Instead of ESPN or an intense game of Halo, the giant flat screen in the Sigma Alpha Mu fraternity house living room last night featured complicated diagrams of advanced physics and descriptions of abstract string theory. Physics professor Mirjam Cvetic spoke to about 20 fraternity brothers in a presentation on the basis of string theory and her complex theoretical research on the subject.

Summary of crime in the Penn area. (1 )

The spiritual influence of Penn's Lubavitch leaders will soon translate into something tangible: a new home for over 100 students. The Perelman Center for Jewish Life will house the Lubavitch House at Penn, as well as the Steinhardt/Cayne Jewish Heritage Programs.

Despite the costume controversy that marked Penn President Amy Gutmann's Halloween party last year, there will be no official censorship policy implemented for tonight's annual soiree. Gutmann came under criticism last year for posing with 2007 Penn alumnus Saad Saadi, who was dressed as a suicide bomber. (3 )

Walking into the Rose Tattoo Cafe, at the corner of 19th and Callowhill, feels like entering a secret garden. This undiscovered gem nestled near the Philadelphia Museum of Art and Franklin Institute boasts a romantic atmosphere and is bursting with fresh, green plants and cast-iron decor.

Few Penn students are eager to trek into West Philadelphia past the safe haven of 40th Street, but for those willing to make a small trip, there are some pleasant culinary surprises. One such destination is Dock Street Brewery and Restaurant, a new eatery located in a converted firehouse at 50th Street and Baltimore Avenue. (1 )

When most Penn students think about getting a sandwich their top choices probably come down to Geno's, Pat's, or Koch's. That's a shame, because one of the best sandwiches in Philadelphia is the banh mi, or a Vietnamese hoagie offered at many small eateries.

Oh, the woes of a local burger aficionado. Near Penn, choices are slim for that most quintessential of American meals: On the one hand, beefy checks and relatively long waits are the norm at the Marathon Grills or Copabananas of campus, while on the other hand - McDonalds.

Saying that Thai Singha House is at the same level as its local Thai cuisine peers isn't a dig; considering the quality of Thai cuisine around campus, it's a good find like any of the others. The establishment gets high marks for service - fast, personable, and easy on large groups and small couples alike.

There are probably close to 100 restaurants in University City, and though Penn students may not appear to be starved for choice, in a way they are. Those with cravings that don't fit into popular niches (Pizza, Chinese and Indian spring to mind) would seem short on luck.

Whether you're a college student with a big appetite and a small budget or you prefer sampling a variety of dishes rather than just one, Joy Tsin Lau's daily dim sum lunch is a perfect choice. Dim sum, a Cantonese term meaning to "touch the heart," or "order to your heart's content," is the Chinese equivalent of tapas.

Nobody does steak finer than Ruth's Chris Steakhouse. Don't be misled by the name, though. Ruth's Chris is far from a one-dish restaurant and is the perfect dining location for anyone interested in spending the night out in a more formal setting. The Ruth's Chop Salad started out the meal right, although my date and I opted to share it, due to the size of the dish and the entree we both were eagerly anticipating.

You know those guys walking around campus with yarmulkes and those girls in the absurdly long skirts? For still-confused freshmen not hailing from New York, we're called Orthodox Jews. Due to our strict adherence to Biblical and Talmudic dietary laws (known as kashrut), our eating patterns could be summed up in three words: Hillel or starve. (1 )

Since its construction, the Cira Centre has served as the shiniest welcome sign to University City Penn has ever seen. It has simultaneously served as a building that has confounded students with an array of questions: What exactly goes on there? Is it an office building? A conference center? And how exactly do people walk inside when it's shaped so weirdly? One question (is the food there good?) was answered at Rae, the building's first floor occupant, with a resounding yes.

Upon entering El Vez, one of the first things to catch the eye is a glittering low-rider bicycle slowly rotating above the bar. The installation, says hostess manager Nicole Bell, epitomizes the "Mexico meets East L.A." theme prevailing in both the ambiance and cuisine of popular restaurateur Steven Starr's ninth dining venture.

Step inside a small Italian villa - err, step inside Branzino restaurant. Located at 261 S. 17th St. in Center City, Branzino is a small, but cozy BYO to gather with friends for wine and good food. I especially liked the decor, which included soft green hues and murals that made it seem like one was looking out onto a countryside.

It's silly to cross the Schuylkill when there are great BYOs like Rx right in Penn's backyard. Rx, located at 4443 Spruce Street, is just a brisk walk from campus. It's truly a neighborhood restaurant; our waitress hugged a patron goodbye with a warm "see you next week.

As amazing as Philly Diner is, there are times when you want a diner where you can eat eggs without getting sick … or shot. Little Pete's, located at 17th and Chancellor streets, provides the perfect daytime alternative to Penn's late-night favorite. Little Pete's looks like what a diner should look like.

Originally opened in 1773, City Tavern has proudly upheld the time-honored techniques of 18th century American chefs. Every dish offered on their menu has a unique story behind it. My guest and I began to order our appetizers and our server came to life from being a formal colonial servant to animatedly telling us the story behind each dish: How W.

I have an admission to make: My "fine dining" experiences here at Penn have largely ignored restaurants close to campus. What can I say? I'm an adventurous kind of guy. Not that there aren't great restaurants nearby. Penne's subdued setting below the Inn at Penn and mature clientele don't exactly endear it to the BYO-fanatic student crowd.