Dining Options at PVCC
When PVCC students, faculty, and staff need a revitalizing meal, there are various dining options for them in and around the campus. Many flock to the food and beverage dispensers within the college, while others stray from campus to seek more variety.
Conveniently placed throughout PVCC, there are vending machines provided with snacks for people in a hurry. Inside the main building, the Mermaid Express and First Run Cafe pose as the college’s primary food and beverage suppliers. Each of them have dedicated staff members working to solve a never ending hunger crisis.
The Mermaid Express displays itself right outside the library which couldn’t be a more perfect place for its customers. The customers come wilted by their work and leave with the fuel to carry on. Current staff member, Melissa Herero gives some general information: “I’ve worked here on and off for about four years. We sell granola and pastries that are from Albemarle Baking Company. They are really delicious. We also have great natural smoothies that our customers seem to really love. Try the white chocolate mocha, or the green tea smoothies.” Melissa is very helpful and is willing to answer any questions..
Naturally, First Run Cafe ends up with more business than Mermaid Express because it’s size and variety. Staff member, Patricia Johnson says, “Everyone loves the fries.” Patricia has been a staff member there for four years now, and she claims that First Run offers “healthy options.” This statement is true, yes, but not everything offered there is proven to be healthy..
Good things are said about First Run, but it also has its share of complaints. Current student, Tan Armstrong gives her opinion of the cafe: “I never eat there because the food seems processed and chemically enriched. If I was desperate for some food, I would go for their yogurt. And their ‘Healthy Choices’ do not seem healthy in my opinion. Nobody there knew where the vegetables came from when I asked. But most of all, it is just too expensive for a college student.”
It sounds like Tan has given this some thought. However, other students like Abraham Washington defend the cafe. This is what he has to say: “The First Run Cafe is pretty good. I mostly get the same thing, but whenever I try out something new there, it turns out to be good. It has awesome drink options, and it’s also a good place to meet people. Plus, I don’t feel like going somewhere else to eat. Why would I? First run has good people.”
It seems Abraham looks at things in a different perspective and stands up for his privilege to eat there, and he isn’t right or wrong. Opinions can be tossed around, but ultimately it, would be impossible to completely satisfy everyone’s taste buds at PVCC, and that is OK. Students can learn to adapt.
Fortunately, there are other businesses and local restaurants just a few miles from the college. There are six different and easy-to-find eateries that are happy to serve those who come to them from PVCC.
In the shopping center beyond Monticello High School, attached to the left of Food Lion, there is a savory Italian restaurant called Pizza Bella. It draws in customers with its zesty aroma and humble employees. When asked about their most popular dishes, current staff member Aurela Fazliu says, “I would recommend any of our pastas. We also offer daily specials for those who are interested.”
When in the mood for something sweet, just go about six stores to the right of Pizza Bella to enjoy some of Bloop’s Frozen Yogurt. They stay pretty busy due to its successful management and jovial atmosphere. The inside of the store smells like a fruitbasket, and its so colorful. They also offer waffle cones and frosty customised milkshakes. Upon arrival, be prepared to smile.
Some of the PVCC family is employed at Bloop. When current employee, Sara Smith is asked about Bloop’s most popular flavors and topping, she states, “Most customers usually go for the chocolate or vanilla, but I would recommend our cake batter. It’s excellent. Also, all of our fruit toppings are fresh, never frozen.” Wow. That sounds like the right place to satisfy a sweet tooth.
On the way there, take note of both the Subway and the Hong Kong restaurants for other options in the future.
Across the road from Bloop, there is a booming Exxon gas station filled with delicious surprises. Inside, there is a energizing Mudhouse Coffee shop and a popular deli. The employees welcome their customers with small talk and laughter. All the sandwiches in their deli are named after towns in Virginia. When their manager Robert Wingfield is asked which sandwich is the best, he says, “Try the Farmville or the Earlysville. They are both ordered the most.” The amount of business the Exxon attracts is a clue for satisfaction.
If there is no hurry, take the time for a little history lesson while eating colonial-style at Michie’s Tavern. Start by heading across the road from Piedmont, and shoot down route 53. On the right, perched upon a hill, there sits a little slice of 1784. This is the place to be for those who wish to dine and travel back in time.
The entire staff is dressed for the era, and they serve the food from a solid copper buffet. The steaming southern-style meal snatches the attention of each customer with its most famous fried chicken recipe. Be sure to time the visit right though. The dining room is only open from 11:30 to 3:30.
PVCC does have a few options that are convenient, but they do not have to be the only options. Explore the outskirts of the college and try something new.
