Essay One: Food Narrative, The Freshman Fifteen

As a new student to the University of Alabama, I have found many new struggles to contend with. One struggle everyone deals with is the notorious “freshman fifteen”, that has now turned into the freshman thirty. Food on college campus’ are abundant and very addictive if you cannot control your cravings. The University of Alabama has made it possible for you to have five platefuls of food if you so desire. without anyone hovering over you while you eat. There is no one to tell you when to stop because you have unknowingly already eaten your full body weight in food. I have been to all of the dining halls and have been a victim of the “all you can eat buffet.”. After taste testing food from each dining hall, I have yet to find a food with an original taste that I can eat without feeling unhealthy. Finally, I came upon the ever so popular Pita Pit.

Some may call it fate, but I believe it was my initiation into college. I got to experience the feeling of biting into a pita and knowing that you will be an addict. No one can understand the delectable taste of a pita until they have gone to the Pita Pit. I must admit I was a little reluctant at first when I heard the word pita. My memory of pitas was not so fond when I thought back to my youth. My father used to eat pitas almost everyday for lunch. He would smear a glob of mustard on the pita like pizza sauce, dribble a little cheese on top, and then pop it in the microwave for a couple of seconds. Afterward, he would rave about his amazing creation and persuade me to try a bite. Although skeptical at first, I would always give in and take a bite into the unknown. The first taste of the pita was a crunchy, tasteless dough that was never worth the calories. Next, I got a spicy exposure to the mustard slathered onto the first layer of the pita. The only remotely good thing about this pita was the stringy cheese on top. However, the combination of these elements never made for a good taste in my opinion.

As for the Pita Pit, I can hardly put into words the explosion of flavor conceived the second you bite into it. When you first walk into the restaurant, the line might scare you out of a good meal, but do not let it intimidate you because it may be the best discovery of your college life. Although the Pita Pit is amazing, the restaurant can be a bit noisy, especially at rush hour. However, once you finally make it to the counter, you will be shaking with anticipation. You can almost taste the first bite. If you are anything like me, you may have a hard time deciding just exactly what you want to order. However, I always go the safest route and choose turkey. No one can ever go wrong with a good turkey sandwich, or in this case pita. After viewing all of the abundant choices, you can finally place your order. Now the prices are a little expensive for the average college student, but if you have to splurge, this is the place to do so. The person at the cash register will hand you the receipt containing your ultimate decision. As you make your way down the counter, you will smell the intense aroma seeping from the grill. First your nose will be overwhelmed with excitement and then your mouth will start to salivate. This is only the beginning of the breathtaking taste of the pita. Finally, you will encounter the last step of the pita assembly line. This is where you must decide exactly how you are feeling that day. Since I am not one to make life changing decisions, I always put the same condiments on my sandwich/pita.

The lady asks me what I want and I tell her,” White American cheese, mayonnaise, a little bit of lettuce, and salt and pepper.”.

I am finally ready to go.

Once my pita has been wrapped and designed especially for my taste buds, I am ready to dig in. As I carefully unwrap this wonderful creation, I cannot help but first admire its beauty. The end of the pita is folded so carefully, I can hardly bear to bite into it and ruin its perfection. Although it may be tough, I somehow find a way around this obstacle.

Now that your teeth are sinking into the deliciousness of the pita, you start to grasp what the rage is all about. The initial flavor you taste is the turkey. It not only tastes of turkey but also has a hint of bacon flavor to it. Second, you taste the juicy flavor of mayonnaise and tomato. Not everyone will find this a pleasurable experience, but all of these flavors mixed together leads to an unforgettable meal. Each bite is more thrilling than the first. Once you near the end, you must do your best to savor each bite, because you never know when you will have time to come back.

Ever since my first introduction to the Pita Pit, I have been hooked. I came with my first new friend at Alabama and we experienced our first pita together. I have yet to find a better restaurant in Tuscaloosa. Although I hear Hakkaido has Asian food that will make your taste buds cringe, I can never deny a good pita. They offer healthy food, good service, and a comfortable environment to eat your food. Although the prices are somewhat high, the food you get is worth the pay and the wait. So as the year drags on and late night food cravings start to muster, just know that the Pita Pit will always be there. And always beware of the freshman fifteen!