Food for Thought: Mazzone’s Vegan and Vegetarian Offerings

Hunter Wallace
Staff Writer

Mazzone Hospitality provides several food options for students at Hudson Valley, including those that are vegan and vegetarian.

“In our main cafe, each station offers vegetarian or vegan options. Our PRIME-itto station has sauteed vegetables, black beans, a variety of vegetarian salsas, rice, and grilled tofu. We also offer pre-made grab and go salads and sandwiches, bagels, pastries, cookies, yogurt parfaits, fruit cups, side salads, and more,” said Jessica Henesy, Mazzone catering manager.

In addition to Mazzone’s regular offerings, students also have several choices for breakfast and snacks.

“Our grill also offers classics like quesadillas and grilled cheese sandwiches, and vegetarian egg and cheese sandwiches, omelets, egg whites, oatmeal, and scrambles in the morning. Vegetarians visiting our cafe at the Library will find a super delicious portabella mushroom sandwich on the menu. PRIME Beat offers awesome smoothies that can be made vegan,” said Henesy.

With all of these options available, how do vegan and vegetarian students feel about them?

“I think [Mazzone] accounts for most people. I feel like there’s good vegetarian options, I don’t know about vegan [options]. I think most of the vegan options would be fruit,” said independent studies major Andrea Hulseapple.

Hulseapple, a vegan, does not usually buy from Mazzone. Instead, she looks to other sources for food.

“I usually go to Price Chopper and get one of their salads and replace the cheese and meat with chickpeas or something else.”

Some students have looked to alternative sources for their vegan cuisine. However, Mazzone puts forth an effort to accommodate the varying needs of vegans and vegetarians.

“Each menu is designed to accommodate various dietary choices and restrictions. We strive to always offer options for vegans, vegetarians, gluten-free diners, diners with allergies, etc. Our job on campus is to provide students, faculty, and staff with great food and great service,” said Henesy.

Students who wish to connect with Mazzone can do so by submitting a note in one of the Mazzone comment boxes, following the company on Instagram (@mazzonehospitality), or emailing Chef Jon or Henesy at j.simmons@hvcc.edu and j.henesy@hvcc.edu.
Henesy said, “If students have any questions about the ingredients in their dishes, they should never hesitate to ask questions! Our staff is friendly and knowledgeable, and always willing to find out the answer.”