As the semester gets into a full swing many students may find themselves in need of a reprieve from the usual culinary offerings at Diablo Valley College.

The Norseman, located upstairs in the Culinary Arts Building, offers a delightful escape from the bustling campus. They are open from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., Tuesday through Thursday.

The space is bright and open. Each table is adorned with a white table cloth and flowers from the horticulture department. Soft music plays in the background offering a pleasant relief from the noisy cafeteria below.

The house made ginger ale is mildly sweet and refreshing, and for only $1.50, easily one of the best beverage deals on campus.

The caprese salad is fresh and full of flavor. And again, for only $3, it’s an amazing deal.

Time permitting, one can get an exquisitely prepared grilled young rib-eye steak with mushrooms and potato gratin for $13.50. The split pea or celery root soup are only $3.95, and it’s only $3 to add a field greens or antipasto salad.

Prix-fix options are also available. Culinary student Catherine Gastelum said, “It’s a great dining experience for students on a budget. It allows people to experience a three course meal for under $20, and the food is fantastic.”

Alison Negrin, chef/instructor for DVC’s Norsemen, highlighted the fact that all the food is prepared and served by DVC students and they need the experience of waiting on people.

Being able to truly relax and enjoy the meal in such a pleasant setting is definitely a perk of dining at the Norseman. There’s no waiting in long lines and scrambling for a seat to eat your meal. One can simply be seated and have the food you ordered delivered to your table.