Dining at Milton

Pleasing the finicky palates of adolescents is no easy task, but already many students have noted positive changes since Flik Independent Schools by Chartwells began providing dining services at Milton.

A recent issue of the Milton Measure asked students to “sound off on Flik Food” and other than a number of requests for the return of the much-coveted ice cream machine— which is out for repair— the comments were overwhelmingly positive. Many students commented on the improved quality of the food.

Last spring Milton conducted a rebidding process for the School’s dining service contract, to assure the best possible mix of food and service. After thorough review, the Dining Selection Committee recommended Flik. Among the reasons Flik was chosen was varied and nutritional Upper and Lower School menus, superb nutritional support, low food waste, options for vegetarians, vegans and religious diets, recycling support, strict health code guidelines and procedures, and new solutions to old problems such as improving sit-down dinners.

Although some students have complained that chicken patties are no longer on the lunch menu, many more have been impressed with the sophisticated options available at lunch and the quality of the food served in the dorms at dinner. Some recent menu items have included mussels and garlic, polenta, teriyaki tempeh with bok choy and oat-crusted tofu—not your average school fare.

Flik makes many of its entrees, desserts and sides from scratch, increasing the nutritional value and giving the food a home-cooked taste. Salad dressings and soups are made in-house as well, and desserts are fresh and plentiful.

Among the services Flik offers is the availability of a registered dietitian who will visit campus throughout the year to help students with some of their dietary concerns. In addition, JoAnn Weinert, Flik’s dining manager, has a degree in nutrition and is happy to answer questions students may have about healthy eating.

Parents can order a birthday cake or sweet treat for their child through Flik’s catering manager Brooke Lemire at 617-898-2327 or by email at brooke_lemire@milton.edu. Flik has also partnered with Dancing Deer Bakery to provide sweet treats to students upon request— see what they offer at www.sendmunchies.com.

If you hear from your child that he or she misses your home cooking, you can submit one of your child’s favorite recipes. Flik will work with the recipe and try to incorporate it into a menu, although at times extending a recipe for four to six people to 280 is difficult. Send recipe ideas to Phil Juaire, head chef at phil_juaire@milton.edu or call him at 617-898-2352.