The Daily Illini: Buzz Dining Guide 2017

THE DAILY ILLINI buzz

Monday, September 25, 2017

Monday, September 25, 2017

THE DAILY ILLINI

2

Cafés for more than just coffee has the homey ambience that only a cozy, small town could provide.

BY LIZZIE JEDRASEK BUZZ WRITER

Café Kopi

Café Kopi is hands down one of the best cafés in the Champaign area. It has the feel of a trendy Manhattan gem while being situated right at the doorstep of our favorite Midwest college town.

Café Kopi prides itself on being “Champaign’s original coffee house,” yet what this café brings to the table is much more than just your average cup o’ joe.

With over 40 hot teas and a wide selection of seasonal beverages available, you’re sure to find a specialty drink that will satisfy your cravings and soothe your senses, even if coffee just isn’t your thing. And while their gourmet coffee and robust teas are worth mentioning, Café Kopi’s made-to-order salads, sandwiches and pitas might just take the cake for what this café has to offer.

Still, if we’re being honest about dining in C-U, it’s all about atmosphere, and Café Kopi definitely delivers. Tucked away in downtown Champaign, the café is housed in a quaint 100-year-old building, complete with frequent showings of local artists’ and photographers’ work. It is no doubt a contemporary café, but it

The Courier Cafe

Don’t let the ‘cafe’ in the name of this precious Urbana eatery fool you. The Courier Café is actually best known for its yummy breakfast options and a rustic appeal that feels like a step back in time. If you’re looking for an intimate place to grab a bite to eat with close friends or a romantic countryside setting for two, The Courier Cafe will lend you the perfect spot for catching up and getting to know someone over delicious and fresh dishes, from breakfast to dessert.

Open every day of the week, The Courier Café is a must-try before you graduate. This is especially true if you’re looking for something casual, but with a little more sophisticated charm than, perhaps, Merry Ann’s Diner.

If you’re wondering what really sets this café apart from all the rest, it’s the Courier Urban Gardens. Created in 2015, the garden now provides The Courier Café with its own fresh produce that ends up on every guest’s plate.

Cream and Flutter

Despite what you may have heard, Cream and Flutter isn’t just known for serving up some truly delectable red velvet cupcakes. It is, in fact, a café at heart. But don’t worry, because this café will provide all you non-coffee drinkers with plenty of fancy desserts like French macarons, homestyle cookies, brownies and even some frozen treats from Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams.

While this cute café does serve coffee, the real magic can be found in its homemade sweets, made with only the crème de la crème of ingredients. Cream and Flutter’s space is a unique and unexpected addition to our beloved downtown Champaign, with the elegance of a big-city bakery with just enough whimsicality.

With autumn upon us, sit back and enjoy a pumpkin spice cupcake — a seasonal favorite only available during October — with a hot cup of apple cider straight from Curtis Apple Orchard for that picture-perfect fall afternoon.

Hopscotch Bakery + Market

BRIAN BAUER THE DAILY ILLINI

Hopscotch bakery, with all its old-school ambience, is tucked away in Champaign. It offers a variety of desserts, but it is best known for its cakes.

Just recently boasting a brick and mortar store on John Street in Champaign, Hopscotch is reminiscent of those lucky finds you might randomly happen upon as you take a stroll through Chicago’s old-school neighborhoods.

While Hopscotch may seem very unassuming from the outside, the inside is surprisingly pleasant.

Its simple and clean design makes this an automatic standout café, along with that it has been community-focused from the very beginning. Hopscotch’s simple menu matches its minimalistic interior with desserts that are made entirely from scratch.

THE DAILY ILLINI FILE PHOTO

Cream and Flutter bakery in downtown Champaign specializes in homemade sweets, especially cupcakes. It offers the fall favorite pumpkin spice flavor all through the fall season.

While Hopscotch is probably best known for its cakes, it also flaunts delectable cheesecakes by the slice, brownies, macarons, cookie sandwiches, custards, brownies and pies.

So, this place has basically anything a sweets fanatic could ask for. Plus, you can rest well after indulging, knowing that this locallyowned, nostalgic corner store uses only ethical ingredients in its desserts.

Taipei Café

After Chatime’s unforeseen closing last semester, Taipei Café came just in time, and surely not empty-handed. With all the comforts and style of a café that serves coffee-

based beverages, Taipei specializes in authentic Taiwanese bubble teas, and hot teas as well.

Since the closing of Chatime, the space has been remodeled to provide a comfortable and fun place for all you non-coffee drinkers. You can enjoy other hot beverages, desserts and refreshingly sweet bubble teas from its very extensive menu. While all the other cafés mentioned are located off campus, Taipei Café is conveniently located right in the heart of Campus on Green Street, so you don’t have to travel far to enjoy the luxuries of this campustown café. jedrase2@readbuzz.com

THE DAILY ILLINI

Monday, September 25, 2017

3

Win or lose, these game day eats will be a touchdown

BY NAILENE GONZALEZ BUZZ WRITER

If you’re ever disappointed with our football team and find yourself with an empty stomach, look no further than my go-to spots on game days.

Joe’s Brewery

Joe’s is my favorite place to get a quick bite to eat every Saturday, especially since they have great deals. Joe’s is located on Fifth and Green streets, so it isn’t too far of a trek from Memorial Stadium. Every Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday, Joe’s has half priced burgers and 25 percent off loaded fries, so you can get an amazing meal without hurting your wallet.

There is also a black bean veggie burger, so you can still experience the excellence of a Joe’s burger if you have a meat-free diet. My go-to is always the Illini Burger, which has American cheese, bacon, lettuce, tomato and onion. I recently found out that the Spazzle Burger is a blessing in disguise. It has bacon, cheddar cheese, onion rings, barbecue and ranch. How can you say no to that?

For the more adventurous eater, the Mac Attack—which has fried mac and cheese bites, onion, sriracha and mayo— may be calling your name after another loss out on the field. All burgers come with your choice of chips, fries or coleslaw, so you’ll definitely have to be carried out of Joe’s after all the eating you’ll be doing.

Papa Del’s

If your parents are in town, take them to Papa Del’s on game day. From pizza to sandwiches to pasta, you can’t go wrong with Italian food. Be sure to try the original Sicilian pan pizza and the Beefeater, which contains spicy Italian beef and cheddar cheese.

Papa Del’s cold sandwiches can also be put in a lettuce wrap instead of bread if you’re trying make your game day eats a tiny bit healthier.

There are plenty of vegetarian-friendly options that aren’t salads as well.

Legends

Legends is also a popular game day spot, since many Illini fans sit and watch the game in the bar on one of several TV screens. Legends is decorated with Illini sports memorabilia and portraits of past Illini athletes. They have a pretty extensive menu for a bar, so if having many options in a bar atmosphere is what you’re looking for, this is the place to be.

Legends also has plenty of burger options if Joe’s burgers don’t totally appeal to you. The fish sandwiches are award-winning, so be sure to check those out when the next Saturday rolls around. They also have nachos supreme or pub chips, both of which are great appetizers to share with a few hungry friends after the game.

Check out these locations for food on the next game day.

Firehaus

Firehaus deserves an honorable mention for game day eats since its menu is more representative of a classic pub menu, although it is more limited in options. Even if you’re more accustomed to hitting Haus in the wee hours of the evening, Firehaus advertises specials on a chalkboard outside its door on the daily, and the food is nothing to sneeze at.

THE DAILY ILLINI FILE PHOTO

It’s usually not a hot spot after a game, but that’s a plus because you won’t be hitting a long wait while your stomach is growling.

The bar mainly focuses on appetizers. You can order a whole basket of bacon to pair well with your basket of hot Haus wings. You can also try the mac and cheese burger, combining two excellent flavors in one sandwich for an enjoyable time. buzz@readbuzz.com

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Monday, September 25, 2017

THE DAILY ILLINI

4

Easy meal prep: food for an on-the-go lifestyle

BY MERAL AYCICEK STAFF WRITER

Congrats on moving into your new apartment!

One of the biggest cons of living in an apartment is having to cook for yourself, so use these nofuss meal prep ideas to make sure you’re eating Pinterest-worthy, healthy food three times a day.

You can make these meals according to your dietary restrictions, whether that be vegan, vegetarian, kosher, halal, gluten-free or lactose-free.

You will need a mason jar, or other reusable container, for every meal you prep, the ingredients, a kitchen with utensils and a pot or rice cooker.

Breakfast: overnight oats

The best part of overnight oats is you don’t have to cook anything. They’re a lot easier to make compared to regular oatmeal, and you have a ton of room to experiment to your taste.

Mix 1 part old-fashioned rolled oats with 2 parts milk of your choice (lactose free, soy, almond, etc.). You can also add healthy seeds, like chia or flax, for an extra crunch along with the nutritional benefits. Put the lid on the jar, and let your oats sit in the fridge overnight. In the morning add berries, cinnamon, syrup or almost anything to add sweetness and enjoy!

Lunch: salad

Salad is also extremely versatile and nutri-

tious. However, meal prepping salad can get a bit messy.

The best way to make sure nothing gets soggy and gross is to layer the heaviest and most watery ingredients on the bottom of the salad container. Start by putting in the dressing, then the little things like corn or beans.

Then add tomatoes, cucumbers, shredded carrots and whichever other veggies you choose.

Add the leafiest part on the very top, and seal it up.

As long as you keep the container upright, the ingredients won’t mix, and everything will be nice, fresh. The veggies will retain their crunch.

If you want to add protein like eggs, chicken, bacon or tofu, wait until the day you are going to eat your salad to add them to the mix.

Dinner: rice and proteins

This is also an easy recipe that won’t break the bank.

Cook your rice (whatever kind you like) in either a pot or rice cooker, and let it cool. For the other part of the meal, you can bake beans, grill chicken, cook vegetables — anything you want.

Put the rice on the bottom of the container if you want it to soak up whatever else you cooked.

This is a great meal option because you can be fancy or lazy, and you’ll still eat a decent dinner.

This can be kept in the fridge for several days.

Milk

aycicek2@readbuzz.com

BRIAN NGUYEN AND NANDITA RAVIKUMAR THE DAILY ILLINI

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THE DAILY ILLINI

Monday, September 25, 2017

5

Delivery do’s and don’ts: leave a tip and don’t be a jerk

that will help you avoid any price-gouging in the long run.

BY BILLY GALANT BUZZ WRITER

No matter how hard you try to avoid it, you will undoubtedly resort to getting delivery a few times in your college career. Don’t worry, nobody will shame your lazy habits, just as long as you stick to these important guidelines.

DO:

Leave a tip.

Working in food service is awful. So is working late nights. Combine the two together and you might have one of the most tiring jobs out there.

Be a good samaritan and leave a tip as your sign of empathy. You could go ahead and follow the “rules” of tipping and do some exact calculation, but make sure you cover how much the delivery is worth to you. Remember, you could be taking the bus, going out in public and waiting in line. But a kind stranger is willing to help you. That has to be worth something, right?

DON’T:

Place the order when you’re actually hungry.

We’re on a college campus. There’s bound to be someone ordering delivery every minute of the day. This means that a delivery can take more than an hour if luck isn’t on your side. This doesn’t mean you should suddenly become motivated and make food yourself in less time, you just need to be strategically lazy.

Place your order ahead of time so you’re hungry by the time it arrives. There’s no reason to keep yourself in pain for a whole hour.

DON’T:

DO:

Use a site like Grubhub or EatStreet.

Four words: promo codes and specials. Sure, these middle-man delivery websites may have a base price that’s a bit more expensive, but you can make out like a bandit with enough digital coupon cutting. Not to mention this will give you a one-size-fits-all account you can use to order from a whole bunch of places. That’s sure to save you hours of filling out forms.

JESSICA JUTZI THE DAILY ILLINI

Wingin Out’s honey barbecue wings, enjoy delivery every once in a while, but remember to keep it simple and tip the delivery person well.

DON’T:

Order a bunch of extras As if delivery prices weren’t jacked up enough, getting extra items for your pizza/cal-

zone/what-have you have is even worse. It’s definitely not worth it to pay a whole dollar just for some extra dipping sauce. You’re probably better off making a quick trip to the store to pick up those extras. It’s a cheap investment

Be a jerk to the delivery person.

Again, working in delivery can be awful.

This rule is especially important if you’re not willing to at least tip. Meet them outside promptly, say thanks and give them your vote of confidence. Don’t rush to get your clothes on and leave the building five minutes after they got there. Who knows, you might even be the person that ends up making their night a good one. wgalant2@readbuzz.com

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Monday, September 25, 2017

THE DAILY ILLINI

6

Late night dining locations for University students

BY KAYLA BROWN

Merry Ann’s entire menu

BUZZ WRITER

Maybe you’ve been studying the last six hours or have just wrapped up a successful evening of bar-hopping. But, we both know you aren’t about to cook for yourself back homes, so what’s the move? Buzz compiled our list of late night options, and just because its after dark these dishes aren’t going to satisfy your appetite.

The only thing better than breakfast for dinner is breakfast in the middle of the night.

While Merry Ann’s might be a bit of a hike for most people who live on campus, it is absolutely worth it. The diner has good vibes and even better food. What more could you want?

cDonald’s

Domino’s pizza

Wingin’ Out’s mac & cheese bites

The later it gets, the unhealthier most people tend to be, and nothing is worse for you than deep-fried mac and cheese. Wingin’ Out’s mac & cheese bites are the perfect combination of crispy and gooey, making them the ideal late night snack. It also happens to be the most convenient snack as Wingin’ Out is directly across the street from The Red Lion, a prime location on campus.

Burrito King’s quesadillas

For $4.50, you can get a quesadilla with chips and salsa. There is no better bang for your buck on campus than that. If you’re not trying to blow through your entire savings on late night meals, Burrito King is the most economically friendly option.

MARGARET KOTS THE DAILY ILLINI

From McDonald’s to Insomnia Cookies, there are many choices for late night dining on campus.

McDonald’s Chicken McNuggets

McDonald’s is the holy grail of late night meals, seeing as it’s open 24 hours. Even though all-day breakfast was a revolutionary move on McDonald’s part, McNuggets are still a move at all hours of the night, any day of the week. A 20 piece is only $5, and you have a wide array of dipping sauce options. So honestly, look no further.

Insomnia Cookies ‘The Six Pack’

The late night sweet tooth is something everyone has struggled with, and if you’re going to indulge in it, you might as well go all out.

Straying away from Green Street, The Six Pack from Insomnia Cookies allows you to pick out any combination of six cookies to get your fix, and you can even get them delivered. It’s almost dangerous how easy it is to get your hands on Insomnia.

When you don’t want to leave the comfort of your house, dorm or apartment, Domino’s delivery never fails. With endless coupons and deals being distributed constantly, group orders are relatively cheap. This makes for the ideal late night group dinner, whether you’re up studying or indulging in other activities around campus.

Honorable mention: Papa D’s

R.I.P. to the finest establishment on Green Street. We have missed the cheese fries, chicken fingers, mozzarella sticks and just about everything else from Papa D’s. We can only hope that one day, its doors will reopen. Until then, we have to continue filling the void it left behind with other options on this list. kaylarb2@readbuzz.com

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THE DAILY ILLINI

Monday, September 25, 2017

7

Upscale, Americana & themed: burgers in the CU area

BY KEENAN SCHMIDT BUZZ WRITER

Cheeseburgers are my favorite thing to eat, and America is my favorite country to live in.

So naturally, I’ve got the spill on where to find your soon-to-be favorite burger in the C-U area.

Jurassic Grill:

Jurassic Grill is easily my favorite burger joint on Green Street. It is similar to the popular burger and fries chain Five Guys, down to the plethora of topping choices and moderately high prices but with a prehistoric reptilian flair.

The chefs here are no newbies. They understand that thin patties can be just as exceptional as thick patties with a bit of finesse, and their Cajun fries are top tier.

However, Jurassic Grill is no one-trick dino.

The restaurant offers veggie alternative the Herbivorous Burger, chicken and empanadas.

The only thing missing from the establishment is the giant T-Rex sculpture currently located at Dallas & Co. Costumes and Magic in Champaign — and maybe an actual sign.

Portillo’s:

There was no way I could leave this one out.

I will always love you, Portillo’s and take any chance to speak your good word of charred

magnificence. Normally, I would leave chain restaurants out of local food guides, but this is an exception worth considering the burgers here changed my life, and Portillo’s opening in Champaign was a big deal.

The announcement made waves across Chicago suburbanites’ social media and undoubtedly will change the way Champaign County eats out. For a long time, I was conditioned to accept McDonald’s and Burger King’s lame beef fare and would go to Portillo’s for pasta. But once I learned the truth about its charbroiled burgers, I could never unlearn it.

The juicy, salty flavor and rather large diameter of the patties are beautiful features akin to the chiseled abs of Michelangelo’s “David.” It has secured its place in my heart (and my arteries) as one of the best chain restaurant burgers I will ever have with little contest.

DESTIHL:

I first heard about DESTIHL from my freshman year roommate at Allen Hall. As he was a townie, I knew his recommendation carried weight. And oh my, it did. A quick aside: If you have ever tried bacon wrapped dates, you probably actually haven’t had the real ones.

This place sells easily the best appetizer I have ever tasted with its crunchy and spicy, yet soft and sweet date plate. DESTIHL, operating as a microbrewery, founds itself on quality by

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THE DAILY ILLINI FILE PHOTO

Jurassic Grill’s specialty, the Brontosaurus Burger with Cajun fries, features two quarter-pound patties, one egg, ham, bacon and any desired toppings. It is one of many burgers available in C-U. preparing its food with locally sourced ingredients. I always get the beer battered bacon and egg burger, featuring crispy and crumbly beerbattered jalapeno bacon, tomato bacon jam, a chile-fried egg and maple-smoked white cheddar all on a brioche bun.

Other options include a delectable veggie

burger, and the particularly unique pimento shallot burger. The brewpub tends to be on the pricey side, but for a special night out in C-U, where hamburgers are king, Destihl takes the throne. kschmdt2@readbuzz.com

Monday, September 25, 2017

THE DAILY ILLINI

8

Stomach growling in Urbana...Now what?

BY BROOKE EBERLE SPECIAL SECTIONS EDITOR

As someone who’s lived in Urbana for two years, I can easily tell you that the trek to Green Street is not always worth it, especially if it’s late at night. Still, after the dining halls have closed, there aren’t a lot of options for a late night snack near you.

A lot of freshmen are faced with this dilemma in their first year, especially since all public dorms are located in Urbana except for those in the Ikenberry Commons. So if you’re in FAR, PAR, LAR, Allen, ISR or Busey-Evans, listen up, because these are the places to hit up in Urbana or campustown.

Merry Ann’s Diner

This little diner is the perfect place for those looking for a late night snack. Merry Ann’s is open 24 hours and has great breakfast food for each and every one of those hours. I highly recommend The Diner Stack; It has plenty of food for when I’m feeling extra hungry. You have an option to choose hamburger patties or sausage patties, covered by two eggs cooked any way you like, along with two biscuits nestled beneath. It’s like an open-faced sandwich, breakfast style! If you’re not a big fan of breakfast food, the diner also sells classics like burgers, grilled cheeses and patty melts.

Ko Fusion

If you’re looking for a sit-down place that isn’t too fancy but will satisfy your craving for the taste of sushi, Ko Fusion is the place to try. It’s a great restaurant if you’re looking for somewhere to go on a lower-budget but still want an atmosphere that suits a date or just to chill with friends.

You can order a variety of rolls — several unique to Ko Fusion — or order individual sushi pieces for $1 each, which means you can mix and match multiple sushi types without breaking the bank.

Rosati’s

Don’t want to pay for delivery but still have a hankering for pizza? Well, you’re in luck. At

BRIAN BAUER THE DAILY ILLINI

Model pastries are on display in Café Bene, located in Urbana (as well as Champaign). This cozy spot specializes in breakfast-dessert hybrids and bubble teas. This is just one of many locations in Urbana to grab a quick bite late at night after all the dorms have closed on campus.

Rosati’s, you can call ahead and order a pizza for pickup ,so it’s still warm by the time the pizza is in your hands.

If you’re not in the mood for pizza, Rosati’s has plenty of other options, including pasta, salads, hot dogs, burgers, wings, sandwiches and wraps.

Feel free to dine-in, as they have a large seating area, or just take it to-go, which is the beauty of convenient eating.

Café Bene

This cute little café is a great place to do home-

work or sit back and read a book. They specialize in waffles, some with Nutella, others with strawberries, bananas, whipped cream and more.

You can also try some coffee or bubble tea.

There’s a variety of pastries, acai bowls for breakfast and even sandwiches if you’re looking to pair your coffee with a quick lunch. Everything is delicious, so take a look at all of the treats they offer.

Jimmy John’s

If you’re up late studying and need to order something that’ll get there quick, Jimmy John’s is

your best option. Located on Lincoln Avenue, this restaurant is easy to walk to if you need to take a study break and want food fast.

They can make a sandwich for you within a couple of minutes, which is great for those who don’t like to wait for their food. Jimmy John’s is open until 3 a.m., so if you’re up late, the staff at the sub shop won’t mind preparing a snack for you to make it through the rest of your studies for that night. beberle2@dailyillini.com

THE DAILY ILLINI

Monday, September 25, 2017

9

How to eat well on your parents' budget

BY NESSA STEINBERG BUZZ WRITER

When your parents are in town, you should most likely skip Green Street — unless your parents truly want to relive their college years at the bars.

Other than that, get in their car, drive to one of the downtowns, and spend more than $10 on yourself because they’re paying. Frankly, you can eat most regular foods from popular chains back home or when you’re back to being broke.

For the parents that love their meat and potatoes, they’ll enjoy a classic steakhouse experience like Hamilton Walker’s. With a glitzy 1940s Hollywood styling in the heart of downtown Champaign, you can get your favorite steaks and seafood from this local steakhouse any day of the week. Additionally, there are Blue Plate lunch specials, late night noshings and a full service bar.

Price: $$ - $$$

If your parents want a classy wining and dining experience — maybe heavier on the wining — Bacaro is located in downtown Champaign. Known for its high quality, inventive cuisine and extensive wine selection, you can expect seasonal dishes in a minimalist and intimate setting. If all its offerings are too tempting to choose from, there's a sevencourse tasting menu and wine pairings.

Price: $$$

Another restaurant with a good bar, lots of vegetarian options and a nice assortment of tapas is Radio Maria. Located in downtown Champaign, Radio Maria features eclectic art and styling designed by the owners, who are University alums. Matching the eclectic styling of the restaurant itself is the menu with its Spanish, Italian and Mediterranean inspired options.

Price: $$

If you want to be really adventurous, Miga is quite the experience. Located in downtown Champaign, Miga offers a modern, Asian

fusion dining experience and lots of class. The items range from American food with a unique Asian twist to more traditional foods like Bibimbap, and it is all seasonal.

Price: $$$

Maybe you’re missing Chicago and its wonderful Italian food. Look no further than Nando Milano Trattoria, which is based out of the Wicker Park neighborhood.

This restaurant is set up as a traditional, multi-course restaurant but can easily be enjoyed in fewer courses — though that’s not recommended. Whatever the waiter or owner, recommends, you should definitely get.

Price: $$-$$$

When craving something classically American, Big Grove Tavern is the perfect place.

With a farm-to-table menu and the rustic accents to go along with it, the restaurant offers a comfortably casual aesthetic. From burgers and soups to the Boozy Brunch, this place can please everyone, but still offers an exciting twist to American classics.

Price: $$

Sushi, anyone? Ko Fusion in downtown Champaign or Sakanya on Green Street — if you can get a seat — are both great options.

Both offer extremely high quality fish and good service. Ko Fusion also offers other nonsushi entrees, while Sakanaya offers noodle bowls and late snacks in addition to the sushi menu.

You really can’t go wrong with either; you just might have to wait to get a table at Sakanaya since it’s such a small footprint.

$$

Price : $$-$$$

For a Southern treat, go to Watson’s Shack & Rail for lunch, brunch or dinner. With its own special brand of fried and rotisserie chicken and all the fixin’s to go with it, Watson’s will have you wanting to come back again and again. It even stays open late as a bar and features boozy slushies. Make sure to stick around for dessert too.

Want to submit an event to be listed in the buzz calendar?

Email calendar@readbuzz.com

SABRINA ZHANG THE DAILY ILLINI

Wherever you may find yourself with your parental figures, the meal will be made better by the glory of reunion. Yet choosing from one of these options can make for an enjoyable

time for all, especially when you remember that you aren’t the one who has to foot the bill. nmstein2@readbuzz.com

Monday, September 25, 2017

THE DAILY ILLINI

10

Date night: keeping the romance alive on a budget

BY ZOE STEIN BUZZ WRITER

When my boyfriend comes to visit me on campus, finding a place to go on a dinner date is always a struggle. We want to go out, but one place is too expensive, the next too cheap and the last is a fast-food chain on Green Street.

None of these options are appealing to either of us.

Through my time on campus with my friends who are willing to try new restaurants with me, I’ve found some of the best places to go that certainly don’t break the budget, or skimp on quality or atmosphere. Whether your date night is with your friend or a significant other, the following restaurants are certainly worth checking out.

If you’re looking for Indian food, Sitara is the best place around. Nestled in Urbana at 114 S. Race St. right where the bus lets you off, Sitara is nothing but delicious. My favorite dish, chicken tikka masala — like most dishes — is served with a choice of naan or rice.

There’s nothing on the menu that isn’t mouthwateringly delicious. The pricing is low too, so you can order more dishes as you please.

The atmosphere is warm and inviting; the low lighting and subtle music also provides the perfect date-night setting.

If you’re looking for a more classic American joint, I’d go with Courier Café which is

down the road at 111 N. Race St. The café serves your classic burgers, sandwiches, salads and has hand-dipped milkshakes that shouldn’t be missed. The atmosphere reminds you of an old-timey, mom-and-pop shop, with antiques nestled around the place giving a feeling of nostalgia.

Everything I’ve tried off of the menu is tasty, but my all-time favorite thing there is the milkshake. These milkshakes are refreshing and the perfect size to share, but personally I could drink a whole one myself. My favorite thing to do is order one of the many flavors (usually chocolate), but then add chocolate sauce as well. It gives someone like me, a chocoholic, an extra-chocolatey experience.

My final choice for date night is a little pricey. For my Japanese food and sushi lovers, I’d suggest Sakanaya. Walking down Green Street at dinner time, you can look into the restaurant and see the massive wait that accumulates at Sakanaya almost immediately after opening, so I’d suggest getting there early. It’s a small place with a cozy atmosphere and food is scrumptious.

I’ve had both their sushi and their noodle dishes: Both are incredible. The sushi is well made and easily the best on campus. Their ‘I love Tuna’ sushi plate is my all-time favorite.

The dishes are unique versions of classic Japanese dishes, like their chicken yaki udon. The

BRIAN BAUER THE DAILY ILLINI

Sakanaya sits at the end of Green Street, and despite the expensive prices, has a variety of sushi and noodle dishes that are perfect for a night out with your special someone. special sauce they use just makes the dish that much tastier. I’d highly recommend it.

Each place listed here is perfect for date night. From Indian food to classic American fare, to Japanese and sushi, Champaign-Urba-

na has the perfect variety of restaurants to try on your date nights with a special someone or one of your close friends.

zstein2@readbuzz.com

DAD’S WEEKEND November 10th – 12th FRIDAY Men’s Basketball vs. TBA

State Farm Center 7:00 pm | $15/ticket

Men’s Ice Hockey vs. TBA

U of I Ice Arena 7:30 pm | $10/ticket

SATURDAY

SUNDAY

Pre-game BBQ at the ARC

Dad’s Brunch

The ARC | 2 Hours before kickoff | $20/ticket

Fighting Illini

Illini Union Ballrooms 11am-1pm | $20/ticket

vs. Indiana

Memorial Stadium TBD | $45/ticket

University of Illinois a capella All-Star Concert

Featuring No Comment, The Xtension Chords, and The Girls Next Door Foellinger Auditorium | 7:30pm | $10/ticket

Tickets are Limited Sales End Oct. 13 For more information and tickets, go to

illinidads.com

THE DAILY ILLINI

Monday, September 25, 2017

11

Great places in CU to satisfy your sweet tooth

BY BRIDGET DUNNE BUZZ WRITER

It’s simply a fact that no dinner, especially a dinner in the C-U area, can be complete without a finale. But when your waiter approaches you with a dessert menu, you may find yourself stuffed to the gills, letting out an easy “no thanks,” despite your contemplation.

Later, when your stomach has room to breathe, a tasty treat will be calling your name.

We’ve gathered just the guide for you to satisfy your sweet tooth and complete your C-U dining experience. No matter what kind of dessert you’re craving, Chambana has got you covered.

For Cake Lovers: Cream & Flutter

Located in the heart of downtown Champaign, Cream & Flutter serves warm cookies, signature brownies, pinwheel macarons, plenty of coffee and tea. Its biggest hits, however, are the freshly baked cupcakes, with the classic red velvet, chocolate and vanilla bean flavors served daily.

Don’t miss out on its seasonal cakes, which switch every Monday. Cream & Flutter not only offers delicious treats but many Instagram-worthy options for everyone that stumbles upon this adorable bakery.

Cream &Flutter $3.50

Jarling’s Custard $2.70

Vanilla bean cupcake

Classic sundae

Insomnia Cookies

Paris Super Crepe

$1.80

$5.00

Chocolate chunk cookie

Nutella crepe

ANNIE WU THE DAILY ILLINI

Champaign’s Claim to Fame: Jarling’s Custard Cup

While other dessert chains try to keep up with the latest trends, Jarling’s Custard Cup sticks with tradition—namely, decades-old cool and creamy custard recipes. Offering a new flavor each week along with chocolate, vanilla, strawberry, orange and lemon, the Custard Cup hauls out happiness with every scoop.

This tiny shop on Kirby has something for all ice cream fanatics, from sundaes and shakes to malts and pies. For candy lovers, the “snowstorm”

option mixes all of your favorites with Jarling’s signature flavors. With over fifty — yes, fifty — flavors, the snowstorm blows the Dairy Queen blizzard out of the water.

If you still aren’t convinced, just ask “American Treasure” Tom Hanks, who shared his alarm at Jarling’s possible sale on Twitter back in 2015.

Tom has no reason to worry though, and neither do we, now that Jarling’s remains open all year round.

Late-Night Study Package: Insomnia Cookies

Insomnia is a staple for stressed college students for a good reason: it delivers. Literally. A

rough night at the UGL is instantly transformed by warm cookies, with frequent BOGO deals to share with friends.

Insomnia offers classic and deluxe cookies and brownies, and is the only dessert option that delivers ice cream straight to your door. Signature cookie flavors like the chocolate peanut butter combo get even better when the warm cookie meets cool vanilla ice cream in a cookie sandwich.

Open until 3 a.m., Insomnia keeps a steady reputation for its tasty treats, friendly drivers—who are real-life heroes — and consistent satisfaction.

Super New: Paris Super Crepe

You’re probably familiar with rolled ice cream from seeing countless videos of the process on social media. You may not know that the famous treat is available right on Sixth Street thanks to Paris Super Crepe, the newest cure to your dessert cravings.

Paris Super Crepe offers more than dessert, but with crepe-styled ice cream cones, it’s clear what the star item will be. Keep an eye out for this trendy sweet spot.

Day or night, make it better by taking advantage of these treats. The decision may be difficult, but you won’t want to miss out on all the delicious desserts that Champaign-Urbana has to offer.

bkdunne2@readbuzz.com

Crepes, Soups, Salads, Sandwiches, & More!

116 N. Neil St. | 217•359•4500

Serving BREAKFAST and LUNCH

pekarabakery.com

Monday - Saturday: 7 AM - 8 PM Sunday: 8 AM - 6 PM

Monday, September 25, 2017

12

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Favorite to questionable: Let’s ‘taco-bout’ your options

BY JESS PETERSON BUZZ EDITOR

It’s one thing to prepare and season ground beef yourself (remember to buy tortillas that week at the grocery store and set aside the required amount of prep time needed to whip up a meal of fresh tacos), but on a college student’s schedule, it’s easy to have that beef sitting in the fridge for too long and the tortillas to get lost amongst the other, less significant items in the kitchen.

So what’s the solution? Never eat tacos? Of course not! You’ve got to pull yourself up by your backpack straps, carve meal breaks into your study time and adhere to this campus taco guide — a compilation of taco spots on campus that’ll give you the strength and hope you need to continue hitting the books.

The cheap and easy taco

This option goes outside the norms of an authentic Mexican taco. However, it makes the perfect snack — or meal if you stock up on enough of them — to get you through your busy day. Spoon House is tucked between Subway and Panera on Green Street, and at first glance, it may not seem like the most promising place to indulge in your taco cravings.

But on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 2-5 p.m., it offers a variety of Korean BBQ style tacos for just a dollar. That’s so cheap that it’s foolish not to buy one! And with the convenient location next to the Main Quad, this is a perfect option for a library break with just enough spice and flair to wake you up during your mid-afternoon slump.

The campus favorite taco

Now boasting two locations with one on Green Street and the other nestled in downtown Champaign, Maize is receptive to campus praise. And lucky for us, they have responded accordingly. These tacos are going to cost you a little extra, but for the authentic flavor and freshly made meal, it is hard to argue that it’s not worth it. Enjoy traditional fillings from chicken, carne asada, al pastor, chorizo and fish, topped with cilantro and onion for a taco served

up the right way. What makes this taco so good?

I’d say that it’s everything you’d put into creating your own tacos if you had the time, budget and cooking talent. Grab these tortilla-wrapped miracles to go, or eat them elbow-to-elbow with other customers at the counter — a perfect way to encounter strangers as you rest in your blissful bubble of making the right taco choice.

The trek is worth it taco

For most students, making your way out to Philo Road in Urbana may seem excessive just to claim some fresh Mexican food for the evening.

Yet, once you’ve tasted these tacos, it’s tough to argue that you won’t be back soon for more. In the snug restaurant known as Huaraches Moroleon, cacti and other plants that thrive in the sun dominate the interior. As for the booths and tables, once you are seated, the wait staff brings not one but four different flavors of salsa along with chips as an appetizer. This spot is great if you’re looking to sit, unwind and get away from the campus for a bit. The taco selection boasts carnitas that are a force to be reckoned with and cactus, for those who are looking to try a “not your everyday” type of taco.

The questionable but charismatic taco

Some people shudder or give me a look of disgust when I mention my tumultuous love affair with Burrito King. At this Green Street eatery, you can find fresh horchata, a variety of Jarritos sodas and, in my opinion, one of the best salsas this campus has to offer. Burrito King will serve you up a meal paired with rice and beans, smothered in grease and — unless you request otherwise — cheese sauce. I can’t wholeheartedly suggest this as a place that one should dine at all the time, but I think it ought to be required

by University students to try at least once.

These tacos will fill whatever void you’ve been shouldering and make for a memorable dining experience, despite what the haters may have to say. jtpeter3@readbuzz.com

THE DAILY ILLINI FILE PHOTO

Chef Mario Belballe puts the finishing touches on a plate at the Maize Mexican Grill on Sunday, Nov. 6, 2011.

MARGARET KOTS THE DAILY ILLINI

THE DAILY ILLINI

Monday, September 25, 2017

13

Food on the go: Snacks and meals on wheels in CU

BY KATIE POWERS BUZZ WRITER

If you’re looking for a quick bite to eat at a reasonable price during your daily trek through campus, check out one of the many food truck options C-U has to offer.

No matter what you’re craving, these campus staples are here to satisfy your dining needs any time of day, often in very convenient locations.

Take a look at the following meal options rolling around campus near you.

Caribbean Grill

Take a break from the campus grind and let the Caribbean Grill transport you to paradise. This vibrant truck prides itself on its authentic, made from scratch, island-style comfort food. If you’re stopping by, be sure to check out the famous jerk chicken with rice and peas, or a side order of mac and cheese. Check the grill out on Twitter to find out the location of the truck and the specials for the day. If you really can’t get enough of this island cuisine, Caribbean Grill has a storefront location in downtown Champaign.

Derald’s Catering Truck

For some classic food truck fare, check out Derald’s Catering Truck. It’s been up and running for over 30 years, making it the oldest food truck

on campus. Located every day outside of Noyes Laboratory on Mathews Avenue, this timeless truck features burgers, fish tacos and egg sandwiches, but first timers should grab one of Derald’s famous fish sandwiches.

The food is shamelessly greasy and can also be found at Memorial Stadium, so be sure to keep an eye out for it if you’re catching a football game.

Pandamonium Doughnuts

Satisfy your sweet tooth with a campus favorite, Pandamonium Doughnuts. Boasting unique flavors like cookie dough, s’mores and birthday cake, there’s something for every taste at this truck. It even has vegan options. If the flavors aren’t tempting enough, check out its Instagram for some glorious food pics — you won’t be able to get to the truck fast enough.

Good thing too, since Pandamonium starts selling donuts at 7:30 a.m. and tends to run out quickly. As with many of the other food trucks in the C-U scene, Pandamonium is going brick-andmortar this fall, with a storefront opening up in Champaign.

Cracked: The Egg Came First

Fuel up on your favorite breakfast foods any

time of day with the Cracked truck. Founded by University alums, Cracked has become a quintessential part of the campus food scene. Students chase after Cracked for the signature tots and French toast bites, so be sure to try them for yourself .

Stop by the truck, found on campus from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the corner of Goodwin and Oregon. Of course, it’s hard to miss the bright yellow and sparkling Cracked shop that opened on Green Street last spring.

It’s open until 3 a.m. and includes an expanded menu, so you never have to let your late night breakfast needs go unfulfilled. After all, it is the most important meal of the day.

Burrito King

Burrito King’s giant burritos are a campus staple, and thanks to its food truck, you don’t have to go all the way to Green Street to get one. If you’re craving Mexican food between classes or are in need of a late night snack, stop by the Burrito King truck.

This truck is all over campus, so be sure to check out its social media so you can plan on when to stop by for a bite. Although the name gives a pretty strong hint about what to order at this truck, it also serves tacos, quesadillas and nachos, so you’ll be happy no matter what you order. buzz@readbuzz.com

BRIAN BAUER THE DAILY ILLINI

Pandamonuim Doughnuts sets up shop at Goodwin and Oregon on March 1, 2016. This is just one of many food trucks in the C-U area that fulfills the need to eat while on the go.

Simple. Seasonal. Italian.

Timpone’s offers the perfect date atmosphere right here on campus.

Seasonal & Regional Simplicity We combine the freshest seasonal ingredients to create authentic, regional Italian dishes.

Homemade Pasta & Excellent Pizzas & Award-winning Seafood.

www.timpones-urbana.com | 217-344-7619 | 710 S. Goodwin, Urbana

Monday, September 25, 2017

14

THE DAILY ILLINI

Around campus in 80 Plates: A multicultural restaurant guide

BY ELANI KAUFMAN ASSISTANT BUZZ EDITOR

Do you fancy yourself a world traveler but find yourself with a college student’s budget? Are you a frequent viewer of international foodies on Instagram, relegated to only looking and not tasting? Fear not, dear reader; buzz has assembled a handy atlas to diversify your palate with foods outside your geographical comfort zone.

Manolo’s Pizza Empanadas

and

1115 W. Oregon St., Urbana Stop at Manolo’s for empanadas, a common food throughout Latin America, Manolo’s specializes in the Argentinian variety. There are 24 empanadas to choose from - one for almost every letter of the alphabet. The corresponding letter is conveniently branded onto the dough so customers know what’s inside. Fillings range from jalapeño chicken to raspberry cheesecake, leaving no craving unfulfilled.

Sakanaya

403 E. Green St., Champaign For delicious and moderately priced Japanese food, head to Sakanaya. For sushi fans, Sakanaya has high-quality fish and inventive rolls that will turn curious eaters into repeat customers.

Beyond sushi, Sakanaya also serves up multiple ramen bowls, reminding you that ramen is not

just prepackaged microwaveable noodles, but truly a cultural staple.

Golden Harbor

505 S. Neil St., Champaign The praises of Golden Harbor cannot be sung enough; in terms of selection, this is the place to be. Walking into the restaurant, visitors see a wall of menu items listed both in Chinese and English. With seemingly endless options, Golden Harbor is a great way to dip your toes in the pool, starting with something simple and familiar, and slowly working your way through the menu. Golden Harbor is a great destination for those looking to expand their perception of Chinese food.

Sitara Indian Restaurant and Lounge

114 S. Race St., Urbana Sitara offers a wide assortment of dishes that will satisfy any desire. It’s a great place to start with in broadening your palate or returning to old favorites like butter chicken or tikki masala. Those who aren’t a fan of spicy food will be pleased. Sitara offers many delicious non-spicy options that will make you want to work your way up to the hot stuff. While no one restaurant can encompass the different tastes of a country with more than one billion people, Sitara isn’t a bad place to start.

Red Herring Vegetarian

THE DAILY ILLINI FILE PHOTO

Red Herring’s interior. This restaurant offers a constantly-changing multicultural menu.

Restaurant

1209 W. Oregon St., Urbana While, unfortunately, not all of the world’s multitudes of tastes are available in Champaign-Urbana, there remains one wild card. The Red Herring Vegetarian Restaurant boasts a different specialty menu each Wednesday throughout the semester, allowing you to eat your way around the globe. Past dinners have included Turkish, Moroccan, Peru-

vian, German, Persian, French and Bulgarian, just to name a few. This is in addition to its consistent menu, which features Middle Eastern staples like falafel sandwiches and hummus plates.

Be sure to check its schedule each semester; odds are, you’ll end up getting a little glimpse into an international food culture that’ll satisfy both beginner and experienced travelers.

ekaufmn2@readbuzz.com

THE DAILY ILLINI

Monday, September 25, 2017

15

Give your wallet a treat with these cheap eats

insank2@readbuzz.com

BEST OF CU

2017

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Chinese restaurant menus are always spellbinding. It is fascinating to learn that almost every Chinese restaurant is capable of serving at least 100 types of dishes. With so many choices given to you, it is very rare that you can legitimately hate a Chinese restaurant, just because you did not like a certain dish.

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Cravings

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Recommending McDonald’s for cheap eats became a cliche a long time ago. However, while it may be a cliche, there is some truth in it. When you are in dire need of filling up your stomach, which will otherwise keep growling and distracting you from doing homework, eating healthy is probably out of the question.

With so much homework ahead, you would not want to waste your time and money eating at a decent restaurant.

Gobble up a cheeseburger, McDouble, or McChicken at McDonald’s for less than $3 and head to the library as soon as you can. If you are feeling like you’ll be up all night and want to try a breakfast meal early, all-day breakfast might be a great option, which ranges from $4 to $5 per item.

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McDonald’s

One of the ways I like to reminisce about the good old times is by reminding myself what I could do with only $1 back then. My pocket money when I was in elementary school was $3 per month, which meant $1 constituted one- third of fun for the month. Tacky snacks, finicky toys, games on arcade machines there were so many things that a dollar could cover.

Now that you are a college student, you can’t even have one fun night out with just $1. Of course, this is with the exception of Murphy’s Pub on Mondays and Tuesdays. On Mondays from 5 to 9 p.m., Murphy’s serves $1 burgers.

On Tuesdays from 5 to 9 p.m. which they like to call Triple Threat Tuesday, Murphy’s serves $1 tacos. If you are willing to spend slightly more money for higher quality food, get a cheeseburger with fries for $6 from Wednesday to Saturday.

If you are given more than 100 options and chose something you did not really like, it is safe to say that the blame is on you, not the restaurant.

It is like saying you hate the University` just because you happen to be in a course that does not interest you. Do not stop exploring Chinese food, even if you don’t find a Cravings dish delicious. You have 165 more options to choose from. Fried rice, noodles, seafood, pork, beef, chicken, you name it.

Cravings is definitely not the least expensive among the cheapest restaurants in Champaign. Combination plates, the most affordable option, which is served with an egg roll and fried rice, range from $6 to $7 in price.

However, the owner of the restaurant offers you a great deal: unlimited rice. Every time something is unlimited, you know the person offering it has some guts. Filling up with rice is not a bad idea if you are broke, and it isn’t completely unhealthy.

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Every day, I am amazed at how capable I am of digesting food, and how I am in constant need of said food. This amazement is always accompanied by the frustration that I have to spend money just to appease my stomach.

Hunger has become my least favorite feeling since I became a college student. Without much money to spare for food, the word cheap has come to define my college life.

Murphy’s Pub

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BUZZ WRITER

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Monday, September 25, 2017

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