This column will explore how food can make or break your day as a college student dealing with God-knows-what and some insight on where to dine to decrease your chances of breaking it. Was it really a true season of “Sex and the City” if more than one episode went by without the girls sitting around the table brunching or lunching? Their plates typically consisted of fruit, dressingless salads or simply a hot-water-with-lemon-meal-substitute; tragic. While the debates over love, heartbreak and disappointment continued season after season without any professional guidance, I realized we are all exactly the same, except they were deprived of Liu’s Cafe which, in all honesty, could be a direct link to Miranda’s delayed sexual awakening. Tackling deeply important topics with your peers, like your actions the night before or your less than ideal midterm grade, can sometimes only be worked through with communal coping — but maybe denial and a little lunch is better than the cost of potentially dozens (because God knows how many you’ll need) of sessions of psychological help . . . right? Right! And lucky for you the perfect place for walk-ins, laughs and even cries just opened up on Gayley! Liu’s Cafe is a fast casual lunch spot serving flavors from Taiwan, Hong Kong and Shanghai. Founded in Koreatown in 2023 by individuals with Korean and Chinese American backgrounds, the cafe went viral across multiple social media platforms. Thanks to its delicious food, specialty drinks and pastries, Liu’s has become so popular it has now expanded into our very own Westwood! The menu consists of great, (Los Angeles affordable), lunch and dinner options depending on what you’re in the mood for. What is better than putting all of your phones face down in the middle of the table (after they eat first, of course) and sharing all the dishes with one another! This menu is suitable for brunch, lunch and dinner, so you can go whenever you’d like from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Wednesday to Sunday. After dining there a few times, I have a few must tries. First, the housemade pork wontons were just perfect in their silky wrappers that surround a springy and juicy pork filling. Then, sipping on their hot milk tea is the best way to wash down the Hong Kong-style French toast with a small pad of butter to spread along the crispy top layer that hides the slightly surprising and sweet lava custard in the middle. And yes — you absolutely have to drench it in the brown-sugar syrup! I know summer is approaching, but don’t let that heat torch your desires of trying the beef noodle soup. The smooth, chestnut-toned broth can only be described as decadent with their freshly made noodles and slow-cooked beef cheek that has flavors that should not be possible for the price of thirteen dollars. Whether you choose some of those items to start the day or taste something I haven’t had the chance to try, this is the place for you and your friends. All you have to do is order at the counter and the host will guide you to your countertop seats. While it may get busy sometimes, take it as an opportunity to go sit in a nearby park or on our beautiful campus with a little picnic blanket — or take a chance and go solo! I’m sure the wontons could taste even better with peace and serenity. I know it can feel uncomfortable going out to eat alone, but sometimes nobody wants to drop $12 on sesame cold noodles and that’s their business. We’re all adults now, and truly, nobody cares if you’re eating alone. Sure, I’ve caught myself giving a long, aching glance at an elderly gentleman sitting solo on a park bench, briefly imagining a grandchild who doesn’t call enough — but that’s where the thought should end. Some independent moments can be desirable! Before I lose the plot entirely and fall down the senior citizen false narrative rabbit hole, I leave you all with this. Lunch is an art form, whether it’s enjoyed, shared or savored alone. Give the giant #13 a break. You don’t always have to do it Mike’s way. Try mine.
