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Content about Cuisine

April 25, 2013
A Little Taste of India: Eastern Cuisine Paradise

They offer a generous wine list and various brews with which to pair their brazenly flavored entrees. Some of the house favorites include shrimp Tikka Masala, Tandoori chicken, and Vindaloo--which I learned is a storied dish of Eastern India which stars hot and spicy curry made with chilies and vinegar.

How exciting it felt to finally review a restaurant that falls outside the Western culinary tradition. The idea that my next review would entail a visit to A Taste of Little India brought both a sense of relief and a realization that my knowledge of Indian food lacks depth.  However, a willingness to learn and explore food cultures beyond the repetitive landscape of restaurant choices in Merced soon dispelled any fears. It also helped that I brought along a friend whose bold appetite and candid opinion helped to broaden my perspective.

March 8, 2013
Pinnochio's - A Mediocre Eatery

In my forays into Merced, a couple of things have become apparent. One is that there is plenty to do on the weekends. This is evident by the pulse and glow scorching from the marquee at the Merced Theater. Another is that there are plenty of eateries willing to accommodate the hungry masses who venture downtown at night.

 

In my forays into Merced, a couple of things have become apparent. One is that there is plenty to do on the weekends. This is evident by the pulse and glow scorching from the marquee at the Merced Theater. Another is that there are plenty of eateries willing to accommodate the hungry masses who venture downtown at night.

April 9, 2012
Hong Kong Restaurant in Merced Tops Alternatives

Having recovered from the last Chinese restaurant I visited, it is now time to visit another option in the great search for a good, reliable Chinese place. Hong Kong restaurant, in the Raley's shopping center, has been an object of interest to those who visit Mel's cafe on the other side of the grocery store. Its placement in opposition has forced Mel's to change its menu somewhat, possibly creating greater diversity of Asian cuisine in our fair city. Curious about whether this new contender deserved its place as competition, I decided to go and check it out.

March 14, 2012
Midterms: Getting The A Grade

In spring, there is a tendency to think of new beginnings, or have a fresh start. Now, however, time has passed since the new semester has rolled in, and midterms have come around. Students have started to place study habits into high gear, and have taken their first set of midterms. Even though one round is over the period of taking midterms is not yet done.  Zara Khurshid, a senior studying Psychology and currently going through the application process for UCDC, said, “This is just the beginning. Midterm season, within spring semester, last until Spring Break.” 

In spring, there is a tendency to think of new beginnings, or have a fresh start. Now, however, time has passed since the new semester has rolled in, and midterms have come around. Students have started to place study habits into high gear, and have taken their first set of midterms. Even though one round is over the period of taking midterms is not yet done.  Zara Khurshid, a senior studying Psychology and currently going through the application process for UCDC, said, “This is just the beginning. Midterm season, within spring semester, last until Spring Break.”

March 14, 2012
New China: Acceptable Chinese Cuisine for a Reasonable Price

Good Chinese food, especially in the Central Valley, is a rare and precious resource. When an excellent restaurant is found, one should love and coo over it, going there as often as reasonably possible in order to support it. However, in the hunt for that wonderful establishment, one must unfortunately search through other, lesser restaurants. Such a lesser Chinese food place is New China, a small cafe at 1513 W. Main St.

Good Chinese food, especially in the Central Valley, is a rare and precious resource. When an excellent restaurant is found, one should love and coo over it, going there as often as reasonably possible in order to support it. However, in the hunt for that wonderful establishment, one must unfortunately search through other, lesser restaurants. Such a lesser Chinese food place is New China, a small cafe at 1513 W. Main St.

February 29, 2012
Thai Star Restaurant

One cuisine that Merced has never lacked is Thai food; there are currently eight restaurants that serve Thai cuisine operating here. Some are of much higher quality than others, of course, and it seems that every UCM student has his or her favorite. The more obscure ones are often overlooked even when they have quite a lot to offer. Such is the case with Thai Star Restaurant, tucked away on Alexander Avenue, just off of G. Street.

One cuisine that Merced has never lacked is Thai food; there are currently eight restaurants that serve Thai cuisine operating here. Some are of much higher quality than others, of course, and it seems that every UCM student has his or her favorite. The more obscure ones are often overlooked even when they have quite a lot to offer. Such is the case with Thai Star Restaurant, tucked away on Alexander Avenue, just off of G. Street.

February 16, 2012
Taste of Little India Spices Up Merced Palette

Indian food is scarce in the Central Valley. This is a fact with which most people who live here must come to terms if they are to survive.  Fans of this cuisine must take regular trips to the major cities of the coast. Merced is no exception to this, even if it has fared better than most towns: there is one Indian food restaurant available here.

Indian food is scarce in the Central Valley. This is a fact with which most people who live here must come to terms if they are to survive.  Fans of this cuisine must take regular trips to the major cities of the coast. Merced is no exception to this, even if it has fared better than most towns: there is one Indian food restaurant available here.

November 6, 2011
Mooyah Burger: A Step in the Right Direction for Casual Merced Dining

For the casual dining experience, Merced offers little to appease fans of the traditional “American” hamburger.  Of course the usual suspects like Burger King and McDonalds offer variants that too often result in upset and/or unsatisfied stomachs, but Merced deserves a better burger joint.  Lucky for us that Mooyah Burger emerged from the greasy gloom of fast food frivolity.  

For the casual dining experience, Merced offers little to appease fans of the traditional “American” hamburger.  Of course the usual suspects like Burger King and McDonalds offer variants that too often result in upset and/or unsatisfied stomachs, but Merced deserves a better burger joint.  Lucky for us that Mooyah Burger emerged from the greasy gloom of fast food frivolity. 

July 18, 2011
Merced's Best Choice

Whether it is at the conclusion of a rigorous study session, an equally intense procrastination spell, or spending time with friends and family, sometimes you really need a good meal. 

Whether it is at the conclusion of a rigorous study session, an equally intense procrastination spell, or spending time with friends and family, sometimes you really need a good meal. 

For those not familiar with the Merced area and its culinary offerings, finding such a meal can prove a daunting and frustrating task, especially when hunger has set in.  Invariably, the craving for Chinese food will hit, and with many options in town, the tough decision needs to be made on where to go.