Campus Dining is excited to welcome the University campus community back to campus for the spring semester. The department will debut several new food options and dining initiatives across campus, responding to evolving culinary trends and student feedback about cuisine variety on campus, dietary needs and preferences, made-to-order options and favorites, and fresh and clean ingredient choices.
Opening at food.com in the Newhouse Complex and at the Goldstein Food Hall in the Goldstein Student Center, Choolaah brings delicious, fast-casual Indian BBQ to campus. Guests can build their own power bowl or naan wrap, choosing a savory protein and fresh toppings, with options to add flavorful sides and specialty drinks. There are plenty of selections for vegans, vegetarians, and those who need gluten-free options. South Campus’ Food Hall location will be open for dinner from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. and Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. and 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. The food.com location will be open for lunch and dinner from Monday through Thursday 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Friday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
New this semester is the expanded availability of options for students with special diets. Campus Dining’s registered dietitian, Ashley Leone, worked with dining center staff to create an area for Halal meals in each dining center. At Brockway, Sadler, Ernie Davis, Shaw and Graham, students needing Halal meals will find a protein, starch and vegetable option daily. At the Orange dining center, Halal meals will be made to order. Students can order ahead by calling 315.443.9750 or emailing Orangehall@groups.syr.edu to have their Halal meal prepared and ready when they arrive.
Gluten-free entrees and sides will still be available at every dining center. After experimenting with a made-to-order system last semester, Leone heard plenty of feedback from students with gluten sensitivities. While gluten-free meals can still be prepared made-to-order (and will continue to be prepared on an as-needed basis at the Orange dining center), Brockway, Sadler, Ernie Davis, Shaw and Graham dining centers will now have gluten-free options on the line, prepared ahead of time for students who need a faster option.
Following up on suggestions from students, the six residential dining centers will expand the number of special pop-up events they host each semester. Dining center visitors can expect special dinners to celebrate the Lunar New Year, Earth Week, Valentine’s Day and St. Patrick’s Day, among others.
Breakfast has also changed: every day, every dining center now offers self-made-to-order Belgian waffles, with a custom Syracuse University design built into the waffle iron. Weekend brunch hours have been extended: dining centers will open at 9 a.m. and will offer a full brunch menu through 3 p.m.
During the first week of the semester, Ernie Davis dining center debuted a Southern fried chicken concept, which has already proven popular with diners. Perfectly Southern, which features mac n’ cheese, mashed potatoes and fried chicken—both breast and tender option—is available Monday through Wednesday for lunch and dinner. Campus Dining will look to expand this offering to other dining centers if this option continues to be well received.
Panda Express in the Schine Student Center is set to unveil three enticing, limited-time entrees throughout the spring semester. Firecracker steak and shrimp will debut on March 5, wok-fired shrimp will launch on May 28 and hot orange chicken will be available on July 9. The Schine Dunkin’ is currently serving the brown sugar shakin’ espresso, featuring a double-shot of espresso, oat milk and brown sugar syrup that is hand-shaken to create a light and frothy texture. Additionally, Yella’s at food.com is extending its hours and will now be open from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Thursday.
The University’s campus pub (located on Skytop Road on South Campus) will be open nearly every Thursday and Friday evening from 3 to 8 p.m. during the semester. Its completely revamped menu features made-to-order small bites, handhelds and flatbreads.
All campus community members are invited to visit for happy hour, when the pub will offer a rotating selection of wine and beer to guests ages 21 and over, along with plenty of board games, game tables, seating for dining and socializing and cozy spots to sit by a fireplace. As the weather warms, outside patio and deck seating will also be available.
In addition to its regular hours, the Inn Complete will continue to host catered events and departmental gatherings. To book an event, please contact the Catering Department at 315.443.3605 to learn more.
