Oberlin Blogs

CDS Dining Guide

March 17, 2012

Paul Buser ’15

If you're eating in CDS, chances are either a. you're lazy and care nothing about social justice, or b. you want proper nutrition. In any case, eating in CDS is an Oberlin experience that should not be missed, and no dining hall better embodies this experience than the Stevenson Dining Hall. When eating at Stevie, it's easy to get overwhelmed. Here are five few quick-n-dirty tips to help you make the most of your precious Board meals, Flex Points, and Obie Dollars.

1. Always arrive 10 minutes before closing.
Stevie tends to be very crowded before this time. If you break this rule, chances are you'll eat standing up or not at all.

2. Do not talk to Stevie employees.
They are paid to cook you omelettes and wash your dishes, not interact with students. You could lose a friend their job!

3. Take some for the road.
Stevie allows, even encourages, students to pocket or backpack large amounts of produce, bread, ice cream, and other perishables. Hand them out to your friends when the co-op runs out of lentils!

4. People sit alone for a reason.
Let sleeping dogs lie and find your own table. It's rude to interrupt people staring at their food.

5. Make sure to read all signs and notices.
Bon Appetit's done a really nice job making sure you stay informed about everyday choices with a global impact. DO NOT DEFACE COMPANY PROPERTY.

That's all for now. I'll see you at Stevie!

Above: Information Banner and Apple Bucket

Responses to this Entry

There are some valid points in this (like when to come and eat at Stevie; I usually go when it opens at five), but people eat in CDS for a lot of reasons, not just being lazy and "not caring" about social justice. I imagine that a lot of athletes and otherwise busy people eat in CDS as it better accommodates their schedule than OSCA! OSCA also has nutrition coordinators, so I doubt they're being underfed in Co-ops.

Posted by: CDS Diner on March 22, 2012 2:23 PM

I think I disagree with pretty much every statement here. 1) OK, but this is the time when they put the fresh cereal out, so that's a win. 2) Isaac is one of my best friends - he is a Stevie employee, met him there (not a student) and he loves chatting! Also, Alex is the greatest, most chatty student server ever. And probably the best human being ever. He will make anyone feel happy! No-one's going to lose their job. 3) I have been forced to do the walk of shame back into Stevie to put back apples and oranges I had taken. Kind of unhygienic, but there you go! David, the manager, is a total control freak about this - and he creeps up on you with such stealth! So I would advise you to pocket items with caution. 4) Totally wrong! Sleeping dogs love having their belly tickled. Also, it's great to talk to someone new in Stevie and all the lone diners I've met are really friendly. The athletes, on the other hand... 5) Those banners tell us that one portion of carbohydrates should be the size of a tennis ball - so, so wrong, if you ask me. Also, drawing moustaches on things is fun!

Posted by: Ruby Turok-Squire '16 on March 23, 2012 12:23 PM

I agree with everything you said, Ruby! Also, Alex is the best! He and some of my other friends work at Stevie, and I always chat with them when they're working (if they're not too busy). I've had nice conversations with other Stevie workers, too.

Posted by: Same CDS Diner on March 23, 2012 1:01 PM

Satire?

Posted by: Emily on March 23, 2012 3:04 PM

Yep Emily, you must be right - what an odd satire!

Posted by: Ruby Turok-Squire '16 on March 23, 2012 11:17 PM