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Sounds Fishy
Sushi Makes a Big Splash
By Jessica Allen (Class of 2003)
"We continually strive to bring in new products," said Ben Chrisostom, retail manager for Sodexho. "We've been offering everything else--Southwestern, Midwestern, grilled--but nothing by way of the Orient."
If sushi still sounds a little "fishy," do not be alarmed. Neither of the two new dishes actually contains raw fish. The California roll (which is what most people picture when they think of sushi) is essentially sticky rice with marinated vegetables and/or cooked crab, while Inari is a fried tofu pocket with sticky rice and sesame seeds. According to Chrisostom and the associates who sell the dishes, both are extremely popular. Each costs around $4.
"The demand is high. We can't keep up with it," Chrisostom said. Since the introduction of the new items, Sodexho has already doubled the quantity it produces daily. Chrisostom adds that preparation is very labor-intensive, especially for the California roll; each one must be carefully wrapped and cut. "We try to keep it as authentic as possible," he emphasized.
Actually, the decision to offer sushi was inspired by student suggestions. Each year Sodexho conducts a student survey to evaluate its food service, and implements changes as necessary. "It matters to us when people offer suggestions," Chrisostom said. "It increases responses." The surveys revealed that students wanted more variety and healthier options, and this is why many enjoy the new additions.
"It is very tasty," said senior Vera Kim of the Inari. "It filled me up, and I felt very healthy...like I could eat as much as I want."
Sharon Frank, Development Office prospect researcher, was equally pleased with the California roll. "It's excellent. I didn't even know they were offering it until I looked over and saw it [in Smoothie Sensations]," she said. "It was really good."
Nancy Compton, an administrative secretary in President Richard Roberts' office, agrees that the sushi is a pleasant surprise. "I thought it was wonderful," she commented. "It was delicious. I never thought I would get sushi this good on the ORU campus...I'm a happy, satisfied customer."
