I was a wide-eyed first-year, entering my first round of Battle of the Dining Halls. And boy was it a delight!

Columbia Dining hosted Battle of the Dining Halls—featuring Food Network Star Chef Robert Irvine—on Tuesday, March 25, with the event open to all registered dining plan users. The theme this year was inspired by the Breakfast Club.

Our lovely Editor-in-Chief hyped up this event so much that I didn’t know what to expect other than its massive popularity. And massive popularity it was, with the queue stretching around Lerner 10 minutes before the start. At 2 pm, they opened up the gates, and we were ready to head in. 

Once inside, I was astounded by how Columbia Dining managed to transform Roone Auditorium. With dramatic blue lighting, and customized theming for each dining hall—I’m looking at you, John Jay as Waffle House!—it truly set the mood. With entry included a free t-shirt with mottos for each hall. Options included: #BigSubBigDill, #FacHouseRocks, #FerrisForever, #JJsFam, and #TeamJohnJay. The raffle was an added bonus, with prizes ranging from autographed t-shirts to free coffee for a semester to a customized menu curation opportunity.

At each station was a standard offering and a vegan version. Chef Mike had a breakfast brisket hero, containing beef brisket and scrambled eggs. Meanwhile, Faculty House had an epic ranchero in a cup, with a poached egg in a tortilla cup. JJ’s breakfast taco was so popular I didn’t even attempt the line, and just stole bites of my friend’s. Ferris offered an arepa waffle—also with a poached egg. John Jay (as Waffle House) arrived with a buttery chicken and cornbread waffle sandwich. A dessert station featuring fruity pebbles cannoli concluded the show.

Near the end, Chef Mike and Chef Irvine announced the People’s Choice and Judge’s Choice awards, respectively, to the delight of attendees. The audience awarded JJ’s with their vote, while the panel gave John Jay their highest award.

I voted for Chef Mike’s, personally. Not only was their hero absolutely scrumptious, but they stayed true to themselves by using the same bread they use to make our everyday subs. It was the only one I felt could actually be offered on a battle-less day.

I am definitely signing up again next year—and you should too!  

Header and other images via Author