MKU

Let’s be honest, I go on deployments for the food. Where else can you get a sack lunch with a full day’s worth of calories??? And you can eat it all guilt free for the good of the fire fight.
Initially I had quite a few logistical concerns with the setup of the MKU at the Calaveras County Fairgrounds. Located in dusty Monkey Barrel Flats, diners were paraded first through the salad and condiments, then to the hot food. No one should have to commit to salad BEFORE looking at the hot choices. And you certainly shouldn’t have to put salsa on your plate before you get your eggs. Fortunately the entrance and exit were quickly flip flopped. Other improvements included an «inmates only» section of the dining area and a marked increase in «no weapons» signs, which appear to serve as the ONLY décor for the entire facility.
When the MKU first opened at fire camp, it was THE PLACE to see and be seen. Lines snaked through camp and people were waiting hours for their food. Luckily, resource reassignment and demobilization has led to more reasonable wait times.
Now for the part you have all been waiting for and I have been dreading, the FOOD. It’s terrible. They are serving all of America’s favorites– hamburgers, steak, ribs, chicken fried steak, bacon. Unfortunately all of those animals are dying in vain as the preparation of said animal flesh appears to make them completely unpalatable. As a pescetarian I can not personally comment on the meat choices, however the vegetarian options are equally as dismal. Stuffed shells should NOT be crunchy! And where do powdered eggs come from? (definitely Google «chicken reproduction», it is fascinating) The salad bar is pretty predictable, and a great choice if you love bacon and cheese. The ultimate offense was when they ran out of cereal at breakfast, but I commend their quick resolution of this travesty.
The MKU is run by inmates, who have proved to be one of the highlights of the facility. It took a week to teach them what «no meat» meant, but they are finally predicting my dietary desires now before I even request it. They also offer suggestions on the best cereals («nothing beats Cheerios with a sugar packet») and desserts («all the pre-​packaged choices are AMAZING»), not to mention the sommelier who recently recommended the new Mango Snapple from the tub-​o-​drinks. I have also very much enjoyed their commentary on the fashion choices of their patrons.
A fantastic experience overall, in spite of the food. I will DEFINITELY be coming back.