CRITICAL NOTE: King Hall cannot support individuals with Food Allergies.
Optimum efficiency is the only thing that can prevent utter chaos when more than 4,000 people sit down at one time for dinner at 372 tables spread over a 55,000- square-foot area. Hot meals are served to all within five minutes, reflecting the efficiency that exists in King Hall, the midshipman dining hall at the United States Naval Academy. Statistics of the operation are impressive, from the capacity of automated food preparation equipment in the galley to the washing room which
handles more than 40,000 pieces of silver, dishes and glassware for an average meal.
FOOD PREPARATION
Food preparation equipment includes seventeen conduction/convection ovens that, together, can cook over 2,000 pounds of shrimp, 3,000 hamburgers, or 2,500 pounds of chicken; each in one hour. The galley also operates nine steam-jacketed kettles that can heat 1,000 gallons of soup or cook two tons of pasta.
Thirty mobile serving carts, one for up to 20 tables, maintain the trays of prepared food above 140 degrees until serving time.
King Hall offers at least two entrees at each meal. This nutritionally balanced, daily diet of 3,500 - 4,000 calories per midshipman a day. All meat is U.S. Choice, vegetables are Grade A Fancy, and freshly baked breads and pastries arrive each day.
In a typical day, the Brigade consumes more than 1,000 gallons of milk, two tons of meat, a ton of green vegetables, two tons of potatoes, 1,200 loaves of bread, 720 pies, and about 300 gallons of soft serve ice cream and fruit smoothies.
The academy's food service program is operated on a large scale, and it does so with remarkable efficiency and high standards. There is a concerted effort to keep the food from becoming "institutional." Nutrition, the attractiveness of presentation, the variety of menu items and the quality of food preparation and service are paramount concerns.
Breakfast - The morning meal features eggs-to-order, a grain such as pancakes, waffles, or french toast, broiled bacon, broiled hash-brown potatoes, fresh fruit, more than eight varieties of ready-to-eat cereal, and freshly baked donuts, pastries or bagels. Steaming coffee and hot chocolate are also available. Each table is preset with orange juice and all the necessary condiments.
Lunch - Lunch usually consists of a variety of sandwich-type entrees and a daily vegetable. The freshly made dessert is preset on center tables in conjunction with salad bars, protein bars (typically consisting of tuna, chicken, and quinoa), and bread bars. Condiments and dressings are set on each table. Hot soup is also available from fall to early spring.
Dinner - The evening meal is similar to lunch, but the main entree of chicken, beef or fish will be accompanied by a vegetable and potato or rice dish.
The midshipmen's favorite menu items include buffalo chicken sandwiches, hamburgers, mac n cheese, tacos and burritos, as well as catered events from several local vendors. Additionally, the midshipmen’s favorite staple is peanut butter, which is consumed at a rate of about 100 pounds each day.
Some basic rules all campers must follow while in King Hall.
1. Remove your cover (hat) before entering King Hall.
2. Socks and shoes must be worn (sandals are appropriate).
3. You shirt must be completely tucked in.
4. Food will be served once all the campers are seated at the table. No one may begin to eat until everyone at the table is ready.
5. Food is served family style. Once everyone has one helping then you may have seconds.
6. When leaving the dining hall you must push in your seat and arrange your silverware so the handles are at “3 o’clock”.
7. You may not bring lacrosse equipment into King Hall
Please note: Allergies to common foods requiring special dietary considerations cannot be supported by King Hall and is a disqualifying condition for attending camp. Please email or call the camp director for more information (goers@usna.edu or 410.293.5548)
