Eating my Way Across LA ~on a College Budget~ with Ambassador Lauren

When people get to know me, they learn pretty quickly that I am a huge foodie. I have a food Instagram account (@bicoastalfoodiee) and running lists of places I love and want to try, kind of foodie. Upon first arriving at USC as a freshman, I was so excited to explore the thriving food scene that Los Angeles has to offer. It has been such a part of my experience here, and I’m still nowhere near done as I approach graduation! 

While trying food all across LA may seem daunting or pricey, I have successfully been able to navigate enjoying many “good eats” on a college budget. I want to let you in on what a day of eating well and affordably looks like for me!

Breakfast:

I just woke up. I’m a little sleepy (but hungry, of course) and want something delicious yet convenient. I head straight to the USC Village and get in the long but fast-moving line at Cafe Dulce. This line is long because their food and drinks are AMAZING, but it’s so worth the wait! A few minutes pass, and I’m at the front of the line! I order the Breakfast Burrito, which is piled high with scrambled eggs, spicy mayo, potatoes, red onions, two types of cheese, and pico de gallo salsa, plus another spicy salsa to dip it in. I can either add bacon, sausage, or avocado (for no extra charge on any!), so I opt for the creamy and delicious avocado. For $8, this burrito is massive and filling. Some may say it’s enough for 2 meals! I devour it in no time but know I will be ready for lunch in the afternoon (because of course, I’m always thinking about my next meal!).

Lunch:

It’s been a few hours, and I’m ready for a nutritious lunch that won’t put a massive dent in my wallet. With the energy provided by my amazing breakfast, I head over to Downtown Los Angeles to hit up one of my all-time favorite sushi spots: KazuNori. With a few locations across the city, they are known for their incredible hand rolls. The atmosphere is unique; you bump elbows with fellow sushi fans at an intimate circular high-top table, where the chefs craft your rolls in the middle. While you can order set rolls or à la carte, I opt for the set rolls, where you definitely get more “bang for your buck.” The 4-Hand Roll Set Menu provides just the right amount of food, and is just under $20 ($17)! While I am a big fan of the toro (fatty tuna belly), yellowtail, sea bream, and crab hand rolls that are part of it, you can substitute these for other options like salmon, shrimp, or even cucumber. KazuNori is efficient, but you definitely don’t feel rushed. Plus, this is some of the best quality sushi you can get in this town, and for this price point, you don’t wanna miss it.

Dinner:

It’s been a few more hours, but I’m ready for dinner! For a great meal and an interesting environment, I make my way to Inglewood for an LA classic: In-N-Out Burger! I go for the Cheeseburger Combo, which includes a cheeseburger, fries (which I recommend ordering extra crispy), and a soft drink. I love their pink lemonade! Even better, all of this is $7 plus tax! This is also a fun place to try items from a “secret” menu, where you can get bigger burgers, fries with special toppings, and multi-flavor milkshakes, just to name a few. This staple is always reasonable and consistent, plus the Inglewood location gets a view of all of the planes coming in and going out from LAX overhead. Dinner and a show!

Dessert:

You might have thought I was done, but I’m all in when it comes to dessert! I circle back to the USC Village to get in another line that is well worth the wait: the brand-new Insomnia Cookies. As someone from the East Coast, I have loved these cookies for a long time and am so happy they’re right here! Once I get to the front, I order my favorite: the Classic with M&Ms. For $2, I get a delicious cookie and a sweet way to end the day. Plus, I know I can come back and try so many other flavors, like this past month’s Hibiscus and Lemon Poppy Seed. Insomnia also has vegan and gluten-free options, making it very accomodating.

After all of these delicious eats, I am ready to call it a day! I do love that when I wake up tomorrow, though, I know that I can do this all over again! Not only is LA the perfect college town; it’s the perfect food town, too.