BY MEGHAN BAEHL, CONTRIBUTING WRITER
I should preface that I am not a picky eater, but rather my mother is a sensational cook, so I have a certain appreciation for good food.
Vegan cuisine has come a long way within the past ten years, from nut-based cheeses to the use of jackfruit as a meat substitute. This has allowed more inclusive meals for those who prefer a plant-based diet or have health and allergy constraints.
As a person who was neither vegetarian or vegan before attending Saint Bonaventure, one could argue that I am not the best person to be professionally stating my opinion on this matter.
Although I used to be a third-party objective on this matter, the last four weeks have shaped me into being an expert food critic. I learned quickly that our dining hall offers a variety of options, so there should be something there for everyone. From black bean burgers to faux meat (a science I am still not sure I understand), the offered cuisine for vegetarians/vegans is full of a few hits and numerous misses.
For me, the only time I can stomach the fake meat is in the form of taco Tuesday. Tacos are always a good idea, especially at the Hickey. The best food offered there is the one that is a balance of textures, which is why Taco Tuesday really shines. Whether you are a hard shell, soft taco, nacho, or chaotic garbage plate person- the fresh veggies always add to a satisfying meal.
Tacos aren’t always everyone’s cup of tea (even if they should be), so there are a few other options that are worth writing home about. With enough condiments and toppings, the black bean burger is bearable, especially when it is paired with the sweet potato waffle fries. This should really be an ode to my love of these fries because they bring me an insurmountable amount of happiness. If whoever is in charge of the menus is reading this- please bring them back! I also enjoyed the squash quinoa chili and mushroom risotto last week and pretty much any of the spicy cauliflower dishes.
I believe that spices and texture make a meal worth it, which is where I usually find a problem with the food at the Hickey. Under spiced tofu or overcooked faux meat leaves a bad taste and a bad texture. Underwhelming food leads to stomach problems and low energy- especially if you supplement your hunger with unhealthy snacks.
I am grateful for having so many options available to me and happy to have found some good options at Saint Bonaventure. Food opinions are subjective, so I apologize if I offended anyone with my review. This is just an account of what has worked for me personally. In no way does this reflect how everyone else’s experiences.
