The Caf: Food, Water and the Lack of Atmosphere

I want to make this clear; I really like the Caf. Nothing is more appealing to me than electronic swiping systems and all you can eat meals. It has everything I could ever want: unlimited napkins, fresh coffee, hot and ready omelets in the morning. Trust me, if I could get a dorm room below the Caf I would.I'm aware there are many nonbelievers out there. It's apparent you can't please everyone, and the dining room staff knows it. Due to human nature, students will complain about everything. I've heard things such as, "the noodles are too hard," "my mom's pacific vegetable stir fry is way better," or "I accidentally put hand sanitizer on my fries." I'll agree, the Caf isn't always at its best. But hey, I'm not complaining about not cooking another meal. However, I don't believe everyone's issues are actually with the food.

Over the past few years, I have had the opportunity to experience various other campus dining services, and they all had their highs and lows. I suppose some had name brand cereal and not "Happy Shapes," and others seemed appealing since the entire set up was a change of pace. Regardless, the more I thought about it, the food itself was never leaps and bounds ahead of what we have at St. Norbert. I realized the reason why these other places were better was because of how the overall setting looked. In other words, the SNC Caf experience issues are with its atmosphere.

Have you looked around the Caf? It's anything but a comfortable setting. The drapes are from a decade I've never heard of and the tables and chairs look like hand-me-downs from a middle school. I could go into detail about every issue the Caf has in terms of appearance such as the odd plants hanging up and daringly white painted walls, but that is unnecessary. It's obvious the place needs to be updated.

I'll admit, I'm not the person to be making suggestions on the details that would go into a décor altering operation, because it's not within my expertise. This doesn't render the fact the Caf needs a makeover. I'm aware this would require a significant budget and a decent amount of shut down time to complete, but doesn't it seem necessary?

People go to specific bars because of the fun, pleasant atmosphere not because of the quality drinks they serve. There are also select places with a "put your hair down" attitude that, in spite of the gross setting, bring in people because of their food and prices. The St. Norbert Caf isn't at that low of a level but must realize they require a modern, enjoyable setting to please those eating there.

The Caf has made significant attempts to up its services and food variety in addition to its quality. Yet, students don't notice this or find it admirable since it is covered up by the dull, dated, stainless steel surroundings.

I would argue that Phil's is simply warmer Caf food, but for some reason more students enjoy Phil's cooking over the Caf, even with a select menu. This is because the Phil's setting is much more modern and comfortable. You need both to succeed.

When your surroundings are better, what you eat will taste better. I guarantee if you ate chili at a homeless shelter you'd think it was awful in comparison to eating the same chili at a restaurant. It's hard to convince someone something is good when you're presenting it in a dump. The bottom line is students are forced to eat there because of their meal plans, and prospective students see this place first hand. The Caf needs to look good for the food to taste good.