Thinking about where to go for lunch or dinner? I know exactly what you’re thinking. You’re dreading going to the dining hall for what feels like the tenth time in a day. The long lines, the leftover pieces of fruit, the subpar pasta – you’re getting sick of another Lenny or Ban outing. While the dining halls do have their perks, you’re dying to try something that’s not a dining hall delicacy.
TAMS, also known as Trade a Meals, are your new best friend. It’s the perfect way to try out some new food while staying on campus AND while not having to swipe your own debit card. All you are swiping is the student card with the meal plan that your parents paid for.
Now that midterms are right around the corner (I’m so sorry for bringing that up), TAMS are a perfect choice for your breakfast, lunch or dinner. Instead of waiting in line to get in, waiting to get your food, sitting down and finishing your meal, TAMS let you grab your food and go. Perfect for those study sessions at Stauffer or in your room!
There are so many different retail locations on campus to choose from and dozens of TAM options, but I’ve narrowed it down to 8 that will leave both your heart and stomach full.
1) 4 piece Tenders with Curly Fries (and a beverage!) at The Lazy Scholar
This is hands down one of the best TAMS you can get on-campus, and one of the best meals you can get on-campus in general. If you ask any frosh, they’ll definitely say that this TAM has owned a piece of their heart sometime during their first month. Not only is this TAM a bang for your buck for all the food you’re getting, but it tastes amazing. You’ll treasure every last bite. With your TAM, you get the 4-piece chicken tenders with fries and your choice of 2 dipping sauces. Sure, the regular fries are great but if you’re genuinely seeking a good food experience, opt for the curly fries. Absolutely no regrets. You’ll probably start dreaming about curly fries in your sleep.
2) Full sized Salad (1/2 protein) with a beverage at Location 21
Location 21 is probably my favourite place to use my TAMS, not just for its healthy food but also because it’s about a 2-minute walk from my res. If you’re craving something healthy and something that’s super convenient to eat on the go, the full sized salad at LOCO is always my go-to. I usually go for the full-sized salad with a ½ protein, 5 toppings and your choice of dressing. Another perk? Your TAM lets you grab a free drink on the side and you can opt for a tea or coffee of any size. So, basically, once you start feeling the freshman fifteen from the 4 piece tenders at Lazy, this is the perfect thing to switch to.
3) Poutine at Location 21
Fries, cheese curds, and gravy. And a drink. All for one TAM. Nothing more needs to be said. If you’re looking for a twist, choose to get waffle fries with your poutine!
4) Booster Juice Smoothie
Booster Juice has always had my heart, and the fact that you can use a TAM for a regular sized drink just makes it all so much better. This is the perfect pick-me-up between classes or perfect if you’re looking for something to sip on during your study sessions. It’s fast, it’s convenient, it tastes great, and it’s healthy! What’s also great about the Booster Juice TAM is that you can pick from any type of menu, whether it’s just from the regular menu, the High Protein one or the Superfood one. So, go ahead and experiment! Your TAM has you covered.
5) Burrito at Lazy
While I haven’t tried this one myself yet, I’ve heard the burritos at Lazy Scholar are the absolute best. For one TAM, you can get a 12-inch burrito and choose from a very extensive list of protein and toppings to stuff in your burrito. I’ve also heard the burrito bowls are another fantastic option, so that’s next on the list of TAMS I still need to try.
6) Regular Sized Pita at Pita Pit
With two locations on campus (MacCorry Hall and the ARC), you’re sure to be using your TAM on this sometime soon, if you haven’t already. For one TAM, you can get a regular sized pita and fill it with whatever you’re feeling that day. The amount of veggies to choose from also makes it a healthier pick! And my favourite part of Pita Pit? They don’t charge extra for guac. Heavenly.
7) Omelettes at Location 21
As you can tell, LOCO has already been the main reason for the death of my TAMS. Their food is just too good to NOT include as a third go-to TAM. The omelettes are the perfect Saturday or Sunday morning brunch option and with a hungry stomach, it’s the best thing to wake up to. The TAM comes with an omelette with your choice of ingredients, potatoes (so good), and a drink of your choice! I usually get a tea because nothing beats starting your morning off with a warm cup of soothing tea in your hands.
8) Burger and Fries at CGC
Last but certainly not least, we have an underrated one for sure. Canadian Grilling Company is one of campus’s best-kept secrets. Surprisingly, not a lot of people know about it! But once you discover it, it’s hard to stay away. CGC will quickly become your favourite little “diner” joint on campus. With its burgers, fries, and milkshakes, it is the best comfort food to indulge in after a rough day (or week). With a TAM, you can usually choose from a select list of burgers and get fries on the side. The only downside to using a TAM at CGC is that you can’t upgrade to sweet potato fries instead, which is a bummer because their sweet potato fries are the best.
Throw in a bit of your flex dollars to get a milkshake and boom, you have a meal that will leave everybody else drooling.