All Good Things Must Come To An End

by BSD on Apr 2, 2008 9:05 AM EDT in Fun Stuff

When I look back on my days at Penn State there were a few things that always stood out. Getting a double scoop of raspberry parfait at the creamery and eating it under the gazebo outside of the art building on a warm spring day. Walking up the mall on the way to Patee under the orange elm trees in the fall as the cool breeze nipped at the back of your neck. Snowball fights on the quad on a cold winter day when classes were cancelled. And of course, eating six chicken cosmos for lunch in one sitting.

Sadly, future generations of Penn State students will never get to experience the chicken cosmo.

On April 4, all dining commons will be serving the famed chicken cosmo sandwich for the last time. A popular menu item for over 26 years at Penn State, the cosmo has been a staple at almost all campuses' dining operations and is a favorite of both students and alumni.

"Students like them. Alumni love them," Director of Residential Dining Lisa Wandel said. "It reminds them of their college days. I think alumni will be more disappointed than anyone."

Penn State Food Services sells approximately 600 to 700 cases of cosmo patties a month, or 274,000 cosmos every academic year. However, it's the chicken vendor that is putting a stop to the cosmo. Pierce Chicken Products said Penn State is the only institution that buys the patties - a fact that can be attributed to the cosmo's legend at the University.


Goodbye old friend.

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Comments

Big Sad Face

This is truly a bummer.

JoePa is my hero.

by psuphiman80 on Apr 2, 2008 10:02 AM EDT reply actions

why don't they

just take Peach Paterno off the Creamery menu while they're at it? This is a travesty.

by spakajewia on Apr 2, 2008 10:11 AM EDT reply actions

Aw man

I find it hard to believe that 600-700 cases of cosmos a year isn't enough demand for the supplier to keep the product going.

And now I'm craving one.

Luring recruits with my new "Posting HD" scheme since '08.

by 06Lion on Apr 2, 2008 10:12 AM EDT reply actions

People Unite!

Surely someone out there makes another breaded chicken patty, right?

Of course it would only be a cheap imitation. There was only one Chicken Cosmo.

Mike
Black Shoe Diaries

Hail to the Lion!

by BSD on Apr 2, 2008 10:19 AM EDT reply actions

It's not like we lack the resources

With Penn State's expertise in agriculture and food science the Chicken Cosmo can be saved. Dare I say even...improved?

We have the technology...[start humming the bionic man theme song]

For the Glory National Champions 1982, 1986, 1994,

by jesse. on Apr 2, 2008 10:27 AM EDT reply actions

Cosmos

I always liked a single slice of cheese on mine. No mayo or lettuce. Just cheese. If you got them while they were still hot sometimes the cheese would partially melt. But never completely.

I can remember one semester we had a friend who lost his housing so he was bumming off of all of us by sleeping our couches in our dorm rooms for a semester. He didn't have any money or points on his card so we used to sneak out a few cosmos for him in our coat pockets. Good times.

Mike
Black Shoe Diaries

Hail to the Lion!

by BSD on Apr 2, 2008 10:32 AM EDT reply actions

no one could deny the portability.

The cosmo was definitely one of the most portable of the hot entrees, especially if only with cheese.

by PSU86 on Apr 2, 2008 8:22 PM EDT up reply actions

Freshman Year

I remember living in East Halls and eating a cosmo a day. If not lunch at Roxy's...then dinner at Roxy's. So good and so cheap...(tear)

by blt on Apr 2, 2008 10:50 AM EDT reply actions

Truly the end of an era

I enjoyed mine w/ cheese, lettuce, tomato and mayo. My arteries were probably celebrating when I graduated, but my taste buds are in mourning. Thanks for sharing. :(

by Jen on Apr 2, 2008 11:57 AM EDT reply actions

this sucks

this completely ruined my day. chicken cosmos are nothing short of amazing. I had no idea they had been around for so long, but now that I hear about it I'm not too surprised. I usually just chuck some hot sauce and ranch on mine. so good. I'll be sure to cherish the moment and eat a bunch on the last day.

by rmcmillen50 on Apr 2, 2008 12:23 PM EDT reply actions