The Star and Crescent Restaurant: An Introduction

“So there’s this place, the Star & Crescent, it’s like a student-run restaurant, and you have to wait in line at that house over there, and it’s delicious, and yeah.”

This may be how you’ve heard the Star & Crescent described, also known as the S&C, which has a respectable but perhaps enigmatic reputation on campus. But do not fear! Its inner workings are easier to understand than the large number of meals included on your meal plan or the inexplicable speed at which your points start disappearing once you discover your signature drink at Pi Cafe or the temptingly mediocre french fries at Late Night… But come on, how are you going to study if you and your friends don’t eat fried things at midnight first?

This is a good question, as most student residences don’t also play host to a  restaurant that serves as many as 300 students a day. With the help of our wonderful Chef Ryan Talbot, the S&C is almost entirely run by students who work hard to provide you with excellent meals at affordable prices. Its place in the house adds the charm and coziness of the wood-paneled dining room, and the family style seating offers the opportunity to catch up with a friend in a quiet corner or get to know the exciting new people sitting next to you! This fine gastronomical institution was originally founded as the Chronometer Eating Club before changing its name to the Star & Crescent in 1878, and it has played an important role in the Alpha Delta Phi Society and Wesleyan campus life ever since.

Many of you have witnessed the strange phenomenon of fifty people’s lining the porch of the Alpha Delt house between classes, and you have perhaps wondered what they are waiting for. Doors open at meal time, so students will arrive 15 minutes to an hour early and relax on the porch swing with their friends or sit on the sunny steps. Such a practice may seem confusing, but do not be dissuaded! Only occasionally will you be disappointed when a popular meal runs out in mere minutes (coughcoughmagicalgrilledcheesedaycoughcough), and even then, you shall survive. Waiting outside might seem strange at first, but it’s a good call!
 

WHAT’S THIS “FIRST THREE FRESHMEN EAT FREE” SITUATION?
Why yes, you heard correctly! If you, dear reader, are a new and excited first-year, you can be one of the first three freshpeople in the line who get to eat a WHOLE MEAL for FREE! In college that’s pretty much hitting the jackpot – you beat the system! Woot! Even if you don’t make it on time to be among the top ranks, you still have tasty food and a whole year ahead to keep trying. 

Every meal offers a meat and a vegetarian option, and the cuisine is inspired by American, Mexican, South Asian, and other styles of cooking. If you’re really craving tacos for lunch on a Tuesday or some vegetarian curry before getting ready for Thirsty Thursday (that’s when you sip tea and go to sleep early, right?), the S&C is the place to be! Every menu is posted on Wesleying, so make sure to check it out and see what appeals to you.

Also, there is free tea and hot chocolate. Thumbs up.

Our menu will say if meals are vegan or gluten-free or if they contain allergens such as nuts. Additionally, you can ask the Stewards or waiters if the food suits your needs, or if, for example, you can get it without the garnish. Success, mission accomplished, food is good.

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Now that you have learned all of the things, we look forward to seeing you after opening on MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 8TH, 2014. That’s right folks, you have a whole week to imagine the culinary delights that await your sensitive palettes! Om nom nom.