The Virginia Informer

Last Updated:11/18/09 Section: News

Would you believe anyone if they told you that there is a gourmet dining facility located on site at the Commons? It seems unlikely. But such a place does exist. It is located in the basement behind a sign labeled "Private Dining."

Functionally, it's similar to the dining facilities located upstairs. There are Coca-Cola dispensers, buffet style dining, and Formica tables. The only difference is the posters of the football, volleyball, and soccer teams that adorn the walls. Despite its similar appearance, speculation has led to questions regarding the private dining experience versus the experience of students in the Caf upstairs.

A football player who wished not to be named stated, "It's really only as good as they want to treat you. You can't just go there, you have to be invited, but when we do, man, we eat like kings."

According to Commons Director, Larry Smith, "It really isn't an exclusive place, if you want to eat there with an organization or group, all you have to do is ask, and you can eat there free of charge."

The room is used by a number of on-campus organizations and groups unaffiliated with the school: the Jewish community on high holidays, fraternities and sororities, even special Olympians.

"I thought that [the private dining room] was football exclusive," said Caleb Thomas, a star of the varsity soccer team.

According to Mr. Smith, there isn't even much of a difference in food quality.
Mr. Smith said, "It's exactly the same as upstairs, maybe a little worse. All the football players get is starch. They all wish they could eat upstairs."

But football players questioned disagreed with Mr. Smith's assessment. They stated that "Private Dining" is far superior. According to a football source who wished not to be named, "We eat King Crab legs, filet mignon, ice cream sundaes, and steaming apple pies." An alternate source confirmed this quote.

Speculation surrounding the room has football players guessing at reasons pertaining to the supposed preferential treatment.

"Caf Man has been at some of our practices," a source told The Informer. Some players believe that these appearances are connected to the football team's use of the dining room. It may be that Larry Smith, aka "Caf Man," is a football enthusiast and so treats these players to an occasional meal, like a proud parent to his kids.

During a conversation with The Informer, however, Mr. Smith did not demonstrate any bias towards the football team. He explained, "Upstairs there are about seven different options. Downstairs, the football players really only get two."

The reason the football team uses the "Private Dining" area is similar to why they spend the night before home games at the Hospitality House. Their coach, Jimmye Laycock, wants to separate them from distractions that could affect their game day performance, according to a member of the team. Football's "Private Dining" is not about preferential treatment, but about mentality before a game. Larry "Caf Man" Smith joked, "We require [football] players to wear coat and tie to pregame meals. The leather is just so fresh."

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