In the interest of full disclosure, I am a proud UMASS Amherst alumnus (class of '86) and a parent of two alums. So...I may be a bit biased. With that said, I was delighted when the University purchased the Mount Ida campus, creating a UMASS Amherst outpost in the eastern part of the state (in which the majority of alumni reside and work.)
This campus is truly a gem and I know that plans are in the works as to how to absorb and integrate the campus into the UMASS system. In the meantime, the Campus Center and its Dining Commons are open to alumni -- and open to the general public. For seven straight years UMASS Dining has been recognized as the top college food service in the country. I can say from personal experience that the food on the flagship campus is, in fact, superb. (It is also light years away from what I experienced back in the day.)
A similar, but more limited version of the University's award-winning food is served on the Mount Ida campus (it is not quite of the same scope as the Amherst campus, but I expect it will get there when the campus fully realizes its potential.)
The food that it presents is fresh, high quality, tasty, and very reasonably priced. There are daily hot food offerings, and always the standard fare of pizza, chicken tenders, sandwiches, salad and fruit bar, 1-2 daily soup offerings. Often diners will find stations offering omelets, stir fry, falafel, and others. Additionally, those who have allergies or other dietary requirements will have no trouble finding choices, and the friendly staff is happy to help accommodate diners' wishes.
On a number of occasions they offer special meals and stations which have included a chicken wing bar (excellent!), baked potato bar, and a pho station (which was truly outstanding!), among others.
The Dining Commons (located in the Campus Center) is a clean, spacious, and beautiful facility that is perfect to enjoy a quiet meal or to meet clients, colleagues, or others for coffee.
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