After all we aren’t exactly blessed
with options at Benson or any of our other fine dining options around campus.
Additionally, what we eat dramatically affects our health, happiness, and
stamina. Because these things are so critical to a successful college career
choosing where we eat each meal is not a decision that should be made lightly.
All
college students, no matter what school they attend, are familiar with the
three major choices available to them when it comes to eating: on campus, off
campus, and self-preparation. Although the amount of variety that is available
varies from school to school these three options are always presented to students
in some form or another. Here at Santa Clara we have a unique combination when
it comes to how much variety we have available to us. We have painfully limited
on campus options at are one dining hall Benson but there are a large array of
awesome restaurants that are only minutes away from our dorms. Additionally,
there is even a Safeway grocery store and local farmers market within walking
distance for those of us brave enough to try preparing our own meals from
scratch. However, the question still remains which is the best option?
I’m
writing this blog for each and every member of the Santa Clara University
community and every other college student who is interested to help answer this
question once and for all. In fact, I am going to dedicate three meals over the
next few weeks to solving this timeless question that has perplexed students
over the years. I will be eating the same meal at three different locations that
Santa Clara students like myself typically eat at. The meal will consist of a
cheeseburger, a side dish, and a drink because this particular meal appeals to
the vast majority of college students. The locations I have chosen reflect the
three major choices when it comes to dining in college: on campus, off campus,
and self-preparation.
1. On
Campus: The Bronco
The Bronco is one
of the most popular options when it comes to dining on campus at Santa Clara.
Its burgers, chicken tenders, and fries never fail to please hungry customers.
However, many students complain they eat here more than they would like to
because it is the only late night option available. Additionally, the Bronco’s
menu is comprised solely of fried and greasy foods that are far from being
considered healthy. I will be eating the infamous ‘Bronco Burger’ at The Bronco.
2. Off
Campus: In-N-Out
Arguably the best
place to get a burger off campus, In-N-Out has become famous around California
and the entire country for its delicious, freshly prepared burgers. Unlike the
majority of other fast food restaurants, In-N-Out can proudly state: “We don’t
freeze. We don’t pre-package. We don’t over-process. We just make things the
old fashioned way.” (Food Quality: In-N-Out Burger) Because of its unique
approach to preparing food In-N-Out is arguably the best choice among fast food
restaurants. I will be enjoying a delicious ‘Double-Double’ burger when I eat
out here.
3. Self-Preparation:
Cooking My Own Meal
My final meal will
be made completely by yours truly. I plan on buying all the necessary ingredients
to make my own burger, cooking it, and consuming it all from the comfort of my
own dorm. I will be purchasing the beef, cheese, and other ingredients at the
local Safeway supermarket that is located a few minutes away from my dorm.
Admittedly this is the first time I will be putting my culinary skills to work
since I’ve been at college.
After
I have eaten at each location I will evaluate my meals based off a few different
criteria: How did it taste? How much did it cost? How convenient was it? And
how healthy was it? I will also provide my final comparisons once I have eaten
all the meals and state which option I believe is the overall best choice. I
believe this rating system will allow me to fairly evaluate each of my meals
and communicate with you which dining option I genuinely feel is the best.
Being a college student myself, I am invested and committed to solving the
mystery of where the best place to get my next meal and yours is. If you are as
well I hope you’ll join me on my journey in answering this question once and
for all.
- Andrew
Work
Cited
“Food Quality: In-N-Out Burger.” In-N-Out Burger. n.d Web. 26 Apr. 2013. <http://www.in-n-
out.com/menu/food-quality.aspx>.
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