UC Can Eat Real Food NOW

       When students are fed up with the cafeteria, they often head to Pioneer Cafe or Subway. Now, over 3,100 students of Utica College won't have to go off campus for a 4th option.
        The college has allowed one man and his son to cook and sell new foods through Pioneer Cafe. The New "Spanish Corner" and "Paco's Special" will be available from 11a.m. to 3p.m. selling a variety of Hispanic originated foods in deference to students who are from an urban setting.
         "I came up with the idea, because I heard students complaining all of the time," said Damian 'Paco' Santiago. "Students and faculty regularly buy the food every day." As Santiago tells it, if it wasn't for his connections with the students, he may have not thought of the idea so soon. There was an understanding that some new foods had to be brought to the campus.
          "There is no other campus in the area selling Spanish food," he said. Aramark Food Services provide Santiago and his son, Damian Santiago Jr., with all of the materials to make the foods. The "Spanish Corner" remains the same on a weekly basis. It includes:

• Carne Frita - Hand cut pork seasoned and fried
• Empanadillas - Fried dough stuffed with either chicken or beef
• Tostones - Fried plantains
• Amarillos - Sweet plantains
• Mofongo - Smashed seasoned plantains served with pork 

These foods are known as the "finger foods" while "Paco's Special" is the actual meal sold separately. These foods change on a daily basis. On Friday's, Santiago sells "Paco's famous fried chicken or pork served with rice." As there is a special for every day of the week, he can make a special for specific days. For instance, "Paco's Ash Wednesday Special" consists of two mini fish sandwiches served with chips or fries.
           Santiago has worked with Aramark for 8 years. He used to work for Subway and then served Breakfast and Lunch at the grill in the cafeteria. Now he cooks and serves the Hispanic food and Pioneer's menu. According to him, the idea was immediately approved by his boss, Jeffery Weissinger, Director of Campus Dining Services. He faced no difficulties with the approval.
           Since the recent addition of the "Spanish Corner" and "Paco's Special", there is an increase in customers. There has been a lot more satisfied faculty, staff and students buying the food from Pioneer. "During the day, 50% of sales are from the food," said Pat Tarnacki, who is the manager of Subway and Pioneer Cafe. He has worked there for 3 years and as a manager for 1 year and a half. "Every day it's basically the same customers, some kids would buy 8 empanadillas."

            Students at Utica College have completely expressed their satisfactory for the foods being sold. Especially students from an urban setting have felt closer to home.
            "I was shocked to actually see real food in Pioneer," said Emmanuela Waldron. She is a 22-year-old female from Brooklyn, N.Y. As a senior at UC, she has seen hardly any change to the foods like the burgers, and fries over the past four years. "It was always the same food being sold over and over." She said. "Now, everyone I know buys something every week from Pioneer."
            Melissa Suero is a student of Hispanic descent. She is from New York City and majors in public relations. "I buy the food from Pioneer at least twice a week," Suero said. "I think it's amazing and it makes me feel like I am back at home again."
            "I like the food the way it is, but I would like to see him sell the food on the weekends or extend hours on the weekday," said Debra Cruz. She is a liberal arts student from New York City. Cruz believes the food being sold from 11a.m. to 3p.m. isn't enough.
             Santiago wants to give more options for food in the near future. He especially wants to be able to provide additional finger foods for students. According to Santiago, he and his son are the only ones who know how to make the food properly. Soon, he will be attempting to advertise the foods on Facebook to bring in more students.
             Students, staff and faculty are now provided with new foods on a weekly basis. There are no Spanish food restaurants within walking distance of campus. Now, "Paco's Corner" is only within two steps away from your room.