Despite many residents still residing off campus this semester, a good portion of Drew’s population is living within Drew’s many dorms and regularly eating at the Commons and EC on a regular basis. While this is doable most of the time, sometimes a change in menu is much needed. With many businesses operating with limited in-house seating or choosing to only offertake-out or delivery because of the pandemic, ordering food from local spots is the perfect way to get more food variety and support Madison restaurants. Here are three local food stops to consider supporting this week:
If you’re looking for a casual, inexpensive and quick breakfast that never disappoints, order from Bagel Chateau. Even though their website doesn’t show much of anything, they have a ton of bagel and non-bagel options. The shop has a wide selection of cream cheese spreads, bagels from plain to blueberry (and everything in between), breakfast sandwiches, meal specials and more. Want something to drink with your breakfast? The coffee at Bagel Chateau is something special — just ask for whatever size you like with a bit of cream and sugar, sip and see for yourself. The best part is that from ordering to walking out the door, warm meal and steaming cup in hand, the wait time will probably be 10 minutes or less.
If you’re looking for something a little healthier, a meal with a variety of fresh fruits and veggies that can be hard to find around campus. In that case, try Jungle Juice’s Madison location. This shop, which specializes in juices, smoothies, milkshakes, Acai – and Pitaya bowls, is part of a fun New Jersey chain that also has locations in Hoboken and Morristown. Menu items include a wide selection of tropical and everyday fruits such as coconut, mango, berries, guava and pineapple. They also have veggies like spinach and kale, with options to add whey protein, wheatgrass shots and non-dairy milks to whatever item you order. The only thing to remember is that if you add additional fruits and vegetables to your order other than what is already included, the portions of the add-on are predetermined. And if you aren’t there for the healthy food, their milkshake menu includes an “Oreo Blast,” “Nutella Banana,” and something called a “Candy Bar” which includes chocolate syrup, caramel, chocolate chips and peanut butter.
Looking for the perfect sandwich for lunch or dinner? Try out Slamwich Scratch Kitchen! This place is located right by the Stop and Shop in Madison with a shiny, silver store-front and blue roof which makes it hard to miss if you are looking for it. Their sandwiches are made with house-made rolls that have a perfectly crispy crust, spongy interior and compliment the fillings of each sandwich perfectly. You have the option of choosing a sea salt round roll, everything-seasoned round roll or a plain roll and the restaurant also gives the option of having a bed of lettuce instead of bread if that is more your speed. Menu items, which include a “Pop That Pastrami” with house-cured brisket and swiss cheese with NYSO sauce and an “Italian Stallion” with salami, ham, mortadella, provolone and LTO (lettuce/tomato/onion), also come with a side of chips and a pickle (if you remember to ask for one — totally worth it, by the way). The sandwiches here are a little pricier, ranging from $13-15, but for the quality as well as everything that is included in the meal, it isn’t a bad cost.
A meal at the local bagel store, smoothie joint or sandwich shop can be the perfect reward for ending another stressful week of midterms season. It’ll give you a chance to mix up what you are eating for a day and maybe introduce you to your new favorite spot for food in town. If you’re feeling ready for a change in food this week, support a Madison business and order some take-out!
