On a snowy Boston morning, there’s nothing someone living in Paramount hates more than heading over to the dining hall in Little Building. Actually, there’s nothing anyone living in any dorm dreads more than having to go to the DH. But at Kasteel Well, the DH lifestyle is very different.
So for those of you that have always wondered what a Sunday brunch is like at the castle, I have you covered.
Location, location, location
Photo by Krista D’Archi
Kasteel Well is located in Well, Limburg, the Netherlands. Despite this being a very long walk for anyone on the Boston campus, the location of the castle’s DH is very central for all castle dwellers.
We enter the tiny dining hall through a doorway attached to the Main Castle building. The room is filled with archways, many of which we often hit our heads on. I think it’s part of the forbidden dungeon, but don’t take my word on it.
What we eat, and when we eat it
Photo by Krista D’Archi
The biggest differences between the two dining halls is 1) what we eat and 2) when we eat.
The Kasteel Well dining hall serves breakfast (8:30-9:30 am), lunch (11:30 am-12:30 pm), and dinner (6-7 pm). It’s closed on Fridays and Saturdays (for travel, obv) but serves brunch (11 am-12 pm) and dinner (6-7 pm) on Sundays. This is a very different, much more structured schedule than the LB open from 7 am – 9 pm schedule.
Having a really strict eating schedule was not my favorite, especially because I’m used to eating smaller things every few hours instead of big meals twice a day (because lunch was always my breakfast).
Photo by Krista D’Archi
The Kasteel Well dining hall is NOT run by Sodexo (can I get an amen?), but by a local family that owns a Bed and Breakfast in town. That being said, the food is completely edible. Meals don’t consist all the different stations like the LB dining hall has, but I would take that over the DH any day.
A plethora of breads, crackers, fruits, and cheeses are always at our disposal. Breakfast only has these as options, while lunch includes something small like soup or chicken nuggets. Dinner normally consist of potatoes, some meat, and frozen vegetables. And anyone who’s been to the castle understands what I mean when I say… egg day.
Atmosphere and charm (or lack of it)
Photo by Krista D’Archi
Walking into the LB dining hall is…well… depressing. Okay, that was a little harsh, but knowing you’re about to consume something that will make you feel sick an hour later really puts a damper on things. The Kasteel Well dining hall is way different.
While you might not always want what’s on the menu, knowing that the staff actually cares about you and took the time to cook your food from scratch (and not from a plastic bag) makes you feel loved. The best part about it is that each table contains a lovely little tray with salt, pepper, butter, jam, peanut butter, and an adorable glass bottle with flowers.
Photo by Krista D’Archi
Overall, the Kasteel Well dining hall is way better than the dining hall in Little Building at the Boston campus. How can you not be happy while eating in a 14th century castle? Despite the super structured meals and lack of variation, I give this dining hall a big thumbs up. The most important difference lies in the fact that it’s not Sodexo. The good food creates a positive atmosphere that castle dwellers love. The only thing we would change? More quality time with Stefan!