The Retort

Dining Services: Still Not Good Enough

November 4th, 2011 by Paulina Carrillo Of The Retort Staff

First of all, before I write my articles, I make sure I know what I am talking about. After feeling like my comment cards had been ignored, I met with Jason Aupied, who is area general manager Sodexo, to share my thoughts with him about the cafeteria food. I, along with someone else who has the same feelings as I do, shared our thoughts about the food and recommended what could be done to make it better. Because I am not an ignorant little whiner, I kept in mind the fact that we are on a budget. I did not ask for prime rib, or some other fancy restaurant type of food, but I instead recommended other simple stuff like hot dogs and an increased variety of fruit.

I have to say, it has changed a little bit after that meeting. However, not much. Still not a $1,300 times 900 value. And of course the people of Sodexo eat there every day, but come on; they at least can go home and eat some real food if they want. We, the out of state and international students, can’t do that. Instead, we have to deal with chicken, bad pasta and burgers every day.

Furthermore, the menu is changed every day. Are you serious? Only someone that hardly eats there would say that. Yeah, it changes every day, but OF the week. One week consists of different meals, which is only at the culinary corner, and then the next week it is the same menu all over again.

As for the portions, they did get somewhat better after our meeting, but seriously, come back and get some more? I am sorry, but I, like others, get my to-go plate, to go. This clearly means that I will not be around in the cafeteria but instead will be somewhere else. However, regardless of, I should just walk back from wherever I am, even if it is outside of the school, just to get one other piece of chicken? Yeah, I don’t think so! If that’s the case then why even bother having a to-go option? If receiving a 2 inch sized piece of chicken is a realistic portion for anyone to eat, then somebody here obviously needs some help figuring out what the food pyramid is all about.

Yes, it is “too bad” for me and the other people who dislike Sodexo’s food because we have to throw our hard earned money away on disgusting food. In addition, ever thought that the employees might not complain because eating there is their only option? When I work and its lunch time, I do not get enough time to go back home to eat; it is eat there or nothing. Or who knows, maybe somebody wants to get promoted by playing friendly.

Finally, if “Sodexo” has plenty of options and they are very open to changing the menu to suit everyones wants and needs,” then why does the menu look worse than last year, and the same every week? I am sure that I am not the only one that has complained! Again, I am not asking for pity, just better food.