Happiness is a full menu
August 27, 2026
SF’s grub hub comes alive with new options and a fresher look
“My class got cancelled this morning, so I came here trying to find a place to kill some time until my next one,” said Alex Krakowiak, cashing out his order for a protein bowl.
A freshman from New Jersey who’s working towards an eventual Construction Management degree through Santa Fe College’s Gator Design and Construction transfer pathway, Krakowiak said, “I didn’t even know this was here; it was a nice surprise.”
Filling the vendor space vacated earlier this summer by La Fortuna, Latin Food Blessing was there to serve Krakowiak and the other SF students who have been asking for a wider selection of fare in the Food Court.
Latin/Caribbean cuisine being a huge hit with SF students under longtime vendor La Fortuna, the seamless culinary transition to the new tenant was a welcome addition to the College’s updated food options. Latin Food Blessing — opened by manager Sara Tito and her husband, Antonio — has been a successful venture at their original location off Tower Road since 2021.
“It wasn’t exactly the same,” said Tito, whose restaurant puts a Peruvian twist on usual Latin offerings, including dishes like ceviche and lomo saltado (an indigenous beef stir fry). “We had to make some things here that are a little different (than La Fortuna), but it wasn’t much of a change as far as the kitchen and the setup.”
“The chicken rice bowl is the best-seller,” Tito said. “Students need lots of protein, and we have it,” Tito laughed.
Their new next-door tenant is Lemon Delight, a purveyor of specialty teas, custom lemonades and food items that have proven to be a favorite among the SF community since its days as a pop-up vendor at the Spring Arts Festival and other similar events.
Lemon Delight’s manager Gabby Strauss said her sister, Richelle, started the local franchise when it was a mobile enterprise.
“We were more like a food tent than a food truck when Lemon Delight started,” Strauss said. “That little stand we had at Spring Arts for three years is how we started until we had this opportunity to take over this space.”
Strauss said the ‘Bugolgi Bowl,’ an Asian-inspired beef steak dish, is a big seller. Adding another breakfast option to mix, she said they’ve also started making ‘bubble waffles.’
“Instead of a traditional waffle iron with squares, the holes are raised so you can pull them apart easier. You can top the waffles with fruit, whipped cream, chocolate chips, butterscotch and some syrups.”
Lemon Delight occupies the space in the food court that had been long vacated by Domino’s Pizza.
Besides having a full complement of food sellers in the court, the College has brightened the dining area with new paint and lighting, which is a welcome sight to Subway manager Matt Aldridge.
For nearly 20 years, Subway has anchored the food court as the sure bet to get a bite when other food vendors came and went.
“Pre-Covid, the food court had three restaurants running, and it was doable,” Aldridge said. “Post-Covid it obviously changed. We’re hoping to get three profitable restaurants up and running again. Jeff (Mohr — Subway’s owner) and I want a vibrant place where students will enjoy dining. It just means that much for us to be a part of Santa Fe College.”
