New Tavern specials were designed to increase the options for late-night dining and broaden the selection of food at the Terrace Dining Room alternative, according to Student Government President Ashley Mushnick.
Mushnick, a senior in the School of Public Affairs, said she worked closely with Yvonne Matteson, the manager of Bon Appetit, to add more variety to the Tavern. Now, every Tuesday and Thursday throughout the year, Bon Appetit will be providing a different meal option based on a theme, such as Cajun or Italian cuisine.
Students will also notice that the color scheme of the Tavern has been changed to enhance the atmosphere. These changes came after a summer of collaboration between Mushnick, Jeff Hanley, Residence Hall Association President and a sophomore in SPA and the College of Arts and Sciences, the University Center and Bon Appetit.
Mushnick said she wanted to be as productive as possible over the summer while working with administrators. She focused on improving the Tavern because it's the "only late-night option" for students on campus.
The Tavern, open until 11 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and until 6 p.m. Fridays, is essential for the many students who frequently eat late on campus, Mushnick said.
Kolby Goryl, a senior in the Kogod School of Business, eats at the Tavern because it accommodates his class schedule.
"I get out at 8 [p.m.], so I usually come after that," Goryl said.
According to the SG Web site, these new offerings of less traditional food were supposed to begin last week. But, due to an equipment failure, the "Asian night" scheduled for last Thursday did not occur.
Special nights will begin Tuesday with what the SG Web site describes as "a Cajun dinner," consisting of "crawfish etouffee over saffron rice with side tossed garden salad" and on Thursday, "Viva Italia." Penne and linguini will be served, with sides of salad and garlic bread. Special nights to follow also include "BBQ party" and an "Asian night" next week.
While they were unaware of the new additions to the Tavern, Goryl, Charae Carter, a senior in SPA, and Dana Gatsby, a junior in SPA, said they would be interested in coming to the Tavern for one of the special nights but hope the ethnic food is genuine.
Gatsby said he hopes the Cajun is actually Cajun, "not just Cajun sauce on chicken." All three students said theme nights have been very successful at TDR in the past and have similar hopes for them at the Tavern.
These students also hope for the return of many old favorites, such as quesadillas and whole pizzas, to the Tavern rather than just new specials. Carter, Goryl and Gatsby all agreed that the Tavern used to be a much better value for a meal swipe and a much more popular place.
Carter said the Tavern "used to be popping."
"The Tavern was considered one of the biggest bars in D.C.," Goryl said.
