Restaurant Review: Dine in elegance at the University Center Restaurant

Dining on campus has never been this elegant before, and it's not until the customer walks in that they realize what a gem the University Center Restaurant really is. For $8.95, students can enjoy a wonderful dining experience without having to leave the campus.

The restaurant is very distinguished and although there weren't many students dining, that is sure to change when one considers the generous portions, great tastes and low prices. There isn't a dress code, but one may feel slightly underdressed in a T-shirt and jeans.

The dining room is brightly-lit by the natural sunlight filtered in through one wall of windows. The restaurant has a patio that recently opened and is a great place to dine when the weather is nice.

The white tablecloths and cloth napkins sure beat the paper napkins seen everywhere else on campus, and the dinnerware is actually silver, not the ever-popular plastic. The fresh flowers on every table add a genteel touch to your meal.

Service is prompt. The busers immediately come to the table, bringing water and taking beverage orders.

The restaurant offers a variety of wines, beer, Java City coffee and coffee drinks, tea, bottled water and soft drinks. Sorry ‹ no Coke. But, the Nathanson Creek Cabernet Sauvignon is a must. Wines cost between $3 and $5. Beers range from $2 to $3.

The menu varies each day. There are always at least three choices for each course, which begins with a salad. The salads are very tasty, bright, tangy and colorful, a theme continued throughout the meal.

The main course comes next. The Ahi Tuna is especially recommended. It is mouth-wateringly delicious. The fish is perfectly grilled and the sauce is out of this world. Customers, however, may be afraid to take a bite because the presentation makes the meal look like a work of art.

The last part of the package involves the most exciting option -- dessert! The chocolate mousse cake is to die for. It comes on a gorgeous plate, decorated with an orange swirl design and a raspberry crust. The combination confirms the chef's skill in combining sharp flavors and color. The other choices may include a fruit sorbet or a gelato.

The University Center Restaurant is a great place for students to take their parents (or that special someone) to eat when they visit campus or just feel like pampering their stomachs. The restaurant compares to any restaurant in Sacramento, but at half the price. The University Center Restaurant is much deserving of four out of four stars.