Overlooked IMU dining

Stepping into the Tudor Room restaurant on the third floor of the Indiana Memorial Union feels like stepping into a country club. The high ceilings, big open windows and delicate artwork make it easy to forget that the restaurant is located on IU's campus. But don't be fooled. The Tudor Room is rich in IU tradition. The high ceilings are adorned with flags that represent different schools of the University. The antique furniture that adds to the restaurant's atmosphere includes pieces from Herman B Wells' personal collection. \nThe Tudor Room was built in 1959 as a restaurant that would define the IMU. Originally serving a full menu at lunch, dinner and Sunday brunch, the Tudor Room offered a place for students, teachers and Bloomington community members to socialize and attend business meetings, all while enjoying home-cooked food. But competition never fails to arise. As grab-and-go style meals have become more popular, the Tudor Room has suffered. \n"We did not want to stop serving quality food," said Maureen Brown, general manager of IMU Dining Services. "But business was decreasing, so we had to do something."\nIn the early '90s the Tudor Room became a buffet-style restaurant that is only open for lunch 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Monday through Friday, while Sunday brunch remains. \nBut if the Tudor Room is the restaurant that defines the IMU, why have most students across campus never eaten at the restaurant? Judy Drew, Tudor Room manager, believes it is because students are misled about the restaurant.\n"First of all, we are located on the third floor of the Union," Drew said. "A lot of students don't even know there is a third floor. Secondly, I truly believe that students are intimidated by the appearance of the Tudor Room."\nSome students might see the ambience of the Tudor Room and immediately assume that the restaurant is pricey, but there are four options for meals during lunch at the Tudor Room that vary in price, all the way from the Grand Buffet for $8.95 to the soup buffet for $2.10. \nSunday brunch at the Tudor Room can be considered expensive. The buffet is $14.95, which is a lot more than what students pay for brunch at a place such as the Village Deli. And the price for brunch increases on such Sundays as parent's weekend or holidays.\nThe Tudor Room lunch buffet offers a variety of choices. The hot lunch buffet follows a daily theme from Italian food to Asian-infused meals. Homemade soups, salad bar and fresh desserts are also part of the offerings. \n"We like to give our customers options," Drew said. "It's important for people to know that we are a buffet, but there are still many options for a variety of different meals."\nFor some students, like junior Lauren Gospin, the idea of the Tudor Room is nice but unrealistic. \n"The hours that they are open are very restrictive," Gospin said. "I have class between 11:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m., so I won't ever be able to eat at the Tudor Room for lunch." \nBut the hours won't stop junior Adam Solloway from venturing to the restaurant.\n"You will definitely see me at the Tudor Room in the future," Solloway said. "I might not always be eating the Grand Buffet, but who can pass up homemade soup for $2.10?"\nFor more information on the Tudor Room visit www.imu.indiana.edu. For reservations for Sunday brunch call 855-1620.\n-- Contact Staff Writer Monica Dix at mcdix@indiana.edu.