The first article I ever published for The Independent Florida Alligator was a comedic piece about where to study around campus. One of the places I suggested going to was Plaza of the Americas, and I stand by this statement. It’s still where I eat and study most weekdays. I spend most of my waking hours on Plaza because Krishna Lunch has become a staple in my diet. No, seriously. I eat it all. the. time. And that’s saying something because I am an extraordinarily finicky eater.
If you asked me to describe Krishna Lunch, prepared and provided by the local group of Hare Krishnas, I would not know where to start. I could not do it justice if I tried. Eating Krishna Lunch is like receiving a warm hug on a cold, sad day or, more accurately, like tasting magic. Krishna Lunch brings heaven to you. I have truly never experienced something so ethereal, so perfect. Krishna won’t cure your depression, but it at least can make your days a little bit better.
You may be thinking, “I’m a picky eater. I won’t find anything I want to eat there.” Let me be the one to tell you you’re wrong. I am the pickiest eater that has ever lived, and you can still catch me at Krishna every weekday. If I can love it, so can you.
It is Wednesday as I write this, which means it's Spaghetti Day. Or, should I say, Penne Day? I’m still working on the new title. I have heard a lot of complaints about the recent switch from spaghetti to penne pasta, but I must say, this was a change for the better. I mean, Wednesday has always been my favorite, but penne noodles are a refreshing change. Now, when I go “full Krishna” and drench all of my food in the almond dressing, each noodle is perfectly covered due to the divots in the penne seeping up the dressing. It’s the perfect pasta-to-dressing ratio, which could never be achieved with spaghetti.
About the term “full Krishna.” Some people prefer to keep their salad separate from the rest of their food, only putting the almond dressing on the lettuce. This is a grave mistake, and by not drenching your noodles, potatoes and rice in almond dressing, you are missing out on the finer things in life.
Let’s talk about the price of Krishna Lunch: It’s $5 for all you can eat deliciousness. Not a bad price for an all you can eat scenario. You can save money and still have a great college experience by eating Krishna for every meal all four years.
The environment of Plaza is also a great mood-booster. No one is sad at Krishna Lunch. Maybe you were sad upon arrival, but I promise you won’t be for much longer. Failed a test? Eat Krishna. Just got dumped? Eat Krishna. Just realized our government is spiraling out of control and the two-party system was a colossal failure and we’re all probably going to die from imminent climate change? Eat Krishna.
I don’t know what else to tell you. Just get yourself to Plaza, bring some Tupperware, and allow your mind and taste buds to be blown. Each day brings something new to the table, so you’re never bored. Did I mention there are also vegan options? Krishna Lunch is truly the best place for a picky eater. And it’s the perfect time to relax and enjoy the beautiful weather. You can read, study, nap, spend time with friends and eat a delicious meal – what’s not to love?
Hannah Whitaker is a UF English sophomore. Her column normally appears on Mondays.
Spaghetti Wednesdays are gone. Hare Krishna is responding to numerous student complaints that the iconic Wednesday meal was hard to eat, by changing to an easier pasta meal.
