We're all talking about it. Whether we are referring to the new FoCo, 1953 Commons, or Fiddy (the unsung hero of nicknames), the new dining halls are abuzz in Hanover. This column usually features an original recipe that utilizes only ingredients that one can find in the dining halls. However, in light of this new dining hall that everybody not just you, '15s! seems to be struggling to figure out, I decided to devote this week's DDS Detective to providing you with a simplified and user-friendly guide to the dining halls. So if you find yourself wondering whether Pavilion cookies still exist, what purpose those fancy cups next to the fro-yo machine serve or who exactly "Ma Thayer" is and what she serves in her kitchen, read on!
*The Salad Area**##
The '53 Commons' salad bar is a huge upgrade from the salad offerings of the past. There are tons of different kinds of vegetables, nuts and even pre-made salads. Too lazy to build your own? There's a station where DDS chefs will build and toss a weekly salad special right before your eyes! As an added bonus, there is a shrimp cocktail station right next door, so you can munch on some tasty crustaceans while you wait. Lastly, hidden away in the salad area is the yogurt bar, which features homemade local yogurt every week.
*Desserts**##
These sweet treats are baked fresh daily. Plus, there are windows so you can watch various confections being crafted right from your chair! It's like Willy Wonka's Chocolate Factory ( okay, not quite).
*The Cereal Bar**##
This is definitely the most versatile of the stations. There's the straightforward option of cereal (which now comes in handy dandy dispensers) with your dairy product of choice (milk, fro-yo, yogurt) and then there is the alternative: using one of the sugarless cereals (think Chex) as a crunchy salad topping. Really looking to branch out? Drizzle olive oil, garlic salt and lemon on a piece of chicken from the Grill, topping it with crumbled corn flakes and sticking the concoction in the microwave for a few minutes.
*Global Views**##
This is probably one of my favorite stations in the new dining halls. Every week, this station will feature the flavors of a different country and allow students to build their own entre. A great way to get creative with this station is to use the sauces of the week to dress your salad or add an extra kick to a panini.
*The Hearth**##
This wood-fired oven churns out fresh pizzas all day, offering everything from barbecue chicken pies to sun-dried tomato and Gouda calzones. Rumor has it this station will even be serving breakfast and dessert pizzas in the near future I guess dreams do come true!
*Herbivore**##
Not just for herbivores: delicious, meatless entrees that even the most adamant meat-eater can enjoy.
*Ma Thayer's**##
Who the hell is Ma Thayer? The Aunt Jemima of DDS who is constantly churning out delicious, hot meals. This station most closely resembles the entre line at Home Plate, but without the ridiculously long lines and with unlimited samples!
*Pavilion**##
Still the Kosher area. Try the kosher cookies!
*Frozen Yogurt (Fro-Yo) Station**##
Dartmouth fro-yo is pretty much the same as in past years, except that now it is served in classy teacups!
So there you have it. It's time to face the facts: 1953 is the new 1769 and Panini Paul is the new Collis Ray. Welcome to the future!
