Students asked for it, and students got it.

University Dining Services has responded to the call from students to serve more brand-name foods at Loker Commons. This fall, the Commons opened with popular varieties that include Pizzeria Uno, Stockpot Soups, Don Miguel burritos, Kahiki Asian Café, and Borgo Café Sushi. It also continues to offer Seattle's Best Coffee and Stonyfield Farms frozen yogurt.

In response to students' desires for a low-cost, delicious, and quick burger, Dining Services created AJ's Grill. "It serves a fresh, handpacked burger, grilled on a chromium grill to 165 degrees, and served to one's specifications for $2.25," said Associate Director of Dining Services Leonard Condenzio.

(Other student-requested changes at Loker include the addition of couches and a pool table, adjusted lighting, and a new audio system. See related story.)

To introduce the new food items, Dining Services has scheduled two days of sampling on Monday, Sept. 29, and Tuesday, Sept. 30. Students and staff may stop by to taste food and beverage samples, pick up free products and coupons, and enter drawings to win T-shirts, hats, and gift certificates.

Opened in January 1996 on the ground level of Memorial Hall, Loker Commons is open to all members of the Harvard community. The main part of the Commons features food vendors, a book swap and other services, and tables and booths. The Loker Coffeehouse has a seating area and a stage for performances. All food areas accept cash, Crimson Cash, and Board Plus.

The food areas are open Monday to Thursday, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Friday to Sunday, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. The coffeehouse hours are Monday to Thursday, 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Friday, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.; and closed on Saturday/Sunday.

"Loker Commons is a great place to meet with friends or colleagues over a quick bite," Condenzio noted.

Here's a look at the sampling schedule:

Monday, Sept. 29

* Coffeehouse, 10-11 a.m. Taste samples of Seattle's Best Coffee and receive a free pack of espresso bean treats.

* Coffeehouse, 11 a.m.-noon. Try scones and pastries made fresh daily by the Harvard Bakery.

* Loker Commons, noon-1 p.m. Sample sushi from Borgo Café.

* Loker Commons, 12-1 p.m. Try a Don Miguel burrito.

* Loker Commons, 1-2 p.m. Taste some Stonyfield Farm frozen yogurt and enter a drawing for free T-shirts and hats.

Tuesday, Sept. 30

* Coffeehouse, 10-11 a.m. Taste breads and cookies baked fresh daily by the Harvard Bakery.

* Loker Commons, 11 a.m.-noon. Try a Kahiki Asian Café eggroll or chicken nuggets with a California lemon or Szechuan sauce.

* Loker Commons, noon-1 p.m. Sample Pizzeria Uno pie and enter to win a gift certificate, valid at any Pizzeria Uno restaurant.

* Loker Commons, 1-2 p.m. Try a cheeseburger, hamburger, or chicken sandwich from AJ's Grill. Pick up a coupon for a free fountain drink valid when you purchase an AJ's sandwich.