Ybor Eats on a Budget

(photo: pixabay)

With spring break just around the corner, many USF students will be headed to Ybor to enjoy their week off of school. Ybor is one of the most eclectic cities in Florida and it’s an ideal location for experiencing a mixture of exciting cultures. However, it can be difficult to find great food that won’t break the bank if you don’t know where to look. Luckily, there are several hidden gems within the community that are sure to provide unique cuisine for a college student budget.

La Creperia Café

La Creperia offers diners unique and scrumptious crepes for amazing prices. Giant, fluffy crepes smothered in Nutella, caramel, bananas, strawberries and more make this location a favorite among locals and average around $10 each. The delectable treats all hold unique names like “Marie Antoinette” and “Romeo y Julieta”, adding to the distinctive atmosphere.

The Bricks

Ybor is also home to one of the more bohemian themed restaurants in the area. While the Bricks is known for crowd favorites like “The Elvis”— a peanut butter, banana and bacon sandwich — and pork tacos, they also have one of the best vegetarian menus in the city. This is, without a doubt, the perfect place for cheap and exceptional food. Everything listed above can be purchased for under $10. During spring break, The Bricks is hosting a party to celebrate Vans’ 50th Anniversary.

Ybor City Saturday Market

Your culinary adventure is not complete without a stop to the weekly Ybor market. A variety of vendors sell fresh herbs and spices, assortments of cheese and gourmet food. The best culinary experience at each market is unarguably the fresh bread. Warm Challah, spicy red pepper bread and loaves of Asiago and banana bread are just a fraction of what you can find at the event.

You can munch on delicious goodies while shopping for hidden surprises. If you’re lucky, you may even run into the local astrologer who will analyze your birth chart for you. After all, a weekend in Ybor is anything but ordinary.

How to Avoid Being Unhealthy Around the Holidays (Or Spring Break)

(photo: jBiz)

It’s the most wonderful time of the year and Spring Break is upon us at last!

I love yule tide carols sung by a choir just as much as the next person, but as a college student, this week holds a special place in my heart. Don’t let a whole semester spent at the gym and eating bowls of lettuce to get that spring break bod go to waste: be smart with these few simple steps to look and feel your best the entire week!

STEP 1: This is a marathon—not a sprint

We get it, you’ve been waiting all semester to let loose and have fun, and you don’t want to think about that daunting D- for a week, but pace yourself. Don’t go crazy within the first few days. There will be plenty of overpriced tropical restaurants to indulge in and an endless cruise buffet is not to be taken advantage of. Try to not overeat that way you do not miss out on the adventures—and treats—that the next day has in store!

STEP 2: Choose your battles

Save your calories for foods that you otherwise wouldn’t eat, like a chef specialty or (if you’re over 21) a signature margarita. Don’t munch on candy bars and potato chips while you’re at the pool because you won’t be filled up and will look bloated in your bikini.

STEP 3: Stay active

Fitness and food go hand in hand when it comes to feeling and looking your best. Try to participate in a yoga or Zumba class on your cruise or take time to go for a jog in the morning. Don’t forget to stay hydrated and to drink plenty of water!