Kristian Evans, Senior News Editor

By this time in the semester, you’ve probably found that complaining about the food in the Commons is a great way to make small talk with fellow Augsburg students. Whether you’re new to campus or an Auggie culinary veteran, you are likely well aware that making fun of the food is low-hanging fruit on campus.

I push back against this idea for two reasons. The first is the staff, who are constantly friendly and welcoming and make things go so smoothly. Second, the utter inability of college students to wake up early unless life depends on it makes breakfast time in the Commons the best-kept secret in Augsburg dining. But how do you go about making sure you take full advantage of quiet and peaceful morning? That is where I come in.

As a seasoned Commons consumer, I returned to the old stomping grounds in hopes of reminding myself of the best ways to navigate the food. This isn’t to say that I personally had anything bad to say about the food, but with a 15 meal plan, we all need to find ways to get variety. Here are a few options:

1.  If there is bacon, there is zero shame in heading straight over to the omelet bar and asking for that to be incorporated into your egg dish. I can’t take credit for this idea but witnessed a football player make this move my first year and can’t help but think it’s the greatest contribution a football player has ever made to Augsburg.

2.   Work outside the box with what’s available to you. The whipped cream that sits next to the waffle bar can be used for way more than just the waffles. I’m not here to legislate what it can and can’t be used for. Go nuts. Same goes for syrup.

3.   Get the wraps while you can. These amazing creations by the hands of Derek (AKA the Commons G.O.A.T.) are to be treasured and respected because of their contribution to culinary mastery and are perfect in every way. Only pro-tip here: take one at a time; they are to be shared, and Derek is sure to regulate that strictly, as he should.

While my preference for the peace and quiet of the Commons breakfasts may not persuade the masses to join in these best-kept secrets (which, selfishly, I would greatly prefer), I hope for those few who make their way to breakfast each morning these lessons may be used to elevate the dining experience. Indeed, there is no nobler cause, so long as all those who bring us said breakfast are met with the same high respect.

This article was originally published in the Nov. 2, 2018 issue.