Salsa, chips and chili made their debut Wednesday in the new "Mexican Market" located in The Marketplace at the University Center.
Chuck Wigington, director of Tiger Food Services, said the new Mexican-based menu is just one of the many new food items The Marketplace is trying.
"We have been trying different things," Wigington said. "Since the Tiger Den has Taco Bell, we decided to try Mexican entrees at The UC."
Wigington said other Mexican dishes will be available in the coming weeks.
"We also plan on offering fajitas and burritos," Wigington said. "We will run the same menu for a few weeks and then change up with other Mexican dishes."
The menu includes chips and salsa for $1.29, chips with cheese and salsa for $2.99, chili nachos for $3.99 and quesadillas with chicken or beef filling for $3.99.
The Marketplace also offers a veggie quesadilla with mushrooms, squash, onions and bell peppers for $3.99.
Wigington said other changes are planned for The Marketplace, including the introduction of gourmet sandwiches.
"The area known as 'The Garden' will also undergo change in the coming weeks," Wigington said. "We are going to provide upscale sandwiches -- students will be able to customize them."
Wigington said the soups will remain, but the salads may be changed.
"We are thinking about selling pre-made salads in the cooler instead of making them as they are ordered," Wigington said. "The salads will still be made fresh everyday."
As requested by students, the "Nao and Zen" and "Pan Eos" eateries will be open on Saturday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
"Students asked for it (the extended hours) and we did it," Wigington said. "The eateries will serve the same menu as they serve on Friday. The menus are rotated every three weeks."
In other Tiger Dining news, the Java Coast kiosk in the UC has started selling hot wings, salads, hot pockets and cheeseburger pockets.
"The kiosk has a microwave and is setup to serve entrees," Wigington said. "We will try out dishes such as pasta. The kiosk provides meals for students when the Marketplace is closed."
At the Tiger Den, calzones and another type of pizza will be sold starting next week, according to Wigington.
"It is all about variety," Wigington said. "We are trying to build excitement and bring new things to the campus."
