LALALELA CRÊPERIE.

I was officially back in the homeland, and this always feels fantastic. Those midwest summers are certainly unbeatable. There were roughly six weeks before I shipped off to California for my first harvest. Rather than lounge around Des Moines, I wanted to work! Luckily the crepe shop was happy to have a guest chef appearance. Being back in Iowa City was an interesting affair. My old college town was more or less the same. My secret dirt trail along the river was found and paved. Several staple establishments went under and were replaced. The summer students occupied the city in full force. I did not recognize any of them. A majority of my college homies had fled the city. Despite all these micro changes, I felt like a student again. This is likely the effect this city will always hold over me. I fell back into my pre-covid college routine. That is not a complaint because it is the perfect schedule in my eyes.

Being back at the shop was a breath of fresh air. I had done the fine dining corporate experiment, but the family-owned business will always prevail. Cooking for people in that cozy cafe never felt better. Many of the regulars continued to crave these delicious crepes. It was lovely to swap stories and catch up. You could find me at the gym when I was not holding down the shop. This was not just any gym. The CRWC (Campus Recreation & Wellness Center) is a legendary lifting location, but I was most interested in that sauna. Finally, I had my sweating sanctuary again. This tiny heated box is my favorite thing in Iowa City, based on the amount of time spent there. Of course, I dedicated some time to my favorite drinkeries. You likely found me at Fox Head, Gabe's, Big Grove Brewery, Sanctuary, Deadwood, or Mosleys. My time in this city was nostalgic, productive, and rejuvenating - those six weeks certainly went fast. I will always return to the tremendous tutorial town. See you soon, my lovely Iowa City!