I’ve always been a huge foodie. Whether it’s homemade meals from my mom, fast food runs, or trying something new at a local restaurant, food has always been a part of my life. I even meal prep now to make sure I have all the right meals throughout the week.
While we all need food, it’s also something we can grow attached to in deeper ways than we realize. I’ve had this happen when I think about my time in Oregon.
For some context, I spent my freshman year of college at a university in Oregon. After that, I transferred back home to Los Angeles, California. Being back home has been amazing. I get to see my friends and family again and revisit all my usual food spots. But even with that, I can’t forget the places I used to go to in Oregon.
The first year on my own was a big moment in my life. I learned how to navigate things independently, and that included discovering food spots by myself. Because of that, those places became more than just somewhere to eat.
Those restaurants became part of my growth and independence.
Two spots I still think about all the time are Qdoba and Dutch Bros. At Dutch Bros, I always ordered the Shark Attack Rebel blended – a bright slushy drink with coconut, blue raspberry, and lime, finished with a pomegranate drizzle. It’s sweet, refreshing, and honestly hard to forget. Just thinking about it makes me crave one.
With Qdoba, I think about my weekly walks there, taking in the scenery around campus and rewarding myself with a bowl that never disappointed. It’s similar to Chipotle, but in my opinion, better. The flavor, consistency, and options always felt reliable.
While both Qdoba and Dutch Bros exist in California, they’re not exactly easy to find or local. They’re massive chains not like In-N-Out or McDonalds, where there’s one on almost every corner. You actually have to go out of your way to find one.
I did get a little lucky. My school has the only Qdoba location in Los Angeles. But as a campus version of the restaurant, it doesn’t offer the full menu. So, it doesn’t quite capture what makes Qdoba so good in the first place.
Sometimes I crave these places not just because of the food, but because of the memories they bring – small moments that meant a lot at the time.
Food doesn’t just create memories; it can bring people together. Whether you bond over a shared favorite spot or introduce someone to a place you love, food becomes a universal language. It’s amazing to have a shared language without any words. It might seem small to some people, but those connections can mean everything.
Food is more than just something we eat. It’s comfort, joy, and community. Food can help you emotionally and bring people together in ways we don’t always notice.
That’s why it’s so interesting to see empty storefronts in malls or restaurants that have shut down. Those spaces could turn into something meaningful again. Imagine replacing them with food spots that people can build connections with – places like Qdoba or Dutch Bros that become part of someone’s story.
I know I’d be happy to have more of those nearby, and I’m sure others would, too.
Photo by Farhad Ibrahimzade on Unsplash
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I really enjoyed reading this. Food indeed becomes connected to certain memories, places, and stages of life. The way you described your experiences with Qdoba and Dutch Bros made it feel very personal and relatable. Sometimes it’s not just about the taste, but the comfort and memories attached to those moments. Your point about restaurants creating community and emotional connections was especially meaningful. Reading this honestly made me think about comfort foods and even simple traditions like grabbing Applebee’s lunch specials with family or friends after a long day