Back-to-school hustle and bustle at Georgia Gwinnett College in Lawrenceville, Georgia, has included a new oasis of fresh, healthy Mediterranean food at the new Mezze Table concept. Georgia Gwinnett College and its partner, Aladdin Campus Dining, saw some empty retail space as a blank slate, and it’s now starting off strong as a lively area where students are experiencing the sizzle of the grill and the tang of tzatziki sauce.
Aladdin Campus Dining Executive Chef Leia Kent sees the new station as a part of the hospitality she and her team extend to each new student. “As this may be the first time students are away from home, our goal is to offer foods that energize their learning experience,” Kent says, adding that plant-based foods, herbs, nuts, beans, lean proteins, whole grains and healthy fats are the key to students’ “physical health, mental well-being and academic performance.”
Mezze Table’s offerings align with Aladdin’s BeWell philosophy for healthier lifestyle and wellness, all with a fresh attitude. For example, falafel is made in-house and has all the hallmarks of a superior patty, “packed with flavorful chickpeas and herbs, and perfectly crispy on the outside while staying soft and fluffy inside,” Kent says.
As the school year is getting underway, Mezze’s most popular items have been classic gyros (with meat shaved from a cone) and Mediterranean Power Bowls with mixed greens, quinoa, chickpeas, marinated artichokes, cucumbers, tomato, fresh mint and tahini sauce.
Proteins—beef/lamb, halal chicken, falafel or shrimp—can be part of a plate with pita, hummus and toppings, or as a bowl with mixed greens, quinoa tabbouleh and toppings. The toppings are a roster of zippy and fresh Mediterranean add-ons, such as banana peppers, red onions, kalamata olives, feta and pumpkin or sunflower seeds. Spanikopita (spinach pockets), Greek fries and quinoa round out the side dish part of the menu, with classic Greek sweet baklava for dessert.
What was once unused retail space is now the place to go for fresh Mediterranean meals and snacks. | Photo courtesy of Aladdin
The menu is suited to grab-and-going or sharing, with portable handheld items like falafel pitas, and also the Mezze Table Plate for sharing (or sampling on your own) with falafel, hummus, marinated artichokes, cucumbers, tomatoes, kalamata olives and pita triangles.
Looking ahead to the rest of the school year, the Aladdin dining team at Georgia Gwinnett College will be putting on a few fun events, including Grizzlyfest, Taste of Latin America and a gala for the opening of the college’s new convocation center.