"With your input, we know how we can make services better," said Grant Avent, director of Longwood Dining Services during the latest Dine with the Director event, held Tuesday evening in the Nance Room of the Dorrill Dining Hall (D-Hall). The monthly informal dinner and discussion is as a way for student representatives to bring compliments and criticism to Dining Services on campus.
Representatives of the Student Government Association (SGA) attended to give their praise and critique to some issues under ARAMARK's jurisdiction. Most notably, that includes D-Hall and any location where Bonus Dollars can be used.
One of the first compliments went to the new juice machines in D-Hall. Junior Class President Shannon Rosedale said these dispensers "are absolutely fabulous." Avent explained how the new units have an indicator that comes on when the juice needs to be refilled. He said an additional machine will be placed out on the floor relatively soon, he added.
A student brought up the possibility of having straws for students to use. Avent explained the issue with the straws revolves around compost. Napkins and food product is placed through a pulper and then turned into compost for the university to use. The issue with plastic is that it is not degradable and will not properly run through the pulper. Avent said he has not heard enough student reaction to consider the issue further at this point.
SGA President Brandon Fry brought up an issue related to healthier eating. He said lately many of the beef products seem to contain a higher amount of fat than the chicken or pork products. Avent said this is to be expected as beef is usually more fattening, although sometimes the pork ribs have large fat pieces as well. Avent said some students enjoy a bit of fat on their beef as it adds flavor to the meal. However, he noted that any time a student wishes, they can ask for another cut of meat containing less fat.
D-Hall has a new coffee option for students. Seattle's Best coffee made its debut in the dining hall a few weeks ago. This option came about for a number of reasons, including some complaints from students that the previous coffee offered was bitter at times. A subsidiary of Starbucks Coffee, it can be found in many well-known restaurant chains across the country.
A new type of turkey that one student said was more flavorful and less watery has been added to the sandwich station. Because of that, Avent explained now only two meat options are offered per day. The other options are offered on rotation.
Avent said he and Vice President for Student Affairs Dr. Tim Pierson will be having a meeting soon to discuss meal plan changes and different pricing options for students. In addition, Avent wanted to remind students to return items such as utensils and glasses since the location will be conducting inventory soon. Removing these items from D-Hall and not returning them is a judicial offense.
Students who visited Chick-fil-A or Moe's Southwest Grill last Thursday may have only been able to order from a limited menu for a short period of time. Both were affected by a power outage that also affected the Longwood Landings. The two locations could not operate their exhaust fans that take smoke out of the locations. Without the exhaust fan, the room would fill with smoke, explained Assistant Moe's Southwest Grill Manger Jenny Cayne. Both restaurants were on a limited menu from about 1 p.m. to around 5 p.m.
Assistant Director for Operational Excellence Brenda Ferguson reminded students that Lee Grand Dining Room will be closed the remainder of the week in preparation for the Inaugural Dinner Friday. Because of the inconvenience to students, Dining Services is offering 10 percent off discounts when using Bonus Dollars at ARARMARK dining locations for the next three days. Complete hours for Longwood Dining during this week can be found in D-Hall.
Ferguson also made note of the Dining Services Survey which can be taken until Friday. The grand prize is a $150 Ticketmaster gift card or one of three $50 Visa gift cards. Simply go to http://www.college-survey.com/longwood to take the five to ten minute survey.
The end of October will be busy for D-Hall. The Haunted House and Birthday Dinner will be Oct. 31. And if you're a fan of what some call the "Food Monster" or "Blue Unit," better known as the blue cart that sits behind D-Hall, you might see it rolling across campus soon. Be sure to stay connected to Longwood Dining and The Rotunda for updated information.
