I love food more than anything (including, unfortunately, exercise and studying). I especially adore good food.

I love the nuances in taste, the combinations of flavors – basically, I’m obsessed. So I thought I would share some of my personal favorite food items from some of the many fantastic restaurants IV has to offer. As a general disclaimer, this is in no way a complete, full, bonafide comprehensive list, and it will definitely be missing some fabulous deliciousness I have yet to indulge in. 

1. Crushcake's Half-Baked Cupcake– One of their specialty cupcakes, the half-baked cupcake is simply amazing. I have not tried a cupcake from Crushcake's I didn’t like, but this one remains the love I can’t stop myself from going back to. One bite in, and you’re met with a center of gooey cookie. The subtle mocha flavor of the frosting doesn’t hurt, either. 

2.The Habit's Cheeseburger-  Of course this isn’t unique to IV and seeing as there are probably only about ten things you can order off the menu, it is most everyone’s go-to item. However, seeing as it was voted the number one burger in America, I thought I would include it anyway. Also, if you add avocado, it is even more perfect, and you can justify it as being mildly healthier

3. IV Drip's Cookiewich- I can’t name a specific cookie and ice cream flavor as the best here. You really can’t go wrong. The cookies are warm, but not so warm that the ice cream in the center melts quickly, they’re freshly baked, and oh so utterly delicious. 

4. IV Drip's Acai Bowl- Also from IV Drip, the acai bowl is one of the most refreshingly satisfying afternoon snacks in Isla Vista. At $5, it is a much more affordable price than downtown’s Backyard Bowls, and the acai smoothie with crunchy granola and fresh banana makes for the perfect mix.   

5. Blaze Pizza– It’s fantastic. I went there a few days after its opening and it quickly became my favorite pizza place in IV. They're much more affordable than some of the other pizza places, and their portions are on point. I can’t narrow it down to a specific combination, but after watching your pizza being handmade in front of you, you realize exactly why their pizzas are so uniquely incredible.  

6. Bagel Café– Again, I don’t think I can single out a specific bagel as being the best, probably because there are really too many options to try every single one and still be able to look happily at your bank account statement. The Sex on the Bagel is amazing, slathered in cinnamon and sugar and toasted to perfection. I rarely branch out from The Regular, made with cream cheese and tomato with an addictive pop of lemon pepper. There really is no bad choice here.  

7. Freebird’s Nachos– It wouldn’t be a real IV food list without mentioning Freebird’s.  It was difficult to choose one thing from their menu, but in the end the nachos won out, seeing as they’re one of the main reasons Freebird’s is superior to Chipotle. They might be on the expensive side, but late-night Freebird’s nachos are one of the most heavenly things on the face of this earth .