SAGE Dining Services

We take pride in our food and craft it with care. Our dishes are made from scratch in small batches to provide nourishment with wholesome ingredients, please all palates and tastes, ensure freshness and flavor, and to reduce food waste. @sagediningservices #DefiningtheStandard #fromscratch

At SAGE, we know balanced meals are essential for strong academic and athletic performance! While we’ve got you covered at lunchtime, don’t forget that a nourishing #breakfast is the best way to prepare for a productive day ahead. Starting your day with a nutritious breakfast gives your body the energy it needs and boosts attention, memory, and creativity. Here’s what makes an ideal breakfast: • Carbs: Whole-wheat toast, oatmeal, or whole-grain cereal. • Protein and Fat: Yogurt, milk, cheese, or eggs. • Fruit: Fresh options like berries, bananas, apples, and oranges. • Hydration: A glass of water to replenish after sleep. We know busy mornings can make breakfast tricky. Stock up on grab-and-go items like yogurt cups, hardboiled eggs, preportioned cereals, breakfast sandwiches, and handheld fruits. Set yourself up for success with a wholesome breakfast! #backtoschool #SAGEathome #inspiringminds

Download the Touch of SAGE app to check the menu, filter allergens, view upcoming events, and rate menu items! @sagediningservices

Ever wondered how a professional cook would restock a sparse spice cupboard? We asked three of our SAGE Chefs for their go-to spices, herbs, and flavor combinations to keep on hand, so you’ll always be prepared for a delicious meal. “Salt and pepper are my go-tos because underseasoned food is as bad as poorly prepared food. I like the freshness that thyme and lemon thyme bring to food, especially grains and poultry. Certain combinations are delicious, too, like blueberry and lemon in drinks or strawberry and balsamic vinegar in salads. Tomato and basil with high-quality olive oil is my quintessential summer dish. And for a garlicky barbecue sauce, lightly coat chicken with a combination of brown sugar, garlic, and kosher salt before grilling.” “My dried spice staples are paprika, cayenne, granulated garlic, onion flakes, parsley, thyme, and oregano. They’re super-versatile; I can turn them into a dry rub with a little brown sugar, or use the thyme and oregano to make a homemade focaccia or pizza dough. I always have a pot of fresh rosemary, thyme, and basil.” “I put black pepper in almost everything. I use cumin for meats, and I particularly like to toast it and add it to black beans with garlic and onions. Bay leaves are great simmered with meats, beans, or lentils. And I like to add smoked paprika to dry rubs; it’s really good on short ribs! Then there are the pairings I always go back to: celery seed for roasts and sauerkraut; sage with pork; and thyme in meats, gravies, and rice. And, although it’s not an herb or spice, always salt!” What are some of your go-to flavor combos? Share below! #herbsandspices #SAGEathome

The foundation of a SAGE menu is our recipes. Our passionate Chefs create unique menus that highlight our fresh, high-quality ingredients and showcase our diverse cooking methods. With your wants and needs in mind, our menus include lots of variety, community favorites, and the latest food trends. @sagediningservices

Staying well hydrated is crucial, especially when you’re physically active, as it regulates body temperature, aids recovery, minimizes cramping, and enhances focus. Hydration goes beyond bringing a water bottle to your workout. Start hydrating well before activity to avoid dehydration. While fluid needs vary, consuming 2 cups (16 fluid ounces) of water two to four hours before activity is generally ideal. Waiting until you're thirsty often means you’re already dehydrated. To stay hydrated during exercise, drink two or three large gulps (around 4 fluid ounces) every 15 to 20 minutes. For activities lasting less than an hour, water is sufficient. For exercise over an hour or at high intensity, temperature, humidity, or altitude, consider a sports drink. Pick a flavor you enjoy to ensure you’ll actually drink it during exercise, and look for one with 12 to 18 grams of carbohydrates and 110 to 170 milligrams of sodium per 8 fluid ounces. Some add vitamins, herbal supplements like ginseng and guarana, and even caffeine, but there’s no substantial research supporting their performance benefits. SAGE’s Registered Dietitians have developed house-made sports drinks with simple ingredients based on current sports nutrition research, providing an ideal blend of carbs and sodium for rehydration. Hydration isn’t just about drinking water. Fruits like watermelon, cantaloupe, oranges, and strawberries have high water content and help replace electrolytes. Hydrating vegetables, such as cucumber, bell pepper, lettuce, and zucchini, can be incorporated into meals and snacks. Adding a bowl of broth-based soup to lunch or dinner also increases fluid intake. SAGE’s Performance Spotlight® program, designed specifically for active individuals, helps you build meals that fuel training and competition needs. To find Performance picks, look for the runner icon on the online menu, in the Touch of SAGE® app, or on signs in the dining hall. #PerformanceSpotlight #athletics #nutritionforathletes

Vietnam is a coastal, mountainous country with rich inland waterways, tropical lowlands, and heavily forested highlands. Once marred by the Vietnam War, it’s now a haven for foodies and wanderlusters alike. Major Vietnamese protein sources include chicken, egg, pork, seafood, and tofu, often bought at vibrant wet markets. Freshwater fish and shellfish, as well as eels, frogs, snails, and mud crabs, are commonly steamed or grilled, then dipped in a tangy mix of salt, pepper, and lime juice. Vietnamese cuisine features a bounty of fresh produce like bananas, bean sprouts, dragonfruit, eggplant, mango, papaya, and more. Rice is a staple, enjoyed as jasmine rice, sticky rice, rice noodles, and spring roll wrappers. Some popular dishes include: • Pho (noodle soup with a clear broth and thin-sliced protein). • Bánh mi (a baguette sandwich with protein and pickled vegetables). • Bún chả (grilled pork with rice noodles). • Spring rolls (protein and vegetables wrapped in rice paper). • Bún bò xào (beef noodle salad with fresh vegetables and herbs). • Bánh tiêu (airy and soft doughnut with a crispy sesame seed crust and hollow interior). What’s your favorite Vietnamese dish or culinary tradition? Share below! #Vietnamesefood #Vietnamesecuisine

We wrap up our series on Filipino cuisine with this recipe for Pancit Sotanghon! Servings: 6 Ingredients: 1 pound dry rice vermicelli noodles 1 egg 2 tablespoons vegetable oil, divided 1 ¼ cups yellow onion, julienned 1 cup cabbage, shredded ¾ cup carrots, shredded 3 tablespoons fresh peeled garlic, chopped ¾ cup gluten-free soy sauce ⅛ teaspoon fish sauce ½ cup green onions, thinly sliced ½ lemon, cut into wedges Preparation: 1. Cook the rice noodles in boiling water according to package instructions. Drain and set aside. 2. Beat the egg. Cook and scramble with ½ tablespoon of vegetable oil. Set aside. 3. In a hot skillet or wok, heat the remaining oil. Add yellow onions, cabbage, and carrots. Stir-fry until tender. 4. Add garlic and sauté until fragrant. 5. Add the noodles, scrambled egg, soy sauce, and fish sauce. Stir-fry until warmed through (add water if needed for desired consistency). 6. Add green onions and toss to combine. Garnish with lemon wedges. #recipes #Filipinofood #Filipinocuisine #pancit #SAGEathome

Stumped on what to do with that unusual spice you picked up? Don’t let it go to waste! Our SAGE Chefs are sharing their top tips to make the most of those unique flavors. • Garam masala is the key ingredient in paneer, chicken, and vegetable masalas. It’s also a tasty addition to oatmeal cookies and compound butters. • Crystallized ginger is a welcome addition to banana and other quick breads, sugar cookies, granola bars, fruit crumbles, and baked apples. Dip it in dark chocolate for a sweet treat, or eat it plain to ease carsickness during your summer travels. • Ground mustard is good in dry rubs, salad dressings, soups, and cream sauces. Try adding it to your next baked macaroni and cheese. • Harissa works best as a condiment for tagine or Moroccan dishes and pairs wonderfully with grilled meats, roasted vegetables, and even as a spicy kick in marinades or dips. • Juniper berries pair well with braised pork, or to infuse a simple syrup for cocktails or mocktails. • Flavor a panna cotta, crème brûlée, or ice cream with lavender. Prepare as directed, but steep the lavender in the cream while you heat it up, then strain it out before adding the cream to the recipe. • Mace and nutmeg add delicious depth to potato purées, Mornay sauce, and béchamel. Share some of your ideas below! #herbsandspices #SAGEathome #inspiringminds

Training to perform your best in physical activity requires proper fuel! Whether you’re a competitive athlete or a recreational exerciser, fueling your body right can optimize your physical performance and help you achieve your goals. Here’s how to maximize your speed, strength, and agility; shorten recovery time; and reduce your risk of injury and illness. Pre-Workout Fuel: Before you start, eat easily digestible foods that provide energy. If you have at least two hours before your activity, grab a snack with protein and carbohydrates, plus a fruit or vegetable. Try a half sandwich and an apple, or hummus with pita chips and carrots. If you have less than two hours, skip the protein and go for carbs and a fruit or vegetable, such as a granola bar and a small glass of juice. During Activity: Staying hydrated is key! For activities lasting less than an hour, water is sufficient. If you’re exercising for more than an hour — or at high intensity, temperature, humidity, or altitude — consider a sports drink. Sports drinks help hydrate by replacing carbohydrates and electrolytes lost in sweat, while also providing energy. Drink two or three large gulps (around 4 fluid ounces) every 15 to 20 minutes. Post-Workout Recovery: After your cooldown, focus on replenishing lost fluids and energy. Aim for a snack within 30 minutes to one hour, and/or a balanced meal within a few hours. Your post-workout snack should contain carbs and some protein to aid in energy storage and muscle building. Great options include a fruit and yogurt smoothie or a glass of chocolate milk. If you prefer a sports bar, look for one with a 4:1 carb-to-protein ratio. Be sure to drink water to rehydrate. SAGE’s Performance Spotlight® program, created specifically for active individuals, helps you fuel through all phases of activity. It offers mealtime guidance, on-the-go meals and snacks, and house-made sports bars, drinks, and protein smoothies with simple ingredients. Look for the runner icon on signs in the dining hall, and check out the menus online or in the Touch of SAGE® app. #PerformanceSpotlight #athletics #nutritionforathletes