Two years ago, Cafe Maji was opened to the public displaying their unique twist to the many well known dishes we’ve come to love and know. The owners also splashed taste of their home country as they provided a Korean fusion to each and every plate. Not only are their entrees, deserts, and beverages distinctive. Their location is quite peculiar as well, being pin pointed on top of a fitness complex. Many have unearthed the gold mine on yelp as many reviewers raved about the service and dishes. When I come to this restaurant, I typically order the bugolgi sandwich and vanilla latte espresso. The bugolgi sandwich consists of succulent braised beef marinated with soy sauce, sesame oil, garlic, pepper and other components such as scallions, ginger, onion layered by a few leaves of lettuce, slithers of crunchy red onions, pickles, and sliced tomatoes all held together with toasted artesian white bread. One bite after another, the flavors burst and dance in your mouth, creating the umami sensation.
Location – 56 E Duarte Rd, Arcadia, CA 91006
Phone Number (562) 677-5595
Mon – Fri 11:00 am – 10:00 pm
Sat 11:00 am – 9:00 pm
Sun 11:00 am – 5:00 pm
Price Range – under $10
Rating – 4/5
Meow Meow
When you think of boba, you normally think of franchises such as Quickly or Tapioca Express, but once you envelope yourself into the world of sweet chewy deliciousness, you’ll soon realize that there are many more superior boba joints. Meow Meow is no exception. As a small family owned business, each and every drink is made by order, guaranteeing the use of fresh ingredients as well as knowing where your drink is coming from, without the thought of it being manufactured in some company packaged in remade bottles.
I normally order the number 1 with special sauce, and extra pudding, but today my brother and I shared a Potted Milk Tea with boba and pudding. The boba had a al dente touch with a sprinkle of brown sugar, which is a nice twist to the normal spoonful of honey as the sweetener. I definitely recommend this place for students wanting a quiet place to study, as in the weekdays most customers just order their drinks to go, which would leave plenty of room to spread out your work space.
Location – 3646 Nogales St West Covina, CA 91792
Phone number (626) 965-9789
Mon – Tues CLOSED
Wed – Fri 12:00 pm–10:00 pm
Sat 12:00 pm– 11:00 pm
Sun 12:00 pm– 10:00 pm
Price Range – under $5
Rating – 4/5
Huntington Library
As a library, a outsider would presume the thought of it as just a place to rent books, but at the Huntington Library, it’s so much more. Within the property holds 14 gardens and many restaurants. This is a perfect location regardless of the weather fluctuations. If it’s sunny, you can enjoy soaking in some vitamin D while highlighting key points on a subject you’re studying for, and if it’s murky, you can work on an old oak table in any one of the library’s dignified scholarly rooms.
Location – 1151 Oxford Rd. San Marino, CA 91108
Phone number (626) 405-2100
Mon 12:00 pm–4:30 pm
Tues CLOSED
Wed – Fri 12:00 pm–4:30 pm
Sat – Sun 10:30 am–4:30 pm
Price Range – under $20 for admission fees
Rating – 4/5
Europane
In the heart of Old Town Pasadena, between the hustle and bustle, lies a remarkable gem, Europane. When I first arrived at this petite cafe, I had no idea what to order, the menu was hand written on the wall with chalk, and it looked quite intimidating as the line become smaller and smaller, then soon you would realize you’re next in line, but as a first comer, I would definitely recommend the egg salad sandwich, the yolk was cooked to perfection without the powdery green outer rim, it was creamy from the dressing, and seasoned just right. If i might add, the mixed greens added a bitter je ne sais quois punch to the dish, counterbalancing how creamy and rich the overall dish was, which made it light and refreshing.
Location – 345 E Colorado Blvd Pasadena, CA 91101
Phone number(626) 844-8804
Mon – Sun 7:00 am – 5:30 pm
Price Range – $10
Rating – 4/5
Sweet Lady Jane
Some of you may know Ellen Degeneres, but did you know she had her wedding cake made by Sweet Lady Jane’s when she married Portia De Rossi? To be specific, it was their vegan red velvet recipe! Personally, I always order their famous triple berry cake that’s made fresh on the house, when I head there to study, a lot of my friends would order one of their chocolate concoctions, but it’s a bit too rich, especially when you want something fresh and light when you’re about to spend hours on a table studying and reviewing, so give one of their fruit deserts a try. This is a perfect spot to study, the servers are amazing down-to-earth folks, and if you’re lucky you get a cheeky smiley face on the receipt!
Location – 8360 Melrose Ave West Hollywood, CA 90069
Phone number (323) 653-7145
Mon – Thurs 7:30 am–10:30 pm
Fri – Sat 7:30 am – 11:30 pm
Sun 9:00 am–9:00 pm
Price Range – $5-$10
Rating – 4/5
photo courtesy of Caroline Adobo
Amy’s Farm
On a trip to visit nearby farms and purchasing locally grown produce, my friend and I stumbled upon Amy’s farm, a humble, small business that takes pride in what they supply their loyal customers with. However, if you substantial snacks that would last you all day studying on the benches, aside from their seasonal fruit and vegetables, I would definitely recommend bringing water, sunscreen, and a good hefty sandwich. It’s a perfect place to study on a cool sunny day with occasional breezes, you get to enjoy a nice scenery, while getting your work done.
Location – 7698 Eucalyptus Ave Ontario, CA 91762
Phone number (909) 393-2936
Mon – Sat 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
Sun CLOSED
Price Range – $7 for admission fees
Rating – 4/5
AP Testing Tips
If you find studying boring and mundane, find a way to spice it up a bit! From making your environment more constructive, finding ways to help ensure your concentration, and making the best out of your very limited time studying can either make of break how proficient your time is being conducted. Here are some tips to get you started!
Music: Listening to music is always a good way to zone out and focus on what you need to get done
Cafe: Coffee shops usually have free wifi and amazing coffee, it’s a great way to get your flash cards out, keep to yourself, sip on your quad Expresso on ice, and get your grind on.
Snacks: Bringing a small snacks, such as apples, bananas, trail mix, or a green juice to your study sessions can help boost your brain activities, and make you feel more energized.
Schedule: Keeping track of when you study, how you do it, and where helps you feel motivated to continue working hard.
Posture: The way you sit can easily define how well you’re going to study. If you slouch consistently, it is almost guaranteed that you will feel tried and sleepy almost instantly.
When you think of boba, you normally think of franchises such as Quickly or Tapioca Express, but once you envelope yourself into the world of sweet chewy deliciousness, you’ll soon realize that there are many more superior boba joints. Meow Meow is no exception. As a small family owned business, each and every drink is made by order, guaranteeing the use of fresh ingredients as well as knowing where your drink is coming from, without the thought of it being manufactured in some company packaged in remade bottles. 
