The Delicious Davis

Forget for a moment the innovative green construction practices, space enough for the whole UVM community to gather, and the top floor's dramatic lake and mountain views. It's time to focus on another of the soon-to-open Dudley H. Davis Student Center's features: grub.

The Davis Advisory Committee and University Dining Services have finished evaluating proposals for vendors. They judged applications on the basis of sustainability, hours, menu, customer service and social responsibility.

The result? Two popular local establishments, The Farmer's Diner and New World Tortilla and the New Orleans-based WOW Cafe and Wingery, have agreed to open in the Davis Center. Another favorite, Sakura, is discussing opening a made-to-order sushi bar in the center's "Marketplace."

The Farmer's Diner serves homestyle food with fresh ingredients from area farmers and small-scale producers. Approximately 70 percent of their food comes from within 75 miles; the innovative company has received considerable media attention, including feature treatment in the New York Times magazine.

New World Tortilla, which is owned by UVM alumni, is well-known for burritos, tacos and internationally inflected wraps.

The center's Brennan's Pub and Café will feature food from WOW Cafe and Wingery, including salads, wraps, sandwiches, burgers, wings and more. The Davis Center's second floor Marketplace, managed by University Dining Services, will feature Indian food, fresh baked goods, sushi and an all-organic station.

There will be something for everyone to dig into at the Davis.