I'll Have What She's Having...

By Sarah Elizabeth Fernandez

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Over the last year of my life, I’ve lived in different major cities in Latin America. I spent my junior fall in Buenos Aires, made a quick pit stop in spring for a semester at Bryn Mawr, and then headed to Santiago, Chile for the summer. This all to say, since I’ve been back for my last full year at Bryn Mawr, I have made an effort to explore places I’d never looked twice at. 

I got a great start this September when a friend from abroad came to visit me and asked to see some of my favorite corners of Philly. I had heard from another friend who frequents Chinatown that a new yogurt smoothie shop opened, and made it first on my list:

1.

I’ve been back several times for the mochi yogurt drink which tastes surprisingly light with a real cream flavor. At first glance it looks like a milkshake with golden yellow mango sauce swirled throughout. I love the pillowy mochi pieces at the bottom which are  chewy, making it feel like a dessert and drink in one.

2.

A recent article published by the New Yorker inspired me to check out the Calder Gardens, a small museum and garden space dedicated to the Calder family’s art works. The space is simple, which I found refreshing compared to the museum fatigue I often get after walking around a large and sometimes hectic space like the Philadelphia Museum of Art. Its location is public transit friendly as it is a short walk from Suburban Station. It is also situated on Benjamin Franklin Parkway across from the Rodin Museum and Barnes Foundation, making it easy to bounce around to different collections  if you want a more active day.

3.

 One place I make an effort to go into for Philly is Reading Terminal Market (although I am not always a fan of stalking out a table). Famous 4th Street Delicatessen is a new forever favorite of mine, as it has been of Philly residents for decades. Located in Queen’s village, which I recommend for an afternoon full of secondhand shopping and quirky stores, Famous 4th Street Delicatessen is a Jewish deli serving the classics. I love their Pastrami sandwich, which is about the size of my head and is perfect to split with a friend.

What “I’ve been having” this fall is an experience to seize the day. As my senior year has gotten busier, I’ve downsized my adventures and embraced the happiness I feel within smaller moments. It doesn’t always feel possible with a full plate and the rigor of academics within the Tri-Co, but when I do make time for something new it is just as satisfying as completing an assignment. For more ways to explore, I recommend checking out the Lower Merion library system, which checks out passes to a broad range of places like Philadelphia's Magic Gardens in Queen’s Village. Many art spaces such as the Calder Garden also have discounted student tickets and programming—such as “Friday Nights,” a DJ-accompanied social at the Philadelphia Museum of Art. I can confidently say it's never too late to find enjoyment and pleasure around you.

This article was originally published in CHICK Magazine Issue #1 on December 10, 2025