LOS ANGELES — In response to students’ requests for fresh, flavorful meal options, USC Hospitality has introduced new on-campus dining venues, menu offerings and products.
“As we continue to listen to feedback from students, we are adjusting our process and products to add more healthy options on campus,” Director of Hospitality Dirk de Jong said.
The Café at the new Wallis Annenberg Hall provides a casual, Italian-inspired dining experience. Manager Max Lopez developed the concept for The Café after traveling to Napa Valley over the summer. Lopez said that he gained inspiration from the honest, ingredient-driven cuisine served at institutions such as Bouchon Bakery and the French Laundry.
The menu at The Café features simple fare made from high-quality ingredients. The best-selling three cheese panini consists of gooey mozzarella and provolone, sun-dried tomatoes and olive tapenade, all sandwiched between crusty Asiago cheese bread. Packed with colorful fresh vegetables and tossed in a subtly sweet champagne vinaigrette, the kale and farro salad is ideal for a light lunch.
The Café also serves coffee and espresso drinks by Illy, an Italian company that sources its beans sustainably. By offering customers the option of enjoying their coffee on-site, Lopez hopes to reduce waste and create a vibrant café culture.
“We want students to feel the difference of how coffee tastes in a porcelain cup,” Lopez said. “Another key thing to be focused on is cutting back waste. We do plates for-here and all of our to-go packaging is made from recycled materials.”