At least the food's close

By Elaine Willey
Special to Summer Forty-Niner

Tim Lynch admits he has friends who purchase the same turkey sandwich every day of the semester without fail.

Lynch, though, seeks out new hobbies when he feels the urge coming on.  This same quality, the constant need for change, is especially evident when it comes to consuming campus food.

"I'm not a breakfast person, so I eat my main meals later on in the day when I'm at school," he said. "So it's important that I like the food on campus and I do."

Although most people are creatures of habit, Lynch, a senior majoring in finance, is different.

"When I wake up in the morning, I have no idea what I'm going to crave," he said. "That's why I love the many different options of food offered here at Cal State Long Beach. I like variety."

With more than 15 different food venues, there should be no problem finding a place to feed that hunger of yours. For students such as Tim Lynch, CSULB caters to temper-mental taste buds.

This campus is the epitome of variety when it comes to campus food.  Whether a student is a health nut or a glutton, fear not because there's everything for everyone here at CSULB.  From fast-food restaurants to sit-down dining, take your pick.

In an average week, Lynch said he might visit as many as 10 different foodstands to quiet his hunger.

"Some days I feel like something heavy and other days something light," he states.  "I may just visit the concession stands if I feel like hot dogs all week."

CSULB offers a wide range of ethnically diverse foods as well.  If a craving is calling for something French, then visit Le Bakery for a fresh baked croissant.  Other ethnic foodstands are Panda Express and Tomassitos.

A colorful menu listed on the wall of the Culinary Wrap stand located in the middle of campus offers multi-ethnic plates.  Lynch said his favorite wrap is the Thai wrap,  a gourmet burrito that is a concoction of succulent chicken, Thai lettuce mix, bean sprouts, cucumbers, cilantro and spicy peanut sauce.

Salmon, Tri-tip, Greek and veggie wraps are offered as well. Starting this semester, Culinary Wraps will offer breakfast wraps made with eggs, bacon, avocado, cheese and more.

The perfect place for a fraternity and sorority ambiance is The Nugget.

During business hours, a student of drinking age can sip on a cold beer while munching on a satisfying piece of pepperoni pizza and watch movies at the same time.

The University Student Union is another great place to satisfy hunger pains.  On the bottom level is a cute coffee shop style eatery with much personality called The Blue Marble.This is the perfect place to get away from the hustle and bustle of campus life.

The atmosphere is studious with a dark feel. Behind straw curtains is a hide-away with fluffy pillows to sit on while enjoying a cup of raspberry Chai Latte or a tuna salad.  Alternative music is played to enhance your visit.

A Carl's Jr. and Subway are located on the first floor of the University Student Union if fast food is calling your name. Taco Bell is another fast-food restaurant on campus.

A candy shop is a luxury addition to the student union, and more than 20 different types of sweets are offered along with a variety of beverages such as sports drinks, juices, bottles, sodas and water.

For a meal containing all of the five food groups, Boar's Head Deli will supply students with that. The Focaccia Combo consists of Pepper Mill turkey breast, Muenster cheese, lettuce, tomato, mayonnaise and spicy mustard all on your choice of bread with side dish is unbeatable.

The Outpost Bakery & Grill is wonderfully located all by its lonesome near the SSPA Building.

Students can order a grill cheese sandwich and broccoli-cheese soup.  This little eatery contains many different food and snack items.

The Chartroom is a place where students can sit down with menus and order from a server if they wish, said Director of University Dining Services Clint Campbell. The Chartroom also has a buffet setup.

The perfect place for a sweet treat would be the Smoothie Bar in the dining plaza. Gourmet ice cream, iced cappuccinos and non-fat shakes are available here.

"Eating here is like eating in my own kitchen," Lynch said. "This is my kitchen."