SLO Eats

When it comes to working in campus dining, putting the needs of students first is a priority for Cal Poly Partners, the organization that oversees all things dining. Russell Monteath, director of Commercial Services for Cal Poly Partners, emphasized the importance of putting students first in regards to their dining experience as first years. CL: What do you think are some of the biggest, challenges and things you have to deal with, day to day when it comes to dining halls and dining? RM: It’s just volume. I don't think people realize this, but, in a ranking of what we serve people, like how many coordinated people live on campus. We rival UCLA, USC. We are enormous in terms of a dining program. So, we have over 50 locations and we feed over 25,000 people a day. So if you can do the math, you know, 50 locations, 25,000 people, right now, 8,500 students who live on campus, 9,000 students that are on a meal plan. I wouldn't say the hardest, it's I just think, when I have a hi...

From falafels to schnitzel, there is always something fresh to be found outside the Performing Arts Center. What’s Cookin’ Kosher is one of five food trucks that serve students throughout the week. The Mediterranean food truck opened in  March 2023 , becoming Cal Poly’s first and only kosher dining facility. Mustang News covered its grand opening, stating, “Beyond its traditional Jewish cuisine offerings, the truck also represents a larger effort to promote diversity and inclusivity on campus, providing a welcoming space for members of the Jewish community and beyond, Campus Dining director Jess Dozier said”.  What’s Cookin’ Kosher offers a variety of Mediterranean meals, such as shawarma plates, sandwiches, and Israeli salad. Students are able to order through their student GrubHub account or they can order in person and pay with their Poly Cards, giving students yet another affordable option for meals on campus. On a recent weekday afternoon, the truck provided several meals...

Warm bread and garlic olive oil greet every table as parties sit down. Family recipes like Nonna’s Meatballs, fresh pasta made in-house, homemade sauces, and locally grown veggies fill each dish and plate, giving diners a taste of warmth and home. Desserts range from cheesecakes, cannolis, and homemade gelatos.  In the heart of downtown San Luis Obispo sits Giuseppe’s Cucina Rustica, known to many, as simply “Giuseppe’s.” Named Best Restaurant in San Luis Obispo by the New Times for the last two years, it has become a popular place for both San Luis Obispo residents and visitors.  Occupying the Sinsheimer Bros. Building, Giuseppe's sits on Monterey Ave. in the heart of downtown SLO. (Photo/Charlotte Lammersen) “It’s almost like a place of comfort,” Reese Duffy said. “It was the last place I had dinner with my parents before they dropped me off this year, so whenever I go now with my friends it reminds me of that night.”   Joe DiFronzo created the idea for his restaurant ...

(Photo: Pexels/Lukas) When talking with Cal Poly students, ice cream was mentioned the most as their favorite sweet treat. From fluffy donuts to fruity bobas, San Luis Obispo has a lot to offer when it comes to sweet treats. People all over social media have normalized commemorating life moments with sweet confections.  According to Spoon University , an online food publication, “‘getting a sweet little treat’ is used as a study break , a pick-me-up, and sometimes just a way of powering through the day.”  To understand more about the popularity of sweet treats, I asked individuals throughout campus what their favorite places to get dessert are in San Luis Obispo, and these are the top five answers.    SLO FroYo, downtown San Luis Obispo   SLO FroYo was the most common suggestion among students. Along with frozen yogurt, FroYo sells ice cream and Italian ice dessert. Students have great things to say about the blend of flavors and wide variety of toppings. It is...