While the nuns are sympathetic to those with food allergies or those inclined towards vegetarianism, they are limited in the changes that can be made to the basic staples of the cuisine, and do not have the capacity to prepare several different dishes. Evening meals are dealt with on one s own, and can be taken economically in a variety of ways. Most students establish wholesome habits of heading out in small groups for take-out pizza, or pooling a collection of breads and cheeses and tomatoes and fruits picked up at the small grocery stores and markets scattered around town. During the pleasant weather of spring and fall, picnics along the cliff wall or on the steps of the duomo are in order. Restaurants of every price range are conveniently located.
Most people find their favorites.
The benches in the courtyard provide a most pleasant setting for eating a sandwich, or panino, with a friend. The regular exception to this pattern of dining are the excursion days, when we normally have our community meal upon our return in the evening. The room set aside for picnicing and snacking is the large sala or living room located in the wing of rooms reserved for use by the Gordon College program. There we have installed cubby-holes and a small refrigerator for students use in keeping small supplies of food and drink.