Best of Epicurean
No. 1 – Organic Penne Pasta with Chicken Pesto Alfredo
There is nothing better than a warm serving of chicken alfredo pasta with pesto. Now I may just be a pasta lover, but I love Pinewood’s Tuesday pasta lunches, and the alfredo pasta is just one of the many reasons why. The perfectly boiled tube-shaped penne pasta and creamy alfredo sauce, paired with the subtle undertones of pesto makes this lunch top every other Pinewood lunch, not to mention the chopped chicken that soaks in the sauce to make every bite of the pasta that much more flavorful.
No. 2 – Grilled Teriyaki Chicken Bowl with Jasmine Rice & Stir Fried Vegetables
This deliciously teriyaki chicken bowl is another favorite. Its sweet distinct flavor reminds me dearly of my favorite restaurant, Panda Express. With the white jasmine rice, it feels as though I’m eating fresh takeout for lunch. Additionally, getting your greens in has never been easier, as the stir fried vegetables absorb the teriyaki flavor, making them so delicious, you won’t even notice you’re eating vegetables.
No. 3 – Chicken Tenders
You can never go wrong with chicken tenders, especially when they’re as perfectly breaded with a golden crust as the Pinewood specials. Underneath that crispy exterior lies the tender, lightly-seasoned chicken. Each bite is filled with warmth and guaranteed satisfaction. And for a classic bite, pairing it with ranch and ketchup just draws out even more flavor. Overall, the Pinewood chicken tenders are a staple lunch.
Worst of Epicurean
No. 1 – Pizza
With oil oozing at the top, rubbery cheese, and flour still prevalent on the crust, the Pinewood pizza is not a sight for sore eyes. With just one look, any individual would know why it’s not at the top of this list. Even as you grab the tray, you can feel the residual oil of the pizza soaking through the cardboard. Though the crust is usually my favorite part, I always find myself dreading the chewy and bland crust of the Pinewood pizza.
No. 2 – Grilled Grass Fed Hamburger
I’ve had a few delicious burgers in my life, and the Pinewood one is not one of them. The patty is lackluster, with none of the typical juiciness one comes to love in a burger. The untoasted patties often fall flat under the weight of one’s disappointment with the burger. In fact, many students have started sandwiching the chips in between the buns to make up for the lack of texture and crunch.
No. 3 – Macaroni and Cheese
A controversial take, but I abhor the macaroni and cheese. It’s just way too cheesy, and I didn’t even think that was possible. Though the first bite is refreshing to your taste buds, the following bites are increasingly overloaded with overwhelming amounts of creamy American cheese. By the time you have two more spoonfuls left, you find yourself having to use positive mantras to finish. And when you finish, you reflect and ask yourself, “Was it worth it?”
