Fall is here, and that means it is time for delicious treats that will warm you from the inside out.
As any good student would do, we left our homework behind and hit the road this Fall Break. In preparation for our adventures, we spent the previous week cleaning out the fridge until all that was left were some hard-boiled eggs and butter. As refreshing as Fall Break was, we all know how unrefreshing post-midterms papers and homework are. Who has had time to go grocery shopping since we’ve come back from break? Not us! Luckily, we have the cure: Take-out.
When the weather is chilly and windy, all anybody wants is something warm and comforting to eat. South Grand Boulevard, in all its glory, has the answer! From spicy Ethiopian lentils to steaming hot Thai noodles, South Grand has it, and has it affordably and conveniently. Located a mile or so from the Health Sciences Campus, it is easily within biking or walking distance, if you have friends and a scarf. You may be overwhelmed by the many options of restaurants with food from all over the world, but do not fret–we’ll share our favorite spots with you.
The first place is truly a little hidden, and certainly a treasure. Meskerem Ethiopian Restaurant is tucked away in a corner nearing the end of “restaurant row” at 3210 S. Grand Blvd. If you aren’t looking, you will miss it—I still do, sometimes.
Immediately when you enter, the smell of lentils and stewed lamb hit your nostrils, and your mouth will instantly water. The portions are enormous and perfect for sharing. We recommend sharing one of the combo plates to try a bit of everything.
If you are dining in, you can always ask for more of whatever “yellow or red stuff you would like.
The best part of the whole dining experience at Meskerem is the bread, an Ehtiopian specialty called “injera,” the perfect vessel for everything on the plate. Whether enjoying this delicious food from the comfort of your own dorm or from the warm and authentic dining room of Meskerem, we guarantee you will enjoy trying something new.
Our next favorite takes us cross-continents to Thailand for some of the best Thai food in the city. The King and I, located at 3157 S. Grand Blvd., is a great place for carryout or dining in and is especially good for warming your insides on a chilly fall night. The King and I offers everything from class Pad Thai to curry in every color, and even more traditional dishes. Each dish comes with an assortment of sauces, from sweet and sour to spicy pepper, that adds even more flavor to your noodles or rice.
The King and I is especially friendly for vegetarians and offers the choice of tofu, chicken, veggies, pork, shrimp or beef to practically any dish, with the added bonus of an all-vegetarian section of the menu. One of our favorites is The King and I Special, which has a little bit of everything Thai and is big enough to split, but we doubt you will go wrong ordering absolutely anything on this menu.
Have you tried these treasures already? Check out some of our other South Grand neighborhood favorites, such as Café Mochi for some of the best sushi you will have (especially the spider roll) or The Vine for some delectable Mediterranean and baba ganoush that you will literally dream about, or go shopping at Jay’s International grocery store to make your own international creation.
