On the Menu

Recent food news you may have missed

May 23, 2024 by

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

May 16, 2024 by

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

May 16, 2024 by

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 Fi...
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A Taste to Remember: TASA Night Market

May 16, 2024 by

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

May 9, 2024 by , , and

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.
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Nimbu pani, for a simply refreshing time

May 2, 2024 by

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

May 2, 2024 by

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

April 25, 2024 by

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. 
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Farm fresh finds: a guide to local spring produce

April 25, 2024 by

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 spri...
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Colorful and carefree: a recipe for chuski and a smile

April 18, 2024 by

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

April 18, 2024 by

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 jus...
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Free tacos from local vendors attract hundreds at Deltopia

April 11, 2024 by

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...
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Protein-packed snacks

April 1, 2024 by

With the plethora of snack options available, how do you ensure you're getting enough protein without sacrificing taste or convenience?
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Spring into spring quarter with KOZY’s new spring drinks

March 21, 2024 by

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 dive...
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Letter from the Editor: lessons in food writing and growth

March 21, 2024 by

On the Menu Co-Editor Stephanie Gerson reflects on her time writing for the Nexus and the lessons learned along the way.
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