There’s a lot more shake, sizzle and slap at Elizabethtown College this year. Dining Services has shaken things up with the sweet taste of milkshakes, the sizzle of a Mongolian grill and the slap of giant flapjacks.
“We sold 240 pancakes in one night!” said Joe Riddles, production supervisor in Dining Services, of the oversized offering.
Last spring, the giant pancakes were introduced as a special. Now, they are available on the regular menu. To put the flapjack size into perspective, Riddles said “They fill a 9-inch pizza box!” Specialty pancake favors are strawberry sundae and s’mores, which feature two of the giant pancakes and toppings.
“We sold 240 pancakes in one night!”
Last year, Student Senate approached Dining Services to request a f’real machine in the Jay’s Nest. Unfortunately, the popular milkshake device was not cost effective. But this past March, Riddles attended Hershey Creamery Co.’s ice cream training conference and learned of the company’s Shake Shop Express. Hershey’s is a local family-owned business, not to be confused with Milton S. Hershey’s confectionery.
Implementation of the milkshake machine is noteworthy. “Elizabethtown College is the first university or college on the East Coast to offer a Shake Shop Express,” Riddles said. “Actually, we have the second machine. Funck’s Exxon in Grantville, Pa., had the first.”
The milkshake machine appears to be successful. “They have someone coming in nearly every day to restock the cabinet,” said Charlie Downs, residential dining chef, in Dining Services.
Additional student suggestions have been implemented at the Jay’s Nest and Bird Feeder, as well. Last year, student workers created two of the new quesadilla offerings and starting this semester, crispy chicken quesadillas and crispy Buffalo chicken quesadillas will be offered. On future Jay’s Nest menus will be flatbread pizza similar to those served at the Chili’s franchised restaurant.
Meanwhile, the Bird Feeder has different special items once a week.
In continuation of Dining Services “Healthy Jay” program, providing students with nutritious options, a Mongolian grill was added to the Marketplace line up. Nicknamed ‘Mongo’ by Dining Services staff members, this 4-foot-round iron skillet reaches “crazy temperatures” noted student manager, senior Jillian Miller. The grill allows students to select their own starches, sauce and protein.
“It only takes 45 to 90 seconds to cook the pasta, veggies and meats,” Miller said. “We tell students not to wander too far…” The grill provides additional options for students with special dietary need such as celiac, vegan and vegetarian.
“The staff is here for the students, and we are glad to help them select healthy options,” said Downs. “Everyone is very excited about the grill.”
“It’s a lot of fun to work with,” Miller said. “Everyone should try something from Mongo at least once.”
All Dining Services’ new items are based on student suggestions. Let your voice be heard. Visit E-town Dining Services’ Facebook page.