by Eleni Kanavas
The raccoon mascot at UTSC can finally feed his hunger at a new restaurant on campus and be proud of its name.
Rex’s Den, formerly known as Bluffs and now named in honour of Rex the Raccoon, celebrated its grand opening on October 20. The pub-restaurant is now s open weekdays from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. and on Thursdays until 10 p.m.
Students, faculty and staff joined student Zuhair Syed, president and CEO of the Scarborough Campus Students’ Union (SCSU), and Professor Franco Vaccarino, vice-president and principal of UTSC, for a ribbon-cutting ceremony in the restaurant, followed by refreshments and festivities.
The restaurant is located on the lower level of the Student Centre. Other officials on the platform party for the official opening included: Kim McLean, chief administrative officer; Tom Nowers, dean of student affairs; and Hanif Thakor, former SCSU President and CEO.
“The student leadership team has done a fantastic job and has set the bar high in terms of the goals and aspirations behind the new Rex’s Den,” said Vaccarino. “The restaurant is much more than just a dining establishment, but a place to kick back, relax and enjoy yourself within the UTSC community.”
Rex’s Den is a pub-style restaurant with a full service bar. The space has been decorated with several hockey jerseys that hang from the ceiling and represent Toronto’s sports teams and the University of Toronto’s athletic community. In addition, large flat TV screens situated behind the bar and in the dining area entertain sports fans.
The sit-down menu caters to students and includes items such as wings, nachos, burgers, sandwiches, and pasta, to name a few dishes. All students receive a 25 per cent discount on all food items with a valid T-card presented to waiting staff.
“A campus restaurant and bar has been missing on campus for a while and we’re pleased to again have a place where students can hang out and enjoy,” said Syed. “We’re also trying to enhance UTSC campus life within the academic community, and so the restaurant will be a great place for social and multicultural events.”
The restaurant is operated by SCSU and Robert Gauntlett, general manager, who oversees all kitchen and wait staff employees. In February 2009, the former Bluffs restaurant, which served as the main campus sit-down restaurant since 2004, was closed.
For more details visit the website, www.therexsden.ca.
Since the restaurant occupies a large space on the lower level of the Student Centre, the area will be utilized for campus events hosted by Arts and Events Programming and the Department of Student Life. Watch the web site for details at www.utsc.utoronto.ca.