launch ASB ANSWERS
ZERO&: NEW BOBA SHOP OPENS IN STANFORD MALL
Text by Jonas Pao and Palina Kuzmina
A Photo: Melody Xu
WITH JUNIOR CLASS PRESIDENT ASHLEY HUNG How is ASB recovering from Spirit Week? We had our post-Spirit Week recovery week and essentially had preps during our normal ASB class period. It really helped to have this time to relax and catch up on work after the chaotic week.
What skills did you learn through planning Spirit Week? Spirit Week taught me to be more flexible and work around problems, like at float building or at rallies. I learned that it’s important to have backup plans ready, in case anything goes wrong— which is bound to happen, even if it seems like everything is planned out.
What activities are ASB planning in the future? We’re working on various events for the student body, including more intramural sports tournaments, cookies on the quad and class bonding events. We’re also working in committees to advocate for Title IX and school safety, increase ASB transparency and tackle other issues at Paly.
8 NOVEMBER 2021
Photos by Emily Yao
MONG THE SEA OF BOBA SHOPS in and around Palo Alto, Zero&, a store that opened on Aug. 13 in Stanford Mall, stands out by providing a variety of healthier fruit and tea-based drinks. To complement the beverages, the restaurant also offers various cakes from Hanabi Cakes, a San Francisco-based bakery. We sampled some highlights on the menu. Strawberry Marble — Consisting of half a pound of fresh strawberries in a jasmine tea base topped with cream, this drink lacks the sweetness expected. Despite the pink marbled look, the aftertaste was metallic, and the strawberry chunks created a sour taste. Coconut Zero — Zero&’s most popular drink has a creamy coconut milk base mixed with coconut chunks, culminating in a light and refreshing coconut flavor — without being overly sweet. This drink is perfect for summer days. Creme Brulee Muddy Milk— A creative and original interpretation of the classic milk tea, this drink has many layers of flavor and texture, a crunchy creme brulee topping, creamy milk tea and a chewy boba bottom, creating a sweet and satisfying drink. Chocolate Sea Salt Oreo Mini Box — A stark contrast to the typical American cake, this cake had a light, spongy texture with a subtle hint of chocolate. The delicate chiffon cake layers with sea salt Oreo cream gave the dessert an airy consistency.