Some years ago, I worked at the University of Pennsylvania. When lunchtime rolled around, my co-workers and I headed to Houston Hall. That meant a handful of quarters to play Pacman and, with leftover change, we’d buy a slice of pizza. Back in the day, bad pizza and unhealthy fast food were the only selections at Houston Hall. Even the food trucks of yesteryear weren’t that great.
Super-Healthy & Fast-Casual
Fast-forward to 2016, and Houston Hall has become a plethora of almost-fine (fast-casual) eating experiences. Research Chef Jose Andres and you’ll quickly learn that the man who introduced small-plate dining to American cuisine is the mastermind behind Beefsteak, the new, fast-casual (and super-healthy) eatery in Houston Hall at the University of Pennsylvania that opened in June. Times have changed at the college dining hall, and Beefsteak brings a new spin on garden bowls, salads and more. Andres’ goal is to get everyone eating more vegetables, and Beefsteak is a great way to ignite a trend.
It’s a pretty big deal that a giant in the restaurant world like Chef Jose Andres has given thought to healthier eating with the inception of Beefsteak. Decorated with beautiful Spanish-inspired tiles, light wood and fabulous lighting, it’s obvious that Andres wanted to create an ambience that is relaxed and aesthetically pleasing to the eye.
There are no ordering kiosks at Beefsteak. It’s kind of old-school, in the sense that you get to interact with a well-informed team member who helps you plan your meal. Vegetable choices are bountiful, with more than 25 fresh vegetables and pulses available daily. Vegetables are locally sourced and seasonally chosen. There are no fryers at Beefsteak.
According to Mark Scarpa, the warm and friendly general manager of Beefsteak, “Our goal is to promote healthy eating by ‘unleashing’ vegetables for our guests to enjoy.” Scarpa is a veteran in the restaurant and food industry, and his interactions with team members and guests are sincere and helpful. He provides every guest, myself included, with a guided tour of the Beefsteak ordering process. “At Beefsteak, the guest is in control of ordering a flavorful dish that reflects his/her personal choices and preferences,” Scarpa added.
The Selections
I decided to have a garden bowl, which was packed to the brim. I was able to select five raw vegetables that were then steamed and graced with my choice of a delicious sauce and topping. Living dangerously outside the box, I added a black bean sauce, quinoa and then roasted seaweed with sesame seeds for my topping. The ordering system is quite different than my cafeteria days at Temple University.
College eating patterns have changed. In the past, students ate in a dining hall, where they’d head in droves with their friends. According to Barbara Lea-Kruger, U Penn’s director of communications and external relations, “Students now order online and often have their meals delivered from services like Tapingo. They can eat in their dorm or off-site.” She continued that Beefsteak is a great addition to the dining scene at Penn: “We have gotten lots of student requests for healthier alternatives to the college dining experience, and Beefsteak certainly delivers that experience.”
If you’re hoping for a healthy, plant-based meal with great flavor, Beefsteak has it all for you! It’s easy to tag a food concept with words like “healthy and good for you,” but truly, flavors and vegetables are unleashed at Beefsteak. And in the most delicious fashion. The dining experience was warm. Truth be told, I didn’t want to leave!
Quick 5 for Beefsteak
- Prices for a salad or bowl are less than $10 for a huge platter.
- You’re not going to find sugary drinks, but how about a kale smoothie?
- Coffee is from Stumptown; delicious, right?
- Dishes and utensils used are 100% compostable (corn-based).
- Each guest is greeted at the eatery’s entrance and from there, the dining experience begins.
The eatery is hoping for for another “ribbon cutting” at the beginning of the school year at Penn. But you don’t need to wait until then. If you’re catching an event at Annenberg or the Irvine Auditorium, a perfect pre-show dinner can be totally enjoyed at Beefsteak. It might even be fun to grab a bite to-go and enjoy a picnic at the LOVE statue located in the Sculpture Garden at 36th Street and Locust Walk.
Find Beefsteak open daily from 10:30 a.m.–10 p.m. in Houston Hall at 3417 Spruce St., Philadelphia; phone: (215) 898-5552.
- Interior photo credits: Grace Dickinson
- Collage: Char Nolan
