Coogs Choose 2021

Issue 50 // November 2021 // Coogs Choose

COOGLIFE // November 2021

1

CONTACT OUR LEASING OFFICE - 3509 Elgin Houston, TX 77004 | (713) 344-1684

2 RESIDENT CLUBHOUSES • 2 RESORT-STYLE POOLS • GAME LOUNGE WITH BILLIARDS AND SHUFFLE BOARD POOLSIDE SWIM-UP CABANA WITH GRILLS • DELUXE THEATER • STATE-OF-THE-ART FITNESS CENTER LOUNGE-STYLE STUDY ROOMS ON EVERY FLOOR • OUTDOOR CROSSFIT CENTER • YOGA ROOM • INTERNET AND WIFI CONTROLLED ACCESS COVERED GARAGE PARKING• 24-HOUR EMERGENCY MAINTENANCE • FULLY FURNISHED UNITS PRIVATE BEDROOMS & BATHROOMS • STAINLESS STEEL APPLIANCES • IN-UNIT WASHER & DRYER • WOOD-STYLE FLOORING

2

COOGLIFE // November 2021

T N E D U T S S R E T N E C CE &

N CONFERE

Follow us @uhstudentcenter to stay up-to-date with the latest news & events happening throughout the year!

Scan to visit website!

ERVICES S N O I T A RESERV

STATION

N CREATIO

OOM GAMES R

& MORE S E N O C SHASTA’S

COOGLIFE // November 2021

3

November 2021

6-7

Best Student Leader winner

8-9

Student life winners

10-11

Best Student Organization winner

12

Student life winners

13

Best UH Sport to Watch winner

14-15

Best Coffee Shop winner

16-17

Best Food Truck winner

17-18

Food winners

19

Activities winners

20

Best Record Store winner

21

Entertainment winners

22-23

Best Book Store winner

EDITORIAL

COVERS

McKenzie Misiaszek Executive Editor cooglife@thedailycougar.com

4

COOGLIFE // November 2021

4

COOGLIFE // November 2021

Juana Garcia, Creative Director of The Cougar

creative@thedailycougar.com

WRITING

Alicia McWilliams Cynthia Zelaya Jeana’e Jackson Armando Yanez Megan Biasiolli Sydney Rose Haya Panjwani Atirikta Kumar

SOCIALS cooglife @cooglifemag @cooglife

EDITOR’S LETTER Howdy y’all,

Now, this is our last edition of Cooglife for this year :( so I want to wish everyone

Welcome to the

Happy Holidays and tell y’all to keep an

annual (maybe

eye on our website.

Bi-annual in this case) Coogs With Thanksgiving, Christmas, Kwanzaa, Choose edition!

Hanukkah and the new year all coming

This is the issue

up we will be posting decoration ideas,

where we list

recipes and how to deal with family

out some of

members that you may be seeing for the

y’all’s favorite

first time since 2019.

places chosen by you. From places to eat, to fun things

As always, I hope you enjoy this edition

to do around Houston and my personal

and you all are staying safe and happy!

favorite - our student life winners - if

Until I see y’all again!

you ever wanted a recommendation on where to go in Houston, we got you.

Thanks for reading,

Now, I’ll be honest, some of y’all’s

McKenzie Misiaszek

choices are not my choices and I do not

Executive Editor

claim them. Shoutout to Tiny’s Milk and Cookies, which should have won best bakery, and Pho Yen in Friendswood for best pho, but I digress. I will say, y’all chose correctly for Best Coffee Shop, and I respect that.

5 COOGLIFE // November 2021 COOGLIFE // November 2021

5

Student life

Best Student Leader Rayve’n Grimes

By Alicia McWilliams | Photo courtesy of Rayve’n Grimes

eing a college student is stressful.

Bspheres, You have to juggle your social academic obligations and

clubs. If you have a part time job, this balance becomes even harder to keep.

6

COOGLIFE // November 2021

Where is there time to sleep? To relax?

What if you took on a few leadership roles in addition to these already straining tasks? It may seem impossible to find a balance between all of these things, but one student has shown that

Student life

it is more than achievable.

and my orgs.”

Accounting junior Rayve’N Grimes, was voted Coog Choose 2021 Best Student Leader by students. She is a member of the National Pan-Hellenic Council as well as the president of UH’s NAACP and the chapter president of her sorority, Sigma Gamma Rho.

Time management, in her situation, has become paramount. But her role in her organisations is just a snapshot of how she spends her time, especially with the quarantines that had taken place in the last year. In her spare time, she enjoys being in the kitchen.

“When I first got to UH, I was that kind of shy reserved person who didn’t really get involved very much, so to see me grow to now, here, I’m involved in different things and have that initiative,” Grimes said.

“I want to make a food TikTok when I find the time to get good with a camera,” Grimes said. “Cooking is one of those passions that just stuck for sure.”

Grimes started out the same way that most students did in their first year of college, but what helped her thrive was the fact that she didn’t let the preconceived notions of what a leader was hold her back.

“Don’t doubt yourself,” Grimes said.

“You’re never gonna be ready for things you don’t think you’re ready for.”

For some, the idea of holding a leadership position is anxiety inducing, When people look at Rayve’N and not because of time constraints, but everything that she is involved with, it’s because of the “type” of person that people perceive should have those roles. worth noting that it’s not an easy feat to accomplish, but don’t get caught up in how hard it is. Focus on the fact that it Rayve’N is an example of how getting is an achievable goal that can be worked involved in leadership roles not only toward. allows you personal development and growth, but also gives you skills for the future.

“Not to be cliche and “It really allows for me to build those experiences now so that in my career, I can move quickly to leadership positions in the future,” Grimes said.

Managing all of these responsibilities, however, does come at a cost.

use the Nike slogan but that’s what I did,” Grimes said. “I kind of just went well, why not?

Why not me?”

“It definitely gets a little overwhelming at times,” Grimes said. “Especially, because I’m balancing my full-time job COOGLIFE // November 2021

7

Student life

She recalls one late night in particular, wandering into one of the lounges to find a group of her residents (all theater majors) working away at a project. Unprompted, she decided to wander back to her dorm and bake them cookies as a pick-meup. The students were touched, thanking her not only for the cookies, but for being one of the best RAs they’d ever had.

She understands the power of community, acknowledging how much she depended on older/ wiser mentors to get through as an underclassmen, inspiring her to become that figure for those that came after her. She encourages people to join an organization and stick with it, trusting that your found family will guide and support you so you may pay it forward later on.

By Cynthia Isabel Zelaya Ordones | Photo courtesy of Arwa Hasnain

Best RA

Arwa Hasnain

W

If you want to become an RA, go for it. Arwa notes that everyone goes in with at least a little bit of imposter syndrome, but the important thing is having an open mind and being prepared.

Best On Campus Place to Work

hen Arwa Hasnain decided to become an RA M.D. Anderson Library at CV2, she was certainly motivated to apply because of the free room and board, but what really Everyone knows that M.D. Anderson library is one made her pull the trigger was remembering an of the best places to study on campus, but did inspirational RA she’d had as a freshman. you know it’s also a great place to work, at least according to students.

A hard-worker with an excellent sense of humor, she is the poster child for attracting the energy you Voted Best On Campus Place to Work by students project. the chill vibes carry over from studying students to Unlike other RAs, she has no horror stories of exploding microwaves or catty behavior amongst her residents. They treat her and their home with the same respect she treats them. If anything, she’s had a significant amount of positive experiences.

8

COOGLIFE // November 2021

the students who work there. Whether it be helping students find books, displaying their knowledge of the Dewey Decimal System or using down time to study, look to see if the library is hiring if you’re looking for a place to work on campus.

Student life

Best Professor Aaron Corsi

A

long-time favorite of students, student publications, and Houstonians alike, Aaron Corsi has been voted this year’s best professor.

A UH alum himself, it’s only fitting that he would come back to teach at the same campus he walked during some of his formative adult years.

He’s a busy man between teaching and serving as brewmaster at the Houston staple 8th Wonder (to which he is also a co-founder). And yet, he’s still found time to begin to pursue his doctorate in Molecular and Environmental Plant Science at Texas A&M. In other words, he still knows what it’s like to be a student. The court of public opinion agrees, seeing as few students complain about excess work, frivolous expenses on materials, or overlycomplex lectures. Corsi boasts a healthy 4.8 on RateMyProfessor.com and a 2.0 on difficulty.

Although his classes won’t leave you tearing your hair out in rage or considering dropping out of college to pursue a YouTube career, you do have to show up to class. Be present, participate, pay attention, and do what you’re asked. The rest is all about having fun and learning something new. And boy, is there fun to be had when classes include Beer Appreciation and Alcohol Production.

Students see him as inspirational, relatable, and easy-going. So if you’re looking for a class to fill a hole in your schedule, consider Corsi’s, the UH student body highly recommends it.

By Cynthia Isabel Zelaya Ordones | Photo courtesy of University of Houston

Best Bar or Pub

8th Wonder Distillery Coincidentally, the 2021 Coogs Choose Best Bar or Pub was none other than 8th Wonder Distillery, which was co-founded by Best Professor Aaron Corsi.

Founded in 2018, the distillery is located at 2202 Dallas Street and has a wide selection of Houston based beers. The distillery also offers herbal and hard seltzers that they created.

8th Wonder offers beer to-go 1 p.m. to 7 p.m. everyday and is open noon to 10 p.m. Monday through Saturday, and noon to 8 p.m. Sundays.

COOGLIFE // November 2021

9

Student life

Best Student Organization

Black Student Union

By Jeana’e Jackson | Photos courtesy of the Black Student Union

T

he Black Student Union at the University of Houston is a multifaceted organization that fosters social and educational support for the African American community.

BSU’s resources to its members are instrumental and encourage black students to succeed at UH and beyond. An admirable accolade that deserves recognition, BSU was voted Best Student Organization for Coogs Choose 2021.

“To know that students choose us as the best student organization on campus is really an honor,” said Vice President Alex Davis Thomas.

10

COOGLIFE // November 2021

“We remained resilient and came back stronger than ever through racial injustice and a pandemic that set us back. Our members mean the most to us, and we make it a point to put them first in everything we do. Without them, there would be no Black Student Union. Our mission is to leave an impact wherever we can, so we are so very thankful for this recognition.”

History The origination of the Black Student Union dates back to the late 60s and early 70s and has been led

by Lynn Eusan, Gene Locke and other civil rights activists. Originally named Afro-Americans for Black Liberation, the creation of AABL was to help unite black students around the rise of the Civil Rights Movement.

President of BSU, Brian Kirksey, said some of the organization’s founding initiatives that helped set the bar for the future of BSU include creating a scholarship to raise funds for black students and tutoring youth in the Third Ward Community.

“One of the most significant accomplishments that impact the history of UH, is the list of demands presented to UH President Phillip Hoffman in February of 1969,” Kirksey said.

With the driving force of the Civil Rights Movement, the focus of AABL was to inform students about the importance of black liberation and equality for black students at UH. “Through activism, BSU has a rich history that our executive board hopes to leave behind,” Kirksey said. “While we have grown in size and taken on a new image since the 1970s, our purpose remains unchanged. To be the organization that provides advocacy and a safe place for black students at UH.”

Student life

Resources BSU participates in community activities like volunteering at the Houston Food Bank and The Nehemiah Center’s Fall Festival.

The Black Student Union also provides educational resources for members within their organization.

Workshops such as “sex education” and “black professional development” are some previous events that BSU has held for its members.

“We are the liaison to all Black Caucus organizations, UH departments, and administrators,” said secretary Alexandra Lee. “We strive to provide resources to our members and students at UH. Whether our members need our help to acquire an internship or to find a place to study, to know that we have the opportunity to walk alongside students through college and to provide them with resources to succeed is a rewarding feeling.”

The Black Student Union is an excellent resource for black students on campus. For more information on how to get involved with BSU, follow them on Instagram @bsu_uh or look them up on AccessUH’s Get Involved portal.

COOGLIFE // November 2021

11

Student life

Best On-Campus Resident Hall University Lofts

The University of Houston has many dorms to choose from, but some are much nicer than others. This is only the second time this category has been included in Coogs Choose, and the first time the Lofts has won.

This dorm is known for the requirement that you have to be 21+ or at least a junior to live here, and also the beautiful view of the Houston skyline you have from the rooftop lounge.

Best Off Campus Apartment

Icon Student Apartments Located at 3509 Elgin St.The Icon opened in 2017.

It has pools, a 24-hour fitness center and study rooms, along with a multitude of different floor plans that can fit any student’s lifestyle.

If you are not interested in living on campus, look into The Icon, it was voted Best Off Campus Apartment for a reason.

Best Sorority

Sigma Gamma Rho

Best Fraternity Tau Kappa Epsilon

Photo by McKenzie Misiaszek 12

COOGLIFE // November 2021

Best UH Sport to Watch Basketball

By Armando Yanez | Photos courtesy of The Cougar

men’s basketball TwatchheteamHouston was voted best sport to for Coogs Choose 2021.

The program just came off a 2021 NCAA Tournament Final Four appearance for the first time since the Phi Slama Jama teams that made it that far from 198284.

Back when Kelvin Sampson took over as Houston’s head coach in 2014, such a deep run would’ve been a dream to think about with extremely low chances of happening.

Since then, the men’s basketball team has gained massive attention from students and fans after developing and growing as a program while attracting and recruiting players such as Damyean Dotson, Armoni Brooks, Nate Hinton, Fabian White Jr., and Quentin Grimes.

Over the last seven seasons, the popularity of the men’s basketball team among students has skyrocketed compared to

when Sampson first came to the program.

“First of all it’s an honor,” Sampson said. “The most important entity for our program are the fans and the students.

That’s why when I first got here, we used to go around recruiting students, and now that shows how far we’ve come from begging them to come to games to becoming the most popular sport.”

Atascosita native and graduate student forward Fabian White jr., who arrived to the program in 2017, has been with the program the longest of any player on the roster and has seen the growth it has undergone first-hand.

“You wouldn’t see a UH basketball T-shirt on anybody,” White Jr. said. “You wouldn’t see anybody at the games back when I first got here. Now all I see around UH and pretty much around Houston is UH basketball gear or they got the Jordan brand on. That’s all on coach Sampson

Student life

for coming here and turning this program around.”

Now heading into his final season of eligibility, White Jr. will be a crucial part of a team that has become a campus favorite and was voted the best to watch on campus.

“That means we’ve come a long way,” White Jr. said. “When I got recruited we had empty seats at games and you could sit courtside if you wanted to. That just shows you how much the culture of our basketball team has affected this university, and we love the energy that the fans bring to this gym. We wouldn’t be where we are today without them.”

Junior guard Marcus Sasser, who arrived to the program in 2019, played a key part in last year’s run to the Final Four.

Sasser, as well as the whole team, contribute a lot of the team’s energy and motivation to the fans who come and support them on game days.

“It means a lot to us,” Sasser said. “We really like the fans and love when they come to the games and support us. It gives us a little boost, and it’s really hard for us to be beat here [Fertitta Center], and I think they are a big part of that.”

Sampson, who will try to lead this team to a national championship this season, appreciated the team’s recognition as the best sport to watch.

“It’s awesome; good to hear, and I want to keep it that way.”

COOGLIFE // November 2021

13

Food

Best Coffee Shop Cougar Grounds

By Megan Biasiolli | Photos by McKenzie Misiaszek

T

he smell of coffee consumes the entire south wing of the Hilton college. A line is almost out the door filled with those waiting for their mochas, matchas and smoothies. The chatter almost drowns out the soft music playing overhead.

The Coog Choose 2021 Best Coffee Shop winner Cougar Grounds is a University of Houston institution that has been in operation since 2008.

“Really that’s all it comes down to, good service and great coffee,” said general manager Sean Lawless.

Cougar Grounds customers are not surprised that the coffee shop was voted the best on campus.

They praised the quality of the coffee, and said that it tastes better than Starbucks. The Cougar Grounds manager and employees were also unsurprised by this poll because they continuously 14

COOGLIFE // November 2021

strive to provide the best products and service to their customers.

Cougar Grounds is beloved by students for being a great place to meet with friends or to have an interview.

Accounting junior Lauren Morton has been working at Cougar Grounds since the end of September. Before she started working there she was a frequent customer, and she said her love for Cougar Grounds and for coffee in general was the reason she wanted to be one of their baristas.

“I would say Tuesday is our busiest day, because that’s when most people are on campus, but everyday there’s going to be students,” said Morton.

Accounting junior Betsy George has worked at Cougar Grounds since August. She said she wanted

to work at Cougar Grounds because it gave her a chance to interact with her peers and make coffee.

Many customers ask George for a vanilla latte or a vanilla and cream ice charger.

Food

Morton said one of the best things about working at Cougar Grounds is the conversations she is able to have with her co-workers and her customers.

Even when she’s not working, she still goes to Cougar Grounds to get her cup of coffee.

“The best part of my day is working with my coworkers,” George said, “We all have different majors “While we’re on shift we’re also trying new things and are different ages, but when we come to work and testing out the drinks so that we know what we’re one big family.” we’re drinking is good, and so we know how to best recommend drinks to customers,” said Morton.

Journalism junior Savannah Smithson first discovered Cougar Grounds through her Chi Omega Currently, the Hilton college is under construction. sorority sisters. She said that there are usually two The construction will relocate Cougar Grounds to a girls from Chi Omega in there at all times. larger area in the college that will help them service more students.

Smithson goes to Cougar grounds once or twice a week. She explains that the atmosphere is If you’re looking for a fall flavor, they have you relaxing and she feels productive when she is in covered. Their fall special seasonal drinks include there studying. Her favorite drink to get is the iced the pumpkin spice latte, brown sugar oat milk caramel latte. She is not surprised that Cougar charger and seasonal tea such as the mango Grounds was voted Best Coffee Shop. passion fruit tea. Cougar Grounds also has a loyalty program through the Clover app.

“It is the ultimate coffee shop vibe that is really great to do your homework in or get any work Every Monday they post an employee spotlight on done,” Smithson said. their Instagram, @cougargrounds. Cougar Grounds is open Monday to Thursday 7:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.

MIS and marketing junior Alizeh Haider first saw and Friday 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. They are not open on Cougar Grounds while walking by on her way to the weekends. visit her friends in the dorm. She goes there two or three times a week and likes to get their caramel latte.

“It’s right in the middle of campus and it’s easy for all the freshmen to get to, that’s why it’s the best,” said Haider.

Cougar Grounds daily playlist depends on the baristas on shift. Students love the music choices.

“The day we were playing Taylor Swift and the Jonas Brothers someone came up saying ‘hey I just wanted you to know I was having a terrible day, but then I heard T Swift and now it’s better so thank you,’” said Morton.

COOGLIFE // November 2021

15

Food

never been to The Waffle Bus before and were trying the food there for the first time.

The Waffle Bus has been an option for those on the UH campus for many semesters now and the food can be seen on social media promotions and heard about through word of mouth.

“I’ve seen Instagram posts about it,” Garcia said.

“My friends told me it’s really good, so I’m very excited to try it.”

After hundreds of votes nominated The Waffle Bus as the best food truck, chef Johnny Marin was glad to hear about the win.

“I’m pretty proud of this,” Marin said.

By Sydney Rose | Photo by McKenzie Misiaszek

Best Food Truck The Waffle Bus

What keeps drawing students to the food truck is not only the great reviews but the taste of the food itself. The intricate recipes have students like nutrition sophomore Tammy Ngyuen coming back again and again.

T

“I would say The Waffle Bus is pretty good, I love the food,” Ngyuen said. “Their sauce, it’s sweet and salty, which makes it really good.”

Out of the food trucks that park around the UH main campus, The Waffle Bus has both old and new customers visiting to try the chicken and wafflebased dishes.

Ngyuen has visited The Waffle Bus over five times and said the food gets better and better every time.

“It’s pretty much the same experience, but the food stays good,” Ngyuen said. “It’s become like a comfort food.”

he results for Coogs Choose 2021 are in and the best food truck on campus voted by UH students, faculty and alum was The Waffle Bus.

“I hear about (The Waffle Bus) from people on campus and friends who always say I should try the food,” said education junior Elsy Funes. “We’re going to try the chicken thunder fries, I’m really intrigued to try the spicy mayo with the honey butter.”

Funes, with her friend teaching and learning junior Ariana Garcia, had 16

COOGLIFE // November 2021

Food

Some of the menu items at The Waffle Bus include waffles with sweet cream and Nutella, as well as waffle fry options and fried chicken sliders.

“It’s all in the ingredients really,” Marin said. “It’s a good recipe and we just do it to perfection, that’s what we do.”

Best Bakery

Common Bond Cafe & Bakery For anyone that’s been to Common Bond, it’s no surprise that it won.

They have locations across Houston so no matter where you are you aren’t far from their baked goods.

From tarts, cupcakes and cookies to actual meals you won’t feel too guilty about eating like salads, soups and sandwiches, you find so many yummy things here.

There are two separate locations almost equidistant from UH. 2278 West Holcombe Blvd and 1706 Westheimer are about four miles from campus if you have a craving you need to satisfy.

Best BBQ

Ray’s BBQ Shack Another past winner, Ray’s BBQ Shack is located at 3929 Old Spanish Trail, not far from UH. Ray’s BBQ Shack is a local Houston business and they’ve got a variety of options for any appetite - from seafood to burgers or even just a side of fries.

If you’re looking for a filling meal and a great atmosphere, Ray’s BBQ Shack is the place to go!

Photo by McKenzie Misiaszek COOGLIFE // November 2021

17

Food

Best Brunch Breakfast Klub

Be prepared to wait in line. Some of the best and most popular breakfast in Houston makes this is a need to go place.

Try the chicken and waffles.

Best Third Ward Food Spot Frenchy’s Chicken

This is Frenchy’s second time winning this spot. It’s no secret that Frenchy’s is a pride and joy of the neighborhood, and even stars like Beyoncé have made stops here.

Best Pho Spot Pho Saigon

Pho Saigon has multiple locations throughout the city and is often cited as one of the best places for pho in Houston.

Simply do a Google search for “best pho spots in Houston” and Pho Saigon will be on every list you see. Voted 2020 Best Pho

by Houston Press and one of the 21 Best Vietnamese places in Houston by Thrillest, it’s no surprise they are a cougar favorite.

Best Indian Restaurant Aga’s

Located right outside of the south loop at 11842 Wilcrest Drive, Aga’s is a hidden gem with delicious food and a beautiful banquet hall.

Photos courtesy of Frenchy’s Chicken 18

COOGLIFE // November 2021

Best Karaoke Spot

Activites

Christians Tailgate

They have five locations around Houston, and a lot of good food and drinks. Good thing too because you may need the drinks to get the confidence needed to kill your karaoke session.

Best Museum

Houston Museum of Natural Science Dinosaurs, precious rocks and butterflies are all exhibits you can see any time you want at the Houston Museum of Natural Science. Keep an eye on their website because they also have traveling exhibits that change every few months.

As a student you get discounted rates and everyone can visit for free on Thursdays!

Best Resale Shop Goodwill

There are so many Goodwill locations to explore around Houston. The closest to UH being 2520 Brun Street.

They’re all filled with vintage clothing gems as well as furniture and home decor, and depending on the day certain items are discounted.

No matter what you’re looking to get, Goodwill should have you covered.

Best Social Media App Photo by McKenzie Misiaszek

Instagram

COOGLIFE // November 2021

19

Activites

Best Record Store

By Haya Panjwani | Photo courtesy of Cactus Music

A

s one of the most historic music stores in the city, Cactus Music brings all types of music lovers together and even fosters generations of community through records, live performances and a tight-knit store staff.

Cactus Music was founded by American record producer Harold “Pappy” Daily, and has been a part of Houston for over 45 years. While the original store was located near West Alabama and South Shepherd, Cactus Music now resides in Montrose.

Some employees have been working with the store for 20 or more years, which helps foster a sense of community in the store that makes Cactus Music stand out amongst other record stores in the city.

“We generally think of our stores as the conduit for people of music,” said store owner Quinn Bishop. “It’s not just us selling music to people that are coming in to buy packaged goods and recorded media, it is a meeting place for people to congregate that are talent buyers and agents and writers, and you know, journalists, publicists, club owners and musicians.”

Cactus Music grandparents shopping with their grandchildren, bringing them here,” Bishop said.

He added, “Because now, there’s this vinyl resurgence, which really is a lot of millennial and even younger, record buyers, and I think that older music buyers that are vinyl fans, or even CD fans love it, that their grandchildren have an interest in it and, through in-store performances, we would see, I mean, I can remember, children like little children that read our in stores that have grown up and are now you know, that we were a part of their musical experience.”

Cactus Music has won many awards, from being the critics’ choice record store for Houston, to now being the record store of choice for UH Cougars.

Nevertheless, Bishop says that every award is just as meaningful to them as the last.

“We never take (awards) lightly because we’ve been honored with an award from time to time, but you know, that there, it’s always special. It is always appreciated, and it’s always a reminder that we are getting through and making a difference in people that love to people that love music in our city,” Bishop has been with the store for many years now, Bishop said. “Having a retail store is a constant so he’s seen people come into the store as children, game of adjustments and figuring out how to and then those same people grow up to be sound amend what you’re doing to fit the times, and that technicians or producers later in life. is one of the biggest messages that we are doing the right thing and we’re so grateful.”

“We see cross generational shopping, you’ll see 20 COOGLIFE

// November 2021

Entertainment

Best Tattoo Shop 713 Tattoo Parlour

Looking to get inked or pierced? Check out 713 Tattoo! They’ve got experienced artists and high-quality piercers and jewelry, so that you can get the best results.

They’re located in the Montrose area and stay open late. With high ratings and reviews, you’re guaranteed to love your new tats and piercings from 713.

Best Live Music Venue House of Blues

Live music is back, and where’s a better place to go listen to it then the House of Blues? This is the second year House of Blues has won Best Live Music Venue.

Best Bike Shop

3rd Ward Bike Shop Biking is a popular way to get around campus. If you’re looking to support local business and get to class faster visit the 3rd Ward Bike Shop at 2305 Wheeler Ave.

Best Club and Best LGBTQ+ Club Blur Bar

Although Best LGBTQ+ Club and Best Club are technically two separate categories, Blur won them both.

Located in Montrose at 710 Pacific Street, the two story club is known for its bright lights, inclusive environment and loud music. If you love to dance Blur is the place to do it.

Photo by McKenzie Misiaszek COOGLIFE // November 2021

21

Entertainment

Best Book Store

Murder by the Book Story and photos by Atirikta Kumar

B

ookstores can be the best place to hang out, whether you’re there to buy a book, check out a cool place, exploring a new date idea, or just need a big book hug. Murder by the Book is just that, and that may be why it was voted Best Bookstore by UH 22

COOGLIFE // November 2021

students for Coogs Choose 2021. younger readers into the store,” McDougall said. “So, hearing that John McDougall, the event it’s resonating with the cougars is coordinator at MBTB, was excited fantastic.” to learn that the family owned store was voted Best Bookstore. Murder by the Book is located “One of things we’ve been trying only 10 minutes from campus really hard to do is bring new and and was named after a mystery

Entertainment

by Rex Stout.

Murder by the Book is known for selling mystery centered novels, although mystery runs through many genres if you think straight up crime is not for you.

In contrast to the blood-chilling mysteries that the bookstore is best known for, the place can be best described as a cozy blanket filled with books. Shelves are filled to the brim with novels, walls are covered in different posters and pictures and quotes from the bookstore give off an enteric cozy vibe.

The staff are experienced

The little neon notes filled with book recommendations by the staff add a sense of familiarity and make the customers feel like family.

With its own uniqueness and quirks, MBTB is the place to check out.

in helping customers find a book to their liking and are always open to sharing their recommendations.

“One of the things we try to do is make every customer feel like family at Murder by the Book.” said McDougall.

Whether you are wanting to check out the crime or mystery genre and are looking for recommendations, or are a seasoned reader in that genre, MBTB is the perfect place for you.

If you are looking for a place that is cozy and filled with awesome people, both real and fiction, MBTB is the place to be.

COOGLIFE // November 2021

23

24

COOGLIFE // November 2021