Eleven Top Eugene Eats

So I realize that the vast majority of my readers are not from Eugene, Oregon, however I am currently in Eugene, Oregon therefore you will read about the amazing restaurants in the area. Then, if you are ever in Eugene, Oregon, you too can eat at these amazing finds.

1. Barry's Espresso Bakery & Deli
I am currently sitting in Barry's so it only seems fitting to start here. The Barry's I am at right now is actually losing their lease here within a few days of this post because a marijuana dispensary is moving in. Needless to say I'm bitter as hell. But good news! There will be a new location. So Google that if you're ever in town and wanting a good study spot and some dang good bakery food. I'm having this chocolate cookie right now that is reminiscent of Rocky Road ice cream. It's great. They have tons of bakery treats as well as soups and sandwiches. I've yet to get a sandwich here because I'm usually in a rush, but their cilantro corn vegan soup that I'm eating right now is bomb and I highly suggest it. I'm not even vegan.

2. Sweet Life Patisserie
In line with beautiful café environments, Sweet Life is a must for anyone in Eugene. They have gorgeously made and delicious desserts. The line is always practically out the door and even though it's a long wait it's always worth it. I'm a huge fan of soufflés and their chocolate soufflé is off the chain.

3. Belly Taqueria
I had not found decent Mexican food in Oregon until I visited Belly. Granted, they have a limited menus (note: it's a Taqueria) but it's really really good food. Their margaritas are also not a drink to be passed on. I tried my friends mini soft shell tacos and I myself ordered some cheese enchiladas. If anyone asks for Mexican food in Eugene I will direct them here.

4. Chula's Restaurant and Cantina
Or here! I'd been wanting to visit Chula's since I got here because I saw it everywhere and everyone in my sorority always talked about it! Some of my sisters actually work there and I always see them whenever I go. Chula's has more than just tacos and it's all really really good. I got chicken enchiladas (are you seeing a trend?) which I highly suggest.

5. Ambrosia Restaurant & Bar
Yum yum yum. This place is in Downtown Eugene and is perfect for a fun and peaceful date night. Their cocktails are really delicious and the food we got was nothing short of wonderful. It's classic Italian cuisine that goes above and beyond expectations.

6. Beppe and Gianni's Trattoria
Another favorite Italian place of mine in Eugene is here. It was one of the first Italian restaurants I heard about from my Italian teacher no less. And she's from Italy so she knows what's up. Everyone I know loves it here, and I go here frequently for birthdays and get togethers. The atmosphere is loud and upbeat which is great for a more lively date night!

7. Elk Horn Brewery
Okay I had been wanting to go here forever. The brewery is right by my sorority house and the outside looks super cool. One of my friends mentioned they had an Elk burger which doesn't necessarily appeal to me but I looked up their menu after hearing that. They have an item called pulled pork mac n' cheese which I was obviously dying to try. After months of waiting to find the right time to go here, I took my mom when she was visiting. To my great disappointment, they were out of their signature beer cheese sauce. Which APPARENTLY means no mac n' cheese. I was devastated but I moved on. I really freaking love beer cheese sauce too. My mom got a burger, I got a meat sampler (served on a board), and Brandon also got a burger. All were good, I just want my freaking mac n' cheese before I leave.

8. Wild Duck Cafe
I went here when my dad visited and also for my friend Megan's (yes another Megan) birthday. I ordered their beer cheese soup that came with a soft pretzel and it was delicious. I wasn't too hungry that night and it was a really great plate for someone who doesn't want to much. The food the rest of my friends got looked great as well and I definitely would love to go back.

9. Board Restaurant
My friend Clarae and I had heard about this restaurant when we were joking about foods being served on boards. Turns on this is the hub for board food. We visited earlier this week and had great service! We got there when it opened and were served right away. I got baba ganoush and she got a vegan hand pie. The atmosphere and decor were really calming and the food (no less on a board of course) was delicious!

10. Tailored Coffee Roasters
Okay I kind of have a bone to pick with this place but it's also delicious. They have really yummy pastries and coffee. I always opt for the peanut butter and honey toast (served on a board) which is really filling and yummy. I've gotten their chai as well as their hot chocolate, both were very good. The strange thing about this place is it takes forever to get your drink and food. Like upwards of ten minutes for a hot chocolate and a piece of toast with peanut butter on it. And it wasn't even busy. The employees also were not the best at answering our questions. So it was a bit of an awkward experience when Clarae and I visited, yet still very very good.

11. Sizzle Pie
GOOD PIZZA. That's all you need to know.

Bonus: BJ's and Applebee's, but there are everywhere. I just really like them. Also Voodoo Doughnut, I'm not the biggest fan, but I'm sure many else would like this place!
Still to visit: Excelsior and Oregon Electric Station. Will keep you guys updated.

Looking Forward

Lately that I have been trying to rush through my life. I am one of the biggest advocates of stopping to smell the roses and taking life as it is day by day, but I just haven't been able to stop myself lately. Even though I am taking the fewest amount of credits this quarter since I started college, (and probably the fewest amount of classes my entire life) I feel busier than ever. Between general education classes, voice lessons, sorority obligations, a social life, preparing for my Summer study abroad in Italy, and preparing to transfer colleges in the Fall, I am simply overwhelmed.

During my first two quarters at Oregon, I didn't know if I was going to be able to transfer. I was applying to four highly competitive schools as a transfer student and as a theatre major. These factors combined, I had no idea what my chances in getting into another university was. Despite my anxiety about my unknown future, I was able to relax into the University of Oregon and live life here. I made what I could of it even though I knew that I desperately wanted out as soon as I could. Now that I know I'm going to be able to make that change, I simply want to get there. Since my time at Oregon is limited, I know that I can't do much with my time left. I can enjoy what I have left at this school but joining organizations, registering for classes, making new friends, and quite simply growing as a student and as a human being become difficult if not impossible.

I am so busy with making plans for my life six months in advance. I know what I want to do once I get to Chapman University and I am vying to do it all right now. I'm anxious to discover a new school, meet new people, declare my double major (And maybe minor! Am I crazy enough?), and further explore the Southern California area that I know so well. I want to be tanning under palm trees on a freshly cut lawn in the California heat as I work on a project or my homework. I see myself amongst Greek Life members, understanding and participating in their philanthropies and events. The beach awaits my return and Disneyland, only minutes away, will hopefully be a place I can find refuge in. I want to meet my roommate and decorate my new (and improved) dorm room instead of being cramped into a house with sixty other girls. My time at Oregon has been nice, but it is time for me to move on.

Because of my overactive imagination and anxiety for the future, I have been unable to slow down and simply enjoy the life that is around me. I know that this is important for my mental health and for the sanity of those around me. Having a friend go crazy would probably not be good for anyone around me. And then I know there are things that I will miss at Oregon. The familiarity of the campus that I have come to know in the past academic year and the teachers that I got to work with over the terms. The calmness and darkness of the nature in Oregon at night. The warm Spring days where everyone is out on the lawn and the flowers seem to bloom brighter than the rainy days. My adventures with Clarae and the laughs I have with her. My heart will ache for the friends I have made and the beautiful campus.

I hope I will find these things in Orange at Chapman. I hope the route I am choosing to take will lead me to where I want to be. I hope that I will be able to visit Oregon and that I will be able to stay in touch with those that I love. In spite of my excitement for the future, I need to remember to enjoy what is currently around me. I can't make Chapman come any faster and I won't be able to turn back time if I miss anything once I get there. We all need to learn to appreciate our lives in the moment. I know I can take time out of my day to step back and reflect on what is going on instead of simply sprinting to get the day over with. Life presents us with so many gifts each day, and we should appreciate each one.