Battle of the Coffee

During the school days I always start my morning off with a big cup of coffee. Since I make a horrible, vomit inducing pot at home, I always wait until I'm on campus to enjoy a hot (or cold) cup of caffeine. Since there are about a billion different coffee shops and kiosks around campus, I've tried dozens of different brews of coffee. While most cups of coffee I've tried tastes like water with a coffee bean dipped in it, Dunkin Donuts and the RP Cafe has the best tasting coffee I've had on campus thus far. Both have their perks and downfalls, however, if you're in dire need of a pick-me-up, both are great options.

Photo by: Maryem Abdulla

The main reason why I go to Dunkin Donuts is because it's familiar. I have known and loved the franchise for years, and even when they fail me, I always seem to come back for more. Although I like their coffee and delicious donuts, muffins, and sandwiches, it's not my absolute favorite. While I love their brew of coffee, they always seem to load it up with a ridiculous amount of sugar that will most likely stick me into a diabetic coma. Although this might not seem like a big deal, it becomes very annoying after a while, which is how I discovered RP Cafe.

Photo by: Maryem Abdulla

As I was walking to class one day, I was complaining in my head about my over-sugared coffee. After walking for what seemed like forever, I decided to take a shortcut through the "north star" of campus. As I was about to leave the building, I noticed a little cafe in the corner of the building. Needless to say, I was so excited that I bought a cup of coffee even though I already had a coffee in hand. Their coffee tastes almost exactly like the brew Dunkin Donuts has, except has a self serve sugar station so it's never too sugary. Even though the prices are almost identical, I enjoy the Cafe more than the franchise because of the friendly workers. I have yet to be served by anyone other than a super happy hipster, which always puts me into a great mood.

The one thing I love most about RP Cafe is that they offer punch cards. After finding this out, I immediately decided that this trumped all the good things about Dunkin Donuts. I mean, who doesn't love free coffee after buying nine?

Whether you decide to grab your coffee at the oh-so-famous Dunkin Donuts, or you decide to get a caffeine fix at a smaller business, like RP Cafe, have fun, drink up, and enjoy!

Review: Ferentino's Pizzeria

I'm a die hard foodie. I would go through great lengths and measures if I really wanted to indulge in something yummy. It's really a surprise that I'm not 500 pounds.

Last summer, my cousins introduced me to a local pizzeria in downtown Lake Forest. Like any other pizza shop, Ferentino's offers a variety of Italian dishes, but they're notorious for their amazing pizza and delicious pastas. And for the record, if I could, I would marry their pasta.

Photo by: Maryem Abdulla


Since there are only two locations, both in Lake Forest, it's a rare treat when I go. Although I typically visit Lake Forest almost every weekend to see my cousins, they usually object when I suggest we go there for lunch every week. But when we do go, it's almost magical.

Photo by: Maryem Abdulla


I've almost always had pasta each time I've visited, mainly because it's fun to order. They have to lists: one with all the pasta options, and another with all the sauces they offer and you can mix and match any way you like. Each time I try to get something new, and I have yet to be disappointed.

I'm never afraid to try something new, and when I found out that they offered clam sauce for their pasta, I died . The only down side to this sauce is that the clam to pasta ratio wasn't equal, and in the end I was left with a pile of clams and no pasta to eat them with.

So, if you decide to drive the dozens of miles to indulge in a plate of life changing pasta, have fun, eat up, and enjoy!

Study Spot: Caribou Coffee

As the midterm season dawns upon us, we college students fight to find a desk at the library, or a quiet place in the student center to cram as much information into our overstuffed brains as possible. Although fighting to the death over a chair in the library can be fun, I've found it much easier (and a lot less stressful) to study at a small coffee shop, local or a franchise.

My all time favorite coffee house to study at has been Caribou Coffee. Its quiet atmosphere and delicious food and beverages makes it the ideal place to cram for an exam, or just kick back and relax.

Photo by: Maryem Abdulla

Typically, my brain food involves a lot of carbs, calories, and fat. Something about heavy food keeps me going while I have to read a book and a half or write a seven page paper. However, Caribou Coffee's menu has great health conscious options. Whenever I study in the morning, I almost always get a Egg White and Turkey Bacon Daybreaker, which is both tasty and healthier than most breakfast sandwiches. With the whole wheat brioche roll, turkey bacon, egg whites, swiss cheese, and spinach florentine spread, it's the perfect way to start any study session.

Even though my usual order of the Mint Condition Mocha (with milk chocolate and 2% milk) isn't the healthiest option, considering it's a whopping 580 calories, the two shots of espresso prepares me for hours of studying dense material.

As a semi healthy establishment, Caribou Coffee has a whole list of "lighten up" options which are low in calories and fat, so it's the best of both worlds. The nutrition value of all their drinks and food are listed on their website, which makes it easy to decide what to order.

Photo by: Maryem Abdulla

Whether you are a carefree foodie like me, or a strict health buff, Caribou Coffee has fantastic options for everyone. So if you decide to indulge in a super chocolatey drink, or stick to lighter option, have fun, eat up, and enjoy!

Review: Conte Di Savoia

Conte Di Savoia has been a family favorite for years. Growing up, every Sunday afternoon my parents would take my siblings and me to the little Italian deli to grab a quick lunch. Throughout the years, my family became good friends with the mom and pop shop owners, which makes it all the more enjoyable to visit.

Photo by: Maryem Abdulla

As the economy declined and small businesses started to go under, Conte Di Savoia remained alive and well. It's charming atmosphere and friendly workers is only one small aspect of their success. Along with the homey feel, their delicious sandwiches, salads, and seafood always leaves a customer coming back for more.

Although many small shops change as they grow, Conte Di Savoia maintained it's charm as the years went on. Despite the fact that they haven't expanded into a franchise business, the small shop still manages stick to their philosophy to provide the best possible products and outstanding service as they did in 1948 when it first opened. As a loyal customer, I definitely agree with their claims, as their food is the same amazing quality as it was 18 years ago when my family first discovered it.
Photo by: Maryem Abdulla

My usual order of turkey provolone has always been my favorite, however I decided to step out of my very narrow sandwich comfort zone and ordered a turkey pastrami. Although it is a little different from what I'm accustomed to, the fresh bread and savory ingredients complemented the meat nicely, and made it an overall tasty lunch.

Whether you decide to try their sandwiches, salads, or fine wines, have fun, eat up, and enjoy!