Welcome to Isla Vista! | The Daily Nexus

Welcome to Isla Vista!

August 27, 2015 at 5:00 am by Marisa Ratchford

Silvergreen’s motto sums up their philosophy on food quite nicely Marisa Ratchford/Daily Nexus

Welcome to UCSB, and that in turn means welcome to Isla Vista: your new home away from home. A place where the crazy shenanigans and interactive community are so inviting you’ll feel like you belong in no time. As the editor for “On The Menu,” I, along with my staff of writers, are here to guide you, the reader, through the culinary life of college. From good local eats, to exciting recipes and the food-oriented events on and around campus, “On The Menu” will ensure your taste buds stay satisfied.
Food has always been an important part of my life. It’s something my dad shared with me as he used to cook in the restaurant he owned when I was child. Something about a good dish brings people together, and I think that idea is shared here right in the heart of I.V. Aside from school and your weekend Del Playa strolls, our community does not have much to keep one occupied. So the numerous amounts of restaurants and eateries keep us going for all sorts of reasons and hungers. In this article, I’ll give you a quick walk through on what I.V. can offer for each of its niches.
For your guilty pleasures and binge-worthy foods, head to Super Cucas for a massive breakfast burrito at all hours of the day. Freebirds’ nachos is just something you can’t resist — bonus tip: go veggie and the guacamole is free! If you aren’t in the mood for Mexican-inspired cuisine but still want to indulge, try Buddha Bowls, for a Mac Daddy bowl or a build-your-own bead bowl ensemble.

A group of guys chows down on a meal from Kaptain’s Firehouse BBQ Marisa Ratchford/Daily Nexus

A student serves up a slice at Pizza My Heart Marisa Ratchford/Daily Nexus

Have a hankering for sweets? Come get a crepe from Cafe Equilibrium, or McConnell’s ice cream from i.v. drip or take a stroll to Sweet Alley for delicious frozen yogurt or candy. It’s all walking distance from your door.
Want some pizza? Say no more. Pizza places are literally on every corner around these parts. Take your pick from Pizza My Heart, Woodstocks, Blaze, Giovanni’s pizza or even Domino’s. Isla Vista has it all.
A couple other favorites to hit up are Caje for your late-night caffeine needs, or Sam’s To Go for a hefty sandwich that puts Subway to shame. Try Sorriso Italiano for a truly amazing experience, and don’t miss out on Wok on the Wild Side when you’ve got a craving for Asian cuisine that Panda Express just won’t quench.
There are also so many more places that I didn’t mention but could have, and each and every one of you will find your own favorite and special meal just as everyone else has before you. Food is an essential part of life; it brings us all together. No one can resist a good meal, it’s healing to the soul. This year is going to be exciting as I get to share all of food’s finest moments with you. So get ready, grab a fork and knife and let’s dig in!