolled.

Paella, peel-and-eat shrimp, and tofu stir-fry are just a few of the delectable delights offered in the University of Central Florida's dining hall. According to the St. Petersburg Times, the university spent $1 million renovating the dining hall and reworking the menu in an effort to attract the best and brightest students. The newspaper also reports that since the new-and-improved dining hall opened, the number of students who've signed up for a meal plan has tripled.

Central Florida isn't the only school in the state that's tweaking its food-service system: University of South Florida and Florida International University are getting in on the action, as well. The cafeteria at USF got a $2 million facelift, and Miami's Florida International University now features a Starbucks for the caffeine addicts on campus.

The college food-service revolution that's taking place in Florida is part of a nationwide trend of hiring private companies to pay for renovations and to oversee the operation of upscale dining halls. Universities don't lose money on food, and students get made-to-order meals with healthy, quality ingredients. Some universities even hire gourmet cooks to consult on the creation of a new menu or to prepare meals on campus as a visiting chef.

Chris Peters of Nonna Ristorante in Newark, Delaware, spent some time in the dining hall kitchen at the University of Delaware to prepare a spread that would please students' palates. Pencader Dining Hall reopened with a new menu, equipment, and furnishings. Students enjoyed gourmet toppings for their hamburgers, turkey burgers, and veggie burgers.

With universities across the United States eager to satisfy students' appetites, schools are starting to cater to those who prefer meatless meals. Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore added a vegetarian station to its undergraduate dining hall. According to the chef, at least half of the diners choose items from the station. According to People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA), 20 percent of college students classify themselves as vegetarians. You can see PETA's list of the top ten vegetarian-friendly universities by visiting www.peta.org/feat/bigten.

Whether you crave Tofurky (tofu turkey), paella, or a hamburger, you're more likely to find delicious meal options on the campus of your choice now than ever before. So embrace your journey into higher education and remember your table manners along the way.

Crystal Conde is a former Hobsons editor and current freelance writer based in Austin, Texas.

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