Joint Base, Lewis McCord, WA —
Team McCord's Olympic Dining facility has launched a series of signature dishes that redefines the dining standard at Joint Base Lewis McCord.
Representatives of the Olympic dining facility say the signature dishes are created based on feedback from patrons. These meals were created to provide more choice and improve the daily diet of Airmen and their families.
To create these signature dishes, Olympic Dining facility representatives pitch ideas and meet with shift leaders, warehouse personnel, and managers to brainstorm. This menu is then proposed to the Menu Distribution Service (FSV) leadership through the Air Force Service Center at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland, Texas, before implementing new recipes.
“While our regular daily menus closely follow Crunchtime's recipe card system, special meals feature unique ingredients, flavors, or creative cooking techniques that showcase Airmen's culinary skills. Pema Sherpa, a food service worker with the 627th Troop Support Squadron. “For example, a signature dish may incorporate exotic spices, special cuts of meat, or elaborate presentation techniques.”
Cultural and seasonal meals are served year-round with menus designed by FSV Airmen. According to Olympic dining facility representatives, the purpose of these meals is to showcase and improve the culinary skills of airmen and provide a diverse menu to customers.
“We aim to match the prices with the regular meal menu,” Sherpa said. “Special dishes require more resources in terms of human and living resources than regular meals, but our main goal is customer satisfaction.”
At this time, special meals are guaranteed for all federal holidays, including Air Force Birthday and St. Patrick's Day. The frequency of other signature dishes will depend on customer feedback.
Olympic Dining Facility leadership encourages a diverse team of Airmen to contribute ideas wherever possible to improve the dining experience for all customers.
