Commons Café
Commons Café
Weekly Schedule
- Breakfast Mon-Fri, 7:30 am - 10:30 am
- Brunch Sat-Sun, 10:00 am - 2:30 pm
- Lunch Mon-Fri, 11:00 am - 4:00 pm
- Dinner Mon-Sun, 5:00 pm - 7:00 pm
- Late Night Mon-Fri, 7:00 pm - 10:00 pm
- Melange Mon-Fri, 11:30 am - 4:00 pm
- Melange Mon-Sun, 5:00 pm - 7:00 pm
- Daily Planet Mon-Fri, 7:30 am - 10:30 am
- Daily Planet Mon-Fri, 11:30 am - 1:30 pm
- Daily Planet Mon-Fri, 5:00 pm - 7:00 pm
- Ovens Mon-Fri, 11:30 am - 1:30 pm
- Grill Mon-Fri, 7:30 am - 2:00 pm
- Grill Mon-Fri, 4:00 pm - 10:00 pm
- Classics Mon-Fri, 7:30 am - 2:30 pm
- Classics Mon-Fri, 5:00 pm - 7:00 pm
Located in the Gray Campus Center, Commons is the main dining facility on campus. During the academic year, Commons is open 7 days a week and welcomes student, staff, faculty, and campus visitors to experience our made-from-scratch cooking, abundant salad bar, and house baked goods. Jump start your morning with a made-to-order breakfast sandwich, fresh pastries, fresh seasonal fruit, or a hearty breakfast special from the grill. Lunch features our taqueria, made to order deli sandwiches, comfort food at Daily Planet, hand tossed pizza, made from scratch soups, and a selection of desserts. At dinner, guests have the option to create their own dish at either Carve or Rice Bowl station, or chose from scratch made pasta dishes, delectable vegan/vegetarian entrees, or a made to order item from our grill station. Our salad bar always features produce sourced from local farms, fresh fruit, and a variety of composed salads. In a hurry? Check out our healthy options in our grab n go area.
Transact Mobile Ordering App FAQ
Here are some answers to frequently asked questions about our online ordering app, Transact. If your question is not answered here, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us at mobiledining@reed.edu. For more information about Bon Appetit at Reed College, the food we are offering, or some of the important changes we have made to ensure our cafés are as safe as possible, please use the link on the main page of the Transact app.
Just Ask
Do you have a specific question about nutrition or the foods that are served in your Bon Appétit café? Just ask a Manager. We’d love to chat with you and discuss your needs. Want to set up a discussion, or need to contact us directly? Here you go.
Michael Bucuvalas, General Manager, bucuvalas@reed.edu
Jesse Fairman, Executive Chef, fairmanj@reed.edu
Meal Plans
MEAL PLANS
We offer a variety of meal plans to fit your lifestyle. The meal plans operate on a declining balance or debit system. Depending on the plan selected, students begin each semester with a set amount of meal plan dollars or “points”. Students then draw down on their balance as they purchase food. If a student runs out of points they can add additional money throughout the semester. To inquire about meal plan sign-ups or more information, please stop by the Bon Appétit office or the Res Life office.
Learn more about Meal Plan options –
Reed College Meal Plans — 2023-24 Coming soon!
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Brunch
Daily Planet
- reg.1.75 - (3/4 cup)
- reg.1.00
- reg.1.25
- reg.2.00
SimplyOASIS
- reg.2.25 - (1/2 cup)
- reg.3.50 - (1/2 cup)
- reg.3.50 - (1/2 cup)
Grill
- reg.6.75
- reg.6.75
- reg.2.35
Ovens
- reg.4.25
- reg.4.25
- reg.5.25
Dinner
Classics
- reg.7.95
- reg.7.95
Daily Planet
- reg.7.50
SimplyOASIS
- reg.8.25
- reg.8.25
Grill
- reg.2.35
Melange
- reg.8.25
- reg.8.25
Simmered
- reg.3.00
Menu Icon Legend
Stay Fresh
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The Buzz: Microwaving – Does it Nuke Nutrients?
Does microwaving food reduce its nutritional value?
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Edible Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough
Enjoy this no-bake cookie dough straight from the mixing bowl.
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Store Food Like a Pro
Whether you’re eating out or cooking at home, knowing how to keep food safe during storage is critical to staying well.
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Are Sports Drinks Better than Water for Exercise?
Do you really need specialty sports drinks? Our sports dietitians break down hydration science.
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White Bean Dark Chocolate Oat Bar
Bean bars that nourish your body and deliver flavors that will satisfy your taste buds in just a few bites.
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Fueling for Your Best Performance
Maximize the benefits of working out by choosing foods to fuel up and recover quickly after all that effort!
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Combing Through the Clutter: How to Identify Credible Nutrition Information
Be a slightly skeptical consumer by seeking out information from qualified professionals for advice on your health.
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Oyster Mushroom Bacon BLT
Experiment with the smoky flavors of this plant-based “bacon” that can be stacked for a delicious BLT.
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Selective Attention Bias: Are You Missing the Full (Health) Picture?
Take a step back and expand your selective attention to see what your brain may be missing.
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The Sometimes Vegetarian: Small Changes Can Lead to Big Results
Consider these small changes to nourish yourself and protect the planet that we all share.
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Chipotle Tofu Tacos
Ground tofu makes the perfect filling for a satisfying, smokey, and plant-centric taco.
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On Your Mark, Get Set, Go for the Plants!
Plants fuel people and help protect the planet – if athletes can do it, so can you!
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Ginger-Lime Melon Pops
Keep your freezer stocked with these summertime popsicles that will keep you cool with a little bit of kick.
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Quenching Your Thirst
Water isn’t the only way to stay hydrated. Try these fun and creative ways to help you meet your fluid needs.
FOOD ALLERGIES
Serving Students with Food Allergies and Celiac Disease
The dining services team is well-trained in food allergy awareness and offer a number of options for students with food allergies and celiac disease. This includes communication about and modification to existing menu items, special preparation of menu items, and access to special products as agreed upon with students.
Daily menus for each café can be accessed at reed.cafebonappetit.com. Menu items that are appropriate options for most students with celiac disease are labeled as “made without gluten-containing ingredients” and can be filtered to streamline searching using the dietary preferences filter. Top-9 allergens are included in menu names and/or descriptions whenever possible. For more on eating with a food allergy in our café, visit this page and view the guide on food allergies and celiac disease at Reed College. Further questions about ingredients can be answered by our trained managers/chefs on-site.
Dining Without the Top-9
We understand that our guests with special dietary needs, albeit food allergies, celiac disease, lactose intolerance, or any other medically necessary diet simply want a safe place to make food choices, quickly. To allow guests to have readily available options that meet their needs, we offer SimplyOASIS — a destination in the café where all meals are prepared without the use of top-9 allergens plus gluten through the sole use of whole foods.
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For questions about these services or to request food allergy accommodations, students should contact:
Michael Bucuvalas, General Manager
bucuvalas@reed.edu
Disability and Accessibility Resources
DAR@reed.edu
FOOD RECOVERY
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Bon Appétit at Reed College is fighting food waste and hunger by recovering surplus perishable food from our campus that would otherwise go to waste and donating it to people in need through URBAN GLEANERS.
Urban Gleaners is committed to mitigating the impacts of surplus food on the local waste stream by collecting and distributing edible food to at-risk neighbors. They believe that small, everyday actions can make a lasting impact on the climate and its people.
Learn more about the FOOD RECOVERY NETWORK
and BON APPÉTIT’S FOOD RECOVERY EFFORTS
Eat Right — For You
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Wellness
When it comes to wellness, Bon Appétit’s focus is on simple, delicious food — that happens to be good for you. To support long-term health, we are bringing more plants to menus every day in a craveable way, while emphasizing healthy cooking techniques. When healthy food tastes good, nourishing your body and mind becomes the easy choice.
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Food Allergies
We serve thousands of guests with food allergies and sensitivities safely in our cafés every day. Our chefs, managers, and dietitians work closely with our food-allergic guests to create reasonable solutions to help them eat what they love. If you have questions about eating for your dietary needs in our cafés, reach out to us: we’ll gladly meet with you.
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Sustainability
Wellness also includes the health of the animals, the workers, the community, and the Earth. They’re all connected. Bon Appétit has been committed to “food service for a sustainable future” for decades, and we’ve led the food service industry in tackling many important issues, such as cage-free eggs, antibiotics in animal production, and farmworker rights.
Tell Us What You Think
Common Questions
- I’ve been trying to eat a healthier diet. Will I be able to find a healthy food choice in my café?
- Can you tell me how many calories are in the foods in my café?
- How will you handle my concerns about a food allergy?
We know the hot goss on microwaves is that they nuke nutrients, but our dietitians break down the science to determine whether that is fact or fiction. 👇
What`s the buzz?
Although leading health organizations have concluded microwaves are safe, many still question whether microwaving food reduces its nutritional value.
What does the science say?
The best way to understand the science is to know how microwaves work. Short-radio energy waves cause water molecules in food to vibrate and release heat.
Any form of cooking with heat reduces the amounts of given nutrients, and some are more susceptible to heat than others (like vitamin C!).
On the other hand, cooking with heat does also have nutritional benefits, making some nutrients more available after being heated.
What`s the takeaway?
Cooking methods that allow foods to retain the most nutrients are those requiring the shortest heating time AND the least amount of water.
Microwaving foods is actually one of the better cooking methods to preserve nutrients (along with sauteing, steaming, and grilling).
Microwaving does often change the texture of foods. Reheat food using the same equipment the food was originally prepared in for best taste and texture.
#MicrowaveMyths #FoodFacts #FoodMythsDebunked
You CAN have your cookies and eat the dough, too, thanks to our recipe for edible chocolate chip cookie dough. 🍪 (We dare you to try your own flavor variations, as well!)
Makes 5 servings at 3 ounces each
INGREDIENTS
1 can garbanzo beans, reserve liquid (aka aquafaba)
1/2 cup almond butter*
1 tablespoon agave nectar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 cup mini chocolate chips
*Can be substituted with any nut butter of choice.
DIRECTIONS
Drain beans and reserve liquid. Pulse beans in a food processor or blender on low speed. Slowly add chickpea liquid, using just enough to make beans smooth but not wet and runny. Add almond butter, agave nectar, and vanilla, then process until just combined.
Remove from food processor and add chocolate chips. Mix in by hand until incorporated. Refrigerate for at least 3 hours before serving. Hold cold up to five days.
SERVING SUGGESTIONS
1️⃣ Simply dip with pretzels or hearty fruit slices
2️⃣ Roll into truffle-sized balls and dust with cocoa powder
3️⃣ Use for a filling in cupcakes
#EdibleCookieDough #VeganSweets #DessertRecipes #SweetTreats #DessertIdeas #CookieDoughRecipe
With these tips, you too can store food like a pro 💪
No time for the deets? Here`s what you really need to know: Keep hot foods hot and cold foods cold. (Keep foods out of the food safety danger zone between 40°– 140°F for longer than two hours.)
Here are other considerations to keep in mind when storing food:
🌬️ Refrigerator
Refrigerate perishable food within two hours (or one hour if outside temps are above 90°F). Length of storage is also critical: cooked leftovers for 3-4 days, deli salads for 3-5 days, and deli meats 3-5 days when sliced fresh.
🥶 Freezer
Store prepared foods in small batches; label and date all foods (even have a list pinned to your fridge!); thaw in the refrigerator; and use frozen fruits and vegetables in soups, smoothies, or sauces due to their softer texture.
🥡 The Pantry
Make your pantry food last longer with these tips: keep it dark, dry, clean, and cool (between 50°– 70°F); use older containers of food first; store dry foods in airtight containers; and respect the dates on dried fruits, nuts, and seeds (or add to the fridge for a longer shelf life).
♨️ Reheating Leftovers
Reheat your food using the same equipment you used to cook it for the best taste and texture. Save the microwave for foods with high moisture and cover with a damp paper towel. Make sure the food is heated to at least 165°F to prevent foodborne illness.
Download a full guide to keep these recommendations top of mind at the link in our bio! #FoodStorageTips #FoodSafety #RefrigeratorStorage #FreezerTips #PantryOrganization #KitchenHacks
Are sports drinks better than water for exercise? 🤔
Our sports dietitians are breaking down common health and wellness claims made by sports drink companies and comparing them to recommendations from health experts — swipe through the carousel or read on below!
Q: Why is hydration important during exercise?
A: Water makes up 50-75% of the body and is imperative for physiological and biological processes. During a sweaty workout, your fluid needs may increase significantly.
Sweat includes electrolytes like sodium, and folks who sweat a lot during exercise may experience dehydration, muscle cramping, and more if they lose too many electrolytes during vigorous exercise.
Q: Do sports drinks replace the electrolytes lost during exercise?
A: Your body naturally keeps water and electrolytes in balance, meaning sports drinks don`t necessarily replace the amount of sodium lost during exercise. Sports drinks can help you hydrate during longer or more intense workouts but do not actually replenish electrolytes.
Q: What about sports drinks with added carbohydrates for energy?
A: Your body actually stores carbohydrates in muscles and the liver allowing you to have adequate energy for 90-120 minutes of moderate exercise. For anything lasting longer, you may need additional carbohydrates to stay energized.
Q: What about sports drinks with added sugar?
A: Although professional athletes tend to have higher nutrient needs and can handle the sodium and sugar from sports drinks, most Americans have adverse effects to drinks high in sodium and added sugar such as diabetes and cardiovascular disease.
TL;DR
👉 If you exercise at low to moderate intensity for up to 60 minutes per day, water and a balanced diet is sufficient for hydration during exercise.
👉 Competitive or recreational athletes exercising in hot environments, for longer than an hour, or who are heavy sweaters, will likely benefit from consuming a sports drink that contains electrolytes and carbohydrates during exercise.
#SportsNutrition #HydrationTips #ExerciseScience #PerformanceNutrition #SportsHydration #NutritionMythBusters
Fuel your next long workout with our recipe for White Bean Dark Chocolate Oat Bars! (Or, you know, just enjoy them as your next snack. 😉)
Makes 20 servings
INGREDIENTS
1 tablespoon chia seeds
3 tablespoons water
3-1/4 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon, ground
1 teaspoon salt
1-1/2 cups or 15-ounce can cooked white beans, rinsed and drained
1/4 cup olive oil or other neutral oil
1/3 cup maple syrup
1/4 cup carrots, shredded
1/2 teaspoon orange zest
1/4 cup apple sauce
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 cup dates, pitted, and chopped
1/4 cup pumpkin seeds, toasted
1 cup 60% dark chocolate, morsels
DIRECTIONS
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Line sheet pan with parchment paper.
Mix chia seeds and water and set aside for 15 minutes. Process 1/2 of the oats in a food processor until it is a flour-like consistency. In a large mixing bowl, combine the remaining rolled oats, the ground oats, flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt. Mix thoroughly.
Place the white beans and oil in a food processor and process until creamy. Remove and add to oat mixture. Place the chia seed (with water), maple syrup, carrots, orange zest, apple sauce, and vanilla in a food processor. Puree until smooth. Add this mix to the oat and bean mixture and combine thoroughly.
Fold in the dates, pumpkin seeds, and dark chocolate.
Spread evenly onto a sheet pan and bake for 18 minutes, rotating pan halfway through.
Cool completely, then cut into bars.
#Beancipes #WorkoutFuel #FitnessFuel #SnackIdeas
Looking to stay energized during your next workout? For the right energy balance, follow these simple guidelines from our sports performance dietitians! (Seek additional guidance from a registered dietitian if you are extremely active or a professional athlete!)
Here are the basics before we dive in:
👉 Choose a balance of whole foods and stay hydrated throughout your day
👉 The timing of when you fuel up is key for optimal performance
👉 Drink 8 ounces of water per 30 minutes of exercise
👉 Help your body repair muscles and refill energy stores with post-workout food
Explore the tips in the carousel or read on below!
⏲️ 3-4 hours before (or night before)
Food: Have a full meal; drink plenty of fluid
Pro tip: Focus on carbohydrates: fruits, starchy vegetables, grains, bread, pasta, beans, lentils
⏲️ 30-60 minutes before
Food: Enjoy a small snack; keep hydrating, but in smaller quantities
Pro tip: Consume primarily simple carbohydrates
⏲️ During
Food: Replenish with something quick if allowable during competition (otherwise replenish at half-time); hydrate with water or a sports drink every 10-30 minutes
Pro Tip: Choose easy-to-digest carbohydrates like raisins, energy bars, dates, or pretzels
⏲️ Post
Endurance activity or intense training
Food: Consume a 3:1 ratio of carbohydrates to protein
Pro tip: Eat what you can within an hour of finishing to aid recovery
Exercise <60 minutes
Food: Eat at your next planned meal or snack
Pro tip: Eat regularly spaced meals throughout the day to aid recovery
For more ideas (and even some recipes to support performance!) head to the link in our bio. #FitnessNutrition #ExerciseNutrition