Grand Valley Dining: A Deep Dive into Campus Flavors
Grand Valley State University students have a diverse range of dining options available to them, as recently reviewed by The Lanthorn columnists Gabrielle Ray and Jace Perroud. From homestyle meals to international cuisine, the Valley Campus offers something for every palate. This review highlights student favorites and potential areas for improvement.
Blue Connection: A Hub of Choices
Blue Connection houses several popular spots. Blue Bistro stands out as the go-to for entrée meals, accepting meal swipes, dining dollars, or credit/debit cards. Students praise the stingin’ honey chicken sandwich and the Laker bowl (mashed potatoes, popcorn chicken, cheese, and gravy) as standout dishes. While the cheeseburgers are available, some find the cheese quality lacking. Blue Bistro’s limited hours (typically 4-7 p.m.) are a noted drawback.
Zoca, offering Americanized Mexican cuisine similar to Chipotle and Qdoba, is a campus favorite, particularly for its convenience. Students appreciate the ability to use meal swipes at Zoca, unlike at Qdoba. The staff’s quick and friendly service is likewise a plus.
Feta provides Mediterranean options, with the chicken shawarma pita wrap receiving a strong recommendation. Savory Stack, a build-your-own sub shop akin to Subway, is ideal for students on the go, offering filling meals with chips and a drink.
Kirkhof Center Offerings: Balancing Popularity and Access
Qdoba, located in Kirkhof, is popular but often crowded due to its quality and unique offerings compared to other on-campus options. Students enjoy customizing bowls with steak (served medium-rare) or chicken.
Ciao, an Italian pasta restaurant also in Kirkhof, receives mixed reviews. While the employees are consistently praised, the freshness of ingredients is sometimes questioned. The hearty portions can lead to post-meal drowsiness.
North Campus Dining: Convenience and Consistency
The Dish, favored by students in North Campus housing, offers a wide selection, including options for those with dietary restrictions. The Friday fried fish is a particular highlight. A recent change to late-night options after 9 p.m., replacing buffet-style portions, has been met with some disappointment.
Fresh Food Company, while offering better food quality than The Dish, faces accessibility issues due to reduced hours. Closing at 3 p.m. Makes it difficult for students with afternoon classes to enjoy its offerings.
Panda Express consistently ranks as a student favorite, known for its reliable hours and popular dishes like Chow Mein, Beijing Beef, and cream cheese rangoons.
Student Perspectives on Campus Dining
Gabrielle Ray, a newer meal plan holder, emphasizes the value of signing up for a meal plan after initially forgoing it during her freshman year. Jace Perroud, with three years of experience evaluating campus dining, highlights the importance of convenience and consistency.
Pro Tip
Check the operating hours of your favorite dining locations before heading over, as they can vary significantly.
FAQ
Q: Can I use dining dollars at all campus locations?
A: No, some locations, like Qdoba in Kirkhof, only accept credit/debit cards.
Q: What are the most popular dining spots on campus?
A: Blue Bistro, Zoca, and Panda Express consistently receive positive reviews.
Q: Are there vegetarian and vegan options available?
A: Yes, The Dish offers a wide selection of options for students with dietary restrictions.
Q: What is the Laker Bowl?
A: The Laker Bowl at Blue Bistro consists of mashed potatoes, popcorn chicken, cheese, and gravy.
Q: Is Fresh Food Company open late?
A: No, Fresh Food Company currently closes at 3 p.m.
Aim for to share your own campus dining experiences? Leave a comment below!
