Nom

Over break, I've had all sorts of food, everything from Chinese potlucks to Burger King. Okay, not everything, but a lot of things. And it really made me think about food. Well, I normally also think about food a lot, but it made me thing about food even more. I thought about how, at the potlucks, each family would bring their specialty dish to try to outdo all the other families, how Panda Express can serve fake Chinese food and make it really good, how the Spicy Chick'n Crisp at Burger King was the best deal in burgers since the retired Dollar Menu Double Cheeseburger.

But what I thought about most was none of these. Just last week, I went to Chipotle. This name may sound familiar to a lot of people, but for those missing out, it's a burrito place. And it. Is. Really. Good. Eating at Chipotle reminded me of the thing I liked least about Yale.

There is no Chipotle in New Haven.

There is no Chipotle NEAR New Haven.

The only times I have had Chipotle during the school year were when I went to New York City.

This has been bugging me since September 2007, I kid you not. I don't know why it bothers me. Chipotle's not even that good (just kidding, it is that good.) And there are plenty of substitutes that are just as good, for practically the same price (or cheaper!)

A direct substitute would be one of the numerous burrito carts around campus, conveniently located such as this one on York Street, right next to Trumbull and Saybrook College:

Speaking of food carts, there are more than just burrito food carts. There are Japanese food carts, Mediterranean food carts, Indian food carts, and my favorite, the Thai food carts.

LOOK AT ALL THIS DELICIOUSNESS.

However, my favorite of all, that tops ALL of these, is the inestimable Ivy Noodle.

Now, Ivy Noodle has a bit of a reputation--those who hate it, hate it with a passion. Those who love it, love it with TWO passions. Which means that the net result is that everyone loves it with one passion. Why is it so good? Well, first, it's open until 2am, to serve all your late night needs. Second, it's very close to (most) residential colleges. Lastly, it has everything from small appetizers to small entrees, all for a very reasonable price. Pork fried rice, for example, costs $4 for a hefty portion. L

But my favorite dish is the pan fried wontons. TWELVE for only $3.75. What a steal of a deal for a 2am meal!

Nom.

What was I writing about again? ...Oh, right. The absence of a Chipotle. Which I am still bitter about, by the way. And I can't wait to stew a little more while nomming those delicious, delicious, pan fried wontons.