Located just past the Walgreens on the corner of Lake St. and Del Mar Ave., Mendocino Farms is the perfect lunch spot for finals week. The staff are enthusiastic about the menu and offer in-depth recommendations. A Mendocino Farms classic, the “Not So Fried Chicken Sandwich” is a crispy chicken sandwich layered with creamy sauces, providing the perfect mix of flavors and textures. Another sandwich worth purchasing is the “Prosciutto and Chicken Sandwich.” The sandwich is filled with unique ingredients, such as almonds, which give it a yummy crunch. If you prefer healthier options, Mendocino Farm’s “Strawberry Fields Salad with Chicken” is a great choice. The sweet and savory salad contains fresh greens and strawberries topped off with a salty dressing. Lastly, Mendocino Farms offers a variety of homemade beverages including my favorite: The “Classic Lemonade.” I believe a high-quality restaurant should offer substantial lemonade options, and Mendocino Farms goes above and beyond. The quality of the food at Mendocino Farms is exceptionally high considering their relatively low prices.
This Pasadena classic, sit-down restaurant should be a staple for lunch during finals week. Rated one of the top one hundred best burgers in the United States by Food Network, Pie ‘n Burger does not hesitate to meet its title. Their juicy cheeseburger is a wonderful mix of chilled lettuce and tomatoes on top of a steaming burger patty covered with thousand island sauce. The burger is topped off with a beautiful soft bun that melts in your mouth. Pie ‘n Burger does not stop at just its phenomenal burger. They also offer chili fries and a wide assortment of sandwiches. As its name suggests, Pie ‘n Burger serves an immense amount of different pie flavors ranging from apple to boysenberry to coconut cream. It is important to bring cash to Pie ‘n Burger because they do not accept cards; they use a vintage cashier machine to add to their old diner aesthetic.
The moment I stepped into Lake Avenue’s Granville, the modern restaurant offered a warm and inviting atmosphere that relieved the stress of school exams. Embellished with soft lighting and cozy seating, the modern interior is beautifully enhanced. As I perused the menu, I noticed the impressive variety of mouthwatering dishes, including vibrant salads, poké, and juicy burgers. Granville’s tuna sesame soba contains perfectly seared tuna steak with a delicate soy glaze that rests atop a bed of nutty, al dente soba noodles. Eating at Granville let me unwind after block day exams. Although this sit-down restaurant is not a top pick for students during normal lunch periods, the two-hour break during block week allows time for the weight of exam stress to dissipate and gives students the opportunity to rejuvenate with sweet potato fries and veggie churrasco flatbread.
As a sushi aficionado, I knew Noda Sushi, which sits next to the famous Nothing Bundt Cakes on Lake Ave., would become one of my havens. The restaurant displays a warm atmosphere, the modern furniture merging with various Japanese elements. The attention to detail is apparent in the arranged sushi bar, elegantly set tables and the diverse menu. The menu contains delectable yet unique rolls, including the “Crazy Roll” with spicy crab and avocado and the “Lake Roll,” which contains spicy langostino and imitation crab. I tried the tuna sushi, and it was a delight. The rice had the perfect texture – not too sticky, not too tough, just right – and the fish melted in my mouth. The miso soup was also very enjoyable – creamy, salty, sweet and rich. The soup felt like a comforting hug, which, after a long week of tests and exams, I really needed. If you are looking for a homey restaurant, Noda Sushi is a perfect place to sit down with friends and enjoy refreshing sashimi.
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