Melissa Barales-Lopez

It’s indisputable that breakfast is crucial to a successful start of anyone’s day. I make sure to grab a bite every day before my morning class as it allows me to be more present on the conversation at hand (and not the endless grumbling of my stomach) and retain material more effectively. My go-to breakfast dish is the create-your-own omelette at FoCo. I usually go for an egg-white omelette packed with spinach, green peppers, and cheddar. The hot and cheesy goodness always hits the spot!

During the fall, Dartmouth has weekly farmer’s markets on the Green, where a myriad of local food providers - from nearby farms to town favorite restaurants - will sell their food to Dartmouth students. A couple of weeks ago, I spotted one of the most magnificent sights ever witnessed by mankind - a fresh pretzel smothered in strawberry pink frosting! Unable to resist, I marched straight to the vender and promptly bought the beautiful dessert. You best believe I ate it all. My only regret is that I don’t have some right now!

Hanover is constantly stocked with the freshest of produce. Indeed, access to nutritious fruits and vegetables is never an issue on campus. I always make sure to grab an apple before the start of class to fuel my brain, and there’s always an endless supply thanks to nearby farms. After all, an apple a day keeps the doctors away and this girl isn’t trying to get sick. 

There truly is an abundance of fresh food on campus and Dartmouth does its best to meet everyone's needs and preferences, but sometimes I just miss food from back home. Sometimes, all I want is a plate of freshly-cooked, authentic Mexican food. To satisfy these cravings, I always make sure to visit the LALAC (Latin American, Latino, and Caribbean) House. For the start of Hispanic Heritage month, the house hosted a Latinx BBQ and only the best of what the Latinx culture has to offer, in terms of savory cuisine, was cooked and prepared for Dartmouth students! I enjoyed an alarming amount of tamales and chilaquiles, and I can’t forget about the arroz con leche. 

For those self-identifying foodies out there, be assured that coming to Dartmouth will only enhance your food-related exploration. Indeed, not only am I able to get a plate full of warm and home-cooked Mexican food but I’m also able to sample the freshest produce of the Upper Valley. Indeed, each and every meal here is an adventure and I can’t wait for my next one.