Nikki Goldstein

The chic couple sitting next to me at Alexandra looked skeptically at the menu. “I think we should do it,” they said, and they flagged the waiter over. “We’re not ordering the usual today,” they told him. “Switch the mussels for the beets.” He laughed with them and headed off, and before tasting a single bite of food, I understood that Alexandra is all about community, a theme that hits close to home for many a Columbia student as of late.

With Pertutti shuttered, there is a strange absence of tiramisu in Morningside Heights. But for those who need to get their regular fix of Italy’s crowned dessert, there’s no need to go further than your own kitchen.

If there’s one thing that Columbia students don’t need to be lectured on, it’s the value of the awkward silence. Generally speaking, we’re pretty good at making awkwardness endearing and cute.

In a large pot, sautee chopped onion until golden.

Though this recipe might be particularly handy for those catering their own Passover seders next week, it is truly special in its unique ability to make anyone-and I mean anyone-like gefilte fish.