When looking for a spot on campus to grab a coffee or pastry and get some studying done, many Dalhousie University students wouldn’t think to go to the Grawood, Dal’s student bar. Through a continuing rebrand that has started recently and will be fully rolled out in September, Lenka Tomlinson wants to change that.
Meeting students where they’re at
Recent additions to the Grawood’s menu include breakfast items that are served until noon, espresso drinks and halal certified chicken.
“It has a better breadth of foods to suit different student desires,” says Tomlinson, the bar manager at the Grawood.
Although those looking to drink, socialize and play games are still welcome at the Grawood, Tomlinson also wants to make the space inclusive for those looking for something different as well.
“We’re just trying to diversify,” says Tomlinson.
Plans for September include more adaptable furniture, art, plants and books. Tomlinson thinks that the large space is under-utilized and unsuitable for student needs.
“You guys are paying for it,” says Tomlinson. “So you might as well have a nice space that you actually want to show up at and get affordable food and coffee.”
Is it worth it? A review
The Gazette visited the Grawood to sample items off their menu, both new and old. The menu emphasizes affordability and diversity of options.
Specials
Turkey brie melt (served with fries or salad)
Price: $14
Rating: 4.5/5
The turkey brie melt is one of Tomlinson’s favourites on the Grawood’s menu. Complete with crispy bread, gooey brie cheese and a generous amount of sliced turkey, it’s easy to see why.
Although it seems easy enough to make a grilled cheese sandwich, many restaurants struggle to do it well. Luckily, the Grawood is not one of them. The ratio of cheese to meat to bread is perfect, and the sandwich is sizable. It’s enough to keep someone tied over through study sessions or late night hang outs, especially when paired with the included side.
Though a bit of buttery goodness is a good thing, the sandwich could have held back on the oiliness, which would make it sit lighter in the stomach.
Veggie sandwich (served with fries or salad)
Price: $12
Rating: 2.5/5
Tomlinson emphasized that the Grawood is making more of an effort to include vegetarian and vegan options on their menu.
The veggie sandwich consists of lettuce, tomatoes and red peppers, along with hummus and a balsamic glaze between two pieces of untoasted bread. The ratio was good and the vegetables were fresh. It wasn’t as oily as the turkey brie melt, making for a lighter, healthier option.
However, the bread was soggy, due to its lack of toasting and the amount of damp vegetables and sauces on the sandwich. It also could have had more flavour, and perhaps a more creative vegan sauce other than hummus.
$9 menu
Dip mix
Price: $9
Rating: 4/5
Pickle lovers will be happy to see this on the menu. Flavourful and filling, the dip mix consists of a large bowl of hummus and olive oil, topped with olives and pickles, and surrounded by slices of pita bread. The flavours pair nicely together and the dish is generous with the offerings of pickles and olives. Moreover, the pickles are delicious and crunchy. (For hardcore pickle lovers, Grawood-goers are also welcome to order a whole cup of pickles, according to Tomlinson.)
The dip mix is a good option to share with friends as a light appetizer, or to have to yourself as a light meal. As a part of the $9 menu, the price is affordable for what you get.
Other dipping options other than the pita would have elevated this dish — perhaps a variety of veggies, to add an extra crunch.
Drinks
Hot caramel latte
Price: $4.50
Rating: 5/5
Most students on campus in need of a midday pick-me-up head to Tim Hortons or Second Cup. But if you’re a coffee lover, you’re sleeping on the Grawood. Creamy, with a deep flavour and the perfect amount of syrup, a latte from the Grawood hits the spot. Even better, the line is short and the service is quick.
Students in search of a free or discounted coffee are also in luck: if you bring in a mug to donate to the Grawood, you get a free coffee.
“I’m sure that everyone has a free mug kicking around their apartment,” says Tomlinson.
Those who bring in a reusable mug also will receive 50 cents off their order.
Sides
Salad
Price: $12
Rating: 4/5
This salad is nothing special, but it does the trick. Lettuce, tomatoes, cucumbers and onion are topped with a balsamic vinaigrette to complete this light side. The dressing was tangy and the vegetables were nice.
Fries
Price: $5
Rating: 5/5
Wonderfully crisp, the Grawood fries are cooked the perfect amount of time — each bite is a perfect salty crunch. Normalize getting fries as an in-between class snack.
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