Archive for the ‘Cheap Eats’ Category

Just Around the Corner: Tio Pepe

Monday, June 2nd, 2025

I recently graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and Peace and Justice Studies, indicating my time in New York City would be wrapping up before I begin summer vacation back in my suburban hometown. To celebrate commencement, my fellow senior friend, Brady, joined me for an evening at a dimly lit, moody restaurant serving Spanish cuisine and providing live music. Tio Pepe, a Manhattan locale just around the corner from New York University, showcases talent on Thursday and Sunday nights for their patrons as they consume European breads, meats, and desserts.

The simple choice for an appetizer were the chips and guacamole, which have an adjustable spice-level suited to the customers’ liking. Brady confided his typical disinterest in avocados and guacamole, though the two of us finished the traditional starter. We sipped on drinks throughout the evening, with Brady enjoying his Sangria and I indulging in various mocktails.

One spotlight of the night was the classically perfect guacamole with chips and salsa.

“Chips and guacamole? Super delicious! The chips were perfectly crunchy and salty and the guacamole was a really creamy and smooth consistency, all while still being able to taste all the components,” Brady eagerly began. “My drink was so strong, but had a very nice level of sweetness and was super delicious. For how strong it is, the flavor wasn’t too harsh.”

A ceramic dish of ham croquettes and a charcuterie board followed the primary appetizer, both aesthetically pleasing and undoubtedly scrumptious. The soft, melt-in-your-mouth croquettes were delightful on their own and with the provided creamy dipping sauce. The cheese platter consisted of specialty cut meats and bitter slices of cheese, rather than a smooth or sweet type.

A closer look at the charcuterie platter with chorizo and manchego cheese.

“The jamón croquetas were unreal, like mozzarella sticks on steroids. The aioli sauce is so delicious and pairs with the mashed potato-like yuca flavor of the croquettes. It’s a definite must try!’ Brady raved. “I liked the charcuterie board, especially the delicious Serrano ham. Chorizo has a really nice smoke to it. As someone who doesn’t typically like a harder cheese, the manchego was really nice. It paired with the chorizo and ham, plus the bread was very fresh and had a perfect audible crunch when I bit into it.”

My main course was a large serving of lobster ravioli, plated elegantly amidst a tomato sauce and acted as a sharp contrast to my cherry-topped pina colada. The dimple garnishing of cilantro and parmesan allowed for the dish to speak for itself. I wholeheartedly enjoyed the entree among the sounds of casual conversation and soft laugher emitting from surrounding booths.

A serving of the creamy lobster ravioli, garnished with greens and cheese.

“For the lobster ravioli—I am not a tomato fan, yet I still really liked the sauce. Pleasurable consistency of the lobster ravioli. It all blended together really well,” Brady commented. “I believe I got the chicken al ajillo, which reminds me of the taste of chicken off the grill during the summer, but the saltiness of the garlic sauce kept the chicken very juicy. The rice is really nice, too. Very classic Spanish rice and still tasty.”

Brady’s beverage and meal for the night at Tio Pepe.

Tasting the Spanish flavors, suggested by the amiable manager who regularly checked on us throughout the evening, was a pleasant change of scenery and cuisine. I fully intend on returning to have more ham croquettes and drinks on a summer Sunday night. Tio Pepe was a lovely choice located in a familiar area for many students, acting as an excellent date-night spot or a fancier after-class dinner.

“This place has a really amazing aesthetic with a beautiful open front that looks onto the street, with great lighting, music (live or otherwise!), and so many interesting nooks and crannies to be seated at. The food was really delicious with a lot of different comforting flavors, from the guac and the starters to the main dishes. Need to come back to try more!” Brady admitted. 

Since our dinner, Brady has returned and plans to perform his original music at their open-mic nights. The Spanish establishment is a brisk walk from the NYU campus, establishing it to be an ideal spot for a group hangout area, whether it be for drinks or a three course meal. Tio Pepe has partnered with the Campus Clipper to offer students a discount when they present our coupon with their valid student ID.

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Just Around the Corner: Moge Tee

Saturday, May 31st, 2025

At times, I crave a sweet treat in between classes or a fun beverage, but visiting a cafe would tempt me into spending an obscene amount of money on a caffeinated drink I half-consume. My new friend Alonso met me outside of a local boba shop for a quick afternoon stop for a sugary pick-me-up. The employees emphasized how their business uses fresh and real fruit, with the sweetness depending on the season. Moge Tee, a quaint shop posted just around the corner from Pace University, has several locations around New York City and is known for its customizable drinks. 

Alonso and I had little trouble finding a seat for us, allowing us to place our orders immediately. We were able to adjust the sweetness level to our liking, which is perfect for patrons who prefer to control their sugar intakes. I sipped on my purple yam milk tea with lychee boba. It was tart, sweet, and had a slightly fruity taste. The various flavors and textures paired well together. I found the boba to not be overly chewy—something that typically deters me at most boba shops.

“I got the Thai tea with 30% sugar, it was refreshing and was the perfect balance of sweet without being overbearing and taking away from the tea, it had a smooth, creamy texture,” Alonso carefully reviewed. “The boba pearls added a soft, chewy, and slightly sweet, taste and texture that brought everything together.”

A close up of the two boba drinks we selected.

We both selected fruit parfaits to enjoy while we reflected on our school year, as we were both packing up our rooms for the summer break. I happily finished my strawberry yogurt, while Alonso preferred his mango parfait.

“The mango had a slight tang but tasted refreshingly ripe. I was initially unsure about the vanilla wafers, but they turned out to be the perfect complement, adding just the right crunch and sweetness to balance the mango and creamy yogurt,” he commented.

Although our experience at Moge Tee was brief, it was enjoyable nonetheless. I also visited their location in the New York University area and found my boba tea to suit my liking. 

The strawberry parfait and yogurt parfait with fresh fruit and crispy wafers.

“Immediately upon entering the store we were welcomed by the staff, they were very helpful with recommendations and breaking down the menu to us. The shop was very cozy and welcoming, definitely a good spot to stay and chat with friends while you finish your boba,” Alonso noted. “If you’re a student, I would definitely check it out, if you’re looking for amazing boba and great service.”

To Alonso’s joy and fellow readers, the local boba shop has partnered with the Campus Clipper to offer students a discount when they present the coupon below with their valid student ID.

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Just Around the Corner: Excellent Dumpling House

Saturday, May 31st, 2025

Excellent Dumpling House is unlike the many Asian American restaurants I’ve reviewed, evident immediately upon walking into the calm environment, clear of loud tourists and confused families. After completing internship work and studying for our last exams, my friend Brady spent an evening after our last class of the spring semester at the classy, clean establishment. Just around the corner from the Fashion Institute of Technology, Excellent Dumpling House serves a variety of beautiful and delicious delicacies made in-house everyday. 

Our starters came out quickly, with the scallion pancakes serving as the standout.

The establishment once was situated on Canal Street, but later relocated circa 2015–though their recipes and exceptional customer service have remained the same. Brady and I selected the freshly made, steaming scallion pancakes to start. 

“The small, woven basket of scallion pancakes looked so delicious,” Brady began. “I loved the amount of chopped scallion, and the texture is super crunchy but consistent. I really tasted the perfect combination of smooth and crunchy.”

It was impossible to visit Excellent Dumpling House without sampling several of their savory dumplings. We found it difficult to select an option from their comprehensive menu. After a brief period of waiting, the shrimp dumplings and soup pork dumplings arrived, which Brady raved over during the entire duration of the night. 

The bowl of spicy wontons and pan-fried dumplings were stellar.

“Actually, shrimp isn’t my favorite food, but I really enjoyed this dish. There was a heavy, but good and seasoned flavor with the shrimp,” Brady reviewed. “But I have to say, the soup pork dumplings were so delicious. The gingery, oily soup was perfect, while the pork was incredibly tender and melted in my mouth. The dumplings were well put together, considering it was filled with soup and it didn’t fall apart.”

My personal favorite were the seven pan-fried pork dumplings, each with golden brown bottoms and chewy, juicy centers. Brady appeared to favor the sizzling ginger beef platter and bowl of spicy wontons. 

“The pan-fried pork dumplings were also delicious. The coloring of the dumpling is such a nice golden brown and had a really nice consistency,” he stated after finishing the plate. “The sizzling beef also had a beautiful presentation of the juicy meats, as the waiter poured the food onto the hot plate. Again, super tender food and the vegetables were delicious.”

The pork and shrimp wontons had a prominent peanut flavoring and had slight notes of spice. The sesame chicken had a sweet contrast to the previous dish, served among a full dish of sliced onions and steamed broccoli.

“The consistency of the pork and shrimp dumplings was just great. I can’t emphasize how the pork is so juicy and goes so well with the bits of shrimp. The peanut flavor is strong from these! The nutty element and spice were perfectly balanced and combined,” my friend noted.

Our evening left us completely stuffed and we walked away with several takeaway boxes. I happily ate my leftovers the following day, which were nearly just as good compared to when they were fresh. I thoroughly enjoyed each item from our experience at this tried-and-true eatery.

The spectacularly plated sesame chicken and sizzling beef platter were generous in size.

“Walking into Excellent Dumpling House was a really nice environment,” Brady reflected. “All the staff were very kind and helpful, and each dish brought more savory goodness and a pure comfort food experience. With lots of different options and flavors you can’t go wrong with anything on the menu.”

For students hoping to try a range of dumplings in a casual setting, Excellent Dumpling House has partnered with the Campus Clipper to provide a discount when they present our coupon with their valid student ID.

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Just Around the Corner: Grandpa Thai

Tuesday, May 27th, 2025

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. 

A variation of platters available at Grandpa Thai.

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.

My Instagrammable Guava Margarita.

“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. 

The sizzling, grilled pork bites were my personal favorite.

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.”

The oh-so-crispy classic deep fried chicken wings.

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.”

Paolo helping himself to a serving of the spicy seafood hotpot.

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 elegant gilded bowl of diced mangoes and coconut sticky rice.

“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.

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Just Around the Corner: Amorino

Sunday, May 25th, 2025

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.

Each flower cone is crafted by the staff from behind the wide display of flavors.

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.

A close-up on my four flavors in this chocolate flower cone.

“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.

Marlie happily shows off her signature cone.

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.

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Just Around the Corner: Andiamo Pizza

Sunday, May 25th, 2025

One simple Italian eatery I recently encountered with my friend Nadia sits just around the corner from the New York University campus, though they have several locations in close proximity to other college sites. Andiamo Pizza greets its customers with open, tall glass windows and a clean display of varying piping-hot pies. Immediately upon entering the establishment, customers are greeted by amiable and enthusiastic employees standing behind the display of cheesy pizza pies and crispy side dishes. Our eyes began feasting before we had a helping of their traditional Italian platters. 

Nadia and I were immeditaely delighted with the range of appetizers provided by the helpful staff. Lost with which starters would look and taste the best, we recited de guidance from the employees at Andiamo to ensure we selected their freshest and most popular picks. The garlic knots, served with a runny marinara sauce and sprinkled with chunks of basil, arrived first. 

A close look at the buttery garlic knots we quickly devoured.

“Oh! The garlic knots are so  fluffy and buttery. They’re topped with grated parmesan and basil,” Nadia commented. “I enjoyed it best when dipped in delicious marinara sauce.”

The jalepenos poppers followed, which were highly regarded and typically are not found at most pizza establishments. These madeline-shaped fried vegetables were breaded to a golden brown color, served with a marinara sauce and complemented by a gooey American cheese inside. Their packed punches of heat were delectable in my case, though too spicy for Nadia’s preference. She primarily ate the mozerella sticks while we conversed about final exams and upcoming school deadlines.

“The mozzarella sticks had a great cheese pull. I made sure to get it on video because it looked perfect. It was very fun and enough to share!” Nadia raved. 

Nadia’s main course was a large, crispy calzone.

Nadia ordered the cheese calzone, characterized by its crispy shell and surprising size, for her main course. This soft and bready meal was comprised of three cheeses: ricotta, romano, and mozzarella.

“The cheese calzone appeared light and airy, but when I cut it open I was surprised with how much cheese there was,” she evaluated. “The cheese is very stretchy and is a great meal for friends to share.”

I personally picked a classic Philly cheesesteak with the finest imported mozzarella cheese, green bell peppers, and sautéed onions—all sandwiched between a loaf of bread. The bread was perfectly crispy on the outside, soft and chewy on the inside. 

I could hardly finish this generous portion of a Philly cheesesteak.

“I thought the Philly cheese steak was very filling and perfect for students in need of a nice warm meal. Neither of us could finish it!” Nadia exclaimed.

We couldn’t leave the premise until we tried a few slices of pizzas, therefore we each opted for a different style. Nadia described the pepperoni pizza to be of a perfect size with a prominent savory flavor. I noted my margarita pizza to be well-garnished and of a pillowy texture for the dough. The slice is their signature choice with thin crust, topped with their homemade tomato sauce, fresh mozzarella, extra virgin olive oil, oregano, imported parmesan romano, and fresh basil. It was an excellent dinner.

We closed our evening off with the enticing homemade New York style cheesecake. I appreciated the base of graham crackers, as it wasn’t too sweet nor too crumbly. The cheesecake itself was sweet and creamy, though it didn’t stick to my teeth. The paired deep purple syrup, meant for dipping, is a thoughtful addition to this already exquisite dish.

We shared a New York style slice of cheesecake with sweet syrup for dipping.

For students who find their local pizzeria underwhelming, Nadia and I suggest taking a short trip to Andiamo Pizza for their sandwiches, calzones, and superb slices. The eatery has partnered with the Campus Clipper to offer students a discount when they present the coupon below along with their valid student ID.

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Just Around the Corner: Uncle Ted’s

Friday, May 23rd, 2025

Uncle Ted’s, unlike the name suggests, is an authentic, modern Chinese restaurant in the heart of Greenwich Village. Just around the corner from New York University, this unique establishment blends traditional Asian cuisine and curated American flavors to create a tasteful experience. My friend Tenzin and I spent an evening pouring over their descriptive menu, under gilded lamps and glowing lights. The romantic atmosphere was perfect for a date night, or a much-needed catch-up between close friends.

The beautifully decorated interior of Uncle Ted’s.

We began with two show-stopping appetizers. First was the crunchy, mouthwatering sweet and spicy crispy beef. These thinly sliced pieces were golden brown and generously seasoned. Our second shared platter was a dish of cold sesame noodles seasoned with peanut and cucumber.

The crispy, golden brown appetizer, served piping hot.

“The cold noodles were plated very nicely, even aesthetically, with the peanut sauce and cucumbers on top. The peanut sauce went unexpectedly very nicely with the slippery noodles,” Tenzin reviewed honestly. “The sweet and sour beef was light and crunchy. It also had a nice balance of the intense flavors that weren’t too overpowering.”

The peanut sauce cold noodles serves quickly to our table.

The next platter presented had four pieces of pork-shrimp shumai—soft, delicate, and bite-sized, perfect for a small appetizer. I appreciated their vibrant colors and careful wrappings, which were a perfect transition to the equally appealing entrees. 

“It had a very smooth texture and had bright color in the middle. I was able to eat it one bite and it was a great option to start with,” Tenzin stated.

We shared a sautéed flank steak with broccoli, with such elevated flavors on a classic dish. This classic beef platter is often found on the menus of Chinese takeout restaurants, retaining its popular seasonings but with a beautiful presentation.

Tenzin happily presents the twice-cooked pork with greens.

”Beef and broccoli is always a good combo that can’t do no wrong! Uncle’s Ted’s steak tasted great coupled with the broccoli. It had a mixture of chewy and crunchy textures,” Tenzin consulted.

As for the second main course, a large serving of double-cooked pork belly was set on the table with mixed vegetables and varying flavors. We washed down our meals with an ice-cold peach drink for Tenzin and a sweet brown sugar beverage for me. My glass had an excellent presentation, with a dark chestnut-colored syrup lining the rim.

“The pork belly with greens was crispy and light. It had just enough spice that didn’t overdo it,” Tenzin concluded.

Our evening spread of spiced pork and sweet steak.

Our delightful experience as Uncle Ted’s was unmatched by other New York City Chinese restaurants, as the establishment was chic and classy, yet affordable and tasty. It would serve as a perfect date spot with a partner or an easy choice for a group dinner, particularly for students in the NYU area. This underrated and overlooked sit-down restaurant offers a wide assortment of flavors for its customers, made more accessible with their coupon from the Campus Clipper. Students are able to redeem a discount when they present the image below with their valid student ID.

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Just Around the Corner: Sauerkraut Fish

Tuesday, May 13th, 2025

One cuisine I will never be sick of is Chinese food, especially as an Asian American student studying far from home. Having what tastes like a home-cooked meal is paramount to my mental well-being and sense of belonging in New York City. My friend Paolo and I spent our lunch break at Sauerkraut Fish, a sit-down restaurant just around the corner from New York University. Both of us craved the familiarity of Asian cuisine, considering we had been away from home for most of the semester. We needed a hot meal to recover from the difficult semester we endured and an afternoon to catch up on internship updates.

The savory, sweet Kung Pao chicken.

As we lamented over the difficulties in landing a job on LinkedIn, we ordered the Chengdu spicy cold noodles to share. This platter is made with an abundance of chili oil, which I advise against for those who are unable to tolerate high spice levels. The noodles left a zesty zing in the back of my throat, which is a pleasant kick for me, though maybe not all customers. We thoroughly enjoyed the starter nonetheless.

“The cold noodles were very refreshing on this hot day in May. They have a strong spicy kick that leaves your mouth tingling,” Paolo ecstatically finished the first portion of food.

Paolo serves himself some cold noodles.

Our polite server presented us with Sichuan wontons marinating in a bowl of chili oil. These wontons were soft, silky, and tender. They were drenched in a spicy garlic marinade, filled with various vibrant seasonings. The abundance of flavors sparked my taste buds and kept me craving more. 

“The wontons were very juicy and flavorful, the Szechuan paired very nicely with them. There’s definitely a lot of oil in the bowl, if that’s your thing,” Paolo informed. Despite his small critique, he ate all of the wontons I was unable to finish.

The beef made szechuan style was tender, well flavored, and a perfect simple dish for those who don’t do well with spice. Onions, sliced jalapeños, broccoli, and tomatoes elevated the platter entirely.

A close up of the spicy wontons.

”Szechuan Beef! The meet is very, very tender and had lots of spices. The Szechuan flavor was not too overpowering. It paired very nicely with the white rice and noodles,” my friend commented as we jointly finished the plate.

Lastly, the classic Kung Pao sealed our afternoon meal. Paolo seemed to enjoy the dish, immediately staking his claim on taking home the leftovers.

“The Kung Pao chicken was slightly crispy and bursting with sweet and tangy flavor and a slight kick,” Paolo enthusiastically said. “Very generous serving size, very filling too!”

The assortment for our lunch at Sauerkraut Fish.

We truly enjoyed our lunch, with an emphasis on the bowl of wontons or prospective customers who enjoy intense spice. Sauerkraut Fish has partnered with the Campus Clipper to offer students a discount when they present the coupon below and their student ID.

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Just Around the Corner: Nuovo York Pizza

Sunday, May 11th, 2025

I have been in search of a perfect pizza joint during my time in New York City as a college student. Having a local eatery that specializes in such an easy, relaxed, and quick dinner after late-night parties and expensive ubers home is of paramount importance, especially in one’s early twenties. Unfortunately, I am currently unemployed and am in dire need of adorable, savory meals. My friend Marlie and I sought out a spot we’ve seen on social media multiple times, Nuovo York Pizza, just around the corner from New York University. The homey restaurant is managed by a man with a chemical engineering degree, who ensures his pizzas are made with the best and freshest ingredients for all his customers. 

Take a look into the process of making one of these large, homemade pizzas.

Marlie first tried a double-crust square slice, while I had the signature spinach mushroom with cream sauce. We noticed that thick-crust each slice is named after a different New York City neighborhood, like Tompkins Square (BBQ chicken with mozzarella cheese), Times Square (buffalo chicken on mozzarella cheese), Washington Square (classic pepperoni pizza), and Herald Square (simple mozzarella cheese). 

“The thick-crust square cheese slice had a perfectly crispy breading, it was a delicious simple cheese option,” Marlie reviewed.

This is the signature spinach mushroom pizza pie, sliced for easy enjoyment.

Regarding the spinach mushroom slice, it was easily my personal favorite of the night. I truly loved how rich, creamy. and abundant the sauce was. I found it similar to Artichoke Pizza’s signature dish, though their pizzas are entirely too large for a single serving and are fairly pricey. The spinach mushroom at Nuovo York is a much more affordable and practical alternative for New Yorkers. I especially enjoyed their barbecue chicken slice in comparison to the many chains around Pace University I frequented after my 9:00pm classes and cram-sessions in the library.

Marlie happily presenting the square barbecue slice.

“I absolutely loved the vodka sauce pizza. It had a beautiful presentation. The sweet tangy sauce on the Vodka slice is a must try!” Marlie raved. “Probably my favorite out of the ones we tried.”

We ordered a platter of garlic knots with a side of marinara sauce for an extra tanginess on our palates. These golden brown, lightly-toasted, chewy knots of dough were a delightful addition to our meal. Garnished with chopped garlic and parsley, Marlie and I gleefully devoured the side dish as we drenched them in the provided  tomato sauce.

“Topped with mozzarella and arugula, the margarita slice balances the smoky crust well with its fresh greens,” Marlie commented.

The stunning margarita slice, dressed with olive oil, arugula, and extra cheese.

The two of us left Nuovo York with full stomachs and peace-of-mind, as the establishment was a short walk from a subway station and we were able to head home safely from our dinner. We favored the spinach mushroom cream pizza and margarita slice the most, as they were incredibly tasty and affordable. The aforementioned chemical engineer running this local pizza joint has partnered with the Campus Clipper to offer students a discount when they present their valid student ID and coupon below.

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Just Around the Corner: Stuytown Marketplace

Sunday, May 4th, 2025

Aidann Gia Bacolodan, Pace University

A New York City college student is not a New York City college student until they find their favorite corner, typically known for its deli-marketplace. I found my personal choice of a bodega recently, alongside my friend Emmely.

As we entered the air-conditioned deli in the early summer heat, a joyful team greeted us, while juicing a variety of brightly-colored beverages. We knew we had to order a few, considering how sticky and humid the weather was. I selected the deep magenta “morning sunshine” smoothie, while Emmely opted for a large, fresh carrot juice.

“The fresh juice even tasted healthy! I really love that the staff make it right in front of you with a real juicer, that’s an experience I rarely see anymore,” Emmely thought. “It was not too sweet. You know it’s a quality, fresh, unprocessed beverage.”

Our sandwiches were the main entrees, though there were a plethora of other foods to order from. Paninis and subs caught our eye the most, resulting in an “originally philly” and a “captain america” spread for our lunch. The toasted loaves of bread, cheesy centers, and fresh lettuce beds were a perfect mix of textures. With golden brown shells, fluffy breading, and tender meats, our entrees were a delicious way to end our day of classes and meetings. I wholly appreciated the addition of a sliced dill pickle and side of crispy potato chips to our orders.

My original Philly cheesesteak sliced in two.

“Again, their food is really good. They fill that sandwich up with meat, for real!” Emmely said. “So much protein in a single meal, but you can customize it if you want to change it up.”

Based on the recommendations we received, Emmely ordered the apple pie bowl and I indulged in the sunshine bowl. Her colorful apple pie bowl was filled to the brim with their classic ice-cold açaí mix, an entire sliced banana, and abundance of apple slices, and a heaping spoonful of oats. My beautifully presented bowl was composed of pineapple chunks, fresh blueberries, chia seeds, and a thinly sliced banana. I quickly consumed this treat before it could melt, feeling healthy and satisfied afterwards. These dishes could be eaten as a breakfast or a dessert, as they are filling, sweet, and fruity. She also had a moist, warmed, red-velvet muffin for her afternoon finale.

Emmely happily showing off her red-velvet muffin.

“For the Açai bowl, it’s so good! Especially if you love fresh granny apple slices and caramel. Not too sweet either, but very sugar-packed,” my friend commented. “I appreciated the velvety muffin. It really was good, it had a cream cheese filling which was smooth. The perfect pairing for the thick red velvet batter.”

Our two colorful, nutrient-rich açaí bowls.

“The place was really nice and chill and the owner was so accommodating. The menu was huge, so there’s definitely something for every taste and mood, whether it’s a quick snack or a whole meal. Very quick, and efficient too, for on the go shopping!” Emmely reviewed.

For students looking for their favorite deli in their area, I would recommend trying Stuytown Marketplace, considering they have a wide selection of meals, beverages, and snacks.


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