ice cream

Dining in the Short North

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Hey first year students!

Missing your mom’s cooking? Tired of always eating at Traditions? Try going to the Short North! COTA buses can take you there in minutes and it’s a fun, easy, and appetizing weekend activity.

There are also awesome affordable options. Some cheap and casual choices include Mikey’s Late Night Slice and Melt Bar and Grilled. If you are a huge fan of grilled cheese, like me, Melt is the place to go. Late Night Slice — which is somewhat of a dive — offers cheap, delicious, and quick pizza.

If you’re willing to spend a little extra money for delicious dinning Northstar Cafe and North Market are fantastic prospects. North Star, a spunky organic restaurant, has great brunch and offers vegetarian options. North Market, my favorite, is like a food festival! Individual cafes, butchers, grocers, ice-creameries, and bakers are set up in a retro warehouse. Although it can be a bit pricy, there are so many yummy options. Some include crepes, Thai food, Indian, German styled sandwiches, etc. If you go to North Market, be sure to factor in money to park if you don’t take the bus.

If you’re craving authentic food, a few selections include Marcella’s, Haiku Poetic Food and Art and La Fogata Grill. La Fogata delivers mouthwatering Mexican food — the restaurant offers fajitas, tacos, enchiladas, and other authentic cuisine. Marcella’s, an Italian restaurant, has great high-end pizza and pasta. Haiku Poetic Food and Art offers Asian Pacific style food, like appetizing sushi, noodles, salads, and more. Poets, musicians, and artists come in to perform as part of a fine dining experience — the atmosphere is amazing!

If you’re looking for desert options or if you love coffee, there are a number of selections in the Short North. Some include famous, locally owned Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams, Le Chocoholique, Tasi Café, and ZenCha Tea Salon. If you have not already tasted some of Jeni’s ice cream, it’s a fantastic place to bring your family if they are visiting. Le Chocoholique has fondues, coffees and gelato. They also have delicious crème brûlée. Tasi Café has enjoyable coffee in addition to freshly baked breads, and they also offer breakfast, lunch, and dinner options. Finally ZenCha Tea Salon is a fun place to drink lots of tea or experience the ambient atmosphere.

If you’re looking for something fun, want to experience delicious foods, or want to adventure through Columbus, check out the Short North!!

31 Ways Your First Year is Like Your Favorite Flavor of Ice Cream

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Ohio State was founded in 1870 as a land-grant university. 75 years later in 1945, two hopeful entrepreneurs created an international sensation and paved the way for ice cream shops. This sensation is now known as Baskin-Robbins, which originally featured 31 ice cream flavors – one for each day of the month. Oddly enough, these 31 ice cream are similar to different aspects of your first year. Here is a fun and lighthearted list of what you may experience during your first year at Ohio State, represented by Baskin-Robbins ice cream flavors.

1. Creole Cream Cheese: Get ready for a whole new experience.

2. Chocolate: Use campus resources for a rich, smooth transition.

3. Lemon Custard: Like some untraditional flavors, you may need to adjust to some things. 

4. Peppermint Stick: Many aspects will be fresh and new.

5. Banana Nut Fudge: Like the many ingredients in this flavor, there will be so many things to do.

6. Maple Syrup: Love syrup? Get a side with some pancakes at Sloopy’s Diner. 

7. Egg Nog: During the holiday season, be sure to go to Light Up the Lake.

8. Rock ‘n Pop Swirl Sherbet: Want some exercise? Dance to the music at BuckeyeThon.

9. Splish Splash Yogurt: Get your swim on at the RPAC (the pools are amazing!).

10. Amazing Spider-Man 2: See your favorite movie on the Oval with OUAB.

11. German Chocolate Cake: Visit German Village.

12. Baseball Nut: See a Clippers baseball game downtown.

13. Cherry Macaroon: Maybe you come here and find that special someone, that “cherry to your macaroon.” Go for a romantic walk around Mirror Lake (see #2 on this list of romantic places)…

14. Love Potion #31: …and maybe even win his or her heart.

15. Peppermint Fudge Ribbon: If you’re looking to “make ties” you can start by attending the Student Involvement Fair in the fall.

16. Super Yumberry Greek Yogurt: Find out what it means to be in Greek Life.

17. World Class Chocolate: Definitely look for a study abroad opportunity! (I went to Guatemala this past year and it was such a great experience.)

18. French Vanilla: En savoir plus sur l’étude à l’étranger à l’étude à l’étranger exposition!

19. Pistacho Almond: So get crackin’!

20. Chocolate Ribbon: A school like Ohio State is a gift, unwrap that gift and think outside of the box.

21. Rainbow: There is something here for everyone, regardless of background. Find your own “pot of gold” at the end of your journey.

22. Cotton Candy: Have fun and don’t be afraid embrace your childish side.

23. Pineapple Sherbet: Trust me, college is going to be sweet.

24. Lemon Crisp: It can also be sour at times.

25. Rocky Road: There are going to be bumps along the way.

26. Coffee: You may need some energy for those late night study sessions.

27. Strawberry: Stop by for a treat at Thompson Library’s Berry Café.

28. Chocolate Chip: Big or small, no two chips are the same. Be your own person.

29. Peach: Do your best in your classes, so you can be just peachy.

30. Vanilla: Vanilla is standard. Ohio State has high standards for you, but we have faith you can be successful here.

31. Date Nut: And at the heart of it all is a nut that we all love: a Buckeye.

Your first year will be one to remember, so try to make the most of it. Get involved, meet people and take risks. This will be a time that will challenge you, but at the same time will teach you so many things. You will discover more about yourself and make the friends of a lifetime, so get pumped because your college experience is just around the corner!

Stay tuned for Sam’s post, the 33 Things I Now Know About Ohio.