As Greek life accounts for a large percentage of UF’s student population, there are a lot of mouths to feed on sorority row. Members are supplied with chapter-specific meal plans made by their own chefs and kitchen staff. These meals offer students an alternative to on-campus dining and an opportunity to customize their dishes, suggest meal ideas, and share quality time with other chapter members. With weekly menu changes, everyone has their favorite days at the house, whether for breakfast, lunch, or dinner.
As any foodie would be, I am curious to see what other chapters’ meals look like and get a look into what members rave about as their favorite dishes. To get a better look, I paid a visit to sorority row, where a few of the chapter women were eager to share their favorite meals. Based on these preferences, I compiled a list of local restaurants in Gainesville for them to check out. Let’s take a look at what the lovely ladies of Kappa Delta, Delta Delta Delta, and Alpha Delta Pi love to eat at their home away from home and where around town they should check out for a bite!
Kappa Delta
The first stop on the tour was Kappa Delta! As a member of KD myself, I knew just how much my sisters love some of our meals and would be willing to rave on and on about them (I can talk about our Salmon Teriyaki Bowls for days). Every week, our menus are crafted by the girls who live in-house, and they did not hold back on setting this week up with delicious, fan-favorite meals.
Starting off strong, we had Cava bowls for dinner. Instead of waiting in the long lines on University Avenue, KD’s very own Chef Dave prepares his own twist to the favorite chain. Every plate was filled with juicy chicken breast, brown rice, roasted chickpeas, and pickled onions, and you cannot forget his specialty, green goddess dressing. For those looking for a similar meal, head on over to HASS Kitchen for a specialty bowl or Fresh Kitchen for an experience similar to Cava.
As if that wasn’t enough, lunch the following day was Buffalo Chicken Flatbreads. Fluffy crust and bite-sized pieces of chicken smothered with mild buffalo sauce call for the perfect midday pick-me-up. As a pizza lover with a weak spice tolerance, this lunch has to be one of my favorites. I, without a doubt, filled my plate with six slices and had to drag myself out of there before I ate the entire tray. Also, what’s better than pizza and a side of yap with the besties? I have an answer! 4th Avenue Food Park is home to Satch Squared, where endless types of pizza are available. Just like the flatbreads at KD, these pizzas are available in the perfect hand-held form, squares!
To top off this week’s meals at KD, I have to show off our Mojo Pork Bowls. As a Miami native, where Cuban food and Latin cuisine are found at every corner, this meal is a delicacy. I filled my plate to the rim with rice, pork, beans, and green goddess dressing. I know, I know, that dressing seems a little out of place, but trust me, Chef Dave knows what he’s doing. For my Latin food lovers who are missing that little bit of spice in Gainesville, Tinker Latin Restaurant on Main Street has got you covered. If the food doesn’t satisfy your desires (highly unlikely), then the welcoming staff will leave you planning your next visit.
Delta Delta Delta
The next stop on my tour around sorority row was Kappa Delta’s next-door neighbor, Delta Delta Delta. Although I am a huge advocate for my house’s food, I have to say Tri Delt’s was phenomenal. I tagged along with my roommate for hibachi night and was overwhelmed by the variety to choose from. I ended up serving myself noodles, steak, fried rice, roasted squash, and zucchini. I topped my plate off with teriyaki sauce and dollops of yum yum sauce. The meal was almost identical to my order at Hana Sushi in Celebration Pointe. You can easily find a more “gourmet” version of a hibachi dinner like this or try one of their signature sushi rolls, like my personal favorite, the Passion Roll.
Another night, Tri Delt had a wing bar! Sometimes, girls are in the mood for a light but messy meal, and this lunch did just the job. Tri Delt proved that wings are not just for fraternity men. On this plate, we can see three different types of wings: buffalo, barbeque, and garlic parmesan. Not only was the chicken juicy, but the wings were heavily coated in sauce. For a palate cleanser, celery and ranch was the perfect side.
Wing lovers should stop by two restaurants located in Gainesville. For a chill, quick bite, stop by Wingstop. Countless wing flavors will definitely leave you overwhelmed and overindulged but soooo satisfied. If you have any more room in your stomach, the Seasoned Fries with a side of ranch are to die for. For a more sit-down style meal, head over to The Swamp Restaurant for the Jumbo Swamp Wings. This order looks exactly like the meal offered at Tri Delt, with so many flavors to choose from and, of course, celery and carrots.
Alpha Delta Pi
Last but not least was Alpha Delta Pi, just a few houses down. At ADPI, my fellow foodie and Spoon writer, Westly Farrior indulged in Turkey, Cranberry, and Cheese Paninis. This sandwich looks like the perfect mix of sweet and salty, toasted to perfection and oozing out creamy cheese goodness. To accompany the ideal handheld meal, a side salad, mixed fruit, and, of course, potato chips were served. Although ADPI definitely left a good impression, for a wider selection of top-rated sandwiches, visit The Paper Bag in Downtown Gainesville. Their sandwiches, with creative names like the Trey Way Jay and the Tony Montana Cubano, do not fall short on the flavors. Seriously, everyone raves about these sandwiches.
Whether it be sorority meals or local favorites, there is something for everyone in Gainesville. If you have a friend in Greek life or are an active member, definitely take advantage of some of these yummy meals or pop into the houses for their specialties. If you are looking for something a little bit more “official” to fill these cravings, visit some of the selected restaurants. Let us know your preference: food on or off sorority row?