One thing that I love about being in Philly is there are always options. Whether it is what show to see, where to study, or a new area of the city to explore, the options are endless. One of my favorite choices to make is where to dine on campus. The following are my top ten favorites:

10. Japanese & Korean Food. [In front of the Biological Science building] This is my personal favorite Asian food on campus, seconded by the Temple Star off Broad.

9. Einstein Bros. [In the SAC] It’s the real thing and worth the wait. Try the Tasty Turkey!

8. Starbucks. [In the Tech Center and the Barnes & Noble on Cecil B. Moore] Classic and necessary, the Tech Center Starbucks is open all night during the week.

7. Auntie Anne’s. [Outside the main cafeteria of the SAC] New this semester, but the pretzels are already perfected. Skip the outside vendor pretzels and stop by the SAC; the honey mustard sauce alone is worth it.

6. Mister Softee. [Berks Mall, in front of the Library]. On a hot day, nothing beats this ice cream truck permanently parked on campus (without the pesky amplified jingle)!

5. The Bagel Shop. [Berks Mall, across the street from the Bell Tower] The line forms for a reason. The bagel sandwiches are excellent, but there is also a variety of snacky items to fit any appetite.

4. Nuaji Sushi Bar. [In the SAC]. The sushi here is actually amazing. Do not let the fact it’s located in a cafeteria scare you, this is my favorite light lunch (or dinner!) option.

3. Owl’s Nest. [One house away from MCPC]. Location, location, location. Best for late night munchies, but convenient all the time. Skip the pizza, the toasted sandwiches and fresh salads are excellent.

2. The Creperie. [On Norris, between Beury Hall and the arts building] At 5$ for a savory crepe and a drink, this is by far the best vendor truck, and, I may venture to say, the best eating spot on campus. The crepes are large and packed with filling, the options are incredible, and it’s even open till 8 pm!

1. Insomnia Cookies. [Located next to the SAC, but they deliver!] Three steps to cookie heaven. Order Online. Answer the door (and pay). Eat delicious, warm, melty cookies with milk. The idea is genius, but beware they are addicting.

This week I would like to take a minute to say thank you to the mom and pop of PSAB (Philadelphia Student Activities Board), namely Caroline Sharp and Phil Hobbes.

Thank you for providing the pancakes. Every other Wednesday, you provide us with pancakes and an opportunity to catch up with the Messiah community mid-week. You guys know how to do pancakes. You don’t just give us the regular old flapjack with some syrup on the side. Its berries, peanut butter, chocolate chips, cherries, and spices… a topping to satisfy every possible craving. Thanks for our pancake time together, where we can break from studies and exchange conversation, a laugh, and empathy.

Thank you for the weekend activities, which are frequent and thoughtful. You taught us to be children again on the skate rink. The guided field trips through independence hall and to various museums challenge us to become educated about Philly during our stay here.

Thank you for taking us out to ethnic restaurants! I especially appreciated the Pad Thai and Malaysian tea from Banana leaf, but the Continental cuisine comes in close second.
Also, the Insomnia cookie order, although not ethnic, was greatly appreciated. You have opened my eyes to a new world of delivery delights.

Lastly, thank you for planning a trip to Reading Terminal Market and a Phillies game on my birthday! You said it was not planned like that, but I suspect different. ;D

Mom and pop PSAB, you have been an active force in unifying our MCPC community and my Philly experience would not have been the same with out you. Keep up the good work!