By: Sophia Trischitta
After almost four semesters on campus here at UMass, I have learned a thing or two about the best vs worst places to eat, as well as other factors such as price, distance, atmosphere and more! I will be sharing 7 of my all time favorite meals!
1) First up, we have the one and only, the chicken quesadilla from Roots Cafe in Honors College. Absolutely no words for this one. I was baffled when it was only $8 too! They have other options as well including buffalo and barbeque chicken that I have yet to try, but I can confirm that the chicken quesadilla is chef's kiss. They use a crispy chicken instead of grilled which I really think tops the whole thing off. They have a whole topping bar where you can get unlimited sour cream and salsa, guacamole as per requested, and so much more! I swear if I lived in the honors college I would be here everyday.
2) Next, my favorite breakfast meal here is omelet from Hamp. I just recently started getting these this past semester and cannot believe I haven't tried one sooner. There are so many topping options including sausage, chicken, broccoli, peppers, spinach, onions, tomatoes and probably like 10 more that I haven't tried! I personally get sausage, broccoli and spinach with egg whites and cheese and it really is just the best start to my morning. I like to pair it with some fruit or a croissant after a workout and it gets me energized for the rest of the day!
3) If you are a coffee lover like me, then Peet’s or Carney are my absolute favorites. Peet’s is in the ILC and recently their hours have been all over the place so I havent had it in a while. However, Carney in the Isenberg Hub is a reliable source. I tend to go for either a caramel latte or macchiato but they have so many more options. They also have baked goods, sandwiches, soups, and much more! You will find me running there after class probably every day.
4) I don't know about you but I am a big chipotle girl. So when I went to Blue Wall and found Tamales I was so excited to try it. I love getting their bowls with chicken, rice, pico, corn, lettuce, sour cream and cheese. Occasionally I will get the chips on the side and obviously use each chip for every. single. bite. A cheaper alternative to Tamales is when Hamp has tacos for dinner. I make just about the exact same bowl with the hard shells on the side (for chips duh) and it's amazing!!
5) Next up, we have the deli sandwiches/wraps from Berk. I have been getting them since freshman year and they are perfect for lunch. They have so many meat and cheese options, and ofcourse all the toppings to finish off your sandwich or wrap. I get a turkey and cheese sandwich on a Kaiser roll, with lettuce, tomato, pickles, and mayo. My absolute go-to! I dont get mine toasted but I have heard from so many people that it makes the sandwich ten times better. Of course I always get chips on the side and put them in my sandwich for a little crunch. Wow, I'm hungry.
6) Another Blue Wall find is a salad from Green Fields. Yes, the line is always insanely long and sometimes I don't even have time in between classes to wait in it, but it is so worth it. It is basically just a salad bar with a create your own option or a pre made option. I have heard amazing things about the Southwestern salad. I always make my own with greens, tomatoes, cucumbers, corn, carrots, cheese, CRISPY chicken, and the blueberry dressing. It is definitely worth the wait!
7) Lastly, we have my newest find. It is the spinach and feta flatbread from Argo Tea. I just recently found it during finals week of this past semester, and it is so good for lunch! They toast it up, make it crispy and warm, and taste exactly like the Starbucks flatbread!
That's all I've got for now! I hope that all of you try these out and enjoy them just as much as I do!