On this page you've read numerous compelling, incisive and sometimes scandal-mongering commentaries about the current state of Duke dining. This is not one of those commentaries.
Sure, I enjoy ARAMARK eateries as little as the next guy. I think I can count on one hand the number of meals I've had in the Great Hall. And I'd be really surprised if I cracked double digits at the Marketplace second semester of freshman year.
Rather than being mobilized to uncover the conspiracy underlying our food service provider's contract, however, I decided to investigate whether it would be easier to simply vote with my feet. Surely, I thought, there must be viable on-campus options for food.
Of course, I frequent the Loop and Armadillo Grill-pretty frequently. But there are only so many permutations of cheeseburger-and-milkshake you can experiment with before you're ready for something different (I even tried ordering pasta salad as a side instead of chips-that was interesting).
It so happens that this semester I have an absurd number of classes on Science Drive (polisci in Gross Chem is a kick in the teeth). Other than exposing me to peers who are arguably as socially awkward as I am, this gave me the chance to experiment with Twinnie's in CIEMAS, which turned out to be a great find.
My project, then, became to find other hidden gems humanities and social sciences undergrads were missing out on. I also had the utmost trust that, upon reviewing my groundbreaking work, The Chronicle would be more than happy to reimburse me for my expense.
The Refectory
Well, I may not have found Jesus yet, but I managed to track down a pretty terrific roast pork sandwich in the (formerly obscure to me) Divinity School. Sporting a cherry vinaigrette and organic field greens, this baby is not to be missed. I also helped myself to some iced tea, chips and a pickle. When checking out, I was asked whether there'd be anything else. I grinned sinfully, saying that there was just one more thing. Winking at the cashier, I reached for an apple.The most undergrad-accessible location included in my amateurish review, the Refectory serves great, fresh, organic options and will be receiving much more of my business. The sounds of hymns wafting through the halls is spiritually uplifting, too, if you're into that sort of thing.
The Café at Duke Law
I had no "objections" to this little eatery. Even amid the frenzied atmosphere-these kids were either reading for class or talking about class while they ate-I managed to enjoy my made-to-order buffalo chicken panini with blue cheese spread. Not only were they happy to grant my request for hot sauce on the side (hot sauce application is a personal thing), but I don't recall ever hearing someone demand brusquely whether they could "Help the next in line, please."
In fact, it was all very amicable-much like, hopefully, the divorces facilitated by graduates of the institution.
So while I did feel like a bit of a dullard, sitting there with a blank expression on my face as the leaders of tomorrow bustled around edifying themselves with big red textbooks, I had a great lunch. And it's only a stone's throw from Gross Chem, where apparently they're holding polsci classes now.
Nasher Museum Café
This was the most out-of-the-way location of the circuit, but it was also the most enjoyable. The only other sit-down dining experience I've had on food points was the Fairview at the Washington Duke Inn. This one, however, won't break the bank (unless you opt to knock back a few glasses of pinot grigio between classes).
I didn't stray too far from my sandwich comfort zone, ordering a braised chipotle beef brisket sandwich on ciabatta with jicama slaw (it's so hard to find servicable jicama slaw on campus-my friends and I have discussed the issue at length). Meanwhile, the warm low country chicken breast with artichoke pesto on a baguette sounded equally delectable.
If you visit the Nasher, you simply must order dessert-I particularly recommend the maple pecan tart. And if you have the time, I hear there's some decent art not too far from the café. I, of course, only had time for a brief spin through the museum gift shop, which I must say was lovely.
David Kleban is a Trinity junior. His column appears every other Thursday.
Get The Chronicle straight to your inbox
Signup for our weekly newsletter. Cancel at any time.