2008 Woodie Awards
Dining service improving, still has a way to go
STAFF EDITORIAL
Issue date: 10/15/07 Section: Opinion
- Page 1 of 1
THE UNIVERSITY OF South Alabama has made some commendable efforts at improving dining services this semester. One of the most noticeable and popular changes is the addition of a sushi bar. Many students have expressed surprised pleasure in the quality of the sushi offered in The Market. A sushi bar also adds a unique flair of variety that is not available at many universities.
Another important change includes changes to the blue plate special. Last year, if a student opted for the special, he or she only had one choice. Three days a week that choice would be chicken. This semester, students actually have a choice. Now, every day, there is a vegetarian and meat option. Additionally, this semester a student gets more bang for his/her buck when choosing the blue plate special. Last year, the special came with an entrée, two sides, a roll and a drink. This year it comes with an entrée, three sides, a roll and a drink. The best part of all is that there is a noticeable improvement in the taste and quality of the food.
The addition of special food days is also a good idea. It helps bring a bit more variety on a daily basis.
With these welcomed improvements noted, our dining services still has a long way to go to become comparable to the dining experience at many other universities. We still do not have as many choices as many other universities, especially at dinner. In fact, dinner is still in need of drastic improvement.
But even lunch time could use a few more reasonably priced additions. It would be nice to see a quality soup-and-salad bar operating daily. A cup of soup, a bowl of salad and a drink for no more than $5.49 seems like an awesome low-calorie, healthy, filling and reasonable option.
Another point of contention is why is our Mexican option so expensive? Yes, it is a chain, but most Mexican chains and even Mexican restaurants offer more reasonable pricing. The addition of Mexican food could have been the most popular addition to The Market, if it would have been a more budget friendly offering.
Overall, USA Dining Service is moving in the right direction. However, there is still room for improvement. A little more variety at reasonable prices - and a much expanded dinner offering - will go a long way to making the University's dining experience that much better.
Another important change includes changes to the blue plate special. Last year, if a student opted for the special, he or she only had one choice. Three days a week that choice would be chicken. This semester, students actually have a choice. Now, every day, there is a vegetarian and meat option. Additionally, this semester a student gets more bang for his/her buck when choosing the blue plate special. Last year, the special came with an entrée, two sides, a roll and a drink. This year it comes with an entrée, three sides, a roll and a drink. The best part of all is that there is a noticeable improvement in the taste and quality of the food.
The addition of special food days is also a good idea. It helps bring a bit more variety on a daily basis.
With these welcomed improvements noted, our dining services still has a long way to go to become comparable to the dining experience at many other universities. We still do not have as many choices as many other universities, especially at dinner. In fact, dinner is still in need of drastic improvement.
But even lunch time could use a few more reasonably priced additions. It would be nice to see a quality soup-and-salad bar operating daily. A cup of soup, a bowl of salad and a drink for no more than $5.49 seems like an awesome low-calorie, healthy, filling and reasonable option.
Another point of contention is why is our Mexican option so expensive? Yes, it is a chain, but most Mexican chains and even Mexican restaurants offer more reasonable pricing. The addition of Mexican food could have been the most popular addition to The Market, if it would have been a more budget friendly offering.
Overall, USA Dining Service is moving in the right direction. However, there is still room for improvement. A little more variety at reasonable prices - and a much expanded dinner offering - will go a long way to making the University's dining experience that much better.
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