Author:
Brianna Pennella
It’s no secret that Ithaca "is" a number of things, including known for great food. The most recent praise for the local eats comes from a ranking by The Princeton Review naming Cornell University’s dining the third best in the nation, proving that even the college "chow" is a cut above the rest.
Okenshields, an "all you care to eat" dining room on Cornell's central campus.Cornell has consistently ranked in the top ten of the Best Campus Food list but has now achieved the highest ranking for its food in over twenty years. The university moved from 5th place to its current 3rd place. The ratings come from the customers, making the dining staff proud of their service and their food. The ranking reflects their commendable work. The quality and variety of food speaks for itself.
Shrimp Pad Thai, made to order at Cornell's Ivy Room noodle bar."West Campus eateries have fresh baked breads that are lovely," said current student Madeleine Perkins. "There’s way more than the typical college dining hall. Pizza isn’t the only option and there are good vegetarian choices, too."
Gail T. Finan, Director of Cornell Dining, shared her feelings on all this praise. "We are immensely proud of our chefs and management teams here at Cornell Dining. Holding a spot in the top five in the last two years and in the top ten for the last six is a remarkable record," she says. "We also recently earned a grade of 'A' on peta2's Vegan Report Card, with an 88% student satisfaction rate, which is rather exciting."
The school had previously gotten recognition for vegan-friendly options, placing second in PETA’s Most Vegan-Friendly College and Universities Contest in 2012. The Cornell Dining staff makes efforts to accommodate all dietary needs as well as provide quality, enjoyable food to its students.