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Saahiti Kiran Chamala/Fourth Estate

BY SAAHITI KIRAN CHAMALA, CO-EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

If you’ve scrolled through TikTok lately, you’ve probably seen the viral Dubai chocolate bar making waves among dessert lovers. And if you’re looking to try the sweet sensation without hopping on a plane, Lily’s Chocolate and Coffee is the place to go. With locations in Vienna and Alexandria, Lily’s is a must-visit spot for chocolate lovers, offering a unique menu and an Instagram-worthy aesthetic.

Lily’s Vienna location is about 20 minutes from Mason. While there are no direct Mason shuttle buses to the café, you can take the Gold 2 bus to the Vienna Metro Station and transfer to a Fairfax Connector Bus 463 to Maple Avenue and Park Street. From there, it’s just a short two-minute walk.

Stepping into Lily’s, you are instantly immersed in a pink paradise. From the bubblegum-colored walls to the adorable pink swing seating, the entire café is designed for picture-perfect moments. Metal accent tables complement the blush-toned chairs, creating a chic and cozy ambiance that makes Lily’s an ideal spot for coffee dates, casual hangouts or late night sweet treats. 

According to Sodko Tsegmid, an employee at Lily’s, the most popular items are the TikTok-famous Dubai chocolate bar and the Dubai chocolate-covered strawberries. Another fan favorite is the Lockma, which Tsegmid describes as “fried dough balls dipped in different kinds of chocolates and covered with garnish.”

The chocolate Lockma was the perfect blend of warm, gooey chocolate generously drizzled over crisp fried dough balls and topped with finely chopped pistachios. The rich cocoa flavor balanced with the nutty crunch made for a satisfying bite. Lockma is available in three portion sizes: five, eight or 18 pieces.

If you prefer coffee, Tsegmid highlights the pistachio latte and the Spanish latte as Lily’s standout drinks. Tsegmid commented that the Spanish latte comes with espresso, vanilla syrup and condensed milk, making it a sweet and creamy choice for coffee lovers.

Tsegmid’s personal favorites are the pistachio Lockma and the white chocolate-covered strawberries. 

Saahiti Kiran Chamala/Fourth Estate

“I’m addicted to chocolate-covered strawberries. People think chocolate-covered strawberries are a Valentine’s Day thing, but no, it’s an everyday thing,” said Mason sophomore Taylor Jackson.

Jackson loved the classic chocolate-covered strawberries while acknowledging the price tag. “It is on the pricier side, so it’s a monthly thing, not something I would get regularly, but I like Lily’s,” she said.

Not all menu items were a hit for everyone. Kayla Smalls, a sophomore at Mason, had mixed feelings. “I got the hot chocolate, and it wasn’t even that good. It burned my tongue and wasn’t worth it,” she said. “I stole a chocolate-covered strawberry from my friend, and that was good. The strawberries were juicy and delicious, I would recommend that.”

Beyond its desserts, Lily’s also reflects the heartwarming journey of its founders. Co-owner Saifalden Alobaidi shared how the café was born out of a dream during quarantine in 2020. “Lily, my sister, always had this idea of opening her own coffee shop,” he said. “She used to set up tea tables at summer camp, and later at family gatherings, people would remember the way she made tea.”

After immigrating from Iraq and moving around various states, Saif and Lily eventually landed in Virginia. “We both got COVID-19 and were quarantined for 15 days. That’s when we started brainstorming the idea seriously,” Saif said. “After quarantine, I found a location, signed the lease, and built everything from scratch. My background is in civil engineering, so I designed the interior myself.”

One of their most unique offerings is the Iraqi dessert, Lockma. “Traditionally, it’s fried dough covered in sugar syrup and pistachios,” Saif explained. “But we added an American twist—filling them with chocolate, vanilla, or Biscoff and covering them in different types of chocolate. It became a hit.”

The success of Lily’s, however, wasn’t just luck. “When we opened, one woman came in with five kids. We offered them coffee and desserts for free, and she wrote a glowing Facebook post with pictures,” he said. “In the next couple of days, we had a line of over 100 people at our door.”

Saif’s personal favorite? The salted caramel latte with vanilla. “It was my dad’s favorite drink, and since he passed, it’s really stayed with me,” he said. 

One of the best things about Lily’s is its late-night hours, making it a great option for an evening dessert run. The café is open until 11 p.m. on weekends and 10 p.m. on weekdays, with doors opening at 10 a.m. daily.

While Lily’s is on the expensive side, it’s worth a visit for those looking to indulge in viral chocolate treats. If you’re craving the Dubai chocolate experience without leaving Northern Virginia, this pink-themed café is a great option.

BY BARRETT BALZER, NEWS EDITOR

On April 15, President Washington’s office sent a campus-wide email confirming recent reports, detailed in Axios, regarding the visa statuses of international students at George Mason. 

The confirmation follows President Trump’s executive orders, signed on Jan. 20, declaring a national security emergency over immigration processing, requiring a more enhanced vetting screening of immigrants seeking citizenship. 

Following the executive orders, international students and faculties across the nation have had their visas revoked along with being detained and facing deportation threats. On March 8, Mahmoud Khalil, a Columbia graduate and pro-Palestine advocate, was, reportedly, named the first student to have their green card revoked, and later detained and arrested. 

The email read, “George Mason University has learned that the U.S. Government has terminated and/or revoked student visas of 15 international students.” 

“To be clear, we played no role in facilitating these visa terminations. We have not shared confidential student visa status or immigration information with federal authorities.”

The email outlined the steps Mason is taking to assist the affected students. “First, our Office of International Programs and Services (OIPS) is in direct contact with the affected students to provide them with support and additional external resources.” 

“Second, students are being advised to contact their academic dean to see what options they may have to complete their coursework. The Provost’s Office is encouraging faculty to work with students who may be found in these situations, providing as much flexibility as possible.”

“And third, the university has reached out to the appropriate federal authorities to learn what process is being used to identify students for revocations. So far, no answers have been given. We are also seeking appropriate legal clarity from legal support referred to us by the state Attorney General’s Office.”

“To our 4,000 international students and our 36,000 American students, we care about your well-being, and we are doing everything possible to maintain a stable, positive scholarly environment for you. We will keep you updated as events warrant,” ended the email addressed to the student body. 

Other universities in Virginia, such as VCU, Virginia Tech and UVA, were also listed to revoke international visas without warning. 

Student Body President Maria Cuesta and Vice President Colin McAulay posted an Instagram statement regarding travel and immigration concerns set by Mason OIPS. 

“Stay informed about possible travel bans. No bans are currently in place, but policies can change rapidly. Monitor updates to see if your country may be affected.

“Expect possible delays in visa processing if you plan to renew your visa while abroad. Interviews may be harder to schedule and processing times longer.

“Be mindful of re-entry risks. Most F-1 and J-1 students can re-enter the U.S. without issue, but entry is ultimately up to U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP).”

At the end of her statement, Cuesta said, “We’re here. We matter. We belong”