PURE EATS meets Foster-Walker PLEX EAST
New Allergen-Friendly PURE EATS dining commons opens at Plex East
Foster Walker Complex-East (or Plex East as everyone calls it) is now a dedicated PURE EATS dining area – a food allergy-friendly dining commons that provides food and dishes that avoid gluten and the top eight allergens (peanuts, tree nuts, shellfish, fish, wheat, eggs, soy and dairy). PURE EATS dishes are simply prepared meals using fresh ingredients, seasoning and portioning.
Unlike the PURE EATS stations at Sargent and Allison, PURE EATS at Plex East offers both self-serve and chef-served menu items. Plex East is able to provide this since this entire dining commons (Plex East) is devoted to PURE EATS menu items, which are prepared and served separately to avoid cross contact with gluten and the top eight food allergens. Guests can look forward to options at Plex East that include gluten-free pasta and stir-fry dishes using soy-free and gluten-free sauces. In addition, we will be offering gluten-free waffles and gluten-free desserts (with none of the top eight allergens). Other items such as gluten-free pizza will be available soon.
The managers, cooks and chefs working at the PURE EATS Plex East dining commons have all been trained in managing food allergies and have completed ServSafe allergen training.
Why was this PURE EATS dining commons created?
We wanted to offer an allergen-friendly dining hall that would focus on the needs of students with food allergies and dietary restrictions and provide them an array of dishes that they can enjoy and feel comfortable serving themselves. It was also important to have an additional mid-campus location to make it easier for students with food allergies and dietary restrictions to find delicious food that was also safe to eat.
Why were these eight food allergens selected?
These top eight food allergens make up 90% of food allergic reactions. This dining area also avoids gluten so it is a good place to dine for students with celiac disease or who need to avoid gluten.
Can anyone eat at the PURE EATS Plex East dining hall, or is it just for students with food allergies?
At Northwestern University we believe in inclusive dining – that everyone deserves to have delicious and healthful food that they can safely eat, and that includes students with food allergies or dietary restrictions. While the PURE EATS Plex East dining commons was designed for students with food allergies and dietary restrictions, everyone is welcome to eat there. The food is delicious.
How can you assure students that the Pure Eats station is a safe place to eat?
We have been very careful with our planning and preparation. We also did a “soft opening” at Plex East the end of October to test the concept and shared it with a few students. The response has been very positive. We made some changes based on students’ input and are now ready for our grand opening in January. Our chefs and managers have all been trained on food allergies and cross contact, and they work hard to make sure best practices are followed to keep the food safe for students with allergies. There is a separate prep and production area and utensils and pans are color-coded with purple, which is the universal color for allergen friendly tools. Recipes are followed exactly; no substitutions unless ok’d by a chef. There is quite a bit of oversight on the menu and the processes.
Why did you add self-serve to the PURE EATS at Plex East?
Students have told us this is one thing they miss at the other dining halls – the ability to serve themselves safely and knowing there will be no cross contact. The students who have tried the new PURE EATS dining commons at Plex East have during the “soft” launch said the serve-yourself option is one thing they liked best. One student recently said “self-serve make me feel happy, that I can eat like everyone else.” Because this side of Plex (Plex East) avoids gluten and all of the top eight allergens, students are able to serve themselves and not worry about cross contact.
What if I am allergic to other food allergens outside of the top eight such as sesame seeds?
We encourage you to meet with us—either a chef, manager or dietitian—and we can help you navigate the menus at Plex East and all of our dining halls. We also encourage you to use the Dine on Campus app to review the ingredients in the menu items. If you still have questions, we encourage you to speak up.
Will there be vegan options that meet the Pure Eats guidelines?
Yes, there will be lots of vegan options at the PURE EATS at Plex East. Every day, there is a stir-fry that you can have without animal protein, and there will be many main dishes, sides and salads with no meat or animal products. Single-serve containers of spreads including sun-butter and jelly will also be available.
Will there still be PURE Eats stations at some of the other dining halls?
Yes, they are not going away. We will still have PURE EATS at Sargent and Allison, and these will offer continue to offer a main dish and vegetable and side dishes. We are working to add more options to make it delicious and safe.
As a vegan with food allergies will I be able to find options at PURE EATS and Plex East?
Absolutely. There will be many delicious vegan meals, side dishes and salads to choose from.
Who do I contact if I have questions about PURE EATS at Plex East?
You can ask a chef or manager in the dining hall or our registered dietitian, Lisa Carlson). Chef Fadila (Fadila.ademi@compass-usa.com) and Lisa Carlson (lisa.carlson@compass-usa.com).
What are the hours for PURE EATS at Plex East?
The hours are 11 am until 8 pm.
If I’m avoiding gluten, do I have to just eat just at the Avoiding Gluten station or can I eat from the other stations at PURE EATS at Plex East?
The entire PURE EATS Plex East is both Avoiding gluten and avoids the top eight allergens, so all of the food options will be safe if you have celiac disease or are avoiding gluten.
Lisa Carlson, MS, RDN, LDN
Campus Registered Dietitian Nutritionist