On the Menu

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.

May 4, 2023

5 beginner bread recipes

By Abigail Monti

So you’ve mastered cookies and quick loaves, and now you feel that you’re ready to try making your own bread. These five recipes are perfect for anyone ready to take their baking to the next level.

May 4, 2023

New restaurants, local events and food news in and around I.V.

By Stephanie Gerson

From the opening of a new coffee shop in Isla Vista to free cooking demonstrations from UC Santa Barbara’s Health & Wellness and a Goleta pop-up’s migration downtown, Santa Barbara’s food scene continues to grow an...

April 27, 2023

The Goleta noodle ritual

By Leo Safir

It’s funny, I think, all the methods we have for orienting ourselves to time: days, weeks, holidays, parties, our quarter system. Currently, Shea and I are oriented to a weekly pho regimen, and our trip to Saigon Noodl...

April 27, 2023

Happy accidents: the trials and tribulations in the search for artificial sweeteners

By Pihu Jain

Stevia. Splenda. Equal. All are traditionally recognized as artificial sweeteners, found in every Starbucks and every Dunkin Donuts. But did you know that many of these sweeteners were discovered by accident?

April 20, 2023

A guide to cannabis beverages and consuming consciously

By Stephanie Gerson

When you’re sipping on your infused cocktail that is soon to replace your alcohol of choice, remember that while the plant is fun to consume, there’s still work to be done regarding criminal justice reform, cannabis ...

April 20, 2023

The munchie roundup: I.V. edition

By Stephanie Gerson, Abigail Monti, Mari Villalpando-Ortega, Editor in Chief, Imke Galts

Whether you find the will to carry on with regularly scheduled activities or choose to spend the day lounging at home with friends, you’ll want to be prepared with the proper snack assortment.

April 13, 2023

Battle of the Dairy-Free Yogurts

By Cindy Phan

Switching to a dairy-free diet should not mean giving up eating your favorite foods. While some products are definitely hit-or-miss, there are so many exciting dairy-free alternatives to try.