Sep 15, 2004 -- It was standing room only Monday evening for the grand opening of the food court and lounge in the lower level of 215 Lexington Ave. And students just couldn’t eat enough sushi. The food court boasts not only a sushi bar with two sushi chefs from Eden Wok, but also a salad and soup bar, fresh wraps, frozen yogurt, ice cream, shakes, and assorted beverages. Flat screen TVs and wireless internet access create an ideal atmosphere for studying, hanging-out, and of course, eating. Le Bistro at 215 will serve food Monday through Wednesday, 8:30 am until 8:30 pm; and Thursdays from 8:30 am to 3 pm. The lounge will be open until 1 am. “It’s amazing,” said Stern sophomore Tamar Dobkowski. “It’s really modern-looking, very spacious and comfortable, and it was definitely needed because the cafeteria (the Seryl and Charles Kushner Dining Hall at 245 Lexington Ave.) is so crowded.” Construction began last May, said Jeffrey Rosengarten, associate vice president for administrative services, whose office consulted with student leaders last year on the lounge that includes bistro-style seating and tables in red, green, and blue tones. “It reflects the vitality of the student body and it’s exactly what we wanted it to be,” he added. Molly Fink, president of the Stern College for Women Student Council, Caryn Friedman, co-chair of the Student Life Committee, and Sherene Nili, president of the Sy Syms School of Business, donned chef’s aprons and handed chopsticks to students. During the opening ceremony, Ms. Nili told students what was a small, dark basement last year, is now “a symbol of what can be done when students, Yeshiva University administrators, and members of the board of directors come together to work toward a common goal.” President Richard M. Joel, who also enjoyed the sushi, called the new space “fabulous,” and told students the $2.2 million project is one that “nobody felt better about completing.” “Your experience at this university has to be one of investment and pride,” he said. “You are the leadership laboratory – the incubator for the Jewish future – and YU needs to be a place that gives you a sense of pride.”