Spot menu too limited

cartoon by Christian A. Lopez

Seniors, juniors and sophomores who frequented the Student Center in the past few years may have noticed something different about one of the University of La Verne's hang-out spots.

The Spot, a place to get a quick bite to eat on their way to class, or a place to go when on a break, is no longer that second home it once was.

Instead, it has become the place we go to when we are craving an over-priced hop over the border.

Around the corner near the main entrance of the Student Center is a sign that reads "The Spot," but once inside, it is easy to see that Salsa Rico and Jazzman's Café definitely are not The Spot we once knew.

Instead of an array of chips, fruits, drinks and other delectable snacks that once lined the counters, there is an enormous empty space meant to accommodate a long line of customers that never seems to appear.

Perhaps this is because students, although allowed to use their meal cards at any given time of day, are only allowed to use them on specific food choices.

The food choices, however, are what many have reason to complain about.

The Mexican grill and the tiny café stand, although attractive and smoothly run by an efficient staff, lack of variety and, frankly, "pep." We mean that "The Spot" restaurants lack an overall drive that would make it The Spot most students would like to frequent.

An abundance of chips piled on top of the customers' plates masks the rather unsatisfactory meal hidden beneath. Although we are not complaining about the amount of food given, (Indeed there is rarely a time when customers can finish their meal), there is a problem regarding the quality of the food. This is especially true for those who have to part with hard-earned money when a meal card is otherwise not available.

Lowering steep prices should be considered, given the fact that other places close to campus offer cheaper Mexican food.

Instead of paying $5 to $6 for an unappetizing meal, customers can choose to be appeased at Tacos Mexico, in Ontario, where tacos are only 60 cents each.

At Alberto's on Garey Avenue in Pomona, a customer can enjoy two tacos for 80 cents, plus a hefty burrito for $2 more.

There should be no question of which place students would rather go; Salsa Rico definitely needs a facelift when it comes to its prices and the lack of variety that it serves.

How much Mexican food can you eat?

A facelift for the Spot should also be considered to lighten things up.

Tall backed chairs with bars that mar the backs of those who dare to sit on them, white and green walls with random unhung pieces of art displayed and plain floors make us think of a hospital cafeteria rather than the University's hangout.

Who hangs out at The Spot anyway? The answer is hardly anybody.

And who could blame them?

It has come to the point where many would rather dine at Davenport or Book 'n' Bean, where the atmosphere is livelier.

Perhaps we should open up The Spot a little bit more and make it less enclosed. The area where the television is located cannot even be seen from where we are designated to dine. The chairs are uncomfortable; there is no music. (KULV is still banned until 5 p.m. on weekdays) and the food can only be eaten so much.

Sodexho has done a wonderful job revitalizing the University's two other eateries; they have selection and quality.

Now it is time for Sodexho to raise the quality at The Spot to the same standards.