University contracts Aramark to bring in concepts

Over the summer Indiana University-Purdue University Fort Wayne will be making big changes to its campus food service.

The national chain options that have been available on campus will be replaced with concept-based dining featuring fresh, healthy food options provided by Aramark.

The changes came about as a result of input gathered from surveys and discussions with students, faculty and staff, according to an IPFW news release. A few years ago campus faculty and staff visited other universities around the state that offered fresh food options, and the IPFW Food Services Committee was formed to figure out how similar options could be offered here.

Renovations began May 11 and are supposed to be completed Aug. 14. Walb Student Union will offer savory hot food options; a salad bar; a guest restaurant with rotating special feature foods; and a new coffee shop that will be open early and late.

At Kettler Hall options will include deli-style made-to-order sandwiches. Both locations will offer grab-and-go foods during breakfast, lunch and dinner including pre-made sandwiches and wraps; soup and chili; pasta salads; and leafy green salads. Gluten free and vegan options also will be available.

Both spaces will be reconfigured with more restaurant-type seating and multiple configurations for gathering, dining and studying.

Free doughnuts

Friday is National Doughnut Day, and Dunkin' Donuts will offer guests a free doughnut of their choice (while supplies last) with the purchase of any beverage. The offer is good all day at participating Dunkin' Donuts restaurants nationwide.

New home for La Dolce Vita

La Dolce Vita opens in its new location Saturday at 165 S. Main St., Roanoke, just a few doors down from its former location. Laura Wilson says the new venue will offer Dinner with Friends, dates to be announced; cooking classes; culinary boot camps; visiting experts, chefs and trunk shows; private dinners, lunches and parties; lunch from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Wednesdays beginning July 8; items for sale for your home, kitchen, brides or friends; and a bridal registry. The store also will sell state-of-the-art Jura coffee makers; La Cornue ranges; frozen soups, bread and other foods; and a small selection of sweets every day. Outdoor seating and wi-fi will be available. Phone: 341-4300. Website: http://ladolcevitaculinary.com.

Cafe to open Thursday, Friday evenings

Central City Cafe, 620 S. Calhoun St., will be open evenings on Thursdays and Fridays in June, July and August. The cafe serves food, beer and wine, and will open the garage door in the front so those outside can hear live music. The cafe will stay open all day on those days, and the music starts at 5:30 p.m. and ends at 8 p.m., with the restaurant closing by 9 p.m. Kids are allowed.