Skip to Main Content
New York University's independent student newspaper, established in 1973.

Washington Square News

New York University's independent student newspaper, established in 1973.

Washington Square News

New York University's independent student newspaper, established in 1973.

Washington Square News

Liv Chai

Liv Chai, Dining Editor

All content by Liv Chai
Liv Chai

Liv Chai

Liv Chai May 7, 2020

WSN shaped my NYU experience unexpectedly. It started with NYFW coverage as a freshman when I struggled getting to venues on time because New York was still an unfamiliar place....

The Montado de Escalivada was a flavorful bite perfect to share on a plate with friends.

Flavor and Festivity in Midtown’s Newest Addition: Boqueria

Liv Chai, Dining Editor April 23, 2018
Introduce yourself to the vibrant Spanish cuisine at Boqueria's newest location in Midtown.
Vanessa’s Dumpling on East 14th Street reopened on April 20, with a pending health grade following a health inspection discovering mice, filth and flies on the premises.

Photo: Vanessa’s Dumplings Shutdown Signals Further Industry Issues

George Campbell, Contributing Writer April 23, 2018

Vanessa’s Dumpling on East 14th Street reopened on April 20, with a pending health grade following a health inspection discovering mice, filth and flies on the premises.

Food Consumes Us

Food Consumes Us

Liv Chai, Dining Editor April 16, 2018

It’s a food lover’s dream to write about food and read about it as often as I do. Reading about ungodly cheese creations and finding what restaurant I should surrender all...

The relationship between people and food can be complicated.

The Unhealthy Relationship You Aren’t Warned Enough About

Liv Chai, Dining Editor April 15, 2018
Our complicated relationship with food is an intricate one that needs some serious unearthing.
Fryguys, a trendy East Village french fry shop.

Photo: Restaurants in the Age of Social Media

April 15, 2018

Fryguys, a trendy East Village french fry shop.

Staff Rants: Astrology, Texting While Walking and Sidewalk Rage

Staff Rants: Astrology, Texting While Walking and Sidewalk Rage

Tyler Crews, Yasmin Gulec and Liv Chai March 26, 2018
This week our staff is feeling especially angry. Perhaps it is because Mercury went into retrograde, or maybe it is just a part of being a New Yorker.
Starbucks’ new peach flavored Crystal Ball Frappuccino features candy gems that will “reveal your fortune” and is available for a limited time.

A Sweet Future From Starbucks

Liv Chai, Dining Editor March 26, 2018
Starbucks has done it again with its newest Crystal Ball Frappuccino, bringing optimism through a happy dose of sugar and color.
San Marzano’s signature French toast.

Photo: College Wallet, Bougie Belly: San Marzano

March 26, 2018

San Marzano’s signature French toast.

A variety of leafy greens and other salad ingredients.

Staff Recs: Best Leafy Green

The WSN Staff has compiled a list of the best leafy green for your next salad. Lettuce begin!
Second Street

Second Street

Liv Chai, Dining Editor February 22, 2018

Address: 1 E. 2nd St., New York, NY 10003 Cost per semester: $5,305-$10,608 Low cost: Available Rooms available: Singles, Doubles, Triples Nearby subways: B, D,...

CAAFD: Port Zienna, Mouton Blanc and Zabetta Couture F/W 2018

CAAFD: Port Zienna, Mouton Blanc and Zabetta Couture F/W 2018

Liv Chai, Dining Editor February 11, 2018

    On a rainy Saturday evening at the Industria, the Council of Aspiring American Fashion Designers introduced a new group of refreshing designers bursting...

A healthy kale and sweet potato bowl.

Consumed by Health Trends

Liv Chai, Dining Editor January 30, 2018
Just because it's a trend doesn't mean you should follow it, looking at you health foods.
Left to right: Balenciaga, Gucci and Marni from various 2017 shows. Runways saw many brands showcasing Pantone’s color of the year, ultraviolet purple.

An Ultra Violet Solution

Liv Chai, Dining Editor January 22, 2018
2018's pulse is purple, according to Pantone's Color of the Year official ruling.
Kellogg’s NYC on Union Square. The comfy new cereal bar features Kellogg’s-branded cereal with a choice of unlimited toppings.

Never Too Old for Cereal

Liv Chai, Dining Editor January 22, 2018
Hear about the new, colorful cereal bar in town. Is it worth it?
The Back Room is a celebrated Prohibition-era speakeasy tucked away in the Lower East Side.

Keep Quiet About These Speakeasies

Liv Chai, Dining Editor January 22, 2018
Explore with me speakeasies from laundromats to hot dog joints.
Fryguys is a ‘90s themed french fry shop located on the border of the East Village and Lower East Side.

Fry Guys Finish First

Liv Chai, Staff Writer December 4, 2017
Fry Guys are known for having the best fries in New York. Is this just another over-hyped trend or do they live up to their reputation? Read more to find out.
Happy Lemon, in Queens, sells traditional bubble tea as well as Cheese Tea.

A New Drink Possibilitea

Liv Chai, Staff Writer November 30, 2017
After Egg Cappuccino, Cheese Tea is starting to come up in people's feeds, sparking a lot of interest.
Central Park is home to a plethora of different spots, offering places such as The Plaza Food Hall across the street south of the park.

Exploring the Edge of Central Park

Liv Chai, Staff Writer November 29, 2017
Come explore the base of Central Park with us!
People are first welcomed to Little Italy by the sign arching over the street. There is a variety of Italian food available in the neighborhood.

Explore With Me: (Not So) Little Italy

Liv Chai, Staff Writer November 27, 2017
Come explore Little Italy with us.

People have started leaving social media try to counterbalance the negative effects of it in everyday life.

To Delete, or Not to Delete?

Liv Chai, Staff Writer November 15, 2017
Thinking about deleting social media? Take a look at why it might be good for you.
The upper east side isn’t just fancy apartments. It is also the home to the Met Breuer and candy store The Sweet Shop.

Up(per East) On Your List To Visit

Liv Chai, Staff Writer November 15, 2017
Explore the Upper East Side with us!
Besides being home to the Empire State Building and Times Square, midtown is also where Central Park starts as it stretches north for the next 50 blocks.

Nothing Mid-iocre About It

Liv Chai, Staff Writer November 8, 2017
Explore Midtown with us.
The Rubin Museum of Art hosts a impressive permanent collection that showcases the beauty of Himalayan art.

An Art-lover’s Guide to Checking Out Chelsea

Liv Chai, Staff Writer October 31, 2017
Explore Chelsea with us!
Tommy Hilfiger launched a disability-inclusive clothing line this month.

Tommy Hilfiger Releases Disability-Inclusive Collection

Liv Chai, Staff Writer October 30, 2017
Tommy Hilfiger's newest collection, Tommy Adaptive, provides comfortable and accessible clothing for people with disabilities.
Añejo Tribeca is a Mexican 
restaurant located on 301 Church St. that offers an interesting twist on conventional Mexican foods.

Flavor Town at Añejo Tribeca and Bedford and Co.

Liv Chai, Staff Writer October 24, 2017
If you are looking for a fancy place to wine, dine and unwind, try these restaurants.
The Manhattan Bridge archway is among the many things one should see when visiting the Dumbo neighborhood in Brooklyn.

A Trip Down Under (the Manhattan Bridge Overpass)

Liv Chai, Staff Writer October 23, 2017
Explore Dumbo with us!
Although denim has found its way to be a part of everyone’s closet, popular brand Levi’s recently found itself the subject of an SNL skit.

When Fashion Gets a Sense of Humor

Liv Chai, Staff Writer October 23, 2017
Fashion parodies and memes make fashion less exclusive, while also opening up creative possibilities.

Venmo has become the go-to method for transactions between students.

Just Venmo Me

Liv Chai, Staff Writer October 17, 2017
With the rapid rise of Venmo, pretty soon it'll even be in the dictionary.
Leaves change color in Central Park.

Fall-ing in Love

Liv Chai, Staff Writer October 10, 2017
Falling in love with Fall in NYC? Don't worry, so are we.
Thumbprint eyeliner, a large round smudge of liner at the corner of the eye, is making an appearance on runways and celebrities.

A Thumbs Up For New Eyeliner

Liv Chai, Staff Writer October 2, 2017
If you feel connected to the classic cat eye, try this new eyeliner trend for a modern update.
Students show their school spirit with NYU merchandise

Violet Pride: Missing in Action

Liv Chai, Staff Writer September 25, 2017
School spirit takes a different form at NYU.
Barack and Michelle Obama were among those recognized by Vanity Fair for their exemplary fashion choices.

Vanity Fair’s International Best-Dressed List Names Fashion’s Finest

Liv Chai, Staff Writer September 18, 2017
Ever since 2004, Vanity Fair has graced the public with new style icons receiving this highly coveted recognition. Much more than the typical list of names in circulation, this quite exclusive ranking sifts through thousands of potential honorees spanning from business to politics.
Berenik S/S 2018

Berenik S/S 2018

Liv Chai, Staff Writer September 12, 2017

As if an engine was revving up, a futuristic buzz of energy was heard as doors opened for the Berenik Spring/Summer 2018 presentation to begin. The collection was light in...

Rihanna's makeup line Fenty carries a wide range of products for all skin colors.

Fenty on the Brain

Liv Chai, Staff Writer September 11, 2017
Rihanna's new makeup line Fenty Beauty is set to be a success with its diverse offerings.
Abingdon Square Park is a little triangular park tucked away in the West Village where Hudson Street crosses Bleecker Street.

The Green in the Concrete Jungle

Liv Chai, Contributing Writer September 11, 2017
Need a break from school? Try a park!
DKLTJU S/S 2018

DKLTJU S/S 2018

Liv Chai, Staff Writer September 10, 2017

Held in the captivating Angel Orensanz Foundation, the DKLTJU Spring/Summer 2018 runway was a vision of flouncy chiffon and delicate embroidery. The Gothic architecture paired...

Feng Chen Wang S/S 2018

Feng Chen Wang S/S 2018

Liv Chai, Staff Writer July 11, 2017

In her Spring/Summer 2018 collection, designer Feng Chen Wang tackled the topic of “Seek[ing] to redefine the ‘Made in China’ stamp.” In doing so, the London-based...

Pastel-colored hair, dubbed "unicorn hair," is becoming a trend, one which is facing mixed reactions.

Unicorn Hair Trend — Should It Remain Mythical?

Liv Chai, Staff Writer April 27, 2017
Unicorns are majestic creatures that have become the inspiration for a number of food and fashion trends, with the newest being unicorn hair.
Levi’s first pair of jeans was geared for women in 1934. Now, Levi’s has a new collection that features fitted cigarette cut jeans and classic striped t-shirts that can work with both genders.

Dress for a Fluid Future

Liv Chai, Staff Writer April 20, 2017
Social norms have been moving toward a less gendered status quo for a while now, and some fashion companies are finally taking the hint.
The color pink has grown in popularity among both men and women due to the liberalism of millennials. “Millennial Pink,” a range of pink with warm undertones, has become a popular trend in clothing and fashion.

Millenial Pink: Not Just a Phase

Liv Chai, Staff Writer April 17, 2017
Millennial pink is trendy and ~ aesthetic ~ but it's more than just a phase.
Statement earrings can spice up any outfit. These periwinkle chandelier earrings from J.Crew are perfect for spring.

Spring Style Stars Statement Earrings

Liv Chai, Staff Writer April 6, 2017
Make your accessories the focal point for spring with statement earrings.
Model Karlie Kloss wears a sheer dress to host a charity fundraiser in London. With creative use of color or texture, a sheer dress can be the focal point of an outfit.

Sheer Me Out: See-Through Clothing for Spring

Liv Chai, Staff Writer March 30, 2017
Let's be transparent, sheer clothing is a major trend this spring.
Black slip-ons are a good transition piece from the winter to spring. They can be styled in a variety of ways and can be worn comfortably everyday.

Step Right Into Spring

Liv Chai, Staff Writer March 9, 2017
Step into spring with these stylish footwear options.
Fanny packs are a hands-free bag that are coming back into style. Even Kendall Jenner and A$AP Rocky have been toting this trend lately.

Pouch Perfect: Fanny Packs are the New It-Bag

Liv Chai, Staff Writer March 2, 2017
Fanny packs were once the trademark of the American tourist, but now they've become a celebrity and runway favorite. If you're looking to add both spice and functionality to your wardrobe, fanny packs are the accessory for you!
Lazy day outfits are in. Many people are now mixing athleisure with statement pieces for a nice, casual look.

Comfy Chic is Back In Style

Liv Chai, Staff Writer February 27, 2017
From model-off-duty to effortless glam, fashion has turned to the casual girl-next-door for new, fresh and toned down looks. Dressing down instead of dressing up to the nines has become much more than an excuse for a lazy day, it’s become a fashion statement.

It’s All in the Jeans: Denim to Wear Now

Liv Chai, Staff Writer February 16, 2017
Denim has made its comeback, here's a few ways to style it.
Hakan Akkaya F/W 2017

Hakan Akkaya F/W 2017

Liv Chai, Staff Writer February 10, 2017

Hakan Akkaya’s Fall/Winter 2017 collection revolutionized black and white with an emphasis on sporty couture. The show began with the concept of freedom, specifically the...

Beanies can be styled in a variety of ways.

Unique Beanies Spice Up Bleak Winter Wear

Liv Chai, Contributing Writer January 27, 2017
Brighten up your outfit and keep warm with these new decked out beanies.


Donating to a food drive is a classic way to lend a helping hand to the homeless this Thanksgiving.

Spread Love This Thanksgiving

Liv Chai, Staff Writer November 14, 2016
As the weather gets colder and food for the homeless becomes even more scarce, the holidays should be a time for all of us to not only be thankful for all that we have but to consider the less fortunate and give back.