At first this year, we all experienced a rush of new and wandered around Douglas like we’re all freshman again… It’s fine, we’re slowly learning how to navigate the never-ending winding confusing maze of the new Douggie setup. Hopefully, by the end of the year we will finally have the hang of it! I have heard many mixed reviews (both upperclassman and freshman) on how people feel about the new Douglas dining hall… so I decided to compile everything into what I think is the general consensus.
High: Dessert Bar!!!!… I mean come on, need I say more? This is probably the most dangerous and yet best thing that has ever happened! I even hear that the Kosher brownies have made a reappearance after they unfortunately disappeared last year.
Low: They decided that since they have the dessert bar, there is no longer a need for a self-serve salad bar… I mean sure they usually have some sort of salad available, but for anyone that is a picky eater (I know I’m guilty!), it is almost impossible to find a pre-made salad that you actually like.
High: They have an allergen free station! I personally don’t have any food allergies but this is a great idea and it makes dining easier for those with dietary restrictions…
Low: … I can’t find it! Things in Douggie seem to be well laid out and there is a lot of good food, but I feel like half the time I don’t even know what I’m eating because nothing is labelled anymore… and some of the things that are labelled are labelled in a confusing way, or at the wrong spot.
High: Douglass is in a very centralized and convenient location…
Low: … #tbt the bookstore being in that convenient location, and who really has time to go all the way to college town when they’re in a jam and need supplies… I know I’ve been to the new bookstore maybe twice since its opening!
High: They added some really comfortable seating options with the booths and bar-style tables which make it easy to find a good spot no matter how many people you came with…
Low: …It feels more congested with the single-story floor plan which makes it feel like there are less and more congested tables than before. Maybe there is the same amount, or maybe not, the world (aka students) will never know!
High: Late Night Douggie!!! This is probably one of my favorite additions to student dining- especially since this includes the addition of chicken wings! The food in general with new douggie, especially late night when its made-to-order, has improved and I’m happy with all the options we have, and the overall continuing shift towards local food.
*Disclaimer: These are my opinions only and I know not everyone is as excited about new douggie as I am… there will definitely be an adjustment period… but these are just a few highlights that I felt important to touch upon!