On the Menu

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.

April 13, 2023

Pineapple bean salsa with smashed potatoes

By Maya Salem

Between the fresh sweetness of the pineapple and the addictive crunch of the potatoes, I find myself looking forward to this meal all day.

April 4, 2023

Panino: A vegetarian-friendly, local sandwich spot

By Stephanie Gerson

This humble-looking lunch spot serves up Italian-inspired sandwiches and salads made with the freshest ingredients. Plus they have a substantial vegetarian menu!

March 28, 2023

One-pan butternut squash saute

By Maya Salem

This one-pan butternut squash saute has become my go-to weekday meal. It’s warm, it’s vegetarian and its lavish, earthy flavors just hit the spot during winter.

March 12, 2023

A family favorite: Sopes

By Mari Villalpando-Ortega

Simple yet flavorful dishes, like these sopes with chicken, just feel like home.

March 9, 2023

Raspberry Olive Oil Hamantaschen

By Joey Sable

Hamantaschen are usually made and eaten around the Purim holiday, but they are so delectable and easy to eat that you will crave them year-round. 

March 9, 2023

Reviewing TikTok’s mini-confections cereal trend

By Abigail Monti

Any miniature baked good is likely to turn soggy within seconds of touching milk. And yet, the world can’t get enough of it.

March 2, 2023

What’s new in Old Town Goleta: Oat Bakery’s second location

By Stephanie Gerson

In an area dominated by auto repair shops and decades-old restaurants, the Scandinavian bakery's presence will hopefully breathe new life into Old Town Goleta.

March 2, 2023

Pad Thai-inspired shrimp and tofu noodles

By Valerie Fu

In this bleak winter, frozen meals don’t really cut it anymore. You deserve to eat a delicious home-cooked meal that doesn’t require a plane or train ticket back home.

February 23, 2023

Creaminal Minds: Ice Cream Sundaes on a Saturday

By Abigail Nguyen

These sundaes are so good, they’re criminal.