The Commons came and Bruff went. Yet, The Commons still has designated meal times (i.e. dinner starts at 5 pm) like Bruff. So, what happens if you go to the new, glistening dining hall at an off-hour? I did an investigation so you don't have to. Here is a guide to The Commons between meals.
The Salad Bar
The Commons blows Bruff out of the water with its sizeable salad bar. This salad bar is fresh and available non-stop throughout the day. It features multiple types of lettuce, a special salad within the salad section (i.e. cold Asian noodles), and fresh vegetables such as broccoli, cauliflower, spinach, and peppers. The croutons sit next to fresh pita bread. Feta cheese accompanies different types of hummus. Salad dressings of seemingly ever color are available. This is the definition of a glow up.
The Grill
The Grill is divided into two sections. There are a few types of potatoes featured daily such as sweet potato fries, tater tots, waffle fries, or chips. These options can be paired with the heartier, main attractions at the grill. There are grilled cheeses, hamburgers, veggie burgers, and grilled chicken sandwiches available for students to grab and eat. You can even walk to the physical grill and kindly request a dish if one isn't out.
Baked Potatoes and Soups
I have yet to discover the rhyme or reason behind which soups make an appearance when. However, other than the occasional salt overload, the soup section rarely disappoints. There is usually a meat and vegetarian option along with chili and rice. The minestrone soup and chicken tortilla are always a hit on a "cold" New Orleans day. The baked potato bar features both sweet and regular potatoes. Cheddar cheese, bacon bits, and sour cream are great additions to any plate.
Pizza and Pasta
Three kinds of pizza are ready for students to grab throughout the day. Cheese and pepperoni are constants, mardi gras pizza and meat lovers are not. Red pepper flakes, oregano, and parmesan cheese can be added to any slice.
While the pasta bar is only open during meal times, a prepared pasta of the day and herb-seasoned breadsticks can be eaten without worrying about what the clock says. Past prepared pastas have been chicken florentine penne, penne caprese, and orecchiette broccoli chickpea pasta.
Dessert
The Commons has two dessert sections, one on both floors. Three types of cookies (sugar, chocolate chip, and double chocolate chip), ice cream bars, and the occasional slice of pound cake can be found here. There are often themed desserts for holidays, bacon maple cookies, and perfectly frosted cupcakes. Salted caramel chocolate cake and raspberry white chocolate cookies are fan favorites.
I hope you enjoyed this guide to The Commons between mealtimes. Maybe one day The Commons will be another reason to commit to Tulane.
LIFE HACK
Sodexo has an app that has the full Commons menu days in advance. It is called Bite. Get the blue app with a white lowercase "b" on the app store. Your friends will thank you. Besides, you want to know what your walking in to.