Best and Worst of TDR

One question most students want to know about college is...is the food in the cafeteria bearable? Surprisingly, American University's cafeteria, Terrace Dining Room (affectionately known as "TDR") is ranked one of the top in the country. But regardless of what AU has managed to sneak past the people who do these national taste tests, there are some dishes in TDR that are great, some are awful and others ... well they are like gambling: hit or miss. The best thing is that there is a lot of variety, so you have a lot of flexibility. Be sure to check the front of the Daily Jolt every day for a listing of the main dishes at each TDR station. Most students quickly develop their own TDR tastes, but let us share some of ours.

• Grilled Cheese: We have yet to see TDR screw up grilled cheese...but how can you really screw up something so easy as grilled cheese. Grilled cheese is always a safe bet and even fabulous for those vegetarians out there.
  
  
• Cereal: When you have doubts about the other food in TDR you can always shoot for the old favorite -- cereal. Since TDR buys it prepackaged they don't have too many opportunities to screw it up.
  
  
• Veggie Spring Rolls: One of the first things you will notice is in TDR when you enter there are two different sides of cafeteria, one side has your classics and the other tends to be more of an international flavor. While you might want to stick with the classics in the beginning, don't miss out on Veggie Spring Rolls over in the Bowls/Adzuki station. They are great and once more fabulous even for vegetarians.
  
  
• Chicken Tenders: Who doesn't remember those childhood days where you would go out with your parents about anywhere an order chicken nuggets/strips? Well, you can relieve those moments with TDR's chicken tenders, which are regularly served every Saturday night alongside another childhood staple: Macaroni and Cheese.
  
  
• Soy Nuggets: Ok so growing up you were a vegan/vegetarian, or you are on some health crazy, diet, or have recently discovered a moral objection to eat meat? Well, TDR has devoted an entire area to you. One of the things that even non-vegans/non-vegetarians can agree are pretty darn good are the soy nuggets. Similar to chicken nuggets, with a side of BBQ sauce ... can't be missed.
  
  
• Flat Bread: Sometimes you just want something to accent your grilled chicken salad you made yourself in TDR, why not visit the ovens for some flat bread? Flat bread is usually warm, delicious and unbeatable. Flat bread is a great addition to any meal, or can be a meal in itself with a little bit of humus. Although a rare find at the Ovens station, if you see them on the menu, rush over to grab them before they run out.
  
  
• Omelets: Why get up early on the weekends? TDR Omelets are the best reason we can think of. They are made fresh in front of you to your specifications. Arrive early though to avoid the long lines.
  
  
• The Grill: Burgers, Grilled Chicken and Hot Dogs, all American favorites. For the most part they are great and can easily be used to create new entrees for yourself, such as grilled chicken salads or pizza burgers.
  
  
• Waffles: Warm fluffy buttermilk waffles with your favorite topping...sounds like a commercial from IHOP, but really it's the Make Your Own Waffle section of TDR. The stuff is all there, with pretty foolproof instructions. It takes about 3 minutes, but a great day starter (or any other time).

• Hot Breakfast foods: We have heard mixed reviews on the Breakfast foods (eggs, bacon, homefries, and oatmeal), but for the most part they have been negative. They can get rather greasy while they sit and await your arrival. TDR also leaves them out through lunch in case anyone wants any come then, but again it has been there since TDR opened that morning.
  
  
• Soup: While soup is great on a cold winter day in Washington, DC, the TDR soup is not something you can't live without. They usually have some odd soup choices, and tend to leave the soup out all day. So by dinner time, it's not necessarily that desirable. If you really love your soup, we suggest a trip to a shop off campus for Soup-in-hand by Campbell's or another easy to make in the microwave type.
  
  
• Sandwich Bar: You may be tempted to try your hand at making your own sandwich, but we warn you that occasionally the meat has been out for longer that you'd like, and it might have dried out. Another issue would be the temperature that the meat out is being store and served on. A great way to up your sandwich is to use the new sandwich press to make your own panini or toasted sandwiches.
  
  
• Fish: Regardless of what the fish is whether sole, flounder, or catfish there are some days it is better than others. Some days it is like eating dirty shoe leather, other times it is a delicious treat.
  
  
• Pizza: We don't disagree that TDR needs to get creative occasionally, because it can get repetitive...but some things shouldn't be messed with. While the pizza is prepared fresh almost all day long, it is totally hit or miss. The crusts are always good, and the regular cheese pizza is a TDR staple, but when the cooks decide to mix and match toppings, the results can be horrifying. Let's just say the cauliflower has no place on pizza.
  
  
• Pasta: Pasta can be a great but as a result of sloppy students, you may find the wrong sauce mixed with your pasta. You might also find a small film on the top of the noodles, and sauce if they haven't been touched in a while.

• Create your own TDR meals: Many students have been known to create entirely new entrees with the use of various other TDR items. Try your hand at a chicken parm sandwich, or Grilled Chicken Salad.
  
  
• Add Ranch Dressing: We have heard time and time again, that adding Ranch dressing to just about anything in TDR makes it better. We really have no idea why, but try it yourself.
  
  
• Take advantage of meal exchanges: Regardless how creative you get in TDR you are bound to either get bored, or just want a change of atmosphere, so take advantage of the meal block exchanges in the Tavern and Meal Block Express.