Opinion – top 5 school lunches

Lunch is perhaps the most important block of the day for many students. For most, it is a time to sit back, relax, go on your phone, and get a bite to eat. Some will even take the time to get a second lunch.

But regardless of how many lunches one gets, it’s a vital time. You can scroll your phone during lunch-which many students have been waiting to do since they put their phones in the caddies in B block. For me personally, lunch has saved me from forgetting to do my homework a few times.

To no surprise, what can make or break a lunch is the lunch itself. Especially if your favorite lunch is on the menu, it can make a good day, a great day. I have had many days of tests and quizzes, where I am always questioning why I refuse to skip school some days. And on those days, I can always remember going to lunch with a smile on my face, after I saw the menu.

A lot of the food in the cafeteria is delicious. The cafeteria staff always puts their full effort into the food we eat, and it shows. Hats off to them. However, there are some dishes that are so exceptional that I feel the need to give them a shout-out. 

Before I give my listing, I would like to acknowledge the fact that you may disagree with me here, and this is simply my opinion. However, I am a Junior, and I can say I have had 3 years of experience with Oakmont, so I do know a few things. Here goes.

• #5 – Plain Cheeseburger

Who doesn’t enjoy a classic plain cheeseburger? It’s plain but has a good flavor. All the patties are cooked to perfection, and the buns are warm and soft. The American cheese is melty, but not messy. It is very good, even by itself. As Leonardo da Vinci once said, “Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication”. And the best part about the burger is that it’s completely modular. Though the toppings are limited, you can put on all sorts of toppings. It’s like a blank canvas, waiting to be customized and made your own. 

• #4 – Taco Tuesday

  

In my opinion, it’s the best part of Tuesdays at Oakmont. And you can always expect a line. But by my word, they are so worth it. The crunchy outer shell pairs well with the beef,  and the tomatoes and cheese pair well with it, like a perfect symphony of flavor. And the rice can pair nicely with the entire meal, either mixed in the taco or on the side.

• #3 – Philly Cheesesteak

  

Once every few Wednesdays, students are graced with the Philly Cheesesteak. What makes it good is the toppings. You can get it either plan or, like most folks, get it loaded up with toppings. I get onions, cheese sauce, shredded cheese, and banana peppers. Severed with crinkle-cut fries on the side, I always make it a point to get the Philly Cheesestake. However, it feels like it’s once in a Blue Moon, it’s worth it every time.

• #2 – Chicken / Burger Bar

Fridays are awesome, just by their nature. After all, when the weekend is right at your fingertips, who isn’t excited? What can really make a Friday great is a cheeseburger or a chicken sandwich. The express line already sells plain cheeseburgers Monday through Friday. However, a highly customizable burger or chicken sandwich is always appreciated. 

• Honorable mention – Carnitas

  

Perhaps the most underrated lunch on the list here is the pork carnitas. They are hot, juicy, and always fresh. Better yet, the carnitas are on a bed of warm and crunchy tater tots, which just adds to their heartiness. The sauces that come with the meal are also amazing (Avacado Ranch and Green Chilli Thousand Island). Overall, it is a well-balanced meal and is worth trying if you haven’t already.

• #1 – Nash’ hot

  

With how well-known the Nash’ hot is, I wouldn’t be surprised if you saw this ranking coming from a mile away. Some of the items on this list are newer. But the Nash’ hot has been something I’ve enjoyed every Thursday since Freshman year. Nothing beats its spicy kick, with the crunchy dill pickles. I never skip out on a Nash’ hot Thursday. Especially with the crispy tater tots on the side. Thursdays without a Nash’ hot just don’t feel like Thursdays. To anybody reading this article on a Thursday; you’ll probably be seeing me in the Nash’ hot line.  

If there is any message I can say, it’s this – with all the jokes about school cafeteria food being bad, all the stereotypes of school food being mundane and disgusting, or whatever else is out there. Those jokes don’t apply to Oakmont. We truly have an amazing cafeteria and a great menu. Cafeteria workers put all their effort into lunch meals on the daily. The meals we get are delicious. 

But some of them are truly so extraordinary, that somebody like me gets to write about it in the school’s newspaper. So, when you hear the lunch bell go off, think about that day’s menu, and maybe give some of the foods on this list a shot.