The Daily Illini: Buzz Dining Guide 2019

THE DAILY ILLINI

buzz

2

Let your horoscope choose your next meal nese. Nothing is better than drowning your sorrows in some crab rangoons. So, Cancers, the next time you’re spiraling, order from From an eating perspective, it’s a great China Garden. You can even save the lefttime to be alive and a college student. Thanks overs for the next time you feel sad — the to technology and delivery apps, basically next day! any kind of food can be delivered to our doors whenever we want. We don’t even have to Available through: DoorDash, Grubhub, talk on the phone if we don’t want to because UberEats, its own website we all know doing that is anxiety-inducing.

Take advantage of these opportunities by Leo – Destihl ordering something to be delivered from off Leos, the most extra of the signs. Why campus. Whether you’re enjoying your night not just order one of the most upscale resin and refuse to get out of bed, coming home taurants in Champaign right to your door? after a night out or ordering straight to the Sounds pretty on-brand for you. You can Uundergraduate Library, here are some sug- even show up over-dressed to your own door gestions on where to order from based on in case the delivery driver is cute or you want your zodiac sign. to take a boomerang of your food later.

BY KATIE THOELE STAFF WRITER

Aries – Buffalo Wild Wings

Aries, what better way to fill yourself up after a day of raging than wings? Make sure to order something spicy to match that fiery personality (and to show your friends that yes, you can handle anything). Assert your dominance by getting the sauce all over your hands and just dealing with it. Nothing bothers you.

Menu Tips

Food

Available through: DoorDash, Grubhub

Virgo – CoreLife Eatery

Virgos are represented by purity of spirit and feel a very strong connection to their bodies as earth signs. Order something practical and good for your health, like a salad from CoreLife Eatery. Have fun overanalyzing the menu and many different healthy options. Salads are also easy to eat while Available through: DoorDash, Grubhub, reorganizing your room for the fifth time or its own website working on your next assignment that’s due in three weeks.

Taurus – Portillo’s

Yes, we all know that the basic Taurus stereotype is loving food. (I mean come on. Doesn’t everyone love food?) But, as a comfort-loving fixed sign, Portillo’s is perfect. Considering most of our college population is from the Chicagoland area, Portillo’s can offer a reminder of home. It’s also more upscale than other basic fast food like McDonald’s — delight in the genius of a chocolate cake shake or a Chicago-style hot dog (because why would any other kind exist, right?)

Available through: DoorDash, its own website

Libra – Oishi Hibachi Steakhouse

You’re welcome Libras for making a decision for you — I know it can be impossible for you to do that, sometimes. Since you’re always wanting to socialize with friends, ordering from Oishi is perfect for you. Oishi has sushi (which is super easy to share) and other options like entrees and hibachi just in case someone in the group isn’t a fan. Peace and fairness can be achieved for the whole Available through: DoorDash, its own group — always your goal! website Available through: DoorDash, Grubhub, Gemini – Panera Bread its own website People think Geminis are two-faced when they really are just super adaptable — they Scorpio – The Himalayan Chimney feel the need to slightly alter their personaliYou Scorpios are so intense. You know ties based on who they’re with. Order from what else is intense (in flavor)? Indian food!

Panera, Geminis, where there are enough Order from the Himalayan Chimney and options to match every personality you have! make sure to get something super spicy to The light salads, sandwiches and soups are show the amount of power you possess to a perfect match for your light and airy vibe. your friends. They need to know how much better you are than them.

Available through: DoorDash, Grubhub, UberEats, its own website Available through: DoorDash

Cancer – China Garden

Sagittarius – Jimmy John’s

In my personal opinion, the best food to Easy breezy Jimmy John’s is perfect for eat while crying alone in your room is Chi- you, Sagittarians. The freaky-fast deliv-

BRIAN NGUYEN THE DAILY ILLINI

ery will get to you quick enough before you decide you’ve been in one place for too long and need to go. It’s also a great option to order after you decide to flake on the plans you made with your friends because you aren’t feeling it anymore. You could even consider sending a sandwich to those friends in case they’re mad about it — but they must be used to it by now, right?

Available through: its own website

Capricorn –Monical’s Pizza

Capricorns love practical things: working hard and being alone. What’s more practical delivery-wise than getting pizza? You also know for a fact pizza will never let you down (and can last you a long time!). But, instead of going for the Domino’s or Papa John’s staples, try something new and order central Illinois’ favorite Monical’s Pizza. Take a risk for once in your life!

Available through: its own website

Aquarius – Bangkok Thai

Did you think I would tell an Aquarian to order from a chain restaurant? Definitely not.

Screw “the man” and order something from a local business like Bangkok Thai. There are so many options available that you can really be true to yourself and order whatever your heart desires.

Available through: DoorDash, Grubhub

Pisces – Olive Garden

Pasta is perfect for any situation a Pisces might be facing. Whether you’re spacing out, being your creative self or wallowing alone in self-pity, carbs would never hurt you. Order from Olive Garden and build your armor up with carbs just in case someone decides to hurt your feelings later. The never-ending breadsticks have as much compassion for you as you do for others.

Available through: its own website cthoele3@readbuzz.com

The Daily Illini

Monday, September 30, 2019

3

Buzz spills the beans on best tacos on campus food truck lives on, though, and can typically be found in downtown Champaign or at Riggs If I had to pick one food to eat for the rest Beer Company. of my life, it would probably be tacos. I legitimately crave them every day and could nev- El Toro er turn them down. Upon my arrival at the It’s similar to Dos Reales, but still stands out University of Illinois in 2016, my first priority on its own. There are locations in Champaign, was to find the perfect place to indulge in my Urbana and farther out by Carle Foundation taco obsession, thus beginning tour de taco Hospital at the Fields. You can also get comof Champaign-Urbana. Over the last three bos or a la carte tacos that will send you into years, I’ve narrowed down the best places to a food coma for hours. The restaurants have get tacos here on campus and in town. such a fun atmosphere, too; you really won’t want to leave.

BY KAYLA BROWN

ASSISTANT BUZZ EDITOR

Dos Reales

By far my favorite tacos, and Mexican food overall, in Champaign. It’s located on Prospect Avenue, a small distance from campus, but well worth the trip. You can order full taco dinners or a la carte in a variety of meats and toppings. The food is always so fresh and the restaurant piles it on in large portions for such a reasonable price. I’ve never left Dos still hungry. My mouth is watering as I think about it.

Maize

Fernando’s

This is more of just an honorable mention.

Its tacos really don’t stand a chance against the other restaurants I’ve listed, but there’s now a location on campus, and the tacos are so cheap that it’s convenient and definitely

The Fernando’s storefront on campus was short-lived, only lasting a few months, which is a huge letdown. Students really slept on $2 tacos, quick service and fantastic quality. Its

It’s so close to campus, on First and Green streets, so there’s really no reason you shouldn’t try Maize before you graduate. The line is always out the door at all hours of the day because its food is THAT good. Its tacos are an absolute dream, especially when eaten with its homemade salsas and sauces.

Taco Bell

BRIAN NGUYEN THE DAILY ILLINI

worth it in the end. I’ll always have a soft spot for these fast food tacos, and I’m not even ashamed about it. Give me a cravings box and move on.

There’s an endless list of places in Champaign to get a damn good taco, but these are the places you’ll find me until I graduate — the

same places I’m going to want to eat when I inevitably come back to the University to relive my glory days. It’s National Taco Day on Friday, so you better get a head start at trying these amazing restaurants. kaylabr2@readbuzz.com

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Monday, September 30, 2019

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4

Local services strive to curb student food insecurity

BY KIMBERLY VILLANUEVA STAFF WRITER

For college students, being food insecure does not only mean lacking funds for your next meal. It can mean a statistically increased risk of mental health concerns, an association with unhealthy food choices and lessened physical health. The popular stereotype may have you believe the typical college diet is made up of instant ramen and day-old pizza. But, it’s not enough to just eat a meal. The food you eat should be healthy, nutritious and promote good mental and physical health.

A study published in April by researchers at the University estimates as many as 50.9% of college students in the United States experience food insecurity in their day to day lives.

The United States Department of Agriculture defines food insecurity as “a lack of consistent access to enough food for an active, healthy life.” This can mean not having access or sufficient transportation to a grocery store, lacking funds for healthy and nutritious food or only getting by on heavily processed foods.

Johnell Bentz, professor in Education, is the co-founder of Jubilee Cafe, located in the basement of the Community United Church of Christ, at 805 S. Sixth St. Jubilee Cafe offers community members, students and University staff members alike a free weekly

meal on Monday evenings from 5-6:30 p.m.

As Bentz puts it, the meal is offered “without any stigma, without any obligation, free of charge.”

The cafe’s meal is formatted in a restaurant style. Guests come in, sit down and are waited on by volunteers. Bentz said this is one of the most important parts of the service offered because it preserves and promotes dignity in the face of food insecurity.

“Students always feel like someone else needs food more than them,” said Dawn Longfellow, director of Wesley Food Pantry.

Wesley has student-only hours on Friday’s from 5-7 p.m. that Longfellow said are “intended to be a little less intimidating, a little more casual.” Wesley is also open to the public on Thursday’s at the same time.

“We want students to know that we’re here for them, no matter how big or small their need,” Longfellow said.

There is a diverse range of services being offered on, off and around campus to help curb food insecurity and hunger. As a member of the Wesley Food Pantry RSO, Jensen Rehn, senior in LAS, knows a lot about food resources on campus. Her favorite meal option is the Lunch on Us program run by the University Office of Inclusion and Intercultural Relations. These lunches feature speakers and panels meant to introduce participants

THE DAILY ILLINI FILE PHOTO

From left to right, Brittany Coleman, sophomore in LAS, Alekha Charles, freshman in LAS, and Joy Chao, junior in engineering, help set up the Wesley Evening Food Pantry at the Wesley United

to different cultures, societal issues and communities that exist across campus. The lunches take place from noon to 1 p.m. at five different locations: the Women’s Resources Center, La Casa, the University YMCA, the Bruce D. Nesbitt African American Cultural Center and the Asian American Cultural Center. A full semester calendar is available on the OIIR website.

Also operating on campus is Newman Shares, a food pantry serving only University and Parkland College students. It operates inside Newman Hall at 604 E. Armory Ave. on the second, third and fourth Wednes-

day’s of every month from 5-7 p.m. A student identification card is needed to participate.

But that’s not all. More off-campus options include the Daily Bread Soup Kitchen and Unity Place Christian Church. At Daily Bread, located at 116 N. First St., lunch is served to the public from 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. The daily meal consists of an entree, hot soup, salad, dessert and a drink. Unity Place, located at 403 S. Wright St. in Champaign, offers a weekly Wednesday community dinner from 6-7 p.m. kdv2@readbuzz.com

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The Daily Illini

Monday, September 30, 2019

5

The Red Herring is no red herring for selective eaters

BY BECCA BERTRAM STAFF WRITER

Whether you’re a vegetarian or a vegan, The Red Herring Vegetarian Restaurant located in Urbana can accommodate your tastes while providing fun events that promote environmental sustainability.

Known for using local ingredients and always making its food vegan, The Red Herring stands out as one of the top vegan restaurants on campus; it has been serving food in the Urbana-Champaign area for over 30 years. The Red Herring is only open from 11 a.m.-2:30 p.m., making it only a spot for lunch.

The Red Herring takes pride in its food so much so that it has a food philosophy advertised on its website that says, “At the Red Herring, we know that food is powerful and derives much of its power from plant life. Plants are here to help us. We focus on health.”

The restaurant sticks true to its motto, as every item on the menu is unique and makes vegetables enjoyable to eat. I was impressed with the amount of selection the menu had; from burgers to wraps to nachos, there was just an extensive amount of food to pick from.

I ordered the falafel pita, and it held up to the hype surrounding The Red Herring. It is currently still providing popsicles, nice treats

for summer.

The restaurant gives off the energy of a home, with art pieces hung up in a seemingly random pattern around the restaurant. The charm of The Red Herring is that the walls are brick and there are fairy lights strung up, making for a n aesthetically pleasing place to eat, especially since it can be quiet in the restaurant. There is also a bookcase in the dining area that sells different cookbooks and books on activism, which is a nice tie into its mission and passion for providing vegan food.

Not only does The Red Herring serve food, but it also has a number of organizations and activism tables filled with flyers. The cutest part of the restaurant is that it has its own merchandise, with items such as T-shirts and stickers. The Red Herring operates under the Channing-Murray Foundation that also includes a chapel along with the restaurant.

According to The Red Herring’s official website, the “Channing-Murray Foundation has a strong commitment to diversity, celebrating a multitude of worldviews, histories and cultural knowledge across a range of social groups including race, ethnicity, etc.” It is a unique twist on a way to advertise your agenda of diversity, while also attracting a wide range of food purely because you make good food.

Having a location on campus also adds the

RYAN CHOW THE DAILY ILLINI

Lauren Kulb grills lettuce for an order at The Red Herring Vegetarian Restaurant on Nov. 28 2018.

The Red Herring makes food that accommodates for vegetarians and vegans alike.

perk of easily accessible food that you can feel good about spending your money on.

Arguably the most interesting part of the restaurant is that, because of the ChanningMurray Foundation, a Sunday service is held at The Red Herring. At these services, the foundations invite speakers who come from different backgrounds to speak and share their core beliefs. In the spring there will be servic-

es featuring Spirituality and the Environment from 3-4:30 p.m., a participatory Sunday Service series started in February 2017.

Overall, The Red Herring is definitely worth stopping for lunch. Whether you’re looking for a new place to try or a new place to find your passions, The Red Herring offers it all. rlb4@readbuzz.com

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Gluten-free gluttony is no problem at these eateries

BY CAROLINE GARIBAY STAFF WRITER

Maintaining a gluten-free diet can be difficult. Gluten seems to be everywhere, especially in the foods we love the most. For people with celiac disease or gluten intolerance, late night trips to Insomnia Cookies always end in disappointment, and having to decline homemade chocolate cookies that friends bring from their weekend trips home is one of the hardest things to do. Luckily, though, Champaign has several places that offer gluten-free sweets for those looking to satisfy their gluten-free sweet tooth.

Paris Super Crepes (601 S. Sixth St.) Conveniently located on Sixth Street, Paris Super Crepes offers 10 sweet crepes including banana Nutella, cheesecake delight and my personal favorite, the Chocolate Lover’s crepe. All the crepes on the menu are made with rice flour and are naturally gluten free, so you don’t have to worry about making any special requests. Paris Super Crepes also offers Thai ice cream and over 15 toppings if you’re not in the mood for crepes or you just want to try something different.

Caffe Bene

If you’re looking for a different type of Parisian treat, Caffe Bene has a large assortment of gluten-free macarons, a sweet, meringuebased confection. Flavors range from chocolate and raspberry to Earl Grey and blueberry lavender, so you should be able to find one that satisfies your sweet tooth. And although this may be an article dedicated to sweets, Caffe Bene also has a very tasty gluten-free acai bowl if you’re looking for something on the healthier side.

out some gluten-free cupcakes. They aren’t available all the time, though, so be sure to call and order ahead to ensure cupcakes!

Pandamonium Doughnuts Doughnuts might be one of the foods the gluten-free community misses out on the most. Gluten-free doughnuts are not as common as gluten-free eaters might want them to be and finding some that are tasty is even more difficult. Luckily, though, Pandamonium Doughnuts, winner of buzz’s Best of CU in 2018, offers gluten-free doughnuts at its storefront location on Saturday mornings. You’ll definitely want to get there early because the doughnuts sell out fast.

RegCakes Bakery If you need a cake for any occasion, RegCakes has you covered. This gluten-free bakery offers a variety of cakes, including layer cakes, mini cakes, sheet cakes, cupcakes and even wedding cakes. Each cake at RegCakes is made with rice flour, and everything on the menu is 100% gluten-free. You can place an order on the RegCakes website for delivery or pickup. Technically, RegCakes isn’t located in Champaign, but they deliver to anywhere in the Champaign-Urbana area on Tuesdays and Friday’s.

Smallcakes If you’re looking to try even more glutenfree cupcakes, consider going to Smallcakes.

They offer gluten-free chocolate and vanilla cupcakes, but call ahead of time if you want specifics on the availability of flavors for a certain day.

Cream and Flutter If doughnuts aren’t enough to satisfy your garibay5@readbuzz.com sugar craving, head on over to Cream and Flutter in downtown Champaign and try

AKI AKHAURI THE DAILY ILLINI

Paris Super Crepes offers gluten-free crepes such a the one pictured here. Champaign has several places that offer gluten-free sweets to satisfy your sweet tooth.

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THE BEST THAI IN TOWN NOW SERVING SUSHI Authentic Thai Cuisine

Mon-Fri 11am-3pm • Mon-Fri 5pm-10pm • Sat 11am-10pm • Sun 12-9pm 212 W. Main St. • Downtown Urbana • (217) 367-THAI (8424) • www.siamterrace.com

The Daily Illini

Monday, September 30, 2019

7

Travel to Downtown Champaign to expand your horizon

BY KATIE POWERS BUZZ EDITOR

The campus bar scene is undeniably fun but sometimes, the blaring music, massive crowds and sweaty air just aren’t appealing.

On nights like these, consider expanding your horizons and venturing out to downtown Champaign. Although it might be a little farther out, the bar scene is dynamic, and what’s more, it offers food options, making it a good option for the day time or late-night cravings.

Blind Pig Brewery Blind Pig Brewery is a great option for students looking for a break from the crowds and the noise of the campustown bar scene.

They offer a variety of drafts including stouts, IPAs and ciders, all brewed in Champaign. Some are named for their local roots, including the “U of IPA” and the “Curtis Orchard Apple Cider.” But what’s most fun about Blind Pig is its unique atmosphere and extensive indoor and outdoor seating, making it a good option if you’re looking to converse with friends rather than dance or be drowned out by loud music.

Seven Saints Seven Saints offers some of the best food in Champaign with an extensive menu that includes sandwiches, soups and salads. But it’s best known for its sliders and whiskey.

The architecture of the restaurant and bar is worth a visit alone. It’s a beautiful, vintage space with colorful walls, dark wood and high ceilings making it a good option to take out-of-town guests or a date. Seven Saints is also home to a variety of local events, such as “Do Not Submit Chambana,” a monthly storytelling event, and the recent C-U Pride Kickoff party.

Bentley’s Pub Located on Neil Street, Bentley’s Pub has a long history in Champaign as a friendly neighborhood bar with an extensive drink menu. Under new ownership since 2016, Bentley’s retains its local charm and history while offering an updated space and unique drink options. Bentley’s also features weekly drink specials and special events.

Watson’s Shack and Rail Located in downtown Champaign, Watson’s Shack and Rail is best known for its fried and rotisserie chicken, with its Nashville

MARK CAPAPAS THE DAILY ILLINI

Customers enjoy a drink at Watson’s shack and Rail in downtown Champaign.

Hot Chicken and Fried Chicken & Waffles being the most lauded after menu items. It also offers classic southern sides like macaroni and cheese and mashed potatoes, but a visit to Watson’s is good for more than just a meal. Every Friday and Saturday, patrons of age can make a night of their visit thanks to the full-service bar menu, which includes “Adult Slushies” of local fame. Aside from its

food and nightlife offerings, Watson’s is an establishment patrons can feel good about supporting. According to its mission statement, Watson’s makes it a priority to pay its employees a livable wage, support local food banks and participate in community events. kmp2@readbuzz.com

SPECIALS Buy one entree, get one 50% off 50% OFF THE ITEM OF LESSER VALUE, DINE-IN CUSTOMERS ONLY

Free Crab Rangoon WITH $20 PURCHASE. FOR DINE-IN OR TAKE-OUT ONLY (Not on delivery) CANNOT COMBINE WITH OTHER OFFER (Not valid with online order)

THE BEST THAI IN TOWN NOW SERVING SUSHI Authentic Thai Cuisine

Mon-Fri 11am-3pm • Mon-Fri 5pm-10pm • Sat 11am-10pm • Sun 12-9pm 212 W. Main St. • Downtown Urbana • (217) 367-THAI (8424) • www.siamterrace.com

Monday, September 30, 2019

The Daily Illini

8

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The Daily Illini

Monday, September 30, 2019

9

Case of best food truck in CU is Cracked

MARK CAPAPAS THE DAILY ILLINI

Cracked food truck in front of Joe’s Brewery on Mar. 1. Cracked also has a physical location at 619 E. Green St.

BY LIAM DWYER CALENDAR EDITOR

Food trucks are a staple of ChampaignUrbana. Not only do they provide quick, onthe-go meals for students racing from class to class, but some of the best have opened permanent locations for even more consistent options. These are some of the many food trucks that have graced the area, and each is worthy of hunting down to sample for yourself. Some are easy to find through their websites or checking Twitter, but others take a bit of exploration and local knowledge.

Cracked the Egg Came First As if being a winner of Best of CU’s “Best Food Truck” award multiple years in a row wasn’t enough of a selling point, Cracked’s achievement as one of the few food trucks to be so successful it opens a physical location should be. This breakfast food titan lives up to its name with every type of egg based food under the sun as well as breakfast burritos and sandwiches of every shape, size and color. Find the Cracked truck hanging around Goodwin Avenue and Oregon Street or on Matthews Avenue.

Chester’s BBQ Running with the theme of Best of CU winners, Chester’s stands apart from the rest of the local trucks with an emphasis on good ol’ barbecue. It is cheap, messy and delicious.

Calling the menu extensive isn’t exactly the right word, but if you’re in the market for a pulled pork sandwich or brined and smoked wings, the cooks know just how to treat you.

You can catch the truck at either the Tumble Inn in Champaign or Triptych Brewing depending on the day of the week.

Burrito King While Burrito King certainly earns points for the most stylin’ truck with its colorful painting and cool logo, the title of best Mexicanstyle food truck belongs to another on this list. Don’t get me wrong though, Burrito King certainly earns its place here with a selection bean, cheese, meat or all of the above burritos. All of its options are on the cheaper side, so an impromptu lunch here can fit with most budgets. Check it out hanging around Goodwin Avenue and Green most days.

Pandamonium Donuts It’s almost objectively true that everyone loves donuts. They’re the perfect way to start your day, end your day and can even serve as a quick snack in the middle. Pandamonium Donuts serves to fill the donut-sized hole in many people’s hearts with its food truck on Goodwin Avenue and Oregon Street. Its menu consists of a variety of made-from-scratch donuts with vegan options available. Make sure to get there on time. The donuts are hot, and they fly out of the truck as if they had wings, so go early if you want a chance at its deliciousness.

Dave’s Dogs It’s 2 a.m., and you stumble out of Joe’s Brewery tired and hungry. Before you stands a small shack on wheels with the name “Dave’s Dogs,” and at that exact moment, you know you have found relief from starvation. Parked across the street from Joe’s most days of the week, this cheap opportunity to buy $3 hot dogs is a no-brainer. Should you decide to be wild and sporadic, it also serves nachos, brats and pulled pork, everything a growing college student needs to survive.

Dragon Fire Pizza Pizza might not seem like an ideal food truck delicacy since it usually takes longer than most foods to create, but the Dragon Fire’s onboard wood-fired oven can cook a pizza in only 90 seconds, so even those who are late to class or work have time to grab a slice. Its signature “Dragon Fire” pizza includes smoked Italian sausage, red onions, peppers of all colors and jalapenos. The dragon is of the wandering variety and it travels all over the area, but with a dedicated and up-to-date calendar on its website, finding it should be no problem.

Fernando’s Delicious Mexican-style tacos? Check! Burritos and Quesadillas? Check! Affordable prices? Check! Fernando’s has it all, and with its second-to-none $2 soft-shell tacos, there are few food trucks around on the same level. Dedicated to serving authentic Mexican food, it’s no wonder it finally got a permanent location nestled right next to KAM’s. While the location didn’t last, curious lunch-goers can still find the truck hanging around Riggs Beer Company or elsewhere in downtown Champaign. liamd2@readbuzz.com

10

Urbana offers variety of delicious food options

BY JADA FULCHER STAFF WRITER

Do you ever feel like the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign student body focuses a little too much on the Champaign side and not so much on Urbana? Well, you’re not alone. It might seem farther away from the bustling campus, but Urbana is certainly not without its charms. The people who live there have a lot of cool options for where to go and what to do. For proof, here are some super cool eateries Champaign residents only wish were closer.

Merry Ann’s Diner For those of us who have always fantasized about small-town living or those who miss their own town, there’s nothing more small-town than a diner. There are few places you can eat at where you feel like the burger you get is made out of real meat rather than whatever mystery substance makes up your least favorite sandwich at Mickey D’s. Most people in Urbana know this place as the perfect spot to go when you’re a little too drunk and want to soak up some of that alcohol, but in the daylight or the night, Merry Ann’s is

a great spot for something to chomp on.

Manolo’s Pizza & Empanadas For those of us who insist on being college cliches, there’s Manolo’s. Manolo’s sells pizza, but this isn’t your garden variety Pizza Hut/Domino’s experience.

Manolo’s sells fancy pizza, dare I say artisan. If you don’t believe me, I had never ever seen goat cheese before walking into our local Manolo’s. Now I eat it on the four cheese pizza whenever I feel like I deserve a treat. With a bunch of other strange flavor combinations, Manolo’s will make you feel like an adult even though you’re still just eating classic pizza.

Black Dog Smoke & Ale House If you feel like going deep into Urbana, then Black Dog Smoke & Ale House is the perfect place for you. Their barbecue is spectacular and will definitely remind you of home, but better. That, plus a side of coleslaw will certainly make your night.

And lucky for Champaign folks, there’s even another location near Illinois Terminal, that gives off more family-friendly restaurant vibes. The Urbana site feels much more intimate,as if you found some secret spot in the depths of downtown.

MADELINE PIERCE THE DAILY ILLINI

Customers eat at Merry Ann’s Diner on Saturday. Merry Ann’s located at 701 S. Gregory St. in Urbana.

J. Gumbo’s For those looking for some good southern cooking, J. Gumbo’s is right up your alley. J. Gumbo’s brings the beauty of New Orleans cooking right to your table. Serving every-

thing from gumbo to etoufee to po’boys, J. Gumbo’s can help distract from the dreary food selection of dining hall eating.

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The Daily Illini

Monday, September 30, 2019

11

CU provides many sweet dessert options

BY RUKAYAH HUSSEIN STAFF WRITER

Whether it’s in the middle of midterms or just when the cravings catch you by surprise, there is always a sweet place to eat at in ChampaignUrbana. With delicious treats like cookies, pastries, frozen yogurt and more, there is bound to be a tasty treat for anyone. With so many diverse dessert options to choose from, it can be hard to try every single one. To help, we’ve curated this guide to help you explore the sweetest treats in C-U.

Insomnia Cookies: Not Your Grandma’s Cookie Jar

This popular cookie joint is no stranger to University students, making it a top pick for a sweet bite to eat. The options are endless, from traditional and deluxe cookies to cookie cakes and ice cream-filled cookie sandwiches galore.

The best part is it’s open until 3 a.m., and they deliver. In other words, there is no excuse for you to not treat yourself to a cookie after a long night of studying. There is always some kind of deal there, too. If you come in with your pajamas on for Pajama Night, you could get yourself a free traditional cookie. Plus, they offer BOGO discounts regularly, so it’s a pretty sweet way to keep you and your wallet happy.

Caffe Bene: Coffeehouse Delicacies

In order to pull that all-nighter before finals and even just to get through a typical school day, a little coffee is a lifesaver. Why not pair your espresso with a delightful dessert? Caffe Bene is the perfect study space and place to get a sweet study snack. The atmosphere is incredibly inviting, and the menu is diverse. They offer a wide range of worthy treats from cool ice flakes and gelato to multiple types of cake and pastries.

Located right on Green Street, it’s an awesome location to get your reading done for class and refuel with a yummy treat.

Cocomero: Frozen Yogurt and More

Cocomero is a premiere place for frozen yogurt on campus. It is just a few steps away from the Alma Mater and offers a tasty variety of frozen yogurt and topping combinations. With toppings that range from candies to fresh fruits and frozen yogurt flavors like Green Tea and Cake Batter, there are endless possibilities. Not feeling frozen yogurt? Have no fear! Cocomero offers many other sweet treats to satisfy even the pickiest of taste buds. They also serve custards, parfaits and cakes. It’s a great place to take a break during the day, enjoy a lovely dessert and relax on its upper floor in a comfortable chair.

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Taipei Cafe: Sweet and Satisfying Beverages

to select the amount of sugar they want in each drink, giving you the opportunity to get what you truly want: To pair these drinks with something sweet, Taipei Cafe has differentflavored mousses and dessert squares you can order as a light dessert.

There are numerous bubble tea locations in the area; however, one that stands out is Taipei Cafe. This cafe serves a variety of bubble tea, beverages and sweets. If you want to save room for dinner but need something sweet, Taipei Cafe has you covered. It serves milk teas, fresh teas, fruit teas, lattes — hot or cold rukayah2@readbuzz.com — and more. They even allow the customer

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Monday, September 30, 2019

The Daily Illini

12

JAZZ AT LINCOLN CENTER ORCHESTRA WITH WYNTON MARSALIS Modern jazz legend Wynton Marsalis has led this remarkably versatile ensemble for over three decades—harmonizing a graceful blend of masterworks by Ellington, Basie, Monk, Mingus, Goodman, and more with original compositions, Lincoln Center-commissioned works, and rare historic pieces.

KR ANNERTCENTER.COM • 50 0 S. GOODWIN AVE., URBANA • 217.333.6280 /80 0.KCPATIX

FR NOV 1 AT 7:30PM FOELLINGER GREAT HALL $10-$55