As a part of the BruinLife Food column, we get to write about and review delicious dishes all the time and all over the country. But even off the clock, we still find time to explore the culinary world around us, hungry for more. Whether it be a search for the best Texas BBQ in Austin, a Spanish take on French toast (a dish that actually comes from ancient Rome, by the way) or UCLA’s very own dining options, here are some of the best bites BruinLife ate this past fall.
Terry Black’s BBQ – Beef rib and potato salad
I was lucky enough to travel on down to Texas to cover the 2025 Austin Film Festival. And amongst all the great films I watched and panels with legendary writers I attend, one of the highlights is surprisingly the spread I got from Terry Black’s BBQ. While the beef rib was near $40, it was a fountain of juices, falling off the bone, with a phenomenal meaty bite. And when paired with the spicy BBQ sauce to break through that fat and the cool, creamy potato salad, all wrapped up in the edible napkin that is the complimentary white bread — chef’s kiss.
– Gavin Meichelbock
Mini Kabob – Chicken thigh Cesar wrap
This summer, one of my favorite kabob spots, Mini Kabob, added a Caesar wrap to their menu, so I made sure to try it this quarter. With so many Caesar wraps in the city, it’s hard to make one stand out, but Mini Kabob’s Middle Eastern-infused version makes a classic feel genuinely special. What I love is that it still maintains all the basic Caesar wrap components, the chicken, the peppery flavor and the parmesan, but elevates them. Instead of traditional croutons, they use falafel croutons, which add both texture and a crispy, herby richness. My favorite twist is the addition of their classic garlic sauce, thoum, blended into the original Caesar dressing. Overall, this wrap surpasses every other Caesar wrap I’ve tried. It’s layered, flavorful and genuinely exciting in every bite.
– Reem Almarei
Feast at Rieber – Korean BBQ Seitan Bowl
I was convinced to go vegan for the week leading up to Thanksgiving and while I was at first intimidated, I quickly discovered that eating vegan was not as difficult as I imagined! I am not a fan of tofu, which I thought would be a challenge, but the UCLA dining halls helped me discover seitan, which I love as a protein alternative — it tastes a lot like chicken! My favorite vegan meal was the Korean BBQ Seitan Bowl from Feast: filling, sustainable and delicious! I highly encourage UCLA students with a meal plan to explore the incredible array of vegan options available.
– Maria Kesisoglou
Atelier Manna – Torrija (Spanish French toast)
On a trip to San Diego, I ate at a neighborhood-favored cafe called Atelier Manna, a spot showcasing fresh seasonal ingredients and brunch dishes inspired by global cuisines. My favorite menu item by far was the torrija, a Spanish French toast. Adapted periodically to compliment each season’s flavors, the version I tried included crusty sourdough, thickly cut and deeply caramelized, permeated throughout by a sweet but tart raspberry balsamic. Topped off with more raspberries, bright floral garnishes, crunchy chocolatey granola and tangy chèvre — rich goat cheese, this brunch dish truly delivered, balancing flavor, texture and color all on one plate.
– Amelia Su
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Featured Image Photographed by Julia Gu/BruinLife
