Food & Drink

Alyssa shares five things under $10 that you need to try this January — including a hangover cure and a curry-inspired cocktail.

Wondering how to spend this pandemic New Year's Eve? Our C-U restaurants have options for you including a special NYE Omakase dinner from Sakanaya and a New Year's Day burger pop-up from Watson's Shack and Rail.

“We have such a loyal customer base that transparency is the only option, and we have had an outpouring of support because of it.”

Between the five editors and publisher of Smile Politely, we are fairly certain there is not a better frozen pizza on the market in the whole world. It's not that big of a surprise, considering Manolo's is always fantastic. 

Anthony met up with Derrick Aikman, owner of the Bread Company, to learn more about how the pandemic has changed the campus restaurant: “I realized I have to put health before money.”

Alyssa shares a C-U food and drink spin on the classic English carol The Twelve Days of Christmas.

Do fruitcakes deserve such a bad rep? Tias tasted five C-U fruitcakes from Rick's Bakery, Lucky Moon Pies, and more.

Remington tried out Taco Shack, a new restaurant on Green Street.

Here are lots of food and drink gift ideas for everyone on your holiday shopping list.

Restaurant manager chef Lauren Kolb shares, “The Herring is wedged pretty deep in the soul of C-U. I think the Herring's most consistent quality is its ability to be adaptable…We seek to serve this community however we're able.”

This December, Alyssa shares foods filled with other foods and drinks that will keep you warm.

Before you go to Popeye's, you need to try these five C-U fried chicken sandwiches — and one fried chicken sushi roll.

Thanksgiving week is here. Alyssa shares five C-U foods and drinks that she's thankful for this year.

This Thanksgiving, Seth still wants you to eat well. This is an update on his article from 2013 and 2018. It is time to reconsider how we wish to roast our turkey, and in a pandemic year where we aren't feeding as many people, this is the perfect solution. 

Worapot Tangmunarunkit, co-owner of Siam Terrace, shares about operating during the pandemic: “During this uncertainties time, we just hope our business to survive the pandemic. However, we are very fortunate to be in such a great community…with the enormous amount of support from friends and people in Urbana-Champaign community.”

Remington tracked down Come Get This food truck for a cozy Friday night in: a spicy dog, chicken philly, the Baby BOO-BOO burger, and a horseshoe, all with fries.

There is no better way to warm up on a cold day than with a bowl of soup. From noodle soup to chowder, Alyssa shares five solid soups you can get to-go.

In this newly released book, Ann Flesor Beck writes the story of her grandfather's immigration to America and how he came to own and operate a Tuscola confectionery which still stands today. 

As the weather turns from pleasant to colder temps, heated outdoor seating will become a hot commodity. Alyssa finds where you can enjoy outdoor dining and still feel warm.

“You’re sure to find either a favorite — either old or new, depending upon your familiarity with Asian cuisine — amongst their well-stocked goods” at Maligaya's Store.

“If COVID-19 was a cocktail, I think It would be something very strong that you'd have to sip on. It probably would not taste very good. This year has been a little bitter and slow.”

We catch up with Huber's West End Store bartender Cassidy Price who shares about the changes they've made for COVID and what remains the same.

A cake, a shake, a bottle of red, and more: Alyssa rounds up what you need to try this November in food and drink.

On the corner of Wright and Healey, Jerusalem Restaurant offers shawarma, gyro, falafel, and more. Megan gives a review, “Jerusalem Restaurant is worth the visit. The food is packed with flavor, time, and effort.”

From enchiladas en salsa verde at Maize to tacos, stuffed avocados, veggie fajitas, quesadilla, and vegetarian tamales, Jordan shares how to get a filling Mexican meal without meat.

Ashar means blessed, and Ashar African Market's owner said, “This is paramount to me…I believe in blessings, and I believe in providing blessings to people…Our motto is blessed food, blessed life, good health.” 

From tacos and margaritas to fine dining and red wine, Alyssa shares five dinners perfect for a date night in.

More than just sushi, Sakanaya offers a solid option for Japanese takeout.

Believing that breakfast is the most important meal of the day, Megan tries a handful of Champaign-Urbana's breakfast sandwiches.

Mauricio Contreras, the owner of both La Mixteca and El Oasis, shares about the food at La Mixteca, including Birrikeka which they sell about 80 to 100 dishes of each day, and El Oasis' ice cream with “fruit, water, and brown sugar…[as] the main ingredients.”

Teamoji's co-founders Alex Zhang and general manager Jeffrey Chang recommend different bubble tea on the menu and talk about what sets Teamoji apart: “We launch a new line of products every semester to bring something new to the students.”

Paying attention to the outdoor dining options, mask enforcement of staff and customers, and how spaced the tables were, Julie visited five places in C-U for outdoor dining and shares her pandemic dining experiences.

All treats and no tricks, this list includes an Oktoberfest crowler, a dessert in a jar, a messy sandwich, a drink with a donut garnish, and a fried noodle dish.

Owner Allen Strong talks about starting the restaurant 40 years ago, his favorite items on the menu, and how COVID-19 affected Courier Cafe.

The markets are full of veggies, fruits, and now pumpkins. Plus Alyssa tries a treat from Sugga Shai Sweets.

Alyssa shares all the details from this year's Artisan Cup & Fork.

Check out these overlooked, under-appreciated dishes in Champaign-Urbana. 

Alyssa rounds up some macaroni and cheese options in town.

Rebecca interviewed Caribbean Grill owner and executive chef Mike Harden to hear more about their restaurant and how he was inspired by food.

A few strategically purchased items from Old Time Meat & Deli can make for a well rounded weekend of meals.

Alyssa shares five fall food and drinks.

Stephanie and her kids tried out a few snacks around CU that will keep you and your kiddos fueled for the night. 

Remington checks out San Maru, an authentic Korean restaurant in Champaign.

Alyssa finds five food options for those with a food allergy to corn.

Alyssa reviews food from Himalayan Chimney.

Elaine chats with Cafe Kopi's GM.

Alyssa rounds up five things to eat or drink this September.

Alyssa talks with The Land Connection about this year's Artisan Cup & Fork.

Alyssa shares an update on the Urbana and Champaign farmers' markets.