At the center of AMR II lies an eatery that has been quenching food-starved Hopkins students for over two years. But what was once simply a glorified Rofo is now a legitimate food spot, staking its claim in the vast array of food options at Homewood. With a flashy new look, better food and computers that would bring CS students to their knees, MegaBYTES is on its way up.
"It's mad chill," said freshman Ben Dower. "They got a nice little A-V set up. [It's] a good place to chill with friends."
Last year's standard booths and tables are replaced with plump sofas that have transformed MegaBYTES -formerly, MegaBITES - into a pseudo-Starbucks of sorts. In the back corner lies a large-screen TV and stereo where students can kick back on cushions and watch the game while munching on a chicken quesadilla.
"It's nice and comfortable to have these sofas and TVs," said freshman Claire McAndrew. "I was happy to come in and see the football game on. I like the relaxed atmosphere." Freshman Yosef Firdu agreed: "I think it's really hip, up-to-date and attractive."
The change was initiated by the dining ad-hoc committee, comprised of students in Student Council. The Sodexho company, responsible for campus dining services, initiated the new design.
"Sodexho designed the [redesign] program, and then the committee liked the proposal, so it went ahead," said Dining Services Director Jean Devito.
What is perhaps most extraordinary about the new MegaBYTES is the hi-tech computer ordering system. For the few of you who might fail to grasp the touch-screen concept, an irritating female voice will instruct you to select your option. Using the system, you can tweak your order down to the smallest detail, (with/without mayo, lettuce, tomatoes), allowing the employees behind the counter to make you the best sandwich they can.
"It makes it really easy to order your stuff," said Dower. "And you can modify your order, which is good, because I don't like tomatoes and bleu cheese dressing."
Devito is also happy with the changes.
"Some students are kind of confused about the new, computerized ordering system, which has a three to five minute wait, but it allows that the food be freshly prepared," said Devito. "Putting quality food back in the dining halls is what we are trying to do."
Choices abound here. From the touch-screen, you can select four options from the grille: Chicken Sandwiches, Burgers, Specialties, and Sides. Or, you can select one of the combo options that include a small fry and 16 oz. drink. Try the buffalo chicken combo for $5.49, the steak-sub combo for $3.65, or the cheeseburger combo for $4.39. And if that's not enough, there is always the La Vincita Pizzeria with pizza slices, or even entire pies, for sale. Fridges are stocked with pre-prepared Caesar and fruit salads.
Convenience store items, like muffins, cereal, and noodles, which were previously also located in MegaBYTES, will now be available in the soon-to-open Jay Store, located adjacent to the Terrace Court Caf.
Despite the quantity of food available, McAndrew still desires a more balanced selection.
"I would prefer that there would be healthier options, because I don't like to have pizza all the time," said McAndrew. MegaBYTES does offer fruit baskets with apples and oranges.
Upperclassmen, however, who experienced the old MegaBITES, have mixed reactions about the new MegaBYTES.
"The format is nice, but, for its purpose, it is much more inefficient," said sophomore Katie Schumann. "It takes a lot longer to get food."
Others complained of the rising prices.
"What's up with chicken tenders being almost six bucks? They used to be three," commented sophomore Scott Polackwich.
Sophomore Steve Benote had only positive things to say about the improved grill and service of the new MegaBYTES, but did have one issue: "It sucks that we didn't get it and freshmen do. Damn freshmen.
