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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

Calais Watkins

Calais Watkins, Dining Editor

Calais Watkins is a third-year student, southern California native and sock enthusiast studying English in CAS. Although she believes English professors have dramatically overestimated their students’ time to read assigned texts, she’s sometimes thankful because she thinks a book in her hand makes her look all ‘intellectual’ while riding the subway to and from babysitting. Calais (pronounced ‘cal-ay’) fears substitute teachers and her name being read aloud because it once got mispronounced as “Callus” and the nickname haunts her to this day. Her most commonly said words are, “I’m cold.”

All content by Calais Watkins
Wollman Rink in Central Park is a popular skating spot for New Yorkers. (Via Wikimedia Tomás Fano)

Winter Wonderland: Culture Desk Dishes Their Favorite New York City Winter Activities

When the weather outside is frightful, the Culture Desk finds these activities delightful.
Lauren Gruber, Calais Watkins, Bella Gil and Carol Lee December 4, 2019

The Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree. Hot chocolate from Serendipity 3. The Union Square Holiday Market. “Home Alone 2: Lost In New York,” “Miracle on 34th Street” and...

Clinton Street Baking Company is a must-try all-day brunch spot. (Staff Photo by Carol Lee)

Culture Desk Dining: Farewell Edition

The culture desk reveals where they go to dine before saying farewell to the city for winter break.
Calais Watkins, Lauren Gruber, Carol Lee and Bella Gil December 3, 2019

For those of us lucky enough to avoid cramming in a credit requirement during J-term, leaving the city for a breath of fresh air and slower pace is a welcome break. But there’s...

Alex Christiano, Gallatin first-year, is an avid chef and frequently cooks in his Third Avenue North Residence Hall dorm room. (Staff Photo by Talia Barton)

This First-Year Finds Community in Cooking

The power of cooking helped Alex Christiano find his place during his first year at NYU.
Calais Watkins, Dining Editor November 11, 2019

Upbeat drums, rhythmic guitar and the raspy voice of Iggy Pop fill the air and bring the cramped kitchen alive as “Lust for Life” reverberates through the room. When Gallatin...

A Picturesque Picnic Spread

A Picturesque Picnic Spread

Everything you need for a perfectly chic French picnic.
Calais Watkins, Dining Editor November 7, 2019

There are plenty of ways to go about preparing a picnic, but everyone loves a theme to build around. For those of you who have always dreamed of emulating an artsy, ’60s French...

Staff Rants and Raves: Twitter

Staff Rants and Raves: Twitter

Twitter: Where memes come to life, where movements come to fruition, and where presidents come to rant. Hear what our staff has to say on what might be both the most multifaceted and divisive form of social media.

Rants On Dreams of Anonymity By Ethan Zack, Music Editor Having a Twitter account is a constant struggle between the absolute euphoria of being seen and the unrelenting...

Staff Rants: NYU Housing

Staff Rants: NYU Housing

Palladium might have a failing dining hall, but it’s not the only residence hall that has issues.

On Uninvited Guests By Calais Watkins, Dining Editor I only lived in NYU Housing for one brief, inglorious year — in Weinstein Residence Hall, to be specific. I expected...

Pumpkin-spice-flavored products from Trader Joe's. WSN Dining Editor talks about her two-day-long experiment of eating only pumpkin-spice-flavored food. (Photo by Calais Watkins)

Pumpkin Spice and Everything Not-So-Nice

Our dining editor ate only pumpkin spice-flavored foods for two days.
Calais Watkins, Dining Editor September 30, 2019

Water is the holy grail of human existence. From replenishing the lone desert wanderer to sustaining settlements along riverbanks, water is a biological need for survival. Never...

Learn to make spaghetti the way that abstract impressionist Jackson Pollock used to have it with this quick recipe. (via pixabay)

Experience Spaghetti Like Jackson Pollock

While living in New York City, why not eat like a legendary New Yorker of the past?
Calais Watkins, Dining Editor September 9, 2019

Have you ever wondered what it would be like to walk in the shoes of a famous artist? Well, after trying out the following recipe, you’ll essentially become Jackson Pollock reincarnate. If...

A hot chocolate and vegan almond brownie on a budget, with a 10% student discount from The Bean at 824 Broadway. (Photo by Laura Measher)

Steals and Deals Meant for Students

Food tastes better with a discount.
Calais Watkins, Dining Editor September 9, 2019

As young, hungry students frequenting the Village, it can be easy to get decision fatigue from the host of restaurants around. There are so many to choose from that it’s hard...

Scissors, a sharp razor, and Nad’s Body Wax Strips are all essentials when it comes from maintaining the nether regions. (Staff Illustration by Min Ji Kim)

Self Care Down There

Time to get over your fear of traveling and take a trip to the Nether Regions.
Calais Watkins, Dining Editor September 5, 2019

Let’s begin by ripping off the wax strip — pubic hair is real and everyone has it. And at one point or another, everyone wonders what to do about it. If after arduous contemplation...

Mocha almond fudge mini cake and chocolate cupcake with vanilla frosting in Sweets by CHLOE., a vegan bakery on Bleeker St., open from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. (Staff Photo by Jorene He)

Vegan Eats for Night Owls

From comfort food to a refined tapas menu — and it’s all vegan.
Calais Watkins, Dining Editor September 3, 2019

on practice to stop by a 24-hour diner and drown your academic sorrows in a creamy milkshake. There are plenty of late-night food destinations surrounding NYU’s Washington...

(Illustration by Li-Chun Pan)

Curing Heartbreak One Bite at a Time

Spare your stomach from post-heartbreak emptiness with these tips.
Calais Watkins, Dining Editor August 24, 2019

Some say ice cream and romantic comedies are all it takes to get over a breakup. Your mom keeps reminding you of how many fish there are in the sea. Your friends encourage a night...

(Illustration by Sophia Di Iorio)

Students Show Affinity for Astrology

Can horoscopes and star signs predict events and personalities? Some NYU students think so.
Calais Watkins, Staff Writer April 22, 2019

“Good morning. I’m Ms. Stielau, and I’m an Aquarius.” At the start of the spring semester, Media, Culture, and Communications TA Anna Stielau introduced herself to a...

Cloisters Museum & Gardens (via Yelp)

Four Activities for When the Weather Gets Warm

Bask in the sun without upsetting your wallet.
Calais Watkins, Staff Writer April 18, 2019

Lately, the stubborn clouds and wind have made sunny days a rare occasion. Staying inside on these bright days means missing an opportunity to finally soak up some vitamin D. Luckily...

Feminist signs rise among the crowds of the 2019 Women's March. (Marva Shi)

You Can Still Celebrate National Women’s Month in NYC

It’s not too late to celebrate women this March.
Calais Watkins, Staff Writer March 24, 2019

If the flood of female power posts on social media didn’t already clue you in, National Women’s Day was celebrated by many on March 8. However, the celebration of women’s...

New Yorkers gear up for Saint Patrick's Day at one of the many Irish bars in the city. (Staff Photo by Julia McNeill)

Pubs and Pots of Gold: St. Patrick’s Day Fun

There’s more to St. Patrick’s Day than beer — but of course, there’s beer too.
Calais Watkins, Staff Writer March 11, 2019

Growing up, St. Patrick’s Day meant shamrocks and pots of gold at the end of every rainbow. We would don green or face the pinching fingers of schoolmates. Now older and hopefully...

A woman stands outside the entryway of MacDougal Street’s Cafe Reggio. (Photo by Alana Beyer)

Coffee and Ambience at Caffe Reggio

Travel back in time to the Italian Renaissance at Caffe Reggio in Greenwich Village.
Calais Watkins, Staff Writer March 11, 2019

An 8 a.m. class is mission impossible without a cup of coffee in hand. My first semester at NYU, my immediate mission was to scout out all of the nearby coffee shops: the perfect...

Fried Oreo, a signature snack of Ray's Candy Store, a tiny, hidden place near Tompkins Square Park. (Photo by Elaine Chen)

Ray’s Candy Store: Serving the Works Since 1974

A timeless joint with sweet, fried foods galore that will warm your soul.
Calais Watkins, Staff Writer March 4, 2019

Finding the perfect snack in the early morning hours after a night spent either out or holed up in Bobst can be difficult. Luckily, there is a place that offers both savory and...

(Illustration by Sophia Di Iorio)

Battle of the Burgers: Shake Shack vs. In-N-Out

A hot take on take-out.
Calais Watkins, Staff Writer January 28, 2019

Let me begin with a disclaimer. I am from Southern California: home of In-N-Out enthusiasts who fill with pride when defending our famous burger chain. However, I tried my best...

Joe's Pizza is a common late night snack destination for NYU students. (Courtesy of Joe's Pizza)

10 Late Night Food Options for the City That Never Sleeps and Is Always Hungry

If you’re not going to sleep, you might as well eat.
Calais Watkins, Staff Writer December 4, 2018
If you’re not going to sleep, you might as well eat.
Food used for makeup. (Photo by Calais Watkins)

How to Do Your Makeup and Eat It Too

No, we aren’t running out of ideas —what makes you think that?
Calais Watkins, Staff Writer November 29, 2018
No, we aren’t running out of ideas —what makes you think that?
Trader Joe's Chocolate Croissants (Photos by Calais Watkins)

Bake It ‘Till You Make It with These 4 Frozen Meals

Calais Watkins, Staff Writer November 26, 2018

I was spoiled during my first year living in Weinstein Residence Hall when all it took was a trip downstairs to get a hot meal. The real world wasn’t quite as easy, I quickly...

(Illustration by Tina Zhou)

Healthy Food to Battle the Munchies

Just make sure to drink lots of water.
Calais Watkins, Staff Writer November 19, 2018
Just make sure to drink lots of water.
Molly with her stuffed animals. (Photos by Andrew Cardiff)

Never Too Old for Stuffed Animals

These students are proud to show off their childhood stuffed animals.
Calais Watkins, Staff Writer November 6, 2018
These students are proud to show off their tiny furry friends.
The finished product. (Courtesy of Calai Watkins)

A Haunting DIY Story to Chill Your Bones

A Halloween treat pinterest journey that was supposed to be a fairytale quickly became a nightmare.
Calais Watkins, Staff Writer October 29, 2018
A Halloween treat pinterest journey that was supposed to be a fairytale quickly became a nightmare.
The outdoor sign of the Lorring Place bar. (Photo by Justin Park)

4 Cocktails to Warm You up This Fall

Calais Watkins, Contributing Writer October 15, 2018

Whether you love it or not, it’s finally fall in New York City. The weather is staying below 70 degrees, everyone and their mother is breaking out those black ankle booties and,...

Lindsey Miller poses for a portrait in her SoHo apartment. (Photo by Alina Patrick)

The Student Operating a Hair Salon From Her Dorm

Calais Watkins, Contributing Writer October 9, 2018

We’ve all had our traumatic experiences when it comes to hair. That bowl cut in elementary school your mom thought was so adorable? Looking back at the pictures makes you cringe....

Eating Out While Eating In

Eating Out While Eating In

Calais Watkins, Contributing Writer October 1, 2018
Is your sex life going stale? Spice it up with aphrodisiacs and food in the bedroom.