Blend @ Annette's Cafe — Restaurant in Palo Alto

Decent Asian fusion food, but there are a few things that could use improvement. The meats are tender but a bit dry. The kimchi is ok, but it's vegan, so you'll miss the savory element of non-vegan kimchi that normally includes anchovy or salted shrimp. I still think it's one of the best places to get lunch on Stanford campus, and I usually get the marinated beef. That being said, the beef doesn't look particularly appetizing; it's actually grey, rather dull in color, and almost looks like it's been steamed or boiled. It's very tender, but, as I mentioned previously, it's rather dry. I tried the fried rice this time around, and it was pretty disappointing; the rice was overcooked, mushy, and lacking in flavor. Next time, I'll stick to the steamed white rice. There are plenty of toppings to choose from, and they cost nothing extra, so load up on the scallion, fried onion, achara (pickled shredded daikon and carrot), corn, spinach, etc. I was pleasantly surprised the first time I ate here because I noticed that they have (presumably) fresh squeezed calamansi juice. If you've never had it before, calamansi is a Philippine(?) hybrid citrus fruit; the result of crossbreeding kumquat and mandarin orange. It has a very unique taste and is absolutely DELICIOUS. Kind of a fragrant, perfumy, incrediblely sweet, and tart flavor. If you're not excited about the food, at least stop in to get the calamansi. My only critique of the calamansi is that they apparently squeeze and pour the cups ahead of time, with ice. So, the ice tends to melt a little and dilute the flavor before the customer gets to taste it. Perhaps you can ask for it with no ice, or with less ice, and they'll pour a fresh one for you that hasn't been sitting at the pass. I'll have to try...

Blend @ Anette's is new, and happens to be one of the best places to eat on campus. The Filipino style food is authentic and tasty, and the long line by noon speaks for itself.

I've tried the beef and the pork (Tocino) and they are both delicious. The variety of vegetable toppings and sauces keeps things interesting and fresh, and an optional fried egg is perfect for those times you just need some yolk in your life.

At about $10 a bowl it isn't the cheapest option on campus, but the flavors and good quantity make it well worth the...

Really good place to grab lunch right in the middle of the chemistry and biology buildings. The food is good, though a bit expensive. The location is a bit small to handle the volume of orders that are present around lunch time, so be prepared for a substantial wait to get your order in. I really really wish this location was open later in the day; closing at 2 pm is the worst when running late to grab lunch in the middle of the work day. You realize it is past 2 and have to go somewhere else. Should be open until at least 3 pm, if not...