Abigail Monti

May 30, 2024

Signing off the menu: a reflection of my experience in food journalism

By Abigail Monti

Like any 2020 high school graduate will tell you, trying to find my niche in college was far from easy. As a student athlete, I was lucky enough to live on campus freshman year despite remote instruction, but I still fel...

May 16, 2024

A sweet legacy: McConnell’s Fine Ice Creams celebrates 75th anniversary

By Abigail Monti

Seventy-five years ago, husband and wife Gordon “Mac” and Ernesteen “Ernie” McConnell had a dream: making the finest ice cream in the world. In 1949, they launched the beloved McConnell’s Fine Ice Creams brand ...

May 9, 2024

OTM presents: a collection of family recipes for Mother’s Day

By Abigail Monti, Urmi Mandal, Nina Timofeyeva, Pihu Jain

In preparation for Mother’s Day — coming up on Sunday, May 12 — On the Menu writers came together to compile a list of our favorite family recipes.

April 25, 2024

Farm fresh finds: a guide to local spring produce

By Abigail Monti

As we leave winter quarter behind and head into spring — marked in Isla Vista by intermittent sunshine, rain and relentlessly annoying coastal fog — local markets begin bursting with colorful spring produce.

March 15, 2024

“Paul Hollywood’s Pies & Puds”: Indulge in pastry perfection

By Abigail Monti

“Paul Hollywood’s Pies & Puds” is a timeless cookbook that includes hundreds of mouthwatering meals and desserts enveloped in pastry dough.

February 29, 2024

Food bank finds: potato medley home fries

By Abigail Monti

In my experience, there are two types of breakfast-eaters in this world: those who opt for savory flavors and those who opt for sweet. (No, I will not be acknowledging those who don’t like breakfast. Your opinion is no...

February 8, 2024

The best (and worst) I.V. restaurants for first dates

By Abigail Monti

As a senior who has gone on more than a few (good and bad) dates within the confines of downtown Isla Vista, read on for my list of the best (and worst) first date locations. 

January 18, 2024

Bringing bagels to the desert: Yetz’s Bagels opens shop at Dank Bowl Kitchen

By Abigail Monti

Despite packing mac and cheese-filled bread bowls since 2010, Daniel Dunietz, UCSB alumnus and founder of Dank Bowl Kitchen, is on a mission to bake the best bagels in I.V.

November 9, 2023

Fad or flop: Is Crumbl Cookies worth the hype?

By Stephanie Gerson, Abigail Monti

Does Crumbl Cookies live up to the hype? We didn’t think so.

October 19, 2023

Food bank finds: black bean salsa

By Abigail Monti

No matter what you choose to include, this tangy and hearty recipe makes for a great snack or meal. 

October 5, 2023

Goleta Lemon Festival celebrates its 30th year of lemony eats and activities for all

By Stephanie Gerson, Abigail Monti

After a day of eating lemony treats, here is what the On the Menu staff deemed worth the try.

October 5, 2023

Third annual Burrito Week offers $8 burritos from 21 Santa Barbara County establishments

By Stephanie Gerson, Abigail Monti, Mari Villalpando-Ortega

The Santa Barbara Independent has invited 21 establishments in Santa Barbara in the past two years to participate in their annual Burrito Week, offering special burritos and familiar favorites at a discounted price.

September 14, 2023

Welcome fall with apple cinnamon rolls

By Abigail Monti

Not only do these rolls taste amazing, but your whole house will smell like a Bath & Body Works apple spice candle.

July 20, 2023

Post-pandemic Obon festivals bring Japanese culture, food and celebration to communities

By Abigail Monti

For over 500 years, Japanese culture has celebrated the annual Buddhist holiday of Obon (お盆). During the traditionally three-day event, participants honor their ancestors, whose spirits are believed to return to this...

July 4, 2023

Summertime beef patties: taking new twists on an American classic

By Abigail Monti

There’s nothing more quintessentially American than a barbeque dinner on a hot summer evening. Celebrate this 4th of July with a homemade burger!

June 22, 2023

I.V. Pizza Pub: the hidden gem of the Isla Vista breakfast scene

By Abigail Monti

I.V. Pizza Pub’s menu includes a selection of classic bagel sandwiches, bagel melts and flavored cream cheese bagels.