Ever heard of Nara Japanese Restaurant? Nah, we haven’t either. A Penn grad was recently unlucky enough to drop into that creepy, semi-hidden staircase tucked by the arcade on Spruce and found this squirmy gem on her white fish. Apparently, the server claimed it was just a normal product of the fish being “fresh.” Really? What a relief. We can only hope our slightly suspicious Rainbow Rolls from Houston are that fresh.
Penn students are always searching for new, exotic food trucks to try out. UTB is right there with you, and we’ve gotten news of the hottest new food truck in University City. Located in the back of a sketchy van on the corner of 40th and Walnut, this unnamed eatery has everything you want… if all you want is questionable pies. With a diverse tasting menu of bean pies, apple bean pies, or sweet potato pies it’s perfect for a hot date, late night study session, or a place to take your grandparents when they come visit you. Just be careful, don’t let this happen to you.
Mmmmm….can’t get enough of those soggy tuna wraps from Joe’s? Lovin’ those overpriced, mildly warm grapes from Huntsman’s Bridge Cafe? Hankering for some confused yogurt smoothie from Houston? Annoyed that this post is all questions thus far?
Well guess what?!?! Now you can grab all of your favorite on-the-go delights from Meyerson’s Penn Design Cafe, due open in “the week after next,” according to our on-site construction source. After health inspectors come through and make sure the place is spiffy clean, this newest brainchild of 12th Street Catering will start offering all the hits.
There you are. I see you. Sitting in a tiny VP cubby, stalking sorority formal pics on your laptop, awkwardly snapchatting your best friend and getting caught by the passing security guard. “Lookin’ good, Jenny,” he says. “My name’s not Jenny, and I haven’t showered in three days,” you respond. Then SUDDENLY – you whiff an uncomfortable concoction of Indian food and squishy diaper. Someone’s eating in the cubby behind you. And it’s NOT making this day any better.
We have compiled a brief new list (see old) of the absolute worst foods to order to the library. Don’t be selfish. Don’t be mean. Take a look at this list and think twice before subjecting the entire fourth floor to spicy duck foo yung.
1. Your Mom’s Homemade Sausage Casserole: Moms, they’re truly the best. Right? WRONG. We don’t care if she FedExed that shit to you last night. This may be your comfort food at home, but let’s leave anything with noodles, cheese and sausage in it at the security counter. kk? Read the rest of this entry »
Raise your hand if you thought that email Sunday night was tapping you for an exclusive society. Alas, it turns out The Social Ivy, which emailed most of the student body, is not so glamorous – although it sure sounds like it wants to be. The gist (scam?) is that a valid Penn email address deems you “worthy” to get free drinks and half off meals at certain (unnamed) Philly restaurants.
The elitist mission statement aims “to widen the gap between the cool, friendly kids of Penn and the anti-social shut-ins at other Ivies.” And you have to answer questions and invite friends to prove you’re both smart and suave. AND THE “DRINKS” ARE NON-ALCOHOLIC. Deception. Also, who are the gorgeous models?
It’s all made possible (or is it?) by generous alumni donations, although why wouldn’t they just donate to Penn? There are lots of questions about the legitimacy of this bizarre new website, which is apparently based in Harrison. Give your two cents or sound off in the comments about your experience…if you’ve dared to take them up on their offer.
Banh-mi is cool but when are we getting one of these?
There are few things that Penn students love more than Quaker spirit food trucks. Luckily, we now have yet another choice as to where to stuff our faces in that awkward hour-long break between classes. Coming to Penn/Drexel (meh) this spring, Baguette Philly will serve Vietnamese Banh-mi hoagies (no idea what that is either, but it looks good).
The hoagies aren’t even the best part—no, seriously. The food truck will participate in the Lunch 4 Lunch Program, which donates to a hunger relief organization for every meal purchased. Now you can feel good about stuffing your face in the middle of the afternoon! Go ahead and have that second hoagie, girl. It’s for charity.
Can’t wait for that Banh-mi? Help Baguette Philly purchase and set up its truck by pledging on kickstarter.
Well thank GOD it isn’t just us! The long-necked pumpkin has riled us up for quite some time now (ask our high school boyfriend, he can confirm) and Capogiro seems to feel the same. This veggie’s got Capo feeling virile, and they aint’ afraid to show it. Seems a bit out of character for the always-aloof, cranky-staffed coffee shop. But hey! Leave it to a giant phallic gourd to un-crank even the snottiest barista!
Between the new Commons and all the food trucks on campus, we’re pretty sure you’ll never be in search of a meal again. But if you are a little adventuresome (think: as crazy as picking a random roommate your Sophomore year), you might just find yourself a short line and great food. Here are 5 things you need to know about the food source named for Joseph Wharton himself:
1) BBQ Wednesdays: If you missed all the smoke yesterday, the grills were fired up behind Steiny-D, serving burgers, hotdogs, and macaroni salad. Get on line by the outdoor patio or pay inside if you choose to use credit–nothing like putting the $4 or $5 plates on your plastic. Read the rest of this entry »
Listen up, freshmen goblins and ghouls: Penn’s dining halls aren’t that great. Yeah! See, at first, we were all, “Wow! Commons is serving chicken tetrazzini on a chocolate waffle today, isn’t that nice?” But then we tried it and were like, “Wow! It absolutely tastes like Paula Deen just farted in my mouth.” Luckily, though, we live in a city where we have plenty of options when it comes to grub, and Penn’s cheap and delicious food trucks are winners in our book. So bid au revoir to Bon Appétit and check out ten of our favorite trucks:
Bui’s
What’s that? For better or for worse, Bui’s is THE Penn food truck. Located on 38th and Spruce, this cart scores instant points for its low prices, quick service and simple but filling eggy sandwiches which are known for working miracles on even the worst hangovers. Pro tip: “Salpeppakeshup?” means, “Would you like me to put salt, pepper and ketchup on your sandwich?”
Don’t miss: Hangover Special