JJ’s is a place of madness and chaos, a choose your own adventure tale that Staff Writer Alyse Rovner finds peace and comfort in. 

It was 11:30 pm on a Saturday night when I saw you out of the corner of my eye. Your chunky yet watery texture and pale coloring were apparent under the harsh fluorescent light. Situated in between blueberry yogurt and orange slices, I made my way over to you. To my pleasant surprise, there was not just one, but two renditions of your glory: plain overnight oats and wait for it…strawberry cheesecake overnight oats! How could I have been so lucky? What did I do to deserve this?

I took two small paper bowls from the counter. I scooped the plain overnight oats into one, and the strawberry cheesecake into another. I shuffled through a sea of dazed and hungry students to a table at the back corner of the main room. I sat down enthusiastically on a high chair with I smile on my face because now I would finally be able to feast upon this glorious delight. 

First I tried the plain overnight oats, thinking that it would be better to start off simple, with a classic. As the cold, creamy oats touched my tongue, my eyes began to water…all my worries had suddenly disappeared. It’s magical yet relieving presence was just what I needed, and there was nothing that could make me more content…or so I thought?

I was so entranced and enthralled by its beauty that I had almost forgotten about the strawberry cheesecake oats that sat before me. This was an exciting variety I never even thought could exist. The strawberry cheesecake oats had a similar appearance to the plain oats, except for the sparkling red strawberry chunks that gleamed sporadically throughout. 

I put a generous amount onto my spoon, unaware of the mind-blowing experience I would soon endure. The strawberry chunks, in combination with the creamy and satisfying cold oats, were unlike anything I had ever had before. I knew in that split second after my first bite, that my life had been changed for the better. This time full tears began to run down my cheek…I had never been so connected to a culinary product. It was even more magical and soothing than the plain overnight oats, a feat I didn’t know was possible! This was truly a rare achievement of culinary excellence I was unsure I would ever see again.

I went back inside JJ’s and shamelessly grabbed a second bowl of strawberry cheesecake oats, relishing the few moments I had left with it–as I knew all too well a third bowl of strawberry cheesecake overnight oats would be my downfall. I packed up my stuff and walked back to my dorm…however I am still dreaming of you. 

I have been fearful about publicly addressing my love for you, overnight oats, as I would like more for myself; however, I feel a public responsibility to let the greater Columbia community marvel at your uniqueness and excellence.

Feasting at JJ’s  via lovestruck Bwogger