NMU’s Dining Services will be opening up the Spirit Room of the Marketplace (MP) dining hall to host a food show taster from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m on Thursday, Feb. 23.

A number of vendors affiliated with Gordon Food Service along with other outlets are still being pulled together for the event. Each vendor will offer their newest products for students and the community to try.

Some options being offered this year include queso chicken, tortilla soup, loaded beer cheese tater tots, turkey wraps and salted caramel bars.

“Spring is the time when a lot of groups will have their ‘new to market’ items that they travel all over the country presenting at food shows. We’re trying to bring some of those products in for students to taste and see which ones Northern students like,” said NMU Dining Services marketing manager Stephanie Raboin.

This is an opportunity for students to taste and vote for their favorite foods. The foods with the highest amount of votes will be served at the MP in upcoming semesters.

“I think students like giving feedback and this is such a fun way to do it,” Raboin said.

Students will be given a survey to share their favorite items from the event. After reviewing the information, the favorite item will be implemented into the menu for the fall 2017 semester.

“We really take into consideration as we make the changes and adjustments for our menus for next year. It gives us the students’ take on what they’d really like to see,” Raboin said. “The things that you’re going to pick, you’re going to want to try, are going to be items that you’re going to want to eat on a normal basis.”

All NMU student meal plans are accepted and the event is open to the public. Lunch rates for adults are $9.25 and $5.25 for children.