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Eating at Gen Con 2001
-- by Teresa Dickert; Images by Loren Devine
Eating is a relative word at Gen Con. Some gamers seem to be on a diet -- a Mountain Dew and Pop Tart diet -- while others value a little break and a full meal outside the Midwest Express Center. In any case, you have to eat. It is only a matter of when, where, and how often.
The most obvious food selection is at the convention center itself. Choices vary from the ice cream and dessert stands to the concessions in main hall. The main reason for choosing the concessions is "convenience," explained con-goer Mark Roth of LaCrosse, Wisconsin. "It definitely wasn't the price. It fills my stomach and hopefully won't kill me," he jokingly added. Though the food quality is all right, he believes that "by knocking off a quarter to seventy-five cents, more people may choose to eat here."
Mike of Columbus, Ohio agreed, "The food isn't bad, but kind of expensive." He went on to describe that he purchased a 12-pack of Mountain Dew outside the convention for the same price as one at the concessions. Mike also tried Brew City on Water Street in Milwaukee on Wednesday night, which he found to be "pretty good." His morning consisted of more than a Mountain Dew and Pop Tart since he was staying at the Astor (Hotel), and he got to enjoy the large continental breakfast instead.
Gen Con attendee Rich Conbere of Orlando, Florida, was impressed with the Mexican Taco Salad at Pancho's on the first floor, but had a suggestion for the future. He believes, "More fast food nearby and onsite should be added such as Subway and Little Caesar's," just as many other conventions and large arenas have.
Some attendees travel a little farther for lunch, but not far. Just two blocks down the road is the Grand Avenue Mall. It's third floor food court has a variety of cuisines for a lower price, which pleases other Gen Con connoisseurs. Food types vary from the Irish barlike atmosphere of Mike Murphy's, Italian at Rocky Rococo and Luca's Villa Pizza, Greek at the Grecian Garden, Chinese at the Panda Express, Japanese at Sakkio Japan, Mexican at the Fiesta Mexican Grill, and more.
Couple Dave and Sandy (with dragon, Anastasia, in tow) of Normal, Illinois, sampled the food of Arby's and Luca's Villa Pizza at the Grand Avenue Mall. Among their reasons for eating at the mall were, "It's cheap, there are a lot of choices, we get to meet with our friends, and we get to see the freaks." Though at the mall for lunch, they previously tried a few desserts at a concession stand inside the Midwest Express Center. Dave had the "big chocolate brownie with extra chocolate," while Sandy tried the "folded, fruity goodness." Both items, they state, were worth the price.
While eating lunch at the mall, Rich Riley of Glendale Heights expounded his philosophy on Gen Con eating. "I think the food in the con must be amazing for the price, but I have not tried it. George Webb's at 3 a.m. leaves much to be desired, though."
Water Street and other nearby downtown locations provide more variety such as Water Street Brewery and Ed Debevic's for those with a little more time, cash, and tastes.
Overall, however, memories at Gen Con 2001 come not from just eating, but the combination of food, games, and friends.
