By Chelsea Tirrell, Columnist
All I have to say is thank goodness the "Create Your Own Sandwich" station is back. I was practically outraged when I walked into Dutch Treats for the first time of this semester and saw that the most prized feature gone. No more 3 a.m. sandwiches? What would students do?
Whether it was because of a delay in opening or a slew of complaints, Dutch Treats has renewed the long-loved tradition and with that, I have to say that I'm satisfied.
The newly renovated eatery does, in fact, look much better than it did. Instead of squeezing your way through only two aisles of food and rubbing shoulders with someone browsing the cereal section, you are now at liberty to travel pretty freely throughout.
Within the plans to renovate Dutch Treats was the promise of a greater selection of groceries. However, I have noticed that the products are much the same.
Despite the fact that this may be so, they do have more made-to-order food available. There are soups from Au Bon Pain, a greater pre-made sandwich selection and more scrumptious looking desserts for late-night cravings.
The sweet renovations do not end there. I was lucky enough to attend the pre-opening of Hofstra USA and the moment I walked through the doors of the previously-named Kate and Willy's, I was in awe. The makeover was astounding and, quite surprisingly, looked identical to the mock photos they had shown some of the Orientation Leaders earlier in the summer.
Between the cozy booths, more expanded seating options, a fireplace, table games, the always fun DDR and other simulator games, I was beyond impressed by what the improved facility had to offer.
And the food? Not half bad. I'll admit that I've heard a few complaints here and there – the appetizer sampler tastes like it has been defrosted and the burgers a bit plastic-y – but the expanded menu allows picky eaters to try new dishes every time they return until they find one to the their liking.
You may have to wait a little while before getting an order at Hof USA, but you can't expect anything less from the university's new hot-spot. Plus, the nifty gadgets you receive upon ordering your food allow you to pass the time by taking the device anywhere you go within the building and paging you when your order is ready.
With breakfast foods, milkshakes, brownie sundaes and a macaroni and cheese dish that is actually made with real cheese, students will more than likely be saying that Hof USA is worth the wait. And if not – there's always the fact that the place is now a lively yet chill place to hang out even if you choose not to dine there.
If you have not checked out the sleek-looking eatery yet, do so before everyone catches wind that this is the new place to go. And while you're there, challenge me to game of "DDR" – you're bound to lose.