A Taste of Rollins
April 12, 2021
By Stephanie Rizzo ’09
From hearty, healthy dinners (lake view included) to on-the-go snacks between classes, Rollins dishes up distinctive dining options for every appetite.
At Rollins, we’re all about what fuels you—whether it’s for your brain, your workout, or simply to nourish your body as you navigate the ins and outs of college life. Our six on-campus dining locations include everything from our souped-up main dining hall to a scattering of cafes sure to sate sweet and savory cravings alike. Add to that our prime location smack dab in the middle of downtown Winter Park, home to some of Central Florida’s hottest restaurants, and it’s no wonder the College keeps racking up accolades everywhere from The Daily Meal to Peta2 lauding Rollins’ innovative and diverse dining options as some of the best in the nation.
Is your mouth watering yet? From creative vegetarian offerings to Instagrammable feasts fit for a king, check out what’s on the menu at Rollins.
Plant-Based Foodies
We promise we don’t relegate fruit-and-veggie lovers to the salad bar. Every campus dining venue offers innovative vegetarian and vegan creations. We’re talking vegan shepherd’s pie, veggie-based banh mi bowls, and buffalo cauliflower in Skillman Dining Hall, the main dining center overlooking Lake Virginia. At our very own pub, Dave’s Boathouse, you’ll find mile-high plant-based burgers and healthy kale and farro bowls. The all-new, expanded campus convenience store (aka the C-store) has you covered with fresh produce and is happy to take special requests. You can even order in advance and pick up your goods when you’re ready. As if our campus offerings weren’t enough, Rollins happens to be within walking distance of Ethos, one of the city’s best vegan restaurants serving up takes on classic comfort foods like “chickun” marsala and meatless meatloaf.
Variety Seekers
Our dining facilities serve unique specials that rotate with the season like Mardi Gras-inspired shrimp and grits. You can even get creative and customize your order at most locations, including your favorite day-starter beverage at our very own on-campus Starbucks. At Cornell Cafe, which we’ve lovingly dubbed “Tarpotle,” you can mix and match a variety of proteins and Mexican-inspired fixings to create a signature bowl or burrito that’s all you. (Bonus: Deliciously dippable guacamole is made fresh on the daily.) Off-campus, your options for variety are only as limited as your taste buds. One weekend it’s the quiche of the day from Financier Patisserie (our favorite is asparagus and gruyere), and the next it’s a prime filet paired with a classic wedge salad at BoVine Steakhouse.
Home Chefs
Just because you live in a res hall doesn’t mean you can’t whip up a scrumptious spread. You’ll find community kitchens in many residential halls, and some facilities like the brand-new Lakeside Neighborhood have full kitchens in every suite. Delivered straight to your door, our new Blue & Gold Apron meal kits make it easy to get tasty, healthy dinners—like barbecue salmon with smoky succotash—on the table in no time. For aspiring Top Chefs, Winter Park abounds with specialty markets and high-end retailers like Williams-Sonoma so you’re always stocked up and ready to indulge your inner Gordon Ramsey.
Instagram-Worthy Eats
The best food doesn’t just taste good—it looks good too. Artful sushi awaits at Dave’s Boathouse along with stacked burgers and sinful shakes that’ll be the envy of everyone on your feed. You and your besties will love brunching at nearby Hamilton’s Kitchen, located inside Rollins’ own Alfond Inn, where it’s tough to decide between staples like the chicken and waffles or blueberry pancakes topped with real maple syrup. Just minutes from campus at The Glass Knife, desserts are more like works of art, while over at Krungthep Tea Time, a rainbow assortment of teas is like a party for all your senses. Just remember, pics or it didn’t happen.
Worldly Palates
Rollins’ emphasis on global citizenship extends to our dining choices across campus. Skillman Dining Hall features a rotating menu of international favorites like pupusas, pad Thai, delicate curries, and more. And don’t forget dessert. All baked goods are made in-house and from scratch by a professional pastry chef. In addition to American and French classics, epicureans can expect to find treats like Filipino flan and chai-spiced cupcakes. Just a few steps from campus and you’ll be transported to far-flung spots like Turkey (perfectly puffed naan at Bosphorous) or India (authentic tikka masala at Mynt) or Thailand (panang curry at Orchid) but without the jet lag.
Sensitive Stomachs
If you’ve got food allergies, we’ve got you covered. Skillman Dining Hall has an entire Simple Servings station dedicated to food free from common allergens like wheat, soy, milk, eggs, and nuts. All entrees are served on color-coded plates so you never have to worry about a mix-up. The C-Store also carries allergen-free snacks and has even more available for order. All of our cafes are stocked with alternative milks so you can stay caffeinated, and because personalization is the name of the game at Rollins, you can enjoy endless combinations of delicious, healthy food designed just for you.
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