There are many different dining options students can choose from at St. Olaf. Oles have the choice of eating in Stav Hall, the Cage, the Pause, or getting a bag lunch. This year, Bon Appetit added two more lunch options: Chopstix and Med-Express. Today, I’ll be discussing the pros and cons of each new dining option and giving you the inside scoop on which one is really worth your meal swipe.
Located in the secluded King’s Dining Room, Chopstix offers a build-your-own ramen noodle bowl. Students have the option to choose between one of two soup broths, one of four proteins, one of two noodle types, and multiple selections of toppings. Along with the bowl of ramen, students are given a beverage and fortune cookie. I’ve been to Chopstix three times, and sadly, the results have been quite disappointing. Not only are the noodles always undercooked, but the broth is also barely lukewarm. If the broth was warmer, not only would it enhance the flavor, but it would also help soften the noodles — a two birds with one stone situation. The cold broth and undercooked noodles aside, the flavor of the broth and the protein options are phenomenal. As an Asian Ole, I was hesitant to try Chopstix as I feared the ramen would taste inauthentic, but I can confidently say, it’s close enough!
With the second longest line in Buntrock, Med-Express offers students a build-your-own bowl of Mediterranean delight! The bowl consists of protein, rice, pita bread, and a wide variety of toppings and sauces, along with a beverage and cookie. There is definitely a reason for the long lines, the food is amazing! The only downside of Med-Express is that it can get old and repetitive. From someone who had the Mediterranean bowl three days in a row, I definitely had to take a break from it. If you are looking for a filling, tasty lunch, Med-Express is absolutely worth your meal swipe.
In conclusion, I am extremely grateful that St. Olaf provided us with additional dining options, and a big shout-out to the hard-working Bon Appetit workers!
Kenzie Nguyen is a junior English major with a concentration in International Relations from Brooklyn Park, Minn.. When not in the office, Kenzie enjoys walking around town, exploring Content Bookstore, watching reality tv and movies, and chatting with her friends. She dreams about owning her own little breakfast and coffee nook. In the future, Kenzie hopes to be a news and politics reporter.
