The partnership between Tulane University and Aramark Collegiate Hospitality has introduced a series of new dining establishments on campus, offering students a variety of options. Among these are Nony, a deli-style eatery; Shake Smart, a health-focused beverage bar; Beauxba, a bubble tea shop; and Twisted Taco, a late-night Tex-Mex restaurant. Each venue brings unique offerings that cater to different tastes and preferences, enhancing the student dining experience.
From quick grab-and-go sandwiches at Nony to nutritious shakes at Shake Smart, students now have more choices for convenient meals. Meanwhile, Beauxba aims to satisfy bubble tea enthusiasts, though it faces challenges in meeting expectations. Lastly, Twisted Taco offers late-night cravings with its extensive menu of Tex-Mex favorites, becoming a popular spot among students.
Delicious Convenience: A New Wave of Quick Bites
Recent additions to Tulane's dining scene emphasize convenience without compromising on taste. Two standout eateries, Nony and Shake Smart, exemplify this trend by providing quick, satisfying meals tailored to busy students' schedules. These venues offer diverse menus designed for easy access and efficient service, ensuring students can enjoy quality food without sacrificing time.
Nony, located within the LBC, serves as a deli-style haven for those seeking a quick bite. Its menu features an array of pre-made and customizable sandwiches, priced reasonably between ten and twelve dollars. The establishment also introduces small, personal-sized pizzas, celebrating the university's mascot with a special Green Wave pizza. This innovative offering fills the gap left by last year's removal of the pizza truck, making it a go-to spot for students looking for a convenient meal. Shake Smart, meanwhile, caters to health-conscious individuals with its nutritious beverages. Opened in August, it allows customers to order digitally through tablets, streamlining the process and ensuring freshness. Despite some mixed reviews regarding the taste of protein powder, Shake Smart remains a tempting post-workout stop for students returning from the Reily Center.
Bubble Tea and Tex-Mex: Exploring New Flavors
Tulane's dining landscape continues to diversify with the introduction of Beauxba and Twisted Taco. Both venues bring distinct flavors to campus, aiming to meet the varied culinary preferences of students. While Beauxba focuses on bubble tea, Twisted Taco delivers late-night Tex-Mex delights, each adding a unique twist to the dining experience.
Beauxba, which replaced PJ’s Coffee in Howard-Tilton Memorial Library, offers a range of bubble tea options but has faced criticism for not fully meeting expectations. The overcooked tapioca pearls and unimpressive drink consistency have left some disappointed. However, the Mango Crush stands out as a redeeming feature, blending sweet mango and milk into a satisfying slush with a complimentary cheese foam. Twisted Taco, opened at the start of the spring semester, quickly became a hit due to its late-night availability until 2 a.m. It offers a wide selection of Tex-Mex dishes, including tacos, burritos, bowls, and nachos. The Boom Boom Chicken is particularly flavorful, while the generous portion sizes make it a worthwhile choice for satisfying late-night cravings. Although the tacos were somewhat overpriced and underwhelming, Twisted Taco remains a popular destination for students seeking late-night munchies.