How Does Sharples Reuse Leftovers?

February 23, 2010

Editor’s note: This article was initially published in The Daily Gazette, Swarthmore’s online, daily newspaper founded in Fall 1996. As of Fall 2018, the DG has merged with The Phoenix. See the about page to read more about the DG.

After Pasta bar on Sundays and Wednesdays, Swatties observe that baked pasta is a rather common dish in the subsequent lunches and dinners that follow. This phenomenon begs the question: how often are food dishes reused at Sharples?

The Gazette sat down with Linda McDougall, Director of Swarthmore’s Dining Services to answer our inquiries. According to McDougall, when there are leftovers, they are often reheated and served as they were originally, like chicken with feta on Monday night. However, Sharples’ cooks occasionally use their creativity to create something completely different from what was previously served. These examples include from baked chicken to bbq chickes, rice to fried rice, blintzs to a dessert with eggs and fruit topping, meatloaf added into beef chili, and hot dogs into beanies and weenies. When leftovers are reused, they are only used once before it is either discarded or given to City Teams, a non-profit organization that serves the poor and homeless in Philadelphia.

Sample advertisement

On the other hand, Sharples does a very detailed job on calculating student demand of foods and the appropriate supply of such dishes. She explains, “We have many years of history and experience so Janet Kassab, our production manager and the cooks are usually very close at forecasting how much of a product needs to be prepped and cooked.” The only challenge is when they serve new dishes— but the majority of the time, Kassab and the head cook’s expectations are rather accurate.

And so the mystery of Sharples leftovers is solved! Want the Gazette to solve other mysteries? E-mail us at ask@daily.swarthmore.edu!

Previous Story

Screw Your Roommate 2010: In Video

Next Story

Redefining Commenting on the Gazette

Latest from News

Luna’s Mexican Grill Opens in the Ville

When Swarthmore upscale wine bar and restaurant Village Vine announced that it would be holding its final dinner service on March 8, many members of the community were shocked and disappointed to hear the news. The day after its closure, however, chef-owner

Swarthmore Admits Class of 2029

Correction: A previous version of this article listed Feb. 28 as the letter releases date. It has now been corrected to March 21. On March 21, Swarthmore College sent acceptance letters to 965 prospective members of the Class of 2029. The admissions
Previous Story

Screw Your Roommate 2010: In Video

Next Story

Redefining Commenting on the Gazette

The Phoenix

Don't Miss