Mark Bratton, executive chef of Virginia Tech's West End Market, serves specialties like lobster and London broil to more than 5,500 students daily.
BLACKSBURG, Va., Oct. 7, 2010 – Online college admissions resource Parents & Colleges, which provides information to help guide families through the college admissions process, has ranked Virginia Tech third of America's Best Colleges in the category of "Top 10 Best College Eats."
The Best College Eats ranking highlights the variety of dining options Virginia Tech Dining Services has to offer, from whole Maine lobster served every day in West End Market to all-you-care-to-eat dining in D2. Some dining favorites, including the cookie-dough topped brownie, are adapted from students' family recipes to be served in the campus dining centers.
Virginia Tech's dining program has a tradition of winning awards. The program was ranked No. 1 in the nation by The Princeton Review for "Best Campus Food" in the 2010 edition. It has also received a 2010 Best Concept Award from Food Management Magazine for a "Seasons of Change" catering special event. Silver and Bronze Loyal E. Horton Awards from the National Association of College and University Food Services were awarded in 2009 and the department received a Grand Prize Loyal E. Horton Award in 2007.
Parents & Colleges offers objective advice to help families navigate the college consideration process to choose the institutions that best fit their students' needs. The website highlights a selection of colleges that offer value, excellence, and engagement that parents and students look for. Senior Vice President Peter Tomassi said that the award reflects Virginia Tech’s status, "not only as an elite institution of higher education, but one that should stay top-of-mind as families make their higher education plans."
The Division of Student Affairs at Virginia Tech encompasses departments dedicated to providing a rich co-curricular experience and essential student services. Virtually every aspect of a student's life outside the classroom is represented through the division's departments.
Written by Stephanie Paradiso of Rockville, Md., a senior majoring in communication in the College of Liberal Arts and Human Sciences.
Pizza served at D2 Dining Center