Caroline: The Best Vegan Eats in Boston

When I think Boston, I definitely don’t think “vegan-friendly city.” You have the North End, famous for cannolis and Italian food. The Seaport district known for its seafood. But don’t count Boston out. There are definitely some great vegetarian and vegan restaurants in Boston. Here are a few of my favorites:

Veggie Galaxy is a vegetarian restaurant in Cambridge. Almost any dish of theirs can be made vegan. It’s the perfect spot for brunch with all your friends! The caramelized banana butter that comes on the pancakes is delicious. But Veggie Galaxy isn’t just for brunch. They have amazing lunch and dinner selections as well. They have the option of two different veggie burgers (black bean and mushroom chickpea). I used to always get a burger but I recently ventured into the sandwiches and my new favorite meal there is the Vegan Club. It has tempeh bacon, smoked tofu, tomato, romaine, red onion, pesto, and vegan roasted garlic mayo. 10/10 would recommend Veggie Galaxy.

sweetgreen

Sweetgreen, though not a vegan or vegetarian restaurant, is a takeout salad bar. They are vegan-friendly and label all of their ingredients, including dressings, if they are vegan. They have seasonal menus with ingredients sourced from local farms. There are plenty of locations around Boston including Fenway and State Street. Great for a quick, healthy meal.

Clover is an experimental food lab with locations all over Boston and Cambridge. They are a vegetarian restaurant. They also get their ingredients from local farmers. My personal favorite is the chickpea fritter, their take on falafel. They import the pita from Israel, its super fluffy and delicious. I also like some of their side salads. Their recipes are constantly changing and the menus differ from location to location. They also have a number of food trucks around the city; my favorite location is at the west end of Newbury Street. An added bonus is that everything is compostable!

By Chloe is a new restaurant to Boston. The Seaport location opens on February 23rd and the Fenway location (across the street from Sweetgreen) is set to open in April. I know about By Chloe from NYC. Its an incredible vegan restaurant with delicious meals, both sit down and grab&go. I even have the owner, Chloe Coscarelli’s cookbook! The veggie burger with special sauce is soooo good and the quinoa taco salad is spicy and crunchy. I’m really looking forward to an all-vegan restaurant in Boston.

And for dessert, FoMu is the place to be. Not only do they have incredible vegan ice cream, but they also have delicious baked good. FoMu is located in Allston. All of their ice cream is coconut based. They have classic flavors like chocolate, vanilla bean, mint chunk, cookies and cream. But they also have some wild flavors like bourbon maple walnut, mango habanero, avocado, and sweet lavender.Their cones are delicious, as are the milkshakes. You can eat there for a nice treat, or take some pints home.

Angeli: My life as a quasi-Questrom student

What's tall, trendy, and ridden with coffee cups all over? You guessed it: BU's own Questrom School of Business (formerly known as SMG but don't make that mistake!)

Questrom has recently become another home of mine. Before you gasp at my betrayal of sweet sweet COM, know that ole' 640 Comm Ave is still the green apple with peanut butter of my eye. I'm an advertising kid at my core, but as of this school year, I'm also...a business minor.

Yep. I'm truly, willfully taking courses involving *gulp* mathematics. How did I get here? Who have I become? What's for dinner at Bay State tonight? I wish I had the answer to any and all of those questions, friends. If you read my blog posts back when I was a wee freshman (err last year), you know I've dealt with some identity crises in the past regarding my academic pursuits. While my long journey towards declaring a major came to end a few weeks ago–which, by the way, involved very anti-climatically turning in a piece of paper–I had both the curiosity and spare credits to go after another degree. It's been some time since numbers and I were pals, but I figured what the hay? In all honesty, it has not been torturous! Business is actually muy interesante, and I now feel obliged to dispel some rumors and quell some qualms, my fellow COMmunicators might have about it.

First, to lay some groundwork: Questrom only offers one minor degree in Business Administration, which is a nice culmination of the various departments the college has to offer. The program entails eight courses varying in topic from organizational behavior to accounting. One of the prime business concentrations not part of the minor, however, is marketing. This was a major (haha get it?) bummer for me at first because I was hoping for some marketing knowledge to compliment what I'm learning in ad. I'm glad I stuck with it, though, because I feel like I'm broadening my horizons in other advantageous subjects.

Last semester, I got to take microeconomics which made me realize that the economy works in not so mysterious but rather pretty clear-cut ways. Now, I'm taking Finance 101 and getting a pretty handy comprehension of ca$h flow$ (no seriously that's a financial term!), but my current favorite course is Business, Society and Ethics, better known as SM 131. This class doesn't have the greatest reputation on campus due to a five days-a-week schedule and hefty reading load, but it's far from as bad as it sounds. I actually think a lot of my COMrades would really like it, since a good portion of the course involves, well, talking. We have discussion three of the five days about readings and assignments, which not only come from textbooks but also news publications and videos. A lot of current events are therefore woven into the course (shoutout to my journalism homies) and topics usually center around decisions made by companies (@PRmajors). A major portion of your grade is also public speaking due to two group presentations. Above all, developing your own understanding of ethical decision-making is valuable no matter what field you're pursuing. At least, I think so!

I still have four more business courses to go that are much more math-based, so who knows how long this pro-biz attitude will last. For now, I get the guilty pleasure of walking into a beautiful institution each day that makes me feel a different level of special for some reason–possibly because there's a Starbucks and BREAD WINNERS *see my last blog  post* on the second floor. Or maybe I think I'm cool because I live a not-so secret double life. Judge me!

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Christy: It’s Never Too Late to Get Involved With Something New

I am usually a creature of habit and the last person to try something new. There is nothing I hate more than uncertainty; I dislike trying new food, I refuse to drive to a new place for the first time and I tend to not place myself in social situations unless a full handful of people I know are in attendance.

That being said, I even shocked myself when I decided to audition for Boston University On Broadway as a second-semester junior. Being so involved with The Daily Free Press during the first half of my college career dominated most of my time for extracurriculars, so now that I am no longer on the editorial board, I thought this was the best time to try something new on campus.

Theater has always been a passion of mine, and I missed performing on stage more than anything since I have been at BU -- BU On Broadway was the perfect opportunity for me to get back on stage. I went back and forth with the idea of auditioning for a while, but with the support of my friends I auditioned and was cast in Legally Blonde!

At first I was thrown off by the idea of auditioning as a junior because I felt old and felt like I wouldn't be able to find my way in a tight-knit group of people. I actually almost backed out about an hour before I planned on heading to auditions. Now I am still adjusting to this new group, but auditioning has been one of the best decisions I have made during my two and a half years at BU. It pushed me out of my comfort zone to try something new, meet new people and rediscover my love for performing. With every rehearsal and every new cast member I talk to, I have become more comfortable and happy about my decision to audition.

Getting involved in OB has also connected me to the BU community in a greater way than I thought possible. We always say that COM is a small, interconnected community within BU, and I have always found this statement to be true; when I meet a new COM student, chances are we have many mutual friends and somehow have various connections to each other. But, joining OB made me realize how large our campus is and how much larger my web of acquaintances and familiar faces on the street has expanded to in the past month just because of my decision to try a new activity! Now, I get excited when I see another Legally Blonde cast member in passing on campus and to catch up with them at rehearsal.

I am here to say that it is never too late to get involved in something new, on campus or beyond! If you want to pursue a new love or reignite an old, there is no time like the present, especially in college. You never know who you'll meet, what you will learn about yourself and what kind of experiences you will have because of this step out of your old ways. After all, college is all about discovering yourself and your passions, right?

Sydney: An Inside Look at an Internship with NBC

During the summer of 2016, I had the amazing opportunity to intern with NBC New York. I was based out of 30 Rockefeller Plaza, in the heart of NYC.   

I was a digital media intern, meaning I worked on the company’s website by writing news articles and creating photo galleries. I also worked on their social media accounts, specifically Instagram and Snapchat.

I was extremely nervous the first day of my internship. NBC is a very well-known, successful organization, and NBC New York is basically the birthplace of television. How could you not feel intimidated? However, I was fortunate enough to have a very friendly boss, and to be a part of a great team. 

Upon my arrival, the company had just started up their Snapchat account. This became one of the main projects for my internship. 

I was lucky enough to attend super cool events around NYC for Snapchat content. For example, The Stonewall Inn National Monument Ceremony, The Liberty State Park Opening near the 9/11 Memorial, Black Lives Matter protests at City Hall, as well as the Cannabis World Congress and Business Exposition (who knew that was a thing?).

My favorite days were when I attended TODAY Show concerts for our Snapchat and Instagram accounts. The concerts were right outside and I used my NBC ID to get good spots. I was probably way to excited for Nick Jonas and Shawn Mendes to perform. Some of my other favorites were Jennifer Lopez with Linn-Manuel Miranda (Hamilton!!), as well as Steven Tyler and Megan Trainor (I got a selfie with her!)

 When I walked off the elevator to get to my office, I passed Studio 6B- home of the Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon. Occasionally I heard The Tonight Show filming and would freak out over hearing Jimmy Fallon’s voice.

Stefan Holt, son of Lester Holt, was one of the new broadcast journalists who I worked on several projects with. He is extremely nice and I even had the opportunity to help out at a meet and greet for him and two other news anchors in New Jersey! I rode in the car with them from NYC as they talked about adult things such as past career positions and buying houses, as well as singing songs I had never heard of.

Thursdays were great because I got to play with dogs!! NBC New York has a local TV show called New York Live, and every Thursday they bring in dogs from local animal shelters who are up for adoption. I definitely spent too much time playing with them when I should’ve been working.

 Overall, my summer internship was an amazing experience and taught me how to survive in the professional world. Internships in general help you gain a ton of insight into a certain industry. Although I am a PR major, my internship was very journalism-based. It helped me realize that journalism and the news, especially local news, is not the industry I would like to pursue. It’s okay to not like certain parts of an internship because it only redirects you towards the right path for your future. I know that choosing public relations as my major opposed to journalism was the right choice thanks to my summer internship!

Josee: Crutches on Commonwealth Ave: Surviving College as a Chronic Klutz

Most freshman look back at FYSOP (First Year Student Outreach Project) with an air of nostalgia. From wistful memories of budding friendships to the invigorating excitement of service for one’s new community, FYSOP was a time of fast-paced acceleration into the world of college. Apparently for me, it was also a time for fast-paced acceleration into a wall.

To this day, I can still see the impression my head left on that fateful day in Tower A. I like to point it out to my friends as we pass by. With a beaming smile, I turn and tell them how it only took two days to leave my MARK on the school.

No one laughs.

Part of me wondered if that was my final encounter with the gods of physical imbalance but we all know that’s a thought too good to be true. So here’s my first piece of advice for freshman year, don’t run into walls. Harry Potter misled you. Platform 9 and ¾ is not on the other side, only a fateful trip to Student Health Services.

Another recommendation is to avoid the metal grates and metal plates that line the sidewalks on Comm. Ave. The little buggers are everywhere and if you aren’t paying enough attention on a rainy day, you may be out of luck and find your keister a bit damp.

Protip: Crutches can be your downfall, literally. Last semester, I hurt my foot and had crutches for a grand total of 26 hours until I slid on a metal plate. Although it seemed like a moment of woe, I pride myself for winning the award for most appropriate time to sing “And now I’m lying on the cold hard ground.” I’m still waiting on my trophy for that one.

My final piece of experiential wisdom goes out to those who like fancy footwear. Since your shoes are the only things keeping you from the ground, keep in mind that function may trump fashion. A good sturdy pair of snow boots will help keep you upright on those slippery days. And I speak from experience when I say that heels and cobblestone are absolute enemies.

Now I know you’re probably thinking, why is Josee telling us these tales of woe?
It’s because things happen. Things go wrong, walls get run into, and falling can become a common issue. What matters is whether you stay down and let the problem run its number on you or you get back up and keep moving on. Freshman year is full of challenges. Once you meet them, you learn not only how to handle them, but embrace them as snafus that helped shape who you are.

Grace: Going Greek – Thoughts on Greek Life and How to Decide it’s Right for You

Hey guys!! Grace here for my first COM blog post. As formal sorority recruitment is right around the corner, greek life at BU has been on my mind a lot. As a sophomore looking back on my freshman year at BU, I remember wondering if going Greek was something I would enjoy. Would I find real friends? Would I be too busy to join other clubs? Would it be worth the money? Hopefully, this post will help you decide if rushing a fraternity or sorority is right for you.

Freshman Grace didn't realize that leaving all her childhood friends behind and moving to a big campus would be a hard transition. Before coming to BU, I never really thought I'd go Greek. While I made some amazing friends through my dorm and classes, I yearned for the type of supportive community I had back in high school. It wasn't until after going through recruitment that I found my family away from home: Kappa Delta.

Going through recruitment is a scary and exciting process: everyone is equally nervous about meeting new people, and everyone walks away from the weekend with new friends. My biggest piece of advice for recruitment is to go in with an open mind. For both guys and girls, this means giving every wonderfully unique chapter at BU a fair chance - you just might be surprised with who you click with.

For those of you who do decide to join Greek life, congratulations! Your choice will impact you not only during your college years, but also for the rest of your life (and that isn't scary!!!). Becoming a Kappa Delta has helped me grow as a student, a friend, and an individual. Through KD, I've learned a lot about friendship, time commitment, and opportunity. The girls who I now call my sisters are the kind of people who will study with you in Mugar until 3 am (although this isn't advised...) and spontaneously take a trip to New York City with me on a whim.

It's also important to note that Greek life is a lifestyle choice and that it isn't for everyone. Some of my best friends on campus are girls and guys who got involved on campus in other ways. Joining a chapter carries responsibilities and obligations, and you have to be dedicated to your chapter once you join. If you decide Greek life isn't right for you, get involved with clubs or sports teams on campus - try joining Model UN, the Quidditch team, or the Daily Free Press. There are plenty of ways to get involved on campus and make friends, so don't feel like going Greek is the only way to stay social in college.

BU is home to a plethora of people who come from a diversity of backgrounds and interests; there are so many ways to make BU your home away from home. Best of luck you social butterflies!

Sophia: Valentine’s Day deals for the cheap, single folk at BU

The best part of Valentine’s Day is the obnoxious (and amazing) amount of discounted food and crazy, silly events available for the young and in love.

Except this year, you can get all these amazing perks by having a healthy sense of humor and love for yourself, your friends, and free food.

Here are some super cool (and cheap) things for you and your gals to do on V-Day this year in Boston. Love yourself, ladies.

1) Want free Mexican food? Buy a burrito and then share a totally platonic kiss in Qdoba to get a second one for free. Sounds like a sweet deal to me.

2) Grab a friend and head over to Faneuil Hall for some churros and chocolate. For just $10, Taza will give you and your gal pal a hot coco and churro each. LITERALLY what more could you want?!

3) MODERN LOVE! Okay, this event is already sold out so I feel bad mentioning it here, but this event is going to be BANGING. Us COM people can appreciate New York Times “Modern Love” editor Daniel Jones orchestrating a night of laughs, storytelling and love right here in Boston. Give me a sec while I geek out.

4) Explore the MFA. Yeah yeah yeah, this one is totally obvious and you might have to endure loving couples interrupting you and your gal pals’ artistic ponderings, but it’s no secret that your BU I.D. gets you a free pass into this great place. Instead of falling in love with someone else, fall in love with the amazing art and history that this beautiful museum holds.

5) Check out some old schools flicks at the Brattle movie theater in Cambridge. Couples get to choose between classics like Casablanca and the Princess Bride to enjoy on the big screen.

6) This one make me so happy, yet also reminds me of my struggles in AP U.S. History junior year of high school. It’s actually a little bit on the pricey side, but for $60 a couple can go to a live read-aloud of all of John and Abigail Adams’ letters sent to each other during their 50 years of marriage. Both Abigail and John were known for their romantic prose, so this event set in their hometown is great for both the literature and history geek in all of us. Usually events put on by the Boston Tea Party Ships & Museum cost around $40 a person, so comparatively this Valentine’s day deal is a steal!


7) Salem’s Anti-Valentine Tour is always a huge hit, and it's also where you’ll be finding me and my gal pals this Valentine’s day. Take a train outside of Boston to enjoy a spooky retelling of all the love stories of Massachusetts gone wrongs. Hear about the horrific doings of murderous husbands, scorned wives and dark, dreadful relationships. Definitely a funky twist on this loving holiday.

Jen: Heartwarming Movies for Valentine’s Day

February 14th is right around the corner! This day may either bring your joy or dread. Now, if you’re going to be celebrating this day with someone you love, there is nothing better to do than get in your comfiest clothing, order take-out from your favorite restaurant (or Dominos, because hello, dining points!), and stay inside and watch a movie! I am here to help you pick the best movie to watch with whomever you’re spending Valentine’s Day with, so you don’t have to spend thirty minutes scrolling through your Netflix account trying to find the right movie for that special Tuesday night. Here is my what-to-watch guide!

What to watch with…

  • Your significant other: Brooklyn (2015)

I saw Brooklyn last year and let me tell you, I’ve never “awwww’d” as much  during one movie as I did in this one. Saoirse Ronan plays Ellis, a young woman travelling from a small village in Ireland, to New York in search of a better life and opportunity during the 1950s. In New York, she meets Tony (Emory Cohen) at a dance hall. The moment that the camera first meets Tony, scanning Ellis from across the room with a smile that can grow The Grinch’s heart two sizes too big, I knew that I wasn’t leaving the theater without a dry eye and warm heart (and a clean shirt, as it was at  this point in the night that I dropped my taco on my white t-shirt).

Other Suggestions: Notting Hill (1999), About Time (2015), An American in Paris (1951)

  • Your friends: Troop Beverly Hills (1989)

There are many movies that I will fight and root for, Troop Beverly Hills is one of them. Shelley Long plays Phyllis Neffler, a Beverly Hills housewife, who becomes the troop leader of her daughter’s Wilderness Girls’ troop. Phyllis teaches her daughter, the other wilderness girls and everyone who had doubted her that being different will always do you better in the long run than conforming to other people’s ideas of what you should be. This movie has heart, girl power, comedy and the best song about cookies that I have ever heard.

Other Suggestions: Heavyweights (1995), Daisies (1966), The First Wives Club (1996)

  • Your Parents: 20th Century Women (2016)

Mike Mills wants you to appreciate your parents. Coming off of Beginners, he released 20th Century Women, which is about the life of Dorothea Fields, played expertly by Annette Bening, and the women she surrounded herself with to help her navigate life in 1979 Santa Barbara. Mills also shows Dorothea trying to raise her son Jamie, in a new era of America. This film is Mills’ love letter to his mother, giving appreciation to how hard it is for a single mother to raise and understand her teenage son. Watching this movie will make anyone want to call their parents (and then listen to Talking Heads’ “The Big Country” over and over again).

Other Suggestions: Hunt for the Wilderpeople (2016), Life Animated (2016), Lion (2016)

Now, I understand some people don’t like Valentine's Day and may not want to watch any movie about love, romance, etc., so do not fret! I have some suggestions for you too!

  • What to watch for people who don’t want to watch something about love on Valentine's Day: In The Loop (2009)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_VDc7-YH1LA

From the creator of Veep, Armando Iannucci’s film shows the behind the scenes action of government offices in the United States and the United Kingdom when the two countries are deciding whether to go to war in the Middle East, or not. In The Loop is a cleverly written comedy that seems almost too real to be true. The best performance comes from the vulgar Peter Capaldi. This film is equal parts ridiculous and relevant. There is no doubt you will be using Capalidi’s catchphrases in your daily speak after watching this.

Other Suggestions: Picnic at Hanging Rock (1972), What Ever Happened to Baby Jane (1962), Hot Fuzz (2007)

Hali: Official Brunch List

After a long week of West Burgers and Loose Leafs salads, there’s nothing better than splurging on some weekend eats. That’s why Saturday morning means one thing to me: brunch. My obsession with brunch is a fundamental part of my life. It’s about so much more than just the food; it’s about gathering with friends, traveling into the city, and enjoying a meal together. After surviving a long, hard week, there's nothing better than treating myself to some stuffed french toast with a side of bacon. Here’s my official list of brunch recommendations for every occasion, every neighborhood, and every budget.

Union

(174 Harvard Avenue, Allston) 

Union is the most convenient and most affordable brunch option I’ve found around BU. Located on Harvard Avenue in Allston, this is the best option for anyone who lives in West Campus. I live in 1047, and it takes me less than ten minutes to get there. My favorite part of the menu is the impressive selection of flavored iced coffees.

The Friendly Toast

(1 Kendall Square, Cambridge; 35 Stanhope Street, Back Bay)

A wonderful thing about The Friendly Toast is that they have two locations. The best perk, however, is their late night hours. The Back Bay location is open until 3 AM! Ever find yourself craving french toast in the middle of the night? Your wishes will soon be fulfilled.

Cafeteria

(279 Newbury Street, Back Bay)

A brunch list wouldn’t be complete without at least one Newbury Street location. Cafeteria is my favorite. Located about a block away from the Hynes Convention Center T stop, this place is super easy to find. I can also say from experience that I’ve never had more than a ten minute wait at Cafeteria, so it’s a perfect option if you’re feeling spontaneous! It’s also great if you want to spend the rest of your afternoon shopping on Newbury Street.

Cafe Luna

(403 Massachusetts Avenue, Central Square)

Cafe Luna is, without a doubt, my FAVORITE PLACE IN THE CITY OF BOSTON. You have to see their menu to believe it. Their dessert-like waffles take brunch to a whole new level (the strawberry and Nutella option changed my life for the better). Pro tip: make reservations! If you show up to Cafe Luna at noon on a Saturday, you’ll surely have to wait at least two hours. Plan ahead.

Tatte

(1003 Beacon Street, Brookline) 

Last but not least, an honorable mention is awarded to Tatte. Tatte will always have a special place in my heart thanks to the summer I spent living in South Campus. It feels like a two-minute walk from campus, which is how I ended up eating practically every meal at this cozy spot. The best part is that they serve brunch ALL DAY Friday through Sunday. Perfect for when you’re craving brunch food but still want to sleep in until the afternoon.

My personal brunch list goes on forever. If for some reason this intricate guide does not suit your needs, feel free to reach out to me for more options! May the comforting thought of Saturday’s brunch reservations help you survive the hectic week ahead.

Sam: On-campus vs. Off: A Housing Battle

Living on campus certainly has its perks—you’re closer to classes, have easy access to the dining halls and you’re surrounded by your peers aka potential new friends. But moving off campus provides you with something we all came to college looking for…freedom!! Freedom to blast your music without the fear of getting written up, to cook whatever you're craving for dinner and to have as many guests as you want without having to fill out a three day pass. But there’s more to it than just food and friends, so which housing option is superior?

Being that it is the time of the year when you must decide whether you want to take your chances with the BU housing lottery or hunt down a realtor to help you find your perfect apartment, I put on and off-campus living in a head to head battle to see which one is better.

FOOD:
Cooking off-campus is fun because you’re free to exercise your inner Ina Garten and make whichever delicious creations you crave. That is, fun until you run out of food and have to make a meal out of bell peppers, peanut butter and flavor blasted gold fish. Being sans dining hall means sometimes you’ll eat anything to avoid going back outside to Star Market.

When you live on campus (and have a dining plan), all the prepping, cooking and cleaning up is done for you. That sounds like a dream come true, except, how many days a week can you eat dining hall rotisserie chicken before wishing you could cook your own meal?

RA’s:
Resident Assistants are a great resource to reach out to if you need help with something, and they can definitely make you feel more secure when living on campus. Also, when else in your adult life will you be able to borrow a key when you lock yourself out, get a leak fixed or have someone change your lightbulb with such ease? 

However, life without an RA means you don’t have to be quiet after a designated hour (except if you have moody neighbors, then you should be quiet) and allows you to live out your adult life with all of the freedom you desire. That means coffee makers, toasters and candles galore! 

BATHROOMS:
There is really no way to sugar coat sharing a bathroom with a floor full of girls and boys. People are gross, you can’t deny it. The only good things that come out of a shared bathroom experience are the pleasantries you exchange with someone who has the same bathroom schedule as you (potential new friend!) and the blessing that you never have to clean it yourself.

Unless your roommates are truly foul, which you can avoid by a) living with people who are not foul or b) having a discussion about being less foul, sharing a bathroom with a handful of roommates is a breeze. Nothing is better than throwing away your shower shoes from Warren Towers and never turning back.

It’s pretty hard to choose which housing option comes out on top, but in the end it depends on what matters to you most and what you’re willing to sacrifice when staying on, or moving off campus (I miss you dining hall apple crisp). I call this one a tie.