Chef Rob Harbison at Café Vivian

Café Vivan, located in Frist Campus Center, re-emerged rebuilt on a more sustainable model. The Dining Services staff has made every effort to use recycled materials in the remodeling and to provide organic, sustainable, or local foodstuffs in the menu.

The new Café “Viv” sports millwork and shelving produced from a particle board made from sunflower seed shells. The quartz countertops require no chemical sealers or cleaners, which in turn contributes to better indoor air quality. The glass tile surrounding the oven contains a high percentage of recycled glass and the lighting fixtures over the serving areas are made from 100% recycled aluminum. Many of the other fixtures in the cafe use LED lighting technology, an energy efficient choice which contains no mercury. Even the choice of paint has not been overlooked; a low “VOC” (or volatile organic compounds) wall paint has been specified.

The menu has also received its share of attention; considerable effort went in to making the choices both delicious and more sustainable. Patrons returning to the Café this fall will find organic or local (or both) deli meats and cheeses. Bread will be baked on premises and the pizza will be made in a hearth oven. Real “Jersey” produce and organic sandwich spreads will be featured, and of course, vegetarian and vegan options will be offered. There may even be treats from the Forbes College organic garden. The grain bar will feature macro-vegetarian salads, the coffee is “equal exchange,” and a host of organic yogurt and other drinks will be available to go.

So, if you find yourself in need of some refreshment, or just a great place to relax, come back to Café Vivian for some delicious food in an environmentally conscious venue.