An astrological approach to Duke Dining

cameron cravings

Every Friday night, the Devil's Krafthouse on the bottom floor of the Brodhead Center hosts karaoke for students.
Every Friday night, the Devil's Krafthouse on the bottom floor of the Brodhead Center hosts karaoke for students.

It’s Libra season, folks! You may not know—or care—but Libra season (September 23 to October 23) is traditionally seen as the “peak” of the year, when we enjoy the last days of summer sunshine and final fruits of the harvest. It is an exciting, critical time of year: the fall equinox kicks off the season, midterms are not far behind, and after Fall Break we will be blessed with Countdown just before passing into Scorpio season (and won’t that be a wild ride). 

Libras are fashionable, graceful and poised, which is why I definitely have never tripped going up the stairs in West Union. In this time of new beginnings, personal reflection and enjoying the fruits of the earth, let’s start autumn off right by giving Duke Dining the love it deserves and taking a moment to reflect on what is the best fit for you. 

(Disclaimer: I am purely basing this on the horoscopes on Cosmo’s Snapchat story this week and actually know very little about astrology. But Libras don’t respond well to criticism, so no, I will not be taking comments at this time.)

Aries (March 21-April 19): Sazón. Bold and ambitious, Aries individuals are not easily intimidated by challenges. When Sazón came onto the scene a year ago, it faced high expectations as the first Latin American eatery on campus (no Duke, Krafthouse burritos don’t count)—expectations that it has far surpassed. Tap into Sazón’s fearless, determined energy this week, and pay the extra for guac.

Taurus (April 20-May 20): Café. Taurus, you definitely love a treat. Indulge your Epicurean self and order a mocha latte, a nutella crepe and/or a $6 cup of juice. Sit by the window. Feel the warmth of the sunshine. There is caffeine nearby when you need to get back to work, but for now, just enjoy the chocolate.

Gemini (May 21-June 20): Vondy. 1. Order your soy iced matcha. 2. Say “so good to see you, let’s get a meal sometime!!” approximately 12-14 times. 3. Sit down to check your email. 4. Remember you are supposed to be in two different club meetings right now. 5. Decide to go to the gym instead.

Cancer (June 21-July 22): The Loop. Incredibly intuitive and deep-feeling, you adapt easily to the emotional needs of your friends, just as the Loop is always there for you, whatever your needs. Happy? Sad? Stressed? Conflicted about the ethics of pursuing a career in consulting? There is no emotional state that cannot be assuaged by mozzarella sticks and milkshakes.

Leo (July 23-August 22): The Commons. Nothing but the best for you, Leo! Satisfy your flair for the dramatic and dine somewhere that requires a reservation. Sit on the balcony, have a glass of wine, and watch the plebs walk by on the plaza below. They wish they could be as special as you.

Virgo (August 23-September 22): Twinnie’s. Virgo, you’re on a roll. Your practical, systematic approach to life is evident in everything you say and do. You’ve been making (and meticulously completing) to-do lists since the semester started, and you’re kind of killing the game. But don’t forget to take the time to refuel and recharge: you definitely need coffee and a pastry.

Libra (September 23-October 22): Nasher Café. Hello, birthday brunch! Time to celebrate with an extravagant cheese plate, mimosas and an Instagram post in front of that one wall. You know the one. But of course, don’t forget to keep it balanced: pay with food points (they’re not real money!) and add a side of fruit. Or don’t! Whatever makes you feel the most ~harmonious~.

Scorpio (October 23-November 21): Tandoor. You’re so easily misunderstood, Scorpio. People often think they have you figured out, but you know your true emotions and passions run deeper than that. Similarly, Tandoor is more than its tikka masala. You’re both tragically misunderstood, and it’s time you bonded over it.

Sagittarius (November 22-December 21): Krafthouse. Charismatic and witty, your magnetic personality inevitably draws people to you. It is high time to pile into a booth with your friends and impress them with your hilarious hot takes on Daniel Jones’s future in the NFL. Come for the atmosphere, stay for the fries.

Capricorn (December 22-January 19): Red Mango. Capricorn, you have a deep inner fortitude and unwavering focus that I can only admire from a distance. I don’t know how you do it, but your self-restraint and commitment to personal and professional growth is truly remarkable.  Reward your hard work with a delicious smoothie—what the heck, even a smoothie bowl. You’ve earned it.

Aquarius (January 20-February 18): Sprout. Have some deep, discerning conversations about late-stage capitalism and the shortcomings of Duke Engage with your closest friends over a plate of chickpeas prepared three different ways. Making the world a better place, one soy nugget at a time. 

Pisces (February 19-March 20): Divinity Cafe. The most compassionate and empathetic sign of the Zodiac, Pisces has internalized the highs and lows of the rest of the year and sometimes needs some time to work through it. You can be easily swallowed by emotions, but take comfort in the simple joys of life: grilled cheese and tomato soup. If Div can’t soothe your soul, I don’t know what else to tell you.

Just Sami the salmon guy: JB’s. Every. single. day.

Get some balance in your life: this month (and always), listen to the Zodiac/Cosmo magazine/me and eat at the place that works best for you. The stars want you to.

Gretchen Wright is a Trinity senior who simply refuses to call West Union the Brodhead Center for Campus Life. Her column, cameron cravings, runs on alternate Thursdays.

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