Simply the Best
A student waits for his meal from Simply Oasis. Photo by Amy Suh
Forgive my virtue-signaling for just a moment and hear me out: You need to start eating at Simply Oasis in Benson Memorial Center.
Look, I get it. You had a long day; it’s late, and some classic American cuisine would hit the spot. A double smash burger might sound more satisfying than a plate of chicken and rice. In this monotony, your accountability is tested.
Simply Oasis, located next to Global Grill and the Chef’s Table, is designed to accommodate dietary restrictions but, in the process, delivers well-rounded, fresh and delicious food for anyone. Some of my favorites in their rotation include the lomo saltado, Thai chicken lettuce wrap and lamb kebab.
Simply Oasis tastes better than the Fire Grill or the Slice, but I understand that not everyone agrees. I can’t sit here and try to convince you about what your taste buds say. But I can say that maturing them may be in your best interest.
It’s safe to say that college students care about their public image. The last thing a Santa Clara University student wants is to appear young and immature. I hate to say it, but only ever ordering chicken strips has this effect. Your peers are shaking their heads and thinking about how you eat like their 5-year-old brother. And let’s hope your employer doesn’t catch you in the act, because they are going to reconsider the “professional” and “adaptable” descriptors they read on your LinkedIn.
The good news is you have some time. While I think it’s silly for college students to be such picky eaters, you’re not quite in the real world yet. But just wait. Give it a couple of years, and you’ll still be eating mac and cheese when your boss invites you out to lunch. Wait long enough, and you’re politely told by the waitress that you’re not eligible to eat with your children off the kid’s menu.
Hopefully, this is a wake-up call and convinces you to broaden your horizons. Again, I’m not saying you should go cold turkey with your childhood classics. But consciously diversifying your diet is necessary. Eventually, you’ll realize it tastes better anyway.
One day, seeing grilled flank steak with rice and salad on the menu at Simply Oasis will fill you with joy. You’ll brag to your friends about your new-found tastes, and they might start to take you more seriously.
Until that day, though, I will continue to enjoy the short lines and strengthen my superiority complex as I pass you eating your chicken strips.