Many people think that Terra Ve is a restaurant for creepy vegans and those obsessed with People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals. I have a slightly different view of Terra Ve. Rather than a waste of space, I view Terra Ve as a small eatery where I can grab a salad made of fresh lettuce, pieces of onion, milk-free cheese and healthy dressing. Where I can grab a stir-fry consisting of tofu, onions, rice, garlic salt and Asian sauce.

I know what you’re thinking: I must be a vegan freak, right? Well, actually-no. Rather, I am in love with chicken strips, addicted to cheddar cheese and a fanatic for a good cheeseburger.

It is nice to know that there is a place for those conscientious of their daily vegetable requirements. Going to the Griesedieck cafeteria is great if you enjoy a lot of grease or salad bowls that still have the remnants of previous meals frozen to the bottom.

Terra Ve, tucked quietly away beneath Clemens Hall, is open for the main meal hours of the day. It offers me a place where I can be a health freak and buy healthy drinks, grab a quick salad or enjoy some pasta if I feel so inclined. Terra Ve offers me the freshness that I look for in my vegetables and fruits.

Terra Ve also offers vegetarian and vegan students a place to eat. They don’t have to wonder if animal products were used in the preparation of what they are purchasing. Saint Louis University offers great diversity, with students from around the world and from different faith backgrounds. Why shouldn’t it offer diversity in its dining options, as well?

Yes, there are students who think SLU should do away with Terra Ve. Yet, to rid our campus of this fresh food would be taking nutritional diversity away from SLU.

I know some members of the SLU community believe that next year’s 8.5 percent tuition increase is largely related to the expansion of Terra Ve. Terra Ve’s expansion is a plan that has yet to be put into action. Funds accumulated from the tuition increase will actually go to multiple expansions, additions, and renovations on campus in hopes of bettering campus life. Terra Ve vital, and is obviously not the only reason for the tuition increase.

I know everyone is entitled to his or her own opinion about the importance of expanding Terra Ve, but it is equally important to see where the other side is coming from.

I ask that, before you judge Terra Ve, you give it a chance-and not just once. Go back two or three times. Experiment with the stir-fry, salads, pastas and other foods they have to offer.

Terra Ve is leading this University as a worthy, healthy, alternative dining option, and it deserves to be expanded.

James Ahearn is a freshman in the
College of Arts & Sciences.