When senior Palak Patel isn’t studying Neuroscience or Spanish, she is busy being the president of UIC’s online Bites Magazine. What’s Bites Magazine, you ask? Well, read below to find out! I warn you: do not read on an empty stomach!
HC: So, Palak, you are the President of UIC’s Bites Magazine, when did the online magazine start? Explain to us what it is and how it works.
Bites Magazine was started last year, by Neha Sharma! It’s an online Food Blog, where we post recipes, restaurant reviews, and cooking tips! We post on our Facebook page and the blog page.
HC: How many team members do you have on Bites Magazine? What are the different positions on the magazine?
PP: We have around 5 members on our team, but we’re looking to expand! We have a president, vice president and secretary on board, and general team members.
HC: How do you and your team members decide what is going to be featured in the magazine? Can students submit recipes and restaurants as well?
PP: Everyone on the team has really good recipes ideas, mostly from their own experience! We try to find recipes that are catered towards college students who are on a low budget and may not have access to fancy ingredients. Anyone can submit a recipe, just email it to us at uicbitesmagazine@gmail.com.
HC: What’s your favorite recipe that has been highlighted in the magazine?
PP: My favorite recipe featured in the magazine is the mini fruit tarts! They’re so cute and delicious.
HC: What’s the quickest and easiest meal to make for the average college student, in your opinion? (Not including Mac & Cheese or Ramen!)
PP: Veggie fajitas! They’re quick, cheap and really filling. Plus you can make extra, and use the same ingredients to make burritos, tacos, taco salad, etc.
HC: How do you balance being the president of an organization and a full-time student?
PP: I always plan ahead! I have a monthly planner that I use to make sure I stay organized and don’t forget about anything. I’m very particular about making sure I have things planned out months beforehand, so I don’t run into problems later.
HC: After graduating from UIC this year, what do you see yourself doing?
PP: I plan on attending medical school, and becoming a physician someday.
HC: What’s your favorite Chicago restaurant?
PP: This is a really hard one, I have so many favorites! If I had to pick just one, it would probably be Anna’s Asian Bistro and Sushi Bar in Lakeview.
HC: What’s the strangest food you’ve ever tried?
PP: I’ve been a vegetarian my whole life, so I haven’t tried anything super crazy. I tried seaweed chips from Trader’s Joe the other day, and I have to say it tasted really weird!
HC: If a student is interested in helping out with Bites Magazine what should they do?
PP: Email us at uicbitesmagazine@gmail.com or message us on Facebook here!