The University of Miami opened an 80-seat Glatt Kosher restaurant Tuesday on campus — and the public is welcome. The Oasis, located at the Whitten University Center, serves breakfast, lunch and dinner weekdays — but not on the Jewish Sabbath, which begins at sundown Friday, or Jewish holidays.
”It’s the largest Glatt Kosher restaurant at any university,” says UM president Donna Shalala. The 3,700-square-foot eatery is one of the few Kosher campus retail outlets in the U.S. open to non-students, adds UM assistant VP Mel Tenen, who oversees dining operations.
In addition to Jewish students, the Oasis is expected to draw Muslim students who observe halal, Islamic dietary laws. UM estimates that 16 percent of its 15,000 students are Jewish, and 2 percent Muslim, based on self-reported religious affiliations. But Shalala expects wide appeal. ”I think when people discover it, they’ll make an effort to come.” Students can now eat at the Oasis on the meal plan.
Offerings include: bagel with smoked salmon and a ”shmear” of cream cheese ($5.95); knishes ($2.69); potato pancakes with applesauce or sour cream ($3.59); corned beef on rye or wheat bread or challah roll ($7.95); and falafel sandwich with roasted red pepper hummus and tahini sauce ($6.25).
The Oasis is managed by Chartwells, UM’s food services contractor, and supervised by Rabbi Mendy Fellig, a UM chaplain with Chabad. A mashgiach who certifies that the food is in strict compliance must be on site at all times.
No midnight at the Oasis. Hours are Monday through Thursday, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., and Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
(Miami Herald)
