This week, college ended.
Sure, I’ve learned plenty. From classes, I know what iron fertilization of algae means and how orographic precipitation is caused.
But more importantly, college is about exposure. Learning about different people and different lifestyles. Tearing down prejudices and consuming new perspectives.
This goes for eating as well, and my food review focused on gastronomic enlightenment.
As part of the reviewing job, I traveled through Elon’s neighboring communities to explore what other cuisine was out there.
As food reviewer I shared with readers my sensual experiences. I typed out each word to best describe the sights, smells and flavors of my mesmerizing meals, instigating desire and lust. My success came with making them hungry and envious.
So, imagine it’s a Friday night, and Piedmont Ale House is packed with locals. You’re fortified with some local brew, and in front of you is a burger so sinful that it has bacon and guacamole. The Santa Fe is a hand-shaped, half-pound patty of Black Angus beef. A tomato, lettuce and red onions join the bacon and guacamole, while the pepper jack and jalapenos pack the heat.
Or, you’re on a date in Saxapahaw, at the Eddy. The hipsters at the table next to you belt a harmonious laugh. But all focus narrows on the steaming, slow-cooked, beer-braised chicken. The problem is, it’s not yours. It’s your date’s. Luckily, “thou shalt not covet thy date’s meal” is not a commandment. With some sweet talk and a promised future foot massage, pieces of succulent chicken fall off the bone and into your mouth.
Or maybe Zack’s Hotdogs is crowded on a Saturday afternoon and you can hardly fit inside. You finally move to the front of the line and holler for “two Bacon Combo Dogs with the works.” The cook puts bacon, cheese, onions and slaw with the dog. Then he slops on top a ladle full of chili. Bright, unearthly, orange grease will run down your hands and arms as you bite into the mess of glory. It’s not pretty, but you love it.
These were my favorite food experiences during my Pendulum career. And this one I selected to be my last as an Elon undergrad:
It’s the night before the “big day.” And the family just got in. You want to stay close to their hotel in Greensboro, so you lead them to Sticks and Stones. It’s refined for a pizza place — the walls are lined with the obvious, namesake decor. The giant clay-domed stove with the glowing mouth is center stage. And the “Sweet Carolina” pizza is the star. The sweet Italian sausage is flanked by roasted chillies and spinach, surrounded by a bed of oozing mozzarella.
The real highlight was getting to know these neighbors. In most places, there is genuine care in what they place on the table in front of you. Pride goes into their food. And that ingredient makes their food who they are.
That’s something you can’t find at a dining hall managed by a national corporation.
No, the end of college is not the end of learning. So after Elon, wherever life may lead you, loosen your belt and expand your food horizons. Isn’t that exciting?