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Hors d’oeuvres of history: A cultural cookbook from the Auburn History Club

By Lorelei Young | Lifestyle Writer | October 5

Many customs, especially culinary ones, are valued within cultures because food often unites people together. Most people don’t think about the history behind their food, but the History Club at Auburn University, along with the Lee County Historical Society, is working to change that. The organizations are creating a cookbook with southern recipes, with information about their true origins, to bring awareness to the underrepresented groups that formed southern culinary culture.

PLAINSMAN'S CHOICE | Best coffee: Thrive Here @Auburn

By Railey McCord | News Writer | July 7

Near Samford Lawn, Auburn students and local coffee lovers line up to visit Thrive Here @Auburn. The small local coffee shop is beloved for its diverse menu, friendly student staff and ability to accept Tiger Card dining dollars as payment. House favorite menu items include a vanilla cardamom latte, matcha and pour over. 

PLAINSMAN'S CHOICE | Best food

By Sam Vise and Piper Bosart | July 1

Auburn is filled with many different restaurants, ranging from local gems to chain restaurants that are universally loved. The following restaurants are the top picks for The Auburn Plainsman’s food categories.

Say cheese to Roni's Mac Bar, downtown Auburn's newest addition

By Landi Rutledge | News Editor | June 14

For its grand opening on June 14, Roni's Mac Bar - a mac and cheese bar with customizable toppings and grilled cheese - officially opened its Auburn location to the public. On North College Street, Roni's Mac Bar is the newest food spot in downtown Auburn.

Cicis Pizza is serving up fresh slices under new leadership in Auburn

By Jennifer Santiago | Lifestyle Editor | June 4

Cicis Pizza is bringing back a revitalized and affordable guest experience to the area with improved leadership and a return to high-quality standards. Jason Bench, the new owner of Cicis Pizza in Auburn, runs the store with an energized, servant-leadership style, which is bolstered by his more than two decades of experience with the company.

Opelika Rotary Charitable Foundation hosts 11th annual Burger Wars

By Amanda Machamer | Assistant News Editor | May 31

On Saturday, May 31, the 11th annual Burger Wars was hosted in downtown Opelika, with 22 grillers competing for cash prizes, trophies and bragging rights. Hosted by the Opelika Rotary Charitable Foundation, the goal was not only to create a competitive culinary environment but also to fundraise for local charities.

Fueling the Plains: On-campus food options for Auburn students

By Clara Herrero | Culture Writer | April 10

Busy students often rely on the convenience of on-campus dining due to their packed schedules, which offer various options and price points. While some prioritize healthier, self-prepared meals, the university provides many accessible and social dining spaces. 

A brew-tiful guide to coffee on campus

By Sam Bainter | Assistant Lifestyle Editor | April 9

Fueled by the pressure of final exams, the demand for coffee around Auburn's campus spikes as students brace for late-night study sessions. Discover six coffee places on campus, from well-beloved classics to unfamiliar names, where students can satisfy their need for caffeine.

Auburn chefs blend cultures in "Fusion Flavors" showcase

By Celina Aleman | Culture Writer | February 18

On Feb. 17, the Horst Schulze School of Hospitality Management hosted a four-course, wine-paired dinner titled “Fusion Flavors: Thai-Italian Auburn Chef Showcase.” Held at the Tony & Libba Rane Culinary Science Center, the showcase featured Executive Chef Eric Rivera and Auburn University hospitality alumna Natasha Whitt. 

This one's for the girls: Galentine's cookie decorating class

By Camille Ligon | Culture Writer | February 10

The Tony and Libba Rane Culinary Science Center is hosting its first community cookie decorating class on Feb. 13 from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Local baker Rebecca Pilgreen of Sugar Bakings will lead the class, teaching participants of all ages how to decorate sugar cookies with royal icing.

The Auburn community hops over to newly established sweetFrog

By Sam Bainter | Assistant Lifestyle Editor | February 6

sweetFrog, a new frozen yogurt shop in Auburn, opened its doors on Jan. 1. Built on passion, pride and a sense of community, sweetFrog offers many combinations to appeal to one's sweet tooth. 

Sip and savor: Auburn's local fall flavors

By Sam Vise | Assistant Culture Editor and Abby Culbreth | Culture Writer | October 28

As fall arrives in Auburn, local coffee shops are offering a variety of seasonal treats and drinks to warm up the community. From pumpkin spice lattes to apple cider teas, these cafes cater to a range of fall cravings. Whether one prefers a cozy drink or delectable pastry, Auburn's coffee scene has something to satisfy everyone. 

Battle of the Beverage: A culinary competition

By Clara Herrero | Culture Writer | October 17

On Oct. 16, the Tony and Libba Rane Culinary Science Center hosted Battle of the Beverage. The event featured a wine versus beer competition to determine the best pairing for a gourmet menu. Guests enjoyed a three-course meal prepared by culinary students and had the opportunity to learn about flavor combinations from industry experts.

Behind the brewing of the Auburn + Opelika Coffee Shop Trail

By Lizzie McGlynn | Lifestyle Writer | October 4

The Auburn + Opelika Coffee Shop Trail has become a hot topic in the Auburn community. The coffee trail, which currently includes 16 coffee shops, was started by Elizabeth Hobbs, an Auburn marketing alumna.

Shaking up Galentine’s with cocktail-crafting at The Collegiate

By Ella Walton | Newsletter Editor | February 14

In celebration of Galentine's Day, The Collegiate Hotel in Downtown Auburn hosted a cocktail-making class. The Feb. 13 event, which lasted from 6 to 8 p.m., taught attendees three unique cocktail recipes — as well as how to be the "hostess with the mostest."

COLUMN | Where to find healthy eating alternatives in Auburn

By Hailey Smith | Culture Writer | March 30

Finding healthy meals on the go in Auburn can be a difficult task. However, there are many options on campus that cater to students with allergies, food sensitivities or healthy preferences. 

COLUMN | Is Thanksgiving problematic?

By Maggie Randall | Culture Writer | November 21

The heart behind Thanksgiving is pure, but its practice has grown into something almost unrecognizable. This Thanksgiving season, hold yourself accountable and focus on gratefulness, generosity and community. 

Auburn Food and Wine Festival returns for third year

By Piper Bosart | Assistant Culture Editor | April 28

The third annual Auburn Food and Wine Festival is a perfect date night for those 21 and older to sample Auburn’s favorite restaurants and try different alcoholic beverages.