Maybe it’s because I’m a Londoner
That I love London so

If my life had a soundtrack to it, “Maybe It’s Because I’m a Londoner” by Davy Jones would certainly have a spot on the list. The last time I visited London feels like worlds away: it was pre-pandemic and pre-college. This time, I set out to visit my dear friend who was studying abroad at the Fordham campus in London, and as it turned out, a whole host of my other friends were studying there as well – it was quite the international reunion.

Anyways, with 5 days in London, I stroke the balance between visiting my favorite joints and exploring new ones. For reference, I revisited:

• Claridge’s for afternoon tea
• Purezza for vegan pizza
• Ottolenghi for breakfast and lunch
• 3BIS for gelato

MAYFAIR

MERCATO METROPOLITANO, sustainable international food market

Continue reading →

This semester, I’m taking a class called “Food Systems” as part of my Nutrition minor. For one assignment, we were asked to locate taste of a single ingredient. Lucky me – because this project perfectly coincided with a very exciting time in my family’s garden.  The ensuing account follows the three stages of before, during, and aftermath of eating a fig for the very first time.

Continue reading →

A couple weeks ago, my family came to visit me in Boston. As always, I had crafted a master eating journey for us to follow. Here it is!

SALEM

First off, we headed to Salem (only thirty minutes away) to see some of the exhibits at the Peabody Essex Museum, which has to be one of the coolest museums I’ve been to in the United States. It included topics beyond the Salem Witch Trials, including fashion exhibits, Chinese architecture installation, and an exhibit on breathing. Six minutes after our time at the museum, we found ourself at our first restaurant: Bambolina.

BAMBOLINA, pizza

While Boston is home to the beloved Regina pizzeria, my taste buds miss a good Neopolitan pizza. Bambolina got great reviews, so we decided to dine there. We started off with the garden salad, which included shaved carrots, radishes, zesty vinaigrette, and herbs – it was delicious. The marinara pizza itself was a little more burnt and crispy than a typical Neopolitan pizza, but the bite was still delicious, with a generous amount of flavorful tomato sauce. Having stopped by Pemberton farms earlier in the day, my mom and I yelped to see Miyoko’s smoked mozzarella on the shelves, which we later happily dolloped onto our pizzas. It made it.

Continue reading →

At the beginning of the year, dining halls are exciting – so much food! so many options! – until you realize that you’re oftentimes eating the same breakfast, lunch, and dinner every day to the point that your palate cannot distinguish any flavor. Let’s face it, after a day full of classes, it’s definitely tempting to go for “the usual”. Especially for the gluten and dairy-free crowd, navigating dining hall food while avoiding repetition can be difficult. Not to fear! I’ve compiled a couple of my favorite meals to concoct in the cafeteria (some with a little help from a local grocery store), as well as other helpful tips.

BREAKFAST

Star meal: Fruity banana toast

• 

• 

Banana toast is my go-to for days when I need extra power. It’s definitely my midterm favorite. It’s warm, sweet, and reminds me of banana bread and the banana toast from Deliciously Ella’s in London.

• Two slices of gluten-free toast
• 2 tbsp nut butter or sunflower seed butter
  • If you’re looking for extra protein, I recommend RX Bar nut butter
• 1 small sliced banana
• Drizzle of honey or agave syrup
• Sprinkle of salt (makes it taste very gourmet!)
• Optional, but super yummy: cinnamon, blueberries, raspberries

Continue reading →

I love when my family visit me up in Boston. Seeing them is priceless, but let’s get real – after a month of dining hall food, going to the (right) restaurants is a heavenly experience.

That said, however, Boston’s specialty foods – lobster rolls, baked beans, and cream pies – aren’t friendly for the dairy-free, gluten-free, or any other crowd. Have no fear, as Boston’s culinary prowess is expanding. So below are restaurants that I love and look forward to visiting for the next four years.

SOMERVILLE

MANOA POKE SHOP, Hawaiian cuisine

Manoa brings Hawaii to Boston. The Manoa Poke Shop is filled with regular locals and the workers are warm and community-minded: they make you forget you’re in cold Boston! I got their “Salmon Shoe Poke” which has tamari, sesame seeds, and pickled onions. Each bowl comes with white rice, kale salad with pickled carrots and slaw kimchee cucumbers, and Hawai’ian macaroni salad (which I opted out of). You also get your choice of two proteins. There are two vegan options. While their poke bowls may be pricey ($15), they are generously sized and the salmon used is top-grade. The salmon glides into your mouth – and for the sushi aficionados out there, think toro-like texture.

Continue reading →

I LOVE LONDON. On our most recent trip, my mom and I went to the British city. For two years, I had been meticulously researching and planning every day down to the hour (literally). And while Britain isn’t typically known as a hotspot for food, I had some of the best meals of my life, including the best pizza(!).

When I came back, I couldn’t stop smiling – something my friend noted in school – because I had an unbelievable time in London. London is rich in history, but is also very modern. This was a week I’ll never forget, and I am so happy to share the restaurants with you.

*For most of these restaurants, I had gluten, but surprisingly, it did not give me stomach aches, as it does in the U.S.. Most places would accommodate for a gluten-free diet, as well as dairy-free; I remained dairy-free, while experimenting with small amounts of gluten during my stay.

Continue reading →