Thankful for a Commons feast

It is slightly embarrassing to admit that throughout my three semesters at Drew University, I can only recall eating at The Commons once or twice. While this is partially due to inconvenient meal plans for commuters, my own bias against cafeteria food and the unpleasant remarks made by other Drew students about Commons food have been the main forces behind my absenteeism. I must admit, however, that after participating in Drew's annual Thanksgiving Dinner, I walked away from The Commons full, humbled and pleasantly surprised.

It is said that Drew students are notorious for their indifference and apathy towards school events. One would receive a totally different impression if they sat in The Commons for Thanksgiving dinner. Arriving early to avoid the crowds, I sat and watched the storms of bustling, hungry students pile into the cafeteria. It appeared to me as if the entire school was present-a few faces from my philosophy class, my English professor, a friend I had not seen since freshman orientation, President Weisbuch-everyone was smiling and laughing, amazed at the abundance of food and eager to stuff their faces.

The selection of food was in fact impressive-local sweet corn, candied sweet potatoes, corn bread stuffing, Yukon mashed potatoes, macaroni and cheese and green beans. Of course, there was the pièce de résistance-succulent, juicy turkey, dished up in huge portions by two cheery and welcoming servers. Vegans and vegetarians even had their place-the cafeteria offered tofurky and vegan mashed potatoes. Of course, the dessert options, which were equally as exciting as the meal itself included pumpkin pie, sweet potato pie, apple pie, various cakes and apple cider to wash it down.

Like the rest of my fellow students, I fervently waited in line to scoop up heaping portions of food onto my plate. I opted for the sweet corn, candied sweet potatoes, corn bread stuffing, mashed potatoes, turkey with gravy and a generous slice of sweet potato pie. The candied sweet potatoes, packed with oozing marshmallows, were by far my favorite, though the rich and savory corn bread stuffing was a formidable opponent.

Enjoying our meals, the company and the reprieve from studying, my friends and I gobbled up our dinners while chatting about classes, friends and our plans for winter break. For a moment, the sounds of laughter, clanking plates and utensils and the smell of food caused me to forget that it was not actually Thanksgiving. "Don't get used to it," my friend Hassan Naqvi advised me "The Commons isn't always like this." Still, I was glad that, at least for today, it could be.

Regardless of your take on The Commons, you should not miss out on its Thanksgiving dinner next year. Not only is the food worthwhile, but it is a fantastic opportunity to take part in the Drew community and experience its energy. In the end, it left me feeling the way that any great Thanksgiving dinner should-stuffed, grateful and ready for a nap.

By Gabriella Sosnowski

November 20, 2009