Welcome to MBKU!
Graduate school can be tough, so I think it’s really important to find ways to treat yourself! Having things to look forward to can keep you motivated throughout the year,
even when you feel like you might be burning out. For me personally, I love to get a sweet treat after big exams and proficiencies. I’m going to share some of my favorite dessert spots around school that I like to treat myself with throughout the year!
1.Bag of Cakes
You will probably hear about this cafe many times throughout orientation, as it is by far the most popular cafe that MBKU students frequent. It is extremely close to campus and has a huge variety of
pastries and drinks. My favorites here are the mango dragon fruit pudding cups and brioches. Chances are if you stop by during the school year you will see other students and even faculty!
2. Bristol Farms
While shopping for groceries at this market, I discovered their expansive bakery section and, what is now, one of my favorite cookies! Their original chocolate chip cookies are available all day and kept on a heating pad, so they are gooey and yummy when you get them. They are huge, so they are perfect for sharing (or eating by yourself like me). Bristol Farms also offers a peanut butter version of this cookie if that speaks to you more!
3. Tokyo Central
Tokyo Central is another market found close to school that offers a lot of prepared hot and cold foods. They have poke bowls, sushi platters, and a hot bar of ready-to-eat food that can be very convenient for a quick lunch during school. I love to look in their bakery/sweets section where you can find various breads, pastries, and mochi. I usually reach for tricolored mochi, but there are so many options to choose from!
4. Porto's Bakery
Porto’s is a huge cafe/bakery where you can go to get a full Cuban lunch or just a little snack including savory options like their empanadas, potato balls, and croquettes. They have a long list of dessert options to choose from like their famous guava cheese strudels, hazelnut besitos, and much more. My go to dessert is their mini fruit tart filled with custard and topped with fresh fruit. This place is also a great option for buying full-sized cakes for parties or events at affordable prices!
5. Salt and Straw
This ice cream place is found in the middle of Downtown Disney outside of Disneyland. You do not need a ticket to enter, and they are open late until midnight! The beauty of Salt and Straw is that they offer ice cream flavors that you cannot find anywhere else, like Pear and Blue Cheese or Strawberry Honey Balsamic with Black Pepper. My current favorite flavor is Coffee and Lovenuts which features pecans covered in 14 coats of chocolate. Their flavors change every month, so you’ll never run out of things to try! If you go at the right time, you can enjoy your ice cream and watch the nighttime firework show. I love this ice cream so much I started working here, so if you ever have questions about this place feel free to ask!!
Some of these places may seem a tad far from school, but I think they are definitely worth the trip. I hope you are even more excited for school now that you know about the sweet treats in Orange County