On the Menu

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 23, 2024

California Strawberry Festival

By Pihu Jain

This past weekend, I had the pleasure of attending the California Strawberry Festival, located in the Ventura County Fairgrounds not more than 45 minutes from UCSB. The festival’s roots can be traced back to 1983, when...

May 23, 2024

Recent food news you may have missed

By Nina Timofeyeva

When I open Apple News+, I often see suspiciously frequent discoveries of new planets and asteroids, what Kim Kardashian wore to her pilates class, and the random actions of Florida men. What I don’t see are the update...

May 16, 2024

Great grub, great taste: Maria’s Tacos has it all!

By Josh Rhodes

To the left of the Chase Bank and the now abandoned building that once housed the famous Study Hall bar on Pardall Road sits Maria’s Tacos: a quiet, underground restaurant in Isla Vista. Typically not busy because of i...

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 16, 2024

A Taste to Remember: TASA Night Market

By Emma Wang

The Taiwanese American Student Association at the University of California, Santa Barbara, held its annual night market at Storke Plaza, across from the University Center on May 4. Like a traditional Taiwanese night mark...

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.

May 2, 2024

Nimbu pani, for a simply refreshing time

By Pihu Jain

Something deep within my memory was unlocked after months of dormancy as I sipped on nimbu pani (which translates to “lime water” and is the Indian version of limeade) at the Apna Indian Kitchen restaurant in downtow...

May 2, 2024

Student-run eatery Friday’s stakes compelling claim on I.V. sandwich scene

By Josh Rhodes

Unbeknownst to most Isla Vista residents, a new must-see food shop has opened up its doors and is taking the sandwich scene by storm.

April 25, 2024

UCSB’s Raíces de mi Tierra hosts second annual Sabores de mi Tierra night market

By Kendra Martinez

UC Santa Barbara’s Raíces de mi Tierra held its second annual Sabores de mi Tierra night market at Little Acorn Park on April 20. 

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.

April 18, 2024

Colorful and carefree: a recipe for chuski and a smile

By Pihu Jain

Chuski (or gola, depending on what part of India you’re from), is something akin to shaved ice. It reminds me of the summers of my youth, one hand in my nana’s, the other sticky with sweet syrup and sweat.

April 18, 2024

Lao Wang’s nifty noodle bowl is sure to knock your socks off

By Josh Rhodes

As the site of numerous club fundraisers and Greek life events, Lao Wang has cemented itself as one of the most social and vibrant restaurants in Isla Vista. The quaint noodles, buns and brew spot just across the street ...

April 11, 2024

Free tacos from local vendors attract hundreds at Deltopia

By Nina Timofeyeva

Hundreds of hungry students descended upon the tents serving tacos at the Isla Vista Spring Festival, and one could practically feel the hunger radiating from these jaded party-goers. Four brave local restaurants dished ...

April 1, 2024

Protein-packed snacks

By Nina Timofeyeva

With the plethora of snack options available, how do you ensure you're getting enough protein without sacrificing taste or convenience?

March 21, 2024

Spring into spring quarter with KOZY’s new spring drinks

By Kendra Martinez

After the success of its specialty winter menu, KOZY Coffee has recently transitioned into a new spring menu that is full of refreshing drinks perfect for the new season. The spring menu is quite diverse in drinks and of...