Author: dabilee

Kyla: My Fav Restaurants in Boston

Kyla Foreman-Andrade

I recently discovered that I am a HUGE foodie. Food brings people together, highlights a cultural history, and of course tastes oh so good. My food obsession has gotten to the point that all of my friends will ask for recommendations for any occasion. In honor of my love for food (and my recent obsession with the app Beli), here is a list of my top food spots in Boston.

Barcelona Wine Bar

We’re starting this list off with a classic. Although Barcelona Wine Bar is not an “only in Boston” place to dine, it still rains supreme as one of my favorite places to go. Barcelona serves classic Spanish dishes in a tapas style. This restaurant is good for any occasion: birthdays, date nights, a catch up night with your friends. Barcelona has two locations. The Brookline location offers a nice upscale taste so close to BU’s campus. It’s a classic for a reason.

Favorite dish(es): Patatas Bravas, any paella, Crispy Artichokes

Location: Brookline; South End

Beli Score: 9.9

 

Trattoria Il Panino

If you want to eat out in the North End but don’t know where to go, this is the spot for you. Everything on this menu is cooked to perfection and comparable to the dishes I had in Italy. The atmosphere is a mix of casual and romantic making it the perfect spot for multiple occasions. This place is perfect for date nights, girls night out dinner, and family dinners. Trattoria Il Panino is a spot in the North End that truly has my heart.

Favorite dish(es): Mushroom Ravioli, Carbonara

Location: North End

Beli Score: 9.8

 

Beehive

Do you like live music? Do you like jazz? If you answered yes, Beehive is the perfect spot for you. Beehive offers a speakeasy vibe with some of the best live jazz I’ve ever heard. Live music is played everyday and is the perfect compliment to the amazing food and cocktails. The intimate setting makes you feel like you have been transported to a different world. The staff here is incredibly kind, which always elevates the dining experience. If I could, I would be at the Beehive every day of the week.

Favorite dish(es): Beef Short Rib

Location: South End

Beli Score: 9.7

 

Dynasty

If you plan on eating your way around Boston, Chinatown is a must and you have to put Dynasty on your list. This place has a little bit of everything. Trust me when I say you will not leave Dynasty hungry or unsatisfied. Dynasty offers the most delicious Cantonese dishes at a decent price. This place has gone viral over their crab rangoon scallion pancake, which is just as delicious as it sounds. I’d recommend going to Dynasty with a group of 3 or more people to get the most out of the dim sum and larger plates.

Favorite dish(es): Crab Rangoon Scallion Pancake; Soup Dumplings

Location: Chinatown

Beli Score: 7.5

 

Lulu’s Allston

One thing about me is I love brunch. When trying to find a brunch spot that wasn’t a chain near BU’s campus, I came across Lulu’s. Lulu’s does not disappoint. They offer decent sized portions at a decent price. The atmosphere is lovely! While I have yet to go for a meal other than brunch, I am sure that it will excel at any time of day. This is a perfect spot to meet friends and family and take as big or small a group you want. Lulu’s has not seen the last of me.

Favorite dish(es): Pastrami Latke Benny

Location: Allston

Beli Score: 7.4

 

Honorable mentions:

  • bartaco – Delicious tacos located in Fenway, Brookline, and Seaport
  • Hopewell Bar & Kitchen – American food with refreshing cocktails and arcade games located in Allston
  • Matsuba Izakaya – Best sushi I’ve had in the Boston area; Located in Medford so it is a bit of a trek

I hope you enjoy these spots as much as I do. If you would like more food recommendations, check out my Beli (@kyforeman)!

Chloe: 48 Hours in Boston – Your Guide to Spending the Perfect Weekend

By Chloe Huang

Whether you’re visiting for the first time or looking for new places to explore, Boston has something for everyone! With so much to see and do, planning the perfect weekend can often feel a bit overwhelming. Luckily, this weekend itinerary will help you make the
most of your time in Boston, whether you’re visiting friends, touring BU, or simply looking for a fun weekend getaway.

Day 1: Saturday

Morning: Start with a Walk Along the Esplanade
Kick off your weekend with an amazing view of Boston along the Charles River Esplanade. My best tip would be to start on the BU side, using the roads behind Bay State to cross over, and then walk over to Cambridge and grab a bite at Flour (their avocado toast is life-changing). With beautiful waterfront views, plenty of green space, and a glimpse of the Boston skyline, it’s the perfect place to get some fresh air and take a few photos.

Late Lunch: Discover the North End
After a long walk, take the T’s Red Line over to North End. Known for its amazing Italian restaurants, bakeries, and charming narrow streets, this neighborhood is the perfect place to stop for a late lunch. Grab some pasta, explore the local shops, and save room for a sweet treat from one of the many bakeries. Pro Tip: take your sweet treat and sit at the swinging chairs!

Afternoon: Shop Along Newbury Street
Now it might be considered a tourist trap, but head over to Newbury Street for some shopping. While there are definitely loads of popular clothing brands, there’s also a bunch of small boutique stores selling the cutest trinkets!

Evening: Dinner at Dalia
After a day of sightseeing, head to Dalia in South Boston for an early dinner. This Spanish-inspired restaurant has the most beautiful interior and is perfect for sharing plates with friends while catching up. It’s a great opportunity to rest after a busy day, grab a drink and some tapas, and prepare for your next activity.

Late Night: Catch a Concert at MGM Music Hall
Such an underrated activity, but go to a last-minute concert near Fenway Park. Tickets are always super cheap on websites like Stubhub on the day of the concert, so end your Saturday with live music!

Day 2: Sunday

Late Morning: Brunch at Café Landwer
After a busy day on Saturday, let yourself sleep in a little before heading to Café
Landwer for brunch (I recommend the South location for peaceful vibes). Try the
shakshuka or eggs benedict, and definitely make sure to get their crispy potatoes on the side!

Afternoon: Explore Seaport
Next, spend a few hours exploring Boston’s Seaport District. Known for its modern architecture, waterfront walkways, and trendy restaurants, the neighborhood has a very different feel of Boston compared to the historic North End. Walk along the harbor, browse local shops, and take some photos with the water and city skyline in the background (Fan Pier Park has the best sunset views).

Dinner: Grab Udon at Yume
While Seaport does have a Yume Ga Arakura location (and you can definitely go there on a time crunch), my best advice would actually be to head over to their Cambridge location. Although there are varying opinions, I’d say that the Cambridge location does things way better. The best bowl there by far is their Spicy Cold Niku, but leave some room for dessert!

Afternoon: Finish with Berryline
After finishing your udon, walk around 20 minutes to Berryline to treat yourself to the world’s best frozen yogurt. Customize your cup with your favorite toppings (my go-to order is the micro original with their homemade mochi and strawberries) for a sweet ending to your Boston adventure!

Jack: 6 Top-Notch Study Spots on Campus

By Jack Schwed

Have an exam you need to study for or a project you need to complete? Tired of always going to Mugar Memorial Library and want to try out a fresh, new work environment?

Look no further than my list of six top-notch study spots at BU!

Residence Halls

If you live on campus — or have a friend who can sign you in to these residence halls — then you should check out these wonderful spaces!

Kilachand Hall | 9th Floor

  • Often packed, but great when not super busy
  • Has one of BU’s best views of Boston
  • Has conference rooms (Note: Only Kilachand students can reserve them, but you can use an empty one until someone with a reservation comes along)

The Towers | Franklin Lounge

    • Usually not very busy
    • Various seating options
    • Has a TV with a Nintendo Switch (had one the last time I was there, at least)

     

    Classroom Buildings

    Amid lectures, labs and legal literature, you can lock in at these lovely locations.

    College of Arts and Sciences | Think Tank

    • Can get quite busy, but not at all times
    • Private cubbies
    • Small “huddle rooms”
    • Whiteboards, flat-screen monitors and charging stations

    School of Law | Pappas Law Library

    • Offers three different study zones: collaborative, considerate and silent
    • Open to all BU students (Note: Certain rooms are restricted exclusively for BU LAW students)
    • Check online for weekend/late-night hours, as they vary

     

    Non-classroom Buildings

    These places are known for dining, but unbeknownst to some, they’re also home to some of BU’s best study lounges.

    George Sherman Union | Dean’s Lounge (3rd Floor)

    • Usually not very busy
    • Various seating options
    • Accessible through the GSU food court elevator

    Yawkey Center for Student Services | 5th & 6th Floors

    • Usually not very busy
    • Open-concept study areas
    • Private first-come, first-served study rooms

    Peyton: 5 Films to Impress Your Film Major Friends

    By Peyton Bliley

    I am always the person not only looking for new films to watch, but also constantly giving out recommendations for my friends and family. My taste is not nearly as pretentious as some, but I’ve definitely seen some well made, critically acclaimed movies that might not be on everyone’s radar. Here are a few that I would like to share with you!

    • A Few Good Men (1992)

    I genuinely think this is a perfect film, as it has a little bit of everything. A courtroom drama directed by the beloved Rob Reiner, written by The West Wing’s Aaron Sorkin, starring Tom Cruise and Jack Nicholson, full of strong humor and full of some of the most iconic movie quotes of all time, what’s not to love?!?!

    • Scream (1996)

    Kind of a shocking pick, as Scream is a classic parody of slasher horror films and is one of the more commonly watched on this list by high schoolers and college students. However, I had the pleasure of watching it this summer and I found its parody elements (acting, camera movement, editing) actually make it a much smarter and more elevated movie than it appears on the surface.

    • The Truman Show (1998)

    The movie that is so morally grey, I was taught it in high school religion class, The Truman Show follows Jim Carrey playing the unwilling main character of a reality TV show based on his life. It has so many tiny details and is just such a smart and messed up concept that I find myself coming back to thinking about every few months.

    • Emma (2020)

    I’m not usually a fan of period pieces, especially those based on classic literature, but the quirky and charming Emma starring Anya Taylor-Joy is just a great time and can be deciphered beyond the tricky English language. It’s colorful, it’s funny, it’s Clueless in the Regency era, so you know it’s bound to be a fun time. 

    • Silver Linings Playbook (2012)

    This can be considered a sports movie, a rom com, a drama, a dance movie, whatever you want to call it, this movie has it. It’s a feel good film following Bradley Cooper’s Pat learning how to deal with his bipolar disorder now that he’s back living with his family and beginning a relationship with the just as hectic Tiffany, who he has to compete in a dance competition with. It’s incredibly acted, it’s hilarious, and just a feel-good, well-made time.

    Make sure to check these out and then flex your film knowledge to your friends!

    Kristin: Iconic Movies Filmed Around Boston

    By Kristin Rosenmund

    Some of the best movies take place in the fall. And some of those movies were even filmed in the fall in and around Boston! As a Film and Television major, I am always interested in researching where some of my favorite movies were filmed. Take a look at the list below of three iconic movies filmed around Boston, and how to visit them this fall season!

    Little Women

    Greta Gerwig’s 2019 adaptation of Little Women was filmed in various locations around Massachusetts, and some even around Boston. Used to portray Paris, the Arnold Arboretum was a key filming location, used in the scene where Meryl Streep and Florence Pugh ride in on horse carriage. To get there from the BU campus, you can walk to the Ruggles orange line stop, and ride it all the way to Forest Hills, leaving you with only about a five minute walk once you arrive. The fall foliage in this area is beautiful, so be sure to check it out.

    Good Will Hunting

    “You’re just a kid. You don’t have the faintest idea what you’re talking about.” To really feel this iconic line from Robin Williams, you have to go the place where it all happened, The Good Will Hunting bench. Located in the Boston Public Garden, this is a great place to walk around, before sitting on the bench and taking it all in. During this time of year, the leaves are just starting to change from a leafy green to crisp autumn reds and yellows, so don’t miss it!

    Knives Out

    To add a little bit of creepiness into the fall spirit, what better place to go than the mansion used in the murder mystery, Knives Out. While a little bit outside of Boston, it makes for a great trip to explore eastern Massachusetts during the fall time. After taking the commuter rail to Sharon, the Ames Mansion is only a ten minute Uber drive from the station. This is the iconic mansion used when Marta accidentally overdoes Harlan Thromeby and rushes to stage his suicide.

    Happy fall exploring!

    Elena: Best Study Spots on Campus

    By Elena Pejic

    It’s no secret that Boston University has a large campus with many spaces to study. In fact, there are so many that it can be hard to know where they all are or find one that is best for you. I am no expert, but having been here over a year, I feel like I have a pretty good idea of the best spots for whatever kind of studying you need. Here are my top three:

    1. The Yawkey Center
    The Yawkey Center for Student Services is tucked away above Marciano Dining Hall. My freshman year writing professor’s office was located on the third floor, so I went to visit her and discuss my paper. I was pleasantly surprised to step off the shelter and see a bright, open space full of comfy chairs and tables, and after my office hours, I continued to work there for hours.

    The top floors of the Yawkey Center have a beautiful view of the brownstones of Bay State Rd. complemented with a large array of seating, making it a great space for group projects or a calm study session, complete with a view.

    2. College of General Studies Gilbane Study Lounge
    On the bottom floor of the CGS building, there is a hidden study space with the comfiest chairs I have ever sat in. During my freshman year, I had a class in the CGS basement and got there a few minutes early one day. I found this lounge and sat in there doing some work, and it was one of the most successful study sessions I ever had.

    This lounge is great for people who like to work in silence and comfort, as it is large, but never usually too busy, making it a calm and refreshing place to work.

    3. The COM Lounge
    This one is a classic but is necessary to include on this list. This lounge is located on the first floor of the College of Communication building and has comfy chairs, collaborative tables, and tons of natural lighting. I started sitting there waiting for classes to start or did not want to trek all the way back to my dorm during an hour break between classes. I found I was super productive being in a space where I was always seeing people I know, making me even more motivated.

    This spot is great for collaborative work, but also to work on any editing or software intensive projects, as there are plenty of computer chargers and a printer for whatever you may need.

    Ellie: My Top 3 Favorite Cafes to Study At

    By Ellie Posen

    As college students, we are always looking for places to make studying just a little bit more exciting. Whether it be the aesthetic of a cafe or the food they offer, each place you go is going to give a unique experience for you to do your homework at.

    Here is my list for the best cafes in Boston to visit according to what you’re looking for:

    #1: Trident Booksellers & Cafe: 338 Newbury St

    Although this one is not a hidden secret, there’s a reason this place is always busy. After wandering through an aisle of cute trinkets and books, find a table by the window to settle down with your laptop amongst the cozy bookstore atmosphere. There’s a space for a cafe in the bottom, though the upstairs is generally less busy. 

    They have lots of food and drinks, my favorite is the Rooibos latte because its a yummy tea latte without any caffeine! 

    #2: Tatte

    There are Tattes everywhere you go in Boston The closest location to BU is right off the St Mary’s stop on the C line. While Tate is extremely busy on weekends, the food is delicious and it is a great place to meet up with friends to study!

    #3 Central Perk: 205 Newbury St

    If you’re looking for a cute and themed place to study, Central Perk is the place for you! The decor and food is themed exactly like the cafe in FRIENDS, making it a unique spot to study.

    Aly: Where To Get the Best Eggs Benedicts Around Boston

    By Aly Yam

    As someone who has been a student in Boston for three years so far, I’ve spent many weekends exploring the city and trying to find the best breakfast spots. Whether it was for a girls’ day out or a visit from family, taking people to a cute, comforting brunch has always been a must. If you’ve gone out to eat with me and there was a breakfast menu, you most likely know I will probably order the eggs benedict (if they have — which they should since it’s a staple). Thus, here are some of my recommendations for finding the yummiest eggs benedicts around the city, coming from an expert.

    The Friendly Toast - $18

    The Pork Belly Benny has all of the best features — bacon, onion jam, poached eggs, a jalapeno-cheddar biscuit, and pork belly. Served with potatoes on the side, this eggs benedict was easily one of my favorites. Order it with a nice orange juice and you’ll have the best experience. I’d rate it an 8.5 out of 10.

    Cafe Landwer - $19

    It was so hard to choose from everything on the menu — I almost didn’t order an eggs benedict! But alas, I ended up with the Eggs Benedict Florentine sitting right in front of me. A classic eggs benedict, but with caramelized onions, spinach, and more potatoes on the side. I ordered it with an iced vanilla latte with oat milk and it was pure bliss. But, I’d rate it a 6 out of 10.

    Cafe Weekend - $17.50

    This has to be one of my favorite brunch spots. Their drinks are amazing, and well of course, their eggs benedict too. You can substitute their Canadian bacon with smoked salmon or prosciutto for just $2! Instead of potatoes, it comes with an arugula and parmesan salad that is so refreshing. This gets a 7.5 out of 10 from me.

    Shy Bird - $17.75

    This last one is an eggs benedict that I dream of trying. The Shy Bird Chicken Benedict — fried chicken and poached eggs on an English muffin with a side salad. It’s like chicken and waffles but even better because it is offered with my favorite breakfast dish. In fact, their entire brunch menu features many different chicken-inspired breakfast foods. So whether you get the chicken benedict or not, you are sure to have a good time. I, on the other hand, will definitely be ordering it.

    Siena: Just Ask

    By Siena Vitucci

    Coming to a school like BU can feel overwhelming because it can seem like there are so many boundaries to joining clubs, getting extensions on papers or even having the leak in your ceiling fixed. So many times, the fear of rejection made what should have been a simple task daunting, to the point where getting anything done felt impossible

    Turns out the solution to most problems I’ve run into in college is this: all you have to do is ask

    It sounds so obvious, but I think the ability to reach out for help is one of the most important skills as a COM student. Sometimes you have to be a little audacious to get things done. For some people this comes naturally, but for me it used to feel stressful and embarrassing. The good news is the more times you reach out to people, the easier it gets!  

    As some motivation: here are some times I felt ridiculous asking a question, and still got what I wanted:

    1. Last semester I was really looking for a club to join but missed the sign up for everything–oops. All the forms for WTBU had been closed for a while, but I emailed them anyway asking if they still needed help on any shows during the semester. Sure enough, they did and I’ve been a part of WTBU ever since! 

    2. A classic COM student dilemma: I needed to interview someone. Someone who was not my friend or professor–preferably an influencer. This seemed like an impossible ask, but guess what…I sent an email to a girl I follow on TikTok with over 100k followers, and she responded to my email within the hour with her personal phone number allowing me to secure an interview! I know interview requests don’t always work out so perfectly, but you’ll never know unless you try!

    Still nervous about sending emails? See my other blog post on how to write an email to a professor!!

    Madeleine: What Musical Are You Based on Your COM Major

    By Madeleine Martin

    This semester, I am directing a shadow cast production of the Rocky Horror Picture Show through the Boston University on Broadway organization. In the spirit of theatre, I will be assigning each COM major to a musical I fondly remember from my childhood.

    Little Shop of Horrors revolves around a young man- Seymour- who works in a flower shop and happens upon an intergalactic plan that consumes blood. However, despite the bloodthirsty plant, the flower shop booms in popularity after it is put on display in the store window. Advertising students may identity with Seymour because no matter what a product may be, its popularity depends on how it can be sold.

    Media science allows students to investigate where different aspects of media originate, how those pieces of media are produced on a widespread basis, and how each model of media is expressed. Media science students would find similarities between their area of study and the musical Chicago that follows various incarcerated women who commit various crimes that gradually increase in violence. As the press within this fictional world follows the stories of these
    women, media science students will be able to understand how some stories become so incredibly popular.

    Public relations students would identify with the musical Heathers because of its main characters. Heather Chandler, Heather McNamara, and Heather Duke all rule the school with an iron fist, yet everyone seems to either love them or want to be them. The reason they are so revered would make sense to public relations students since these girls are aware of how to utilize their power of persuasion to convince everyone to follow them. Public relations students also use this power of persuasion- or rhetoric- not for evil, but to spread information to the masses.

    The musical Hairspray follows a young girl- Tracy Turnblad- who yearns to be chosen for the ensemble dance troupe that performs on the mid afternoon Corny Collins television show. Film and television students would appreciate this musical, not just for the obvious reason of it being about a tv show.This musical delves into the behind-the scenes operations of station management, production, and social communication which are all necessary elements of the Film and Television area of study.

    Journalism is all about integrity while reporting a story. With this, the story of Ride the Cyclone follows a group of teens who tragically die in an accident at an amusement park and are then forced to decide which one of them may magically be allowed to return to life. This heavy hitting subject matches the field of journalism well because of its high stakes nature, but also because of the candidness that each character shows. This openness of these characters and their various stories may strike the hearts of journalism students who also have that “one specific story” that they carry with them.