After unwinding over a few drinks and a table of foreign foods with my friend Paolo at Grandpa Thai in Greenwich Village, I promptly decided to have my graduation lunch at the modern and chic establishment. Once the takeout boxes were packed, I reserved two tables for my famished family of ten. Grandpa Thai, a restaurant recently opened just around the corner from New York University, was an immediate standout during my frenzy of food reviews. Surrounded by bleak, uniform chains and fast food joints, the Asian-owned business’ unassuming front opens into a buzzing sit-down restaurant with thoughtfully designed interior, showcasing vibrantly-colored decor against neutral-toned furniture. It was the epitome of a visually aesthetic and polished eatery for friends and family alike. 

Although Grandpa Thai’s iced coffee and mango mocktail are the most popular picks for drinks, I selected their guava margarita. Each mixed drink can be made with or without alcohol, depending on the customers’ preference. We were suggested to try the Thai-based beer with the charcoal grilled pork, as the drink was described to be unlike beer found in most convenience stores. Paolo sipped the sweet beverage, mind-blown at the unique twist on a seemingly American drink.

“The Thai beer was very sweet and flavorful, which pairs perfectly with the signature charcoal pork. This appetizer had a smokey flavor and was very juicy. It was undoubtedly one of the best pork items on the menu,” Paolo raved after finishing the plate.

The pork bites were served with a small salad and sour dressing, composed of broccoli, corn, and tomato. My only complaint was the lack of salad, as the meaty dish could be complemented with steamed vegetables or a side of rice. 

Unsure what to select next, our waitress informed us of the favorites among patrons: the sizzling chicken pot, the Thai style spicy chicken, the Hong Kong curry, the spicy red curry rice, the popular pad see ew, the laka style seafood noodle soup, the cheese-baked rice spaghetti, and the deep fried chicken wings. My family, upon visiting, spent ten minutes simply selecting their singular entrees. There was a plethora of choices for all individuals. Considering the afternoon was young and lunch just began, we opted for the safest option.

“The classic fried chicken wings was another top tier menu item. The skin was crispy, juicy, and flavorful,” Paolo happily commented. “They were seasoned all the way to the bone. I only wished we placed another order. I could’ve eaten so many of these.”

To share, we placed an order for the mini seafood hotpot with spice. The soup was served in a small, rustic bowl with beautiful side plates. The Thai red curry fried rice arrived shortly after for our quick consumption. 

“I loved the seafood hotpot. Its broth was steaming-hot and sour, similar to a tom yom soup or spicy sinigang. I noticed a very wide variety of seafood in the broth,” my friend reviewed. “I thought the red curry fried rice was seasoned perfectly. It had lots of shrimp and mussels. It was a perfect staple in the overall meal.”

I often have difficulty leaving a meal with savory seasonings lingering on my palate, which almost inevitably leads to enjoying several pastries or sweet treats. Our choices for the evening were banana roti with condensed milk and baked pineapple bun.

“The pineapple bun was pretty soft and fluffy. The pineapple crumble on top was perfectly sweet,” he commented. “I like how special the desert roti was, since it’s normally served with seasoned curry. The roti was very crumbly and filled with a smooth banana paste, which paired nicely with the sweetened condensed milk drizzled on top.”

Southeast Asians tend to love mangoes and coconut flavors, which were not uncommon at Grandpa Thai. The well-beloved mango sticky rice was the last platter for lunch before my rush to catch a bus to work at the United Nations.

“The rice had a very tame coconut flavor that was not too overpowering. The mango slices were so fresh and perfectly sweet,” were Paolo’s final notes.

I emphasize that Grandpa Thai is on my top three favorite casual sit-down eateries for students, young professionals, and friends, especially when they’re in need of a savory meal and speciality drinks. Partnered with the Campus Clipper, the Asian-owned business is offering a student discounts to patrons that present the coupon below with their valid student ID.

During a hectic school year and chaotic time, sometimes the best debriefs and stress relief is done by venting with your friends while enjoying a cone of ice cream. My good friend Marlie and I had a much-needed catch up, as her personal life has been quite a story this year. Juggling finals and maintaining a healthy mindset during a tumultuous year is difficult on an empty stomach. She deserved the best desert. Ice cream wouldn’t suffice, but gelato would. I took a brisk walk from my apartment to meet my dear friend at Amorino, known for their beautiful artwork in gelato creations. The homey dessert spot is just around the corner from several college campuses, as they have a variety of locations accessible to students and young professionals alike.

We ordered two handspun milkshakes for sipping on while we swapped stories. Customers are allowed two flavors when creating their custom drink. I opted for salted caramel and hazelnut, while Marlie craved an entirely different taste: lime and basil sorbet. 

“The lime and basil shake had a very strong basil flavor, which was well complimented by the citrus from the lime. I drank the entire thing by the end of our chat,” Marlie stated. She happily drank her beverage, while I grimaced at the thought of her selection of scoops. 

Every individual has their own unique palate. Thankfully, Amorino caters to a wide gamut of tastes. I have a sweet tooth and I often gravitate towards chocolates or sugary menu items. My salted caramel and hazelnut milkshake did not disappoint. The thick consistency was exactly how I wanted, helping retain the drink’s ice-cold temperature. A runny milkshake was not on my list of items to enjoy on a late May day. 

The two of us shared a custom crepe, consisting of any three flavors of our choosing. After much speculation, we selected a simple vanilla, stracciatella, and dulce de leche combination. The teeth-chattering gelatos blended beautifully in each bite, especially with the warmth of the fresh crepe. A generous drizzle of nutella truly sealed the desert.

”I thought the crepe was very filling. It was so fun to pick the flavors all on your own and watch them create it for you,” Marlie happily commented. “I normally don’t eat crepes, but I might moving forward!”

I placed an order for a chocolate cone, not to be confused with the signature cone. My gelato came with a rich chocolate dip at the bottom of the crunchy, golden brown cone. The traditional cone is served with a perfectly intact, hand-selected macaron. Marlie ordered a signature cone with tiramisu, vanilla, coffee, and caramel.

“The tiramisu wasn’t too strong in its coffee taste. It had smooth flavors and tasted just like the real deal! My vanilla scoop was simple, but not forgettable! The coffee had a rich flavor, which was strong but it didn’t overpower the others. I thought the caramel was not too sweet, not too salty, but just right,” Marlie reflected.

The gelato cones were created by the talented staff to resemble a flower, which was the most Instagram-esque desert I’ve had in the city. I appreciated the authentic craftsmanship behind each cone made in-house. The deep chocolate, subtlety sweet hazelnut, creamy blueberry cheesecake, and light coconut scoops were each inviting in their own ways. The multitude of flavors in a stunning singular cone is what makes Amorino stand out from other locales.

In my eyes, gelato is a delicacy. Amorino’s aesthetically pleasing charm and special take on the Italian desert was precisely necessary for my afternoon chat with Marlie. I would happily stop by for another four scoops, milkshake, and crepe. Students eager to try the unique flavors and adorable presentation at Amorino are encouraged, as the establishment has partnered with the Campus Clipper to offer a discount when the coupon below and valid student ID are presented.