Dining Table: William Jessup University Crossroads Cafe fun to visit

This month, we're heading out of Lincoln but we're only going as far as Rocklin and specifically to the William Jessup University Crossroads Café. Yes, the café is open to the public and it's well worth a visit. This column will talk about not only what you'll find at the cafe, but what they are doing to repurpose non-consumed food via a 'Chef's Against Hunger' initiative. Restaurant overview The Crossroads Café is centrally located on the university's campus and is less than 10 minutes south of Lincoln (Google or MapQuest for directions). Walking into the cafe, you are met at the reception stand where you pay a fixed amount for your meal (all-inclusive). There are different prices for breakfast ($10.49 plus tax), lunch ($13.25 plus tax) and dinner ($14.63 plus tax); Sunday brunch is $11.04 plus tax). Veterans and first responders get the faculty/student discount, which reduces the cost by about one-third. There are several major stations within Crossroads Café: a salad bar, beverage area (soft drinks only but a nice selection), a dessert station, a pizza location and a main entre area (the World Food Court, with entrees changing on a rotating basis). Wander around, pick what you want and go back as desired. There is no wait staff and you bus your own table when finished with your meal. Chefs Against Hunger This nonprofit organization, started in 2012, acquires prepared but non-eaten food that would normally go to waste in hotels, restaurants and other food service operations. Its website says that more than $2-billion a year is spent on growing, processing, transporting and disposing of food that is not eaten. Twenty percent of North American produce is thrown away annually; one in eight Californians are food insecure. Using a regional wholesale distribution company, the locations package non-eaten foods that are shipped to regional locations and distributed to predetermined organizations providing food outreach to individuals and families in need. It's a win-win for everyone. Taste test Everything served is fresh and wholesome and is very tastefully presented. I had several lunches at the café and was very pleased. There are a large array of salads, three soup variations, and about seven main entrées. For the entrees, you can customize what you want. On one occasion, I wanted tacos with pork and chicken, no beans or rice but with French fries. No problem; just ask the server! Verdict Crossroads Café is well worth a visit. Excellent food, well presented and very affordable. Leave a tip in the communal jar for the staff. Richard Pearl is a Lincoln resident who, as an extensive business traveler and wide-ranging tourist after retirement, has eaten in more than his share of restaurants worldwide. Email him at richardpearl.lnm@gmail.com with comments or ideas for other unique restaurants.