Dining hall meals are an adventure, not just for the taste buds but for the imagination, too. Whether it’s “lava lava shrimp,” a “fungus among us” burger, or a “wet beef burrito,” the names are as colorful as the dishes themselves.
### Behind the Menu
Jeanette Kopczynski, Senior Director of Dining and Auxiliary Operations, and Temesgen Araya, Assistant Vice President, share insights into how these creative names come about. The dining facilities aim for consistency across Whitman’s, Driscoll, and Mission, allowing similar dishes to make an appearance in different halls. On special occasions, like Thanksgiving, everyone serves the same traditional meals.
The menu naming follows a simple format: the main flavor (like garlic or miso), the cooking method, and the food type (tofu or chicken). If a dish is halal, it gets labeled as such.
### Themed Dinners and Creative Naming
Sometimes, the dining halls get creative, especially during themed events. For instance, a recent “Game of Thrones” dinner offered items like “Riverland Greens salad” and “Wilding Boar Ribs.” Events like these inspire the dining team to think outside the box and create exciting dishes that reflect the theme.
Before any meal hits the serving line, the staff goes through a detailed process. They write new recipes, taste the food, gather ingredients, and predict student interest. Afterward, chefs select dishes based on what can be prepared efficiently.
### Student Collaboration and Feedback
The dining team actively collaborates with student groups. For example, the Black Student Union partners with Dining for a special dinner during Black History Month, leading to unique dish names.
Events like the Culinary Carnival, which was held on April 8, also spark creativity. This year featured “purple cow bark,” a chocolate-covered pretzel dessert, and the amusingly named “big Eph-ing cookie,” a marshmallow-filled chocolate chip delight.
Students have a voice in shaping menus, too. There’s a suggestion box where they can share their thoughts on meals or request specific items. While naming dishes ultimately falls to dining operations, student feedback plays a role in guiding meal choices.
### Why It Matters
These creative touches are more than just fun. They provide a sense of community and excitement around dining. According to a recent survey by the National Restaurant Association, 60% of diners say unique menu names can influence their ordering decisions. Engaging meals can transform the dining experience, making it memorable for everyone.
In a world where food is often rushed, dining halls can be a place of creativity and connection, reminding us that meals are about more than just nourishment—they’re about enjoyment, memories, and community.
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