One World Café cuisine receives rave reviews at ‘Tasting Tuesday’

One World Café is quickly becoming a favorite spot on campus for seating and meeting at all hours of the day, but you might want to be around on Tuesday afternoons.

That’s when Campus Dining & Shops has “Tasting Tuesdays,” offering free samples of some of the international dishes that will be on the menu when food service begins at the new international eatery in the spring.

Those attending the first tasting on Feb. 8 sampled falafel with dill sauce and feta lamb and beef kabab with spicy chili sauce, both with turmeric rice.

“Delicious,” said sophomore Gisselle Campoverde. “I really like it.”

“I also liked it,” said sophomore Eileen Luna. “The rice is really good.”

Construction at One World wrapped up in January and UB opened the seating area for use when students returned for the spring semester.  It’s already become a popular hub for students to gather and study.

Luna and Campoverde described the new building as “amazing” and “sophisticated,” a place that will help alleviate congestion at the Student Union.

Jack Marso and Alex Berger showed up to enjoy the samples, as well, but getting together at One World has become a daily routine for the two freshmen.

“I like it,” Berger said. “There’s a lot more seats. It’s wide open. It’s just a nice place to hang out.”

Food service will begin at One World later in the spring, when two of the five food stations are scheduled to open: “Kali Orexi,” serving foods from Middle Eastern countries, Turkey and Greece, and “Tikka Table,” offering fare from the different regions of India.

In the meantime, Tasting Tuesdays will continue, starting at 2 p.m.  on Tuesdays in February and early March, said Eric Blackledge, executive director of Campus Dining & Shops.

“The chefs did a good job — very well received from the moment they started sampling. Everyone is enjoying it,” Blackledge said.

“What’s next week?” he asked Executive Chef Neal Plazio.

“Butter chicken,” Plazio said.

Campus Dining & Shops also will host “Touring Thursdays” this month, when small groups of up to 15 people will get a behind-the-scenes-tour of One World Café. No reservations are needed. Those interested can meet at the One World fireplace at 1:45 p.m. and 2:15 p.m. on Thursdays.