Category Archives: Caleb P.

Ippudo: A Ramen Experience

Caleb P., New England Conservatory

When the average college student thinks of ramen, usually the cherished memories of late-night cram sessions with Styrofoam and foil packets flood the senses. Traditionally the food of Japanese peasants, ramen noodles have become an icon of not only hard work and simplicity, but cheapness and convenience as well. The noodle house Ippudo in New York, however, challenges you to reconsider this image. Located in East Village, the line on 4th Avenue outside Ippudo starts to build an hour before its dinner hours begin at 5pm. By fifteen minutes to the hour, a healthy throng of fifty to sixty hungry noodle-fans block the sidewalk, prompting both pedestrians and vehicles to pause and ask the reason. “Noodles? That’s it?” Most had a hard time understanding why one would stand in line for another version of the common dish, myself included, if not for the strong hype built from repeat customers.

Continue reading

Leave a comment

Filed under Caleb P., New York City, Restaurants, Reviews

Adventures of the Kitchen Warrior: Part 1

Caleb P., New England Conservatory

As the second semester settles into a familiar groove, many college underclassmen find themselves facing the daunting task of deciding where they want to live next year. Most schools require at least one year of on-campus housing, and the dorms excel at fully immersing freshmen in the culture of the school. At New England Conservatory, undergraduates are only required to spend one year in the dorms, and after crunching some numbers last year, I realized I could save a lot of money living off campus. While dorm meal plans can be expensive, simply moving into an apartment and eating out every meal saves little to no money in comparison. I’m paying rent for the kitchen, so I might as well use it. Cooking while in college poses unique challenges to the novice chef, and hopefully the handful of strategies and recipes that I’ve picked up so far will shed some light for those considering cooking in an apartment or even in their dorm. Continue reading

Leave a comment

Filed under Boston, Caleb P., College Life, New England Conservatory

A Soup of Superiority: Le’s in Boston

Caleb P., New England Conservatory

As authentic Asian foods go in Boston, most purists would probably skip over the long list of greasy takeout joints and stir-fry deliveries catering to students looking for a quick fix. Even among the many sit-down Asian restaurants surrounding the campuses of BU and MIT, a plethora of options end up making the decision of where to eat harder, not easier. For an impressive performance in serving Vietnamese food, however, Le’s Vietnamese Cuisine in Allston serves an a satisfying and stomach-warming bowl of pho noodles for more than reasonable prices. Continue reading

Leave a comment

Filed under Boston, Caleb P., Dining Suggestions, New England Conservatory, Restaurants, Reviews

Chocolate: Breaking the Bank for a Good Cause

Caleb P., New England Conservatory

 

In previous posts, this blog has mentioned many excellent restaurants that deliver satisfying food while still keeping prices low. In today’s economy, students should be prudent and save money wherever they can—except, that is, when a certain restaurant serves food so exceptional, so well-presented, and so mind-engaging that to not experience it once would be a truly poor use of funds. L.A. Burdick, a chocolate boutique in Harvard Square, is such an example. Continue reading

1 Comment

Filed under Boston, Caleb P., Dining Suggestions, Drinks, New England Conservatory

Crude Pizza: A Different Type of Oil Dependency

Caleb P., New England Conservatory

To a cash-strapped student in the Northeast, making each dollar stretch as far as possible evolves from a budgeting strategy into a daily bargain-hunting experience. In Boston, Cappy’s Pizza’s and Subs near the Back Bay Fens serves a competitive bargain to all students looking for a filling meal at a low price. With single slices of pizza larger than the size of one’s face, Cappy’s, as locals call it, definitely delivers the illusion of value, regardless of one’s lunch budget. Continue reading

Leave a comment

Filed under Boston, Caleb P., Dining Suggestions, New England Conservatory, Restaurants

Not Just Another Orange Chicken

Caleb P., New England Conservatory

Nestled in a crowded strip of restaurants on Boylston Street right off of Massachusetts Avenue lies a gem of Asian cuisine for college students, both in quality of food and speedy delivery. Continue reading

1 Comment

Filed under Boston, Caleb P., Dining Suggestions, New England Conservatory, Restaurants, Reviews