Features
Survive dining hall life with a few simple tricks
By Helen Sternberg ’20
September 8, 2016
Tags features
We can almost all agree that one of the important aspects of choosing a college—perhaps even the deciding factor for some—is the food. While some just want consistent, edible nourishment, others prefer a large variety with surprisingly scrumptious sweets. Hamilton delivers on both ends, but, just because the food is there, doesn’t mean it’s easily accessible.
The debate over the superior dining hall, Commons or McEwen, is a long-winded argument that may never be truly settled. McEwen has (somewhat) healthier options; the meal pairings are usually a little less drab and the salad bar is double-sided, meaning you don’t have to wait quite as long for those leafy greens.
Unfortunately, for light-siders and STEM majors, McEwen is quite a hike, especially if you’re trying to make that 9 a.m. lecture in the Taylor Science Center.
Commons consistently delivers, but at what cost? Mornings are often crowded, and running in to grab a cup of coffee before class is a gamble. The line could reach to the moon and back, or you could find it deserted and have more than enough time to add as much milk and sugar as you like.
As an impatient first-year, I learned the ropes quickly in order to fulfill my never-ending appetite. So, here is the official, foodie-approved guide to navigating both Commons and McEwen.
Let’s start with Commons, the chaotic free-for-all that we all participate in at least once in our lives on the Hill. First off, put your stuff down before doing anything else because nothing is worse than carrying all your school supplies, plus your food and maybe even an overflowing cup down the catwalk of Commons.
Second, if you’re there for breakfast, get your coffee first. The line picks up around 8:50, with kids that wake up late and just need a quick pick-me-up, so that they don’t fall asleep during those early classes.
Next, don’t wait in line for pizza—there is never a line for pizza. Many students fall into the trap, as the line for the home-cooked food runs right by the pizza counter, which is just very poor planning on somebody’s part. Same thing goes for the pasta. People wait in line for the made-to-order food, but if you just want some traditional penne and marinara, just hop in and grab some—no one will stop you.
If you’re planning on using the panini press, waffle iron or toaster, go there first and get it started. Then, depending on what machine you’re using, you’ll have time to go grab some other foodstuffs while the first cooks. This will save you loads of time, and you also don’t have to stand awkwardly in front of the machine for what seems an eternity.
All of the things mentioned apply to McEwen too, but when eating on the dark side, there are two extremely important things to keep in mind.
First, the dessert table is only half the size—meaning that the desserts are gone in half the time. If you see something you like, grab it. Don’t wait to pick it up in hopes that you’ll be too full to be tempted by the delectable treats on display.
And last but certainly not least, there is one trick at McEwen that makes up for its confusing, intersecting food-lines and unfortunate location: mochas. For those of us that like flavored coffee but are too cheap to get a good cup of joe from Opus every morning, McEwen lends itself to the creation of coffeehouse treats. Make sure to stop by the ice cream station and dump a little chocolate syrup into your coffee for a little boost of flavor to make your morning that much more special.
Of course, everyone has their own way of navigating the frenzied dining halls, but this guide has helped me to become the successful grilled chicken and Caesar salad (another great Commons combo) predator I am today.