Middlebury College boasts an array of enticing dining halls, each offering a unique culinary experience that caters to diverse tastes and dietary needs. Embark on a culinary journey through these vibrant dining venues, where every meal becomes an occasion to savor.
Davis Family Commons: A Culinary Tapestry
Davis Family Commons, the largest and most central dining hall, serves a vast selection of dishes inspired by global cuisines. From hearty American classics to tantalizing Asian fare, the menu rotates daily, ensuring an ever-changing culinary adventure.
With over 15 food stations, Davis provides ample choice for every palate. “The Grill” offers sizzling burgers, while “The Deli” features made-to-order sandwiches and salads. “The Wok” serves steaming bowls of Asian noodles, and “The Pizza Station” tempts with freshly baked pizzas.
Proctor Dining Hall: Vermont Roots, Sustainable Eats
Situated in the historic Proctor Mansion, Proctor Dining Hall celebrates the flavors of Vermont and embraces sustainability. Local ingredients take center stage, with a focus on organic, farm-to-table cuisine.
“The Vermont Table” showcases regional specialties, such as maple-glazed pork loin and fresh apple cider. “The Salad Bar” boasts an abundance of leafy greens, colorful vegetables, and house-made dressings. And “The Grill” specializes in grilled meats, fish, and vegetables, all sourced from local farmers.
Atwater Dining Hall: A Culinary Oasis for Mindful Eaters
Atwater Dining Hall is a sanctuary for mindful eaters, offering a wide selection of wholesome and nutritious options. The menu emphasizes whole grains, fruits, and vegetables, with a strong focus on plant-based dishes.
“The Grain Station” features freshly baked breads, pastas, and wraps. “The Salad Bar” offers an extensive array of salads, grains, and toppings, allowing for endless customization. And “The Soup Station” serves comforting broths, soups, and stews, perfect for a hearty and healthy meal.
The Grille at Middlebury: Casual Dining, Gourmet Fare
The Grille at Middlebury offers a casual dining experience with a gourmet twist. The menu features upscale comfort food, such as artisan pizzas, gourmet burgers, and craft beers.
“The Pizza Oven” serves wood-fired pizzas topped with premium ingredients. “The Burger Bar” creates mouthwatering burgers with unique flavor combinations. And “The Taproom” pours a wide selection of local and international craft beers, perfect for pairing with your meal.
Dining at Middlebury: A Commitment to Excellence
Middlebury College places a strong emphasis on providing students with an exceptional dining experience. The dining halls operate on a residential style, where students can enjoy unlimited meals and snacks throughout the day.
The college partners with Sodexo, a leading food service provider, to ensure high-quality ingredients, innovative menu planning, and exceptional customer service. Sodexo’s commitment to sustainability is evident in the use of local and organic produce, the reduction of food waste, and the promotion of healthy eating practices.
Table 1: Dining Hall Statistics
| Dining Hall | Seating Capacity | Daily Meal Average |
|---|---|---|
| Davis Family Commons | 750 | 2,500 |
| Proctor Dining Hall | 250 | 1,200 |
| Atwater Dining Hall | 200 | 800 |
| The Grille at Middlebury | 150 | 500 |
Table 2: Dining Hall Features
| Dining Hall | Unique Features |
|---|---|
| Davis Family Commons | Extensive food station variety, global cuisine |
| Proctor Dining Hall | Vermont-inspired cuisine, sustainable practices |
| Atwater Dining Hall | Plant-based emphasis, mindful eating options |
| The Grille at Middlebury | Casual dining, gourmet comfort food, craft beer selection |
Table 3: Food Station Highlights
| Dining Hall | Food Station | Notable Dishes |
|---|---|---|
| Davis Family Commons | The Grill | Sizzling burgers, fries |
| Proctor Dining Hall | The Vermont Table | Maple-glazed pork loin, apple cider |
| Atwater Dining Hall | The Salad Bar | Extensive salad options, house-made dressings |
| The Grille at Middlebury | The Pizza Oven | Wood-fired pizzas with premium toppings |
Table 4: Dietary Accommodations
| Dietary Need | Dining Hall Services |
|---|---|
| Vegetarian | Plant-based options at all dining halls |
| Vegan | Vegan options available at Atwater Dining Hall |
| Gluten-free | Gluten-free bread and pasta options available |
| Halal | Halal meats available at Davis Family Commons |
| Kosher | Kosher meals available upon request |
Sustainability Measures at Middlebury’s Dining Halls
Middlebury College is committed to sustainability in all aspects of its operations, including dining services. The following measures are implemented to minimize environmental impact:
- Local Sourcing: Partnerships with local farmers to reduce transportation emissions.
- Organic Produce: Emphasis on purchasing organic produce, supporting sustainable farming practices.
- Composting and Recycling: Extensive composting and recycling programs to divert waste from landfills.
- Energy Efficiency: Energy-efficient appliances and lighting fixtures used throughout the dining halls.
- Water Conservation: Water-saving measures implemented in dishwashing and food preparation processes.
FAQs about Middlebury’s Dining Halls
1. What are the meal plans available to students?
Middlebury offers a variety of meal plans to suit different living arrangements and dietary needs.
2. Are any dining halls open late night?
Davis Family Commons offers late-night dining options until 11:00 pm.
3. Are there any food delivery options?
Students can order food delivery from The Grille at Middlebury through Grubhub.
4. What types of dining events are held at the dining halls?
Dining halls host special events throughout the year, such as theme nights, cultural food festivals, and guest chef demonstrations.
5. Are the dining halls accessible to visitors?
Visitors can purchase guest meals at Davis Family Commons and The Grille at Middlebury.
6. How does Middlebury promote healthy eating habits?
The dining halls provide nutrition information and offer cooking demonstrations to educate students about healthy food choices.
7. Is there a Middlebury Dining app?
Yes, students can download the “Middlebury Dining” app for menu updates, dining hall hours, and nutritional information.
8. How can I provide feedback about my dining experience?
Feedback can be provided through the online feedback form or by speaking directly to a dining hall manager.
