Formerly known as the "Sunset Barbecue," Tufts' under-recognized fourth dining hall long remained a myth in the minds of many students. But with Dining Services' revamping of its menu last month, students might want to start taking advantage of Trios "Down the Alley" for dinner.
That's because the new menu for the "uphill Hodgdon" - designed to further appeal to the appetites of the college community - offers much more than just takeout in a brown paper bag.
Chef Fred Norragard wanted to try something new, and carefully created a variety of international dinner wraps for the adventurous student. Selections range from the typical Chicken Caesar to the more exotic Mexican Shrimp and Salsa. Several types of sandwiches are available pre-made, and are prime for grabbing to eat on the run. Others, like the Mediterranean Tabbouleh, Tangy Roast Beef, and Vegetable Hummus, are made to order.
Two to try: The Turkey & Grilled Vegetables is a balanced, light wrap with roasted turkey, green zucchini and roasted red peppers, and the Chicken Stir-fry wrap, although difficult to manage, features a delicious sauce poignantly tasting of scallions and ginger.
Trios also offers more standard dining-hall fare: pizza, chicken fingers, and mozzarella sticks with marinara sauce. And if Espresso's is too far a trek in the snow, calzones are sometimes offered as a nightly special.
While the mainstream offerings are also commendable, the freshly made Planet Gaia Fruit Smoothies shine as Trios' brightest stars. Two of the more popular varieties are Strawberry Dawn, with strawberries, bananas, and orange juice, and Berry Blitz, made from blueberries, raspberries, strawberries and grapes. If you happen to go for dinner on Wednesdays or Thursdays, make sure to say hello to the smoothie girl, and ask for her special flavor of the day - she'll make it for you with extra care. For those who prefer more familiar drinks, Fresh Samanthas, Nantucket Nectars, Snapple, and canned soda are also available.
Trios's desserts usually look too good to pass up. Whatever is available for the day - cakes, pies, brownies, cheesecakes, cookies - is sure to be delicious. Still having trouble deciding? Your best bet would be the chocolate cake, particularly fabulous for its generous amounts of gooey chocolate frosting.
For those interested in takeout, a wide selection of food and drinks is available to grab throughout the day. Stop in during breakfast for a variety of muffins, scones, cinnamon rolls, bagels, flavored coffees, and hot chocolate. You can make and package your own garden and pasta salads. For those really short on time, grab-and-go fruit and Caesar salads can be found pre-made in the refrigerator.
Despite all its take-out offerings, Trios remains an eat-in dining hall. The dining area is rarely full, and the dark wood gives the room a homier feel that can't be found in Carmichael or Dewick. Potted plants serve as the tables' inviting centerpieces.
Trios is located in Mugar Hall and can also be accessed by walking behind Houston. The dining hall is open for takeout Monday through Thursday from 7:15 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Fridays from 7:15 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Lunch is available Monday through Friday from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. and dinner Monday through Thursday from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Dining Dollars and cash are both accepted. To view a partial menu of Trios' appetizing offerings, point your browser to http://tuftslife.com/dining/menus/trios.pdf.
