The Optimist
You are here: Home / Life

Sandwiches on the cheap

by

Sandwiches and burgers can serve as swift and thrifty options for famished college students - and they don't have to come off the value menu. Several area establishments offer discounted burgers and sandwiches, which can be a perfect solution for on-the-go students. Rick and Carolyn's Burgers and Fries, located at 549 Ambler Avenue, offers $1 ... [Read More…]

‘Crunchetize’ me, Chaplain!

by

We've all been there, silently cringing as our stomachs rumble loudly through Chapel Guy Mark Lewis' list of prayer requests. Unfortunately, hunger rarely respects holiness, and on occasion, even the most reverent Chapel attendee needs a snack in order to make it until we can swipe out of Moody. But to what foods can Moody munchers resort? The ... [Read More…]

Rice Noodle at Taste of Asia

by

It's a taste of home. Taste of Asia s one of my favorite place to get home-like food. For me, it's even better than many Chinese restaurants -- it has a taste of home which I don't get from other places. Taste of Asia offers food from South East Asia like Vietnam, Phillipines and Thai Land. The food culture in my hometown which locates in south ... [Read More…]

Students should experience local restaurants

by

The road trip rulebook clearly states: while on a road trip, travelers should only eat at restaurants they do not have in their hometown. However, I'm putting a new spin on this classic rule. This month I'm trying to skip the chains and eat at restaurants unique to Abilene. And it won't be difficult. What Abilene may lack in size and excitement, ... [Read More…]

A Feast With Gourmet Food From All Over the World

by

In Abilene, a place offers gourmet food from all over the world made by professional cooks - the international dinner at the Greens' house takes place every Friday afternoon during school. The Greens have been hosting the international dinner for more than eight years. The purpose is to offer international students in Abilene home-like food and to ... [Read More…]

Life lessons learned in the kitchen

by

Today I set out to turn culinary chaos into divine dinner. I ended up with something more valuable than becoming a better cook. If you recall, last week I decided to embark on becoming a better cook. If you can't recall, check out my last blog entry. So anyways, back to the kitchen. I chose a recipe from one of my favorite chefs Bobby Flay. I ... [Read More…]

Enjoy your homemade colorful gourmet

by

A good way to select vegetables is to look at the color -- the darker and more colorful a vegetable is, the more nutritious. Beautiful colors add flavor and enjoyment to a dish, and fried celery beef is a good example. It's also one of the easiest Chinese dishes to make. For this dish, you'll need: 3-4 small dry peppers, which you can easily get ... [Read More…]

Combating my caffeine craving

by

For years, studies have been conducted on college students and how they use caffeine products. Results vary widely, but what is known about caffeine is that it can become addictive, and what I know about caffeine is that it is hard to get through a busy day at school without it. Last Friday, I checked my horoscope on an app for my iPhone. It said, ... [Read More…]

Texas’ foods steeped in tradition

by

Traditions reign supreme in Texas. After 175 years of independence, residents of the Lone Star State maintain one of the most unique diets in the nation. Most states have a state food. Residents of Maine prefer the blue crab as their state fare. Floridians adopted the orange as their state fruit.  Texas, not surprisingly, has gone over-the-top ... [Read More…]

You are here: Home / Life