From Corn Chowder to Cake Balls…

As we transition from that awkward post-midterm state into the pre-finals series of papers and quizzes, there is really one thing that every single person undoubtably needs: a warm hug. Since those are something you kind of have to find of your own accord, let’s move onto the next thing that everyone really needs in this transitionary period: a good study space.

I may be partial to Engrained Cafe because I live in the building attached to it, but one of my favorite study spaces is the eco-friendly cafe that sits in an introduction to Loyola’s IES (Institute of Environmental Sustainability) building. Engrained Cafe itself is a small open kitchen experience which sells some of the most delicious food that I’ve had during my experience at Loyola, conveniently connected to a seated area that is perfect for enjoying your meal and functioning as a study space.

First thing first, I’ll tell you about the food. My usual meal consisting of a fresh made grilled cheese (with two different kinds of cheese, add a fresh tomato slice or two) and a cup of soup (try the tomato basil or my favorite, the corn chowder) costs around $6, all served on eco-friendly plates. Engrained also sells pastry items from a local bakery, everything from a mushroom and feta quiche to a variety cake balls. I got the chance to meet with the bakers one day, and talked to them about some of the processes that went into making their products. I learned that some of the items took as long as three days from start to finish, and that the bakers put an immense amount of care and held a huge amount of pride in their products, as they should because every single thing I’ve tasted has been absolutely delicious.

Besides the allure of food, Engrained has one of the coolest settings to study in. The tables are all refurbished Chicago wood, equipped with three or four comfy chairs per table. Five or six pillars stand to divide these tables into sections and provide charging areas for laptops and various other electronic devices, and that’s seemingly the extent of their purposes. However, the shiny white coating over these pillars denote otherwise: they are white boards. Students can often times be seen scribbling notes or outlines onto them, whether functional for homework or just a study break.

Engrained is open until 8 on weeknights, and closed on the weekends. Sometimes if you go there late on a Friday night to study and wait until around close to purchase things, you’ll get a cake ball or some other small item thrown in with your purchase as they cannot keep the pastries over the weekend. (This is not guaranteed, so please don’t ask for it.) It also accepts either Flex Dollars (the $100 or $200 that come with the meal plan of your choice) or Rambler Bucks (money you add to your ID yourself.)

So grab your white board markers and your ID card, and make your way down to Engrained, for anything from corn chowder to cake balls.