As Gusties, we have been told many times that we have an amazing cafeteria. In January, Niche Rankings gave the Marketplace 4.4 out of 5, giving them a seventh place ranking nationally. Recently, the Caf was featured on a WCCO newscast that showcased St. Peter. The two news anchors, Amelia Santaniello and Mark Rosen, were able to explore the food options in the cafeteria and eat lunch with a group of Gustavus students.

The ranked food choices don’t just happen by chance. The Kitchen Cabinet is a group of kitchen staff and students that meet once a month to discuss food options and to ensure that the Caf is meeting the wants and needs of students.

Even though students agree that eating in the Caf is enjoyable, the same food can become boring after a period of time.

“Wherever you are, you will get bored of the food,” Junior Sam Panzer said.

Instead of complaining about food in the Caf, some students decided to get creative and make their own concoctions to liven up their taste buds.

“I love being able to make my own chocolate shakes in the Caf. I take a topping of my choice (preferably Oreos) and put it in a cup, then I put vanilla soft serve ice cream over the top. I fill the cup halfway with chocolate milk and mix it all together to create the most delicious dessert ever,” Sophomore Nicole Pexa said.

“I love making Cincinnati chili, which is Chili on top of noodles, then shredded cheese and sour cream on top,” Junior Greta Van Osdol said.

Some students have decided to name their food masterpieces after fellow classmates.

“The wrap was a delicate combination of flavors. It’s called Liliana because she was instrumental in its development. This recipe came out of the days of focused research conducted by myself and Lily Benge-Briggs. It involves the deli, salad bar, grill, spice rack, and toaster island, making it a truly all-encompassing Caf creation,”  Panzer said.

When the noodles with alfredo sauce gets a little tiresome, throw in some spices and vegetables from the salad bar. When the hamburger and French fries get bland, add some guacamole and salsa for a flavor twist. With all of the options in the cafeteria, the possibilities for creating an imaginative new meal are endless. You just need to get creative and be willing to try something new.

The Liliana

Ingredients:

-toasted garlic wrap

-1 grilled chicken breast

-4 slices salami

-2 slices pepper jack cheese

-1 cup raw spinach

-1/2 cup sprouts

-2 tbsp chipotle bbq sauce

-1 package peanut butter

-1/2 package cream cheese

-sprinkle of cayenne pepper

Procedure:

1. Send grilled chicken breast, salami, chipotle bbq, and pepper jack cheese through toasters on high heat on a piece of foil.

2. Grab garlic wrap from deli and spinach and sprouts from salad bar.

3. Spread peanut butter and cream cheese on wrap

4. Add foil contents to wrap. Place spinach and sprouts on hot ingredients.

5. Wrap tightly.

6. Send through toaster at medium heat until outside of wrap begins to brown.