On the Menu

July 27, 2023

Aperol spritzes fit for a summertime soirée

By Stephanie Gerson

This mild, sparkling cocktail with slightly bitter and floral flavor notes is the drink of the summer.

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 13, 2023

Celebrate Bastille Day with crêpes!

By Anya Kennelly

Anya shares an authentic crêpe recipe from her time living in the French town known as the birthplace of crêpes.

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.

June 15, 2023

Augie’s of Santa Barbara: fine Mexican dining in the heart of downtown

By Stephanie Gerson

If you are looking for an establishment to honor the school year coming to a close, consider Augie’s as the perfect venue for such a celebration! 

June 8, 2023

3 easy, college student-friendly Trader Joe’s meals

By Anya Kennelly

These three meals are low-cost, require minimal cooking time and just one trip to my favorite store: Trader Joe’s.

June 1, 2023

Celebratory spicy margaritas

By Sophie Lynd

To me, summer tastes like a cold, spicy margarita on a sunny day. With summer — and graduation — just around the corner, this recipe is the perfect way to celebrate.

June 1, 2023

Letter from the Editor: Community, food and the Nexus

By Chace Duma

I loved to write, I loved these people and I loved the newspaper; it felt like home. The past three years I’ve spent on Editorial Staff have been truly wonderful.

June 1, 2023

Food for thought: senior reflections

By Katherine McCabe

There is so much to learn about food and so much to share as well; On the Menu provides a student-based medium for doing that.

May 25, 2023

Lemon Cheesecake for Shavuot

By Joey Sable

Specific to Shavuot and regardless of one’s Ashkenazi or Sephardic origins, cheesecake in different iterations and forms finds its way onto the tables of Jews globally on this upcoming holiday.

May 25, 2023

EVPLA hosts I.V. Night Market

By Abigail Monti, Stephanie Gerson

Staged at Little Acorn Park, the evening event celebrated both emerging and well-loved, local businesses.

May 18, 2023

A beloved, family-owned gem of Isla Vista: Roger’s Tacos

By Isabel Hiestand

Roger’s Tacos has been setting up its grill and tables under a tent in the driveways of several homes in Isla Vista since 2019, bringing their intensely delicious food to the Isla Vista community.

May 18, 2023

“Modern Jewish Baker: Challah, Babka, Bagels & More”: The bread lover’s best friend

By Abigail Monti

“Modern Jewish Baker: Challah, Babka, Bagels & More” by Shannon Sarna features a complete collection of traditional and modern Jewish recipes. Trust me, they are bakeable heaven.

May 11, 2023

Seaweed & Sriracha rice: In leftovers we trust

By Pihu Jain

Below is the curated, latest version of my favorite, and only, recipe I’ve ever concocted. 

May 11, 2023

Kin Bakeshop, a Korean-inspired donut shop, is set to open in Goleta’s Turnpike Shopping Center

By Stephanie Gerson

Owners Tommy Chang and Will Chen are still in disbelief that what started as a humble donut business run by two self-taught bakers was able to blossom into a successful, local pop-up and now a storefront.