Homecoming and Family Weekend ran smoothly, despite crummy weather. Tulane University football crushed Temple University 52-6 students reunited with parents and above all, the Malkin Sacks Commons food was exceptional. In fact, the food was so distinctive from the usual that I received a text from a friend urging me to try it.   

The food was the best yet this semester and completely different from the usual. Cajun-Creole classics were on the menu: creamy crawfish étouffée, Cajun gator stew, mushroom pesto deli and various bread puddings plated fancifully.  

Interestingly, the Commons removed all pizzas and instead put out three dessert pizzas: cherry jubilee, pineapple brown sugar and bananas foster. What the Commons chefs created was remarkable. The food was tasty, the variety was great and students seemed to be satisfied. 

The glory only lasted for one day. The day after, when many parents were absent, the Commons went back to serving the same old food. The issue goes beyond the fact that Tulane’s dining has declined since last year. With Family Weekend, Tulane Dining and Food Services proved its potential to have a diversity of high-quality food. What is irritating is Tulane’s attempt to make a good impression for parents by creating a wonderful dining experience, while putting in minimal effort for students. 

Students were quick to notice this discrepancy. A post on the anonymous Tulane community platform, Fizz, said, “The commons is like a sibling, they only act good around the parents.” The user’s post gained over 2,500 upvotes, which is extremely high for the app.  

Placing a false impression regarding the dining situation is deceptive. Tulane should either show visitors the day-to-day reality of the Commons’ food or consistently put out food that students can rave about. If Tulane dining has the potential to do it, then why not? Why did they remove all the savory pizzas? Did dining intend to hide their normal food options from parents because they were afraid that they would see how mediocre it is?  

Now, students have seen the high quality of food that the Commons can actually put out. Going below that threshold is both disappointing and deceptive.