Students used floo powder or rode their broomsticks to Connecticut Hall’s Magical Lunch on Tuesday. The dining hall invited students to step into a Harry Potter themed dining experience.
Dining hall workers dressed in robes and tables were set with house colors; the overall attention to detail was splendid to see. Some students even came prepared for the event. Seventh semester communications major Sydney Chow was wearing a Hufflepuff shirt.
“CT hall had a Harry Potter themed lunch,” Chow said. “So I decided to wear my Harry Potter t-shirt and Harry Potter socks.”
Entering through the brick-like entrance reminiscent of Diagon Alley, “wanted” posters appeared everywhere. Each Hogwarts house was represented by several menu items. Gryffindor had herb roasted chicken, mashed potatoes and “Mrs. Weasley’s Meat Pie,” which was vegetarian. Ravenclaw went with Fish & Chips and Coleslaw. Hufflepuff’s menu was more unorthodox for the dining hall: popcorn, soft pretzels and “Weasley Wraps” which had an option for turkey and cheese or tofu.
The final house, Slytherin, was rocking in the Sizzle and Serve section. Their menu had the classic dining hall grilled chicken, sidewinder fries, “Hagrid’s Stout Sandwich” (a Rueben) and the “Basilisk Burger.”
That’s not all the food options, however. The Leaky Cauldron featured two soup options: “Gryffindor Fire Roasted Tomato Soup” and “Ravenclaw Wise Old Owl Chicken & Rice Soup.” The more the merrier!
The drink selection at The Hog’s Head was a huge hit, serving up some classic drinks and potions. The main draw was Butterbeer, a butterscotch soda with whipped cream and caramel on top. Then there were two potions; Polyjuice was made of ginger ale and pineapple juice, while Amortentia was made of lemonade and strawberry syrup. The only thing missing after sipping on a Butterbeer is a ride on Velocicoaster!
Many dessert items were available, too. Treacle Tart, vanilla and chocolate cake, Golden Snitch Donut Holes and Monster Book Brownies.
The Honeydukes Express made an appearance and was a huge hit. Seventh semester psychology major Kaitlyn Dunn called it her favorite part of the event.
“I really like the chocolate frogs and the candy they were giving away,” Dunn said.
The famous chocolate frogs were being given out from the trolley from the films. Jellybeans, lollipops and chocolate coins were also on the cart.
The event even brought out non-Harry Potter fans. Fifth semester actuarial science major Juaquin Aliste is not familiar with the book and film franchise, but he talked about his experience.
“It was interesting to see all the Harry Potter stuff I don’t know,” Aliste said. “I think they should happen more often and do more franchises like Hunger Games — it’ll make the experience of eating with your friends more interesting.”
Events like this are important and can give students a change of plans for their day. Chow lives off campus and talked about why she was there.
“I am limited to a certain amount of meal swipes,” Chow said. “So, when I saw the Harry Potter themed lunch, I wanted to go.”