Cafeteria Food

Cafeteria.

Isn't it amazing how one simple word strikes such utterly different chords in all of us? I know there are some who shudder at the thought of eating the infamous "cafeteria food" (cue "Jaws" theme sone). For others, it brings the glazed-eye look of reminiscence. For me? I honestly don't know if I have my own opinion of the commons. I was only enrolled in a "real" school for about 3 years, non-consecutively.

My memories of the school lunchroom consist of Mrs. Bingham's absolutely amazing potato soup and pizza combo that she'd serve once a month. That was the only thing I ever saved up my money to buy-- all other days it was a lunchbox for me. I can remember standing in line with all the "cool kids" who bought their lunches every day (keep in mind that this was about 4th grade-- lunchboxes were so very uncool). Handing over my precious $2.50. Receiving my cherished tray with that bowl of treasured potato chowder. Ahhhhh, look at the steam... smell those onions and ham... and that pizza! Don't get me started on that pizza! Better than Abby's, Papa Murphy's, Dominos, and Safeway put together! The absolute best pizza I've ever consumed! Not too greasy, not too dry. Not spicy, but with a definite kick. Jussssst riiiiiiight.

There was one girl a grade above me (How cool! She'd actually speak to me!) who wouldn't eat the pizza. Well, she'd eat the pizza... just not the toppings. Wait, what? Yeah. She'd scrape off the toppings, hand them to our resident garbage- disposal (I won't mention his name here... just one of those pre-teen boys who ate constantly) and eat just the bread. Go figure. I'm the kind of person who does the opposite. Discards the bread (unless it's garlic-herb crust) and eats the toppings. This was so backward to me. But to each his own, right?

So now, as I sit here in the college cafeteria, I can't help but contemplate the interpretations of the word. "Horror," "disgust," "food fight,". Any others? The list goes on and on. I happen to absolutely adore cafeteria food. The cafeteria kitchen here on campus is run by culinary arts professors and all the food is cooked and prepared by culinary arts students. How can it *not* be good? It's delicious! Today's special is a BBQ roast beef sandwhich with a choice of side: hashbrowns, salad, cooked veggies, or a dinner roll. My mouth is watering, watching the steam rise from my veggies slathered in pepper and garlic butter.

Okay, I'm going to consume it now. Hope you didn't ruin your keyboard by drooling...