Mess halls

[richsc]

We reenactors were discussing kit, and a Samian potter in the UK mentioned that he felt a large flat plate would be typical for use by a legionary. I can't imagine a legionary carrying Samian ware on his back, and not sure about it in barracks. This also brought up the question of eating in barracks. Were there mess halls per se in a Roman fort? I don't remember seeing them on any plans, though there is usually one building the function of which seems foggy.<br>
How did food get portioned out while in the fort? Was it cooked in contubernium mess? somewhere else? <p></p><i></i>