Get on Points (Then Get in My Belly)

A budding biannual tradition has once again commenced at Tufts, the gastronomic consequences of which will define who we are and what we eat. Will it result in more pizza consumption, more sandwich saturation, more chicken based delectability, or something rather exotic, blackened Cajun catfish perhaps, or crepes delivered straight to the dorm? That's right, it's MOPS debate time again, another attempt for the University to appease our bored appetites. The eating intelligentsia at dining services will once again endeavor to expand the Meals On Points System, inciting the next step of culinary evolution on campus. The decision will resonate for years, in our taste buds and our waist size.

The decision process must be methodical enough so that each student can make an informed decision on which locale to add. One suggestion might be a massive food fair with prospective restaurants giving out samples of their foods in Gantcher. This would not only expand publicity for the various eateries, but also ensure the possibility of an intelligent selection on the part of the University population. At the end, each student would fill out a questionnaire rating each restaurant. The two with the highest collective score would be added to the MOPS system. It represents a fair and balanced selection process, involving greater student input and of course, the free food every one at Tufts continually clamors for.

So what would be the ideal eatery to join Espresso's, Wing Works, Panda Palace, and Pizzeria Roma on the Meals on Points System? Well in a fantasy world, the ideal choice would be Soundbites. Good of course only on Sundays, imagine waking up, and without wandering into the outside world in the midst of a wicked hangover, having a delicious breakfast delivered right to your door with the genial hospitality usually associated with Soundbites. Of course this outlandish yet attractive possibility would likely never get past dining services, and probably would not be acceptable to the Soundbites folks either.

Grounded more in reality, Redbones would be the most interesting and delectable choice. It's a Tuesday night. You have a 20 page paper due. Your level of stress exceeds the medical limitations of Advil. What then could be the only cure... an injection of pulled pork with a side therapy of cornbread. Splash on some spicy BBQ sauce and you have a recipe for success. Redbones is one establishment that could potentially accommodate the paperwork, increased orders, and other aspects of joining the points system. The kitchen is large enough to avoid a "Rose's" situation, and the food is exemplary enough to satiate the rapacious student's appetite.

The eventual decision is monumental, forever changing the face of food availability at Tufts. If memory serves me correct, Brillat-Savarin said once "Tell me what you eat, and I'll tell you who your are." The impending MOPS decision might define who we are at Tufts for years to come, so let the battle begin. Allez Cuisine!