KRISHNA LUNCH REVIEW, Plaza of the Americas, University of Florida:…read more Since I couldn't find an entry for this Gainesville staple, I will create my own! This stuff helped put me through college. 3 dollars a plate (now 4 dollars) of all you can eat Indian food with the option to take some home if you bring a tupperware container! The menu varies depending on the day but has undergone a few revampings since I've been in Gainesville. The fan favorite is always spaghetti Wednesday, but my personal favorite is the curry subji on Thursday. What makes it so amazing is the almond dressing that goes on the salad and, if your like me, the rice, halava, and vegetables. I've gotten the recipe and made it at home before but its not the same. There is something utterly perfect about the dressing and many times I've bought a bottle from them (8 dollars) and eaten it on EVERYTHING in my house. Even cookies. Don't judge me. The atmosphere fits perfectly since you are enjoying such natural vegetarian food outside in the sun. Though on rainy days its hard to find a cramped seat in the Library West hallways. Also interesting is the constant singing and chanting the Krishnas do during the entire lunch, and if your lucky you will be approached by a kind Krishna who wishes to talk to you about their religion. Seriously these guys can bring ANYTHING back to Krishna. "Oh yeah, I just got out of the hardest test in Biology." 'You know who else was tested alot? Krishna." I give it 4 stars though because I have had the chance to go back this semester and its not the same. Its a bit more corporate, if you catch my drift. Before, not having the money was no problem as they would feed you out of religious belief. Now I hear stories of Krishnas getting huffy and lecturing. Also lists of rules giving conduct of how to act in the line? Krishna devotees giving me dirty looks when I ask for extra dressing, as if I'm stealing money out of their organization with each squeeze? The pitiful half squeeze I finally do get while being stared down? Wheres the love? Still, amazing food.

Krishna Lunch is the best food you can find on campus and for the price is absolutely fantastic,…read moreespecially for vegetarians/vegans. The menu varies by the day, but neither of us can recall a day where we had a bad meal. For $4 you get a plate full of vegetables/salad with THE best dressing ever made/some sort of starch (usually rice)/dessert/organic tea. The cups they use are a bit on the small size, but you can always get refills without issue. They non-students (a few older gentlemen) are extremely kind, as are the majority of the student servers. We've known people who've worked both at the campus luncheon and at the big blue house a few blocks away and everything is kept very clean and orderly. They apparently only use completely recyclable dinnerware, but the cups have a vaguely odd smell. This isn't a Krishna Lunch problem though, as we've experienced the same issues at real restaurants that use the same brand. Must be the material that is used. Downside is that if it's raining, you'll have to cram onto the benches under the Library West walkway and if it's hot (hello, it is the swamp!) the shaded areas amongst the trees in Plaza of the Americas are usually taken up. There is generally a drum circle and some singing going on, which is a good thing or a bad thing, depending upon your view point. The lines are long, but move pretty quick since everything is done cafeteria style. Krishna Lunch to us, was the epitome of college/grad school eating, except it was healthy, filling, and left us feeling refreshed, not sick like the fast food fare served at the Hub or in Reitz Union. In response to Chris V.'s review, we never had anyone of the workers talk about Krishna to us other than to say how serving/feeding people is how they worship, but we had an acquaintance who said he was harassed about it. Take it for what you will. Guess it all depends on who's around, but for the most part we have had nothing but good experiences. Besides, it's way cheaper than going across University to grab a sub. :)

This is a pretty decent daycare center. I worked there and the kids are amazing to be around. The…read moreenvironment for them is pretty good and they are actually learning! So everything is great in my opinion.

From the owner: At The Oak Tree Christian Academy, we offer the highest level of childcare services for children…read moreage 6 weeks to 5 years old. Our preschool has received consistent 100% ratings from the Department of Children and Families for our excellent facilities and staff. We offer infant care service to those families who need daycare service the smallest ones. We provide formula and beginning stages of food along with activities to encourage their growth and development. The Oak Tree Christian Academy also provides a wonderful nutritious breakfast, lunch, and snack daily to our children at no additional charge.

THE BEST - all 3 of my children have attended The Academy Preschool and I am incredibly grateful…read moresuch a school exists. As a full time working mom, an elementary school teacher, it was very difficult to spend my days away from my babies. The Academy made it so much easier. I knew they were safe and LOVED. The educational experience, low class numbers, high standards for safety and excellence are worth every red cent I spent. I wouldn't send my children anywhere else. The staff are compassionate, understanding and efficient. I love this school and thank god for it daily.

From the owner: The Academy Preschool care for children from infants through five years olds from all ethnicity and…read morereligious backgrounds, Our programs include infant care, Daycare, Preschool education for children in the Gainesville Florida and surrounding area; We strive to create a safe and nurturing environment that provides the best educational program that is rooted in Christian ideology. We understand that parents want their children to receive a quality education that will prepare them for the future while also teaching them Christian faith. The Academy offers a well- educated staff that includes multiple bilingual teachers, our supportive leaders value physical well-being, emotional and spiritual growth of all staff and students in our care. We also provide an instructional Bible class, a Taekwondo class, and plenty of opportunities for parents to get involved in their child’s education. Our goal is to provide a top-notch Early Childhood education that meets the needs of every student; We believe that our students should have the best possible chance to succeed in their studies, and we are committed to providing them with everything they need to reach their full potential in Christ Jesus Our GOD. We are confident that we can do just that with God’s help and leadership support from The Family Church.

A horrible school, teachers are rude to the students, there was no change in my childs behavior, if…read moreanything it got worse.

A blessing to our community. Definitely a treasure. These students and staff are amazing. Education…read morebreeds confidence. Confidence breed hope. Hope breeds peace. God bless you all.

My son started when the school opened when he was 2 and graduated from VPK last year at age 5 (we…read morewent for four years). As an only child, I was very worried about him being isolated from other children because social interaction is so critical at this age. At Open Arms, he learned so much - his ABCs, how to count, write his name. He learned how to share and interact with his peers. He learned acceptable behavior and when his behavior wasn't the best, the teachers all worked with him on "better choices." Since he was a full time student, I particularly liked the combination of organized activity and free play time (both inside and out). Play is a child's work and it is through play that they learn. That he had a great balance is very evident in the person he is today. What I also like is that over the years, the staff has had a mix of age groups. It's not just older women, some are just out of college, some are moms with kids of their own. I really liked it when there were two guys on staff who were great role models. We were very fortunate to have been able to spend four years at the school. My son does like to come back and visit his old teachers.

From the owner: VPK & School Readiness schoolread more