Are you a transfer student? Do you miss home cooked meals that aren't just Ramen noodles, aka the struggle food? As a transfer student from a community college (Georgia Perimeter College), I did not expect a magnificent dining hall meal when I came to Georgia State. My friends and peers that lived the college life told me to brace myself for the food that would be tasteless, of little variety, and that could easily make me gain ten pounds.
Well those age old stories were debunked my very first day of eating at Georgia State's newest dining hall, Piedmont Central. To make sure you don't feel overwhelmed, below are the various places you will see when you navigate through the dining hall.
Almost Home
One cannot go to Hooters without having their fried pickles. If you love the crunch and the southern taste of their fried pickles, grab a plateful at the dining hall. This has southern classics such as fried pickles, okra, and classic buttermilk fried chicken.
Brick Oven Pizza
Cramming for an exam at midnight? This place has the food that will put you in a state of bliss. All your worries will drift away when you take your first bite of their cheese pizza, which is made in their brick oven. Sadly, the state of bliss will end with the last crumb.
Grill
If you want the grill taste without being in the heat, come here for a classic hamburger, or live on the edge by trying a tuna melt sandwich. For those that have a gluten allergy, you can still enjoy your favorite hamburger by asking the cook for a gluten-free bun.
#SpoonTip: This station is one of the five that stay open for 24 hours, Monday through Thursday.
WOK Bar
If you don't have $8 to spend on sushi every week at Benihana, try the WOK Bar. Here, you can try coconut shrimp, sushi, and lo mein noodles. My favorite sushi to get is the spicy tuna and tempura sushi roll. Just be careful of the wasabi, as that stuff is spicy as heck!
International Fajita Bar
Attempting to make a fajita bar at your mother's house can be a daunting task, especially when the avocado you just sliced wants to turn brown in seconds. Skip the sadness of trying to keep an avocado fresh by heading to the fajita bar. Create your own fajita with shrimp, steak, guacamole, and a host of other toppings.
International/Passport
If you want to be an international food traveler, come here to try tamales and German food such as potato pancakes. You will feel like you just explored Mexico as you unwrap the tamale from its corn husk. Adding a side of refried beans and a churro for dessert equals a happy day.
Smoothie
Getting up in the morning can be a pain in the butt, and deciding what to eat when your brain is not even awake yet is worse. Luckily, picking a smoothie is not a daunting task, as there are generally only three choices to choose from—key lime, fruity mango, or a chai berry smoothie. As an added bonus, their smoothies will give you a quick boost of energy that can be used for that long walk to class.
Wellness/City Sprout
If you are a vegetarian or are looking to shed a few pounds before Thanksgiving, try their overnight strawberry chai oatmeal, yogurt bar, or smoked salmon. This spot always strives to put a creative twist on healthy food, as seen with their cauliflower mashed potatoes with vegan mozzarella cheese. Your taste buds will never get bored and your waistline surely will thank you.
Dessert
When you step into this place you may need someone to restrain you, as it has over 15 types of desserts. This place is like heaven after a long exam. Come here to grab a slice of pecan pie, fruit parfaits, or mini cheesecakes.
Something for Everyone
Since Georgia State has three dining halls (Piedmont Central, Patton Hall, and Piedmont North), there is definitely something that your taste buds will fancy. If you don’t find what you want, let the nutritionist know at the dining hall. She just might put in a recommendation for it.