Refectory Cafe' at Duke University, Restaurant Review

As I mentioned in my previous blog March is National Nutrition Month. The American Dietetic Association has picked the theme for this year to be "Nutrition From The Ground Up" Two points of this message include choosing locally grown produce and limiting trans fats in the diet. The Refectory Cafe' at Duke University encompasses both of these ideas.
I recently enjoyed lunch at The Refectory Cafe',located near the Duke Chapel in the Divinity School. This popular breakfast and lunch spot is a "Green Cafe'" which features: local products, organic ingredients using recycled material and follows sustainable practices. The Cafe' has a casual, welcoming atmosphere. You are able to view your food options at the time of ordering, and I was happy to see clearly marked ingredient listings and gluten free offerings! Their website explains that:

The Refectory Cafe is proud to serve all foods free of transfats and in styrofoam-free containers.
Vegetarian, Vegan, Gluten-Free & Low Carb menu items available daily.

I chose a light lunch of vegetarian gluten free chili and corn chips which were very good. You can sign up to receive a weekly email of the menu and specials at www.therefectorycafe.com
The Refectory Cafe' has two locations on Duke's campus one at the Divinity School and the other located at the Law School. It is great to see Duke University offering so many gluten free offerings for students, faculty, staff and visitors. I have already written about the other options at The Great Hall and Trinity Cafe'.

The Refectory Cafe' at Duke Law School Hours:
8-6:30 M,T,Th
8-2:30 W&F

The Refectory Cafe' at Duke Divinity School Hours:
8-2:30 M-F
11-3:00 Sunday Brunch
Driving Directions:
15-501 to Cameron Blvd - Head towards Washington Duke Inn. At the light is the entrance to Duke's West Campus - Science Drive on the Left. Turn Left - approximately 1/2 mile ahead on the right is the Bryan Center Parking Deck.
On foot, outside the parking deck head towards Duke Chapel follow the path to the Left. The Divinity School is immediately to the Left. Enter the first set of doors (adjacent to the Pentecost Stained Glass Window). Go down 1 flight of stairs - The Refectory is on your right.

Gluten Free Dining at Duke Expands

Are you a Duke Student, Faculty, or Staff? Well the gluten free options on campus have just enlarged with the recent addition of Rosie's Plate gluten free products to The Great Hall on a daily basis. The Great Hall Dining Facility located on Duke's West Campus is also open to the public. I was contacted by Rose Waring, the owner of Rosie's Plate earlier this week and she asked that I let Durham folks know of this new option for gluten free dining. She explains "I wanted you all to be the first to know the latest greatest exciting news from Rosie’s Plate! Bon Apetit has invited us to offer Rosie’s Plate at the Great Hall Café on Duke’s West Campus. We just started this past Monday and we’re stocking a great selection of our baked goods and savory items. We’re especially excited because the Great Hall Café is open to all Durham residents, not just students, so it’s a really convenient way for people in Durham to enjoy Rosie’s Plate every day." According to Rose daily products will include:

In the Cold Case you will find:

• entrees with sides, salads, soups, dips and desserts
  

The bakery display is right at the front of the café and includes

• includes sugar cake doughnuts, pita, muffins, trail mix bars, single

• cookies, cheese crackers, graham crackers, granola and cupcakes
  

Rosie's Plate, located in Raleigh, is a completely gluten, shellfish, and peanut free facility.
To help serve Durham customers they have been providing a weekly delivery service on Tuesdays at Duke Gardens, you can read more about this option from my earlier post. If you are wondering about parking on Duke's West Campus, click here for further information. Having a daily presence at the Great Hall is a wonderful convenience for Durham residents, Thank You Rosie's Plate!