The following entry will discuss my observations of the role food plays in my life and how I navigate this while on UNM campus.
Eating can be an experience that stimulates the mind, body and soul. Or, a simple means to an end. Its all up to you!
The only reason I visit UNM food distribution centers is when I begin to lose the fight against overwhelming drowsiness and/or hunger. When sleep deprivation and starvation team up to render me utterly, unproductive I choose the most convenient locations depending on my whereabouts at that particular moment.
I do not like to travel unnecessary distances. My biggest pet peeve is the idea that I am back tracking. I like to get things done in one swift motion. The way in which I complete errands is analogous to drawing a circle on paper; it is uncommon to pick up the pencil while completing a circle. Another example is writing in script, likewise to drawing a circle, you never pick up the pencil until you start the next word.
So, I guess I view the acquirement of nourishment as an errand, a chore that I have no other choice but to complete. Accomplishing this mission at UNM is honestly not very different from off-campus locations. UNM has done an excellent job at providing miniature versions of full sized common convenience stores, grocery or even breweries.
Outtakes located in Mitchell hall very closely resembles popular convenience stores such as 7/11. Like 7/11, Outtakes usually has my preference of energy drink. However, making a direct comparison, the Outtakes located in the student union building (SUB) would be more like 7/11 because that location has a larger variety of choices because it is a larger location but not as convenient.
Outtakes “quick cuisine” located in Mitchell Hall provides me with an expeditious experience. It is a straightforward choice to a multitude of sleepy, hungry students that do not want to spend the eternity of 50 minutes on an empty stomach. La Montanita co-op located adjacent to the UNM book store is a welcome change to the hurried flow patrons seen at Outtakes.
La Montanita is student’s miniature version of the co-op located in nob hill. This location does not offer the large array of fresh, organic produce offered at its parent grocery store. However, fresh produce such as apples and bananas can be procured when chocolate, almond chip energy chunks are not the attractive choice.
I have never been La Montanita and experienced a long line of hungry students. I feel this may be because of its location. Although, I may be biased since I do not have classes in that particular area. It is a common thought that organic, fresh food is expensive but, an energy drink from Outtakes costs about $3.23. While a bag of energy chunks is $3.04 and the amount feeds you for more than a day.
Energy drinks provide 160mg of caffeine but energy chunks offer protein and fiber among other nutrients. This provided me a perspective of striving for a balanced life. La Montanita offers healthy alternatives when looking for a quick “pick me up” in a holistic manner. It inspires me to grow my own food and quit my habit of choosing large amounts of caffeine and sugar. La Montanita makes me realize I can achieve longer lasting productivity if I only choose healthy, clean, fresh products as sustenance. Products that provide both nutrition and gusto.
Draft and Table located at the SUB provides an ambiance for mental stability. In light of wanting a more balanced diet to produce a well balance lifestyle, the on-campus brewery provides a good dose of R & R. Like Outtakes and La Montanita, Draft and Table is a miniature version of off campus breweries. The atmosphere is reminiscent of local Bosque brewery that is only a couple blocks from campus. Draft and Table is only miniature in the fact that it does not have a large variety of options.
Draft and Table offers staple appetizers and sandwiches as commonly seen at all breweries and the beers and wine offered are also the same. It is a corner of campus that takes you away to a relaxing time, such as that of summer days when the deadlines of the past semester are only nightmares experienced during random nights.
I greatly appreciate the addition of Draft and Table because it is a location in which time is spent at a leisurely rate. An hour does not seem like an abundance of time. However, a lot can be accomplished in an hour. I often find that when I have a free hour, all I want to do is complete an errand. University life is full of deadlines and rushed tasks that we, as students forget the importance of “taking it easy”.
The concept of having a beer in between classes may seem disturbing but I think the option encourages students to practice discipline. The warm and cozy feeling of a beer can easily influence you to have another, which can easily turn into a downward spiral where priorities and responsibilities are forgotten.
Overall, the three locations each have a niche in the world that is UNM. Outtakes is presented as a quick solution to an issue that can be debilitating. The location is small where chips, drinks and sandwiches are only a couple of steps away from each other. Likewise it is located within steps of your classroom. In contrast La Montanita also offers quick bites however, the store itself is larger. The variety of items is versatile and the atmosphere is not rushed but calm. Draft and table is a sit down location where you can spend thirty minutes to a few hours dependent on your schedule.
I am surprised at how UNM offers great options for all types of time tables as is shown in the three locations described. To be honest I was intrigued by my own reactions and feelings while a patron. I never realized at how I view my own nourishment. I often find myself being reluctant at spending money when it comes to meeting my basic needs but I am not reluctant to meeting needs based in pleasure. I am more than happy to pay $5 for a beer but wince at paying $3.23 for an energy drink (which is unhealthy). I feel this is an issue in today’s society that must be addressed.
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