WSU Dining Shows Appreciation for the High-Paying Patrons at the University

PULLMAN – Southside Café hosted a medieval-themed night for their customers Thursday in Pullman.

The event saw a commitment to the renaissance theme with food like bread, cheese, legs of charred turkey and beef stew served in bread bowls. Decorations of stone castles and vines surrounded the dining hall and wrapped around the stairwell.

“Dining as a whole has really been committed to enhance the experience of dining for all our residents,” said Eddie Alguilar, general manager of Southside Café.

Alguilar said he always enjoyed the renaissance theme and wanted to do it as an idea for a long time. Alguilar was robed in green mage garbs and complete with a leather belt and boots. He said his clothes was in accordance with the festivities.

“I really liked how this all turned out,” Alguilar said as a smile crept across his face. “But I definitely have some big ideas for next year”.

Alguilar said that this emphasis on the dining experience has been a recent development for WSU in the last three years. He said after 2016, WSU Dining Services made some changes to their establishment including a 90-dollar decrease in the Resident Dining Account and at least two major events per semester.

Alguilar had not stated whether or not the new accommodations for students is the compensate for high dorm and RDA prices, but the staff did point out some of the deals they are trying to give to students.

“We will do a plate price so you get all you care to eat for one price,” said Scott Franke, sous-chef at Southside Café. “You are paying eleven bucks but you are getting three meals out of it”.

Franke noted that the dining services are trying to provide their customers with an accommodating experience with deals like these.

Ayla Reyes, WSU student, said she thinks that the events like the medieval-themed events are a good way for students to get their money’s worth.

“I think it is worth it if you have the money,” Reyes said. “But it is kind of hard to plan out what you are going to eat”.

Reyes points out that sometimes students can undermine their RDA plan and not have enough money in their accounts.

These discounts and events are still something she looks forward to and she said she hopes that they continue to provide these services for the students.

“I don’t care what other people say but Southside slaps,” said Reyes.