“By all accounts, Cornell also has some of the best dining hall food in the nation,…”
It has had that reputation. And it may be true, I’ve no idea.
I thought it was pretty good back in the day.
But when I went back for Cornell Adult University (a great vacation option, btw) many years later, and had what was obviously the same cafeteria food, I was considerably less enthralled.
Once you’ve been out in the 'real world", my advice would be don’t pass up your reservation at a three star restaurant during restaurant week for a chance to sample that dining hall food.
Or any other.
The dining plan did offer lobster once a year, I wonder if they still do that.