May 19, 2022

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VOLUME 140, ISSUE 28 | THURSDAY, MAY 19, 2022

2 | THURSDAY, MAY 19, 2022

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BEST EGGHEAD: BOOKHEAD The egg-shaped sculpture in front of Shields Library takes the win

BY JACOB ANDERSON features@theaggie.org

JACOB SLOAN / AGGIE Professor Robert Arneson’s “Egghead” sculptures remain some of the most memorable art installations on campus. The seven round, friendly-looking faces can be found in myriad locations across the school, and many students have no trouble naming the one they like most. As their favorite, 49.6% of respondents to this year’s Best of Davis survey chose “Bookhead,” which can be found in front of Shields Library.

“It just has good vibes,” said Kim Volkmann, a second-year economics major. “You can tell how serious learning is for it. It’s inspiring.”

Volkmann wasn’t the only one to notice Bookhead’s hardworking, scholarly attitude: Leila Madani, a second-year food

science major, said that the placement of the sculpture “made a lot of sense.”

“It’s the kind of art you want for a library,” Madani said. “I don’t know why, but I definitely like it.”

The sculpture certainly seems to have a unique quality, but students don’t always agree on what it is. When asked about what sets Bookhead apart from the other Eggheads, Tyler Serrano, a fourth-year biology major, pointed out one distinct feature: “You can’t see his face. All the other ones — like the one near the law school — you can see their faces, and they look kind of weird. You can’t see this guy’s face at all, so he doesn’t intimidate anyone like the others do.”

Bookhead outside of Shields Library. (Kayla Bruckman / Aggie) As to why the other Eggheads might intimidate students, Serrano said that they seem to be experiencing “weird emotions.

I wouldn’t want to talk to somebody who was making a face like that at me.”

The Eggheads, which have been raising spirits on campus since 1991, are some of the final projects finished by Arneson, who was a UC Davis faculty member for four decades before his death in 1992. The sculptures are his legacy on campus, and, while students might not agree on what makes them so special, the fact remains that the Eggheads are a staple of campus culture.

BEST DAVISBEST CAMPUS SPECIFIC INSTAGRAM ANIMAL: THE CATS Highlighting the feline friends who make campus ACCOUNT: UCD feel like home AFFIRMATIONS

KATHERINE FRANKS / AGGIE

The student-run meme account is surprisingly honest

BY CHRIS PONCE features@theaggie.org

@ucd_affirmations on Instagram. (Benjamin Cheng / Aggie)

BY CORALIE LOON features@theaggie.org What do you look for in a collegerelated Instagram account? Maybe it’s a sense of community or access to Davis-specific information. But if you’re also interested in hyper-edited memes of common UCD student conundrums, you might just want to follow the Instagram account @ucd_affirmations, which won Best Davis-Specific Instagram Account with 51.8% of the votes.

This account is a safe haven for sarcastic “affirmations” that mimic the slightly distressed voice in your head, reminding you (halfconvincingly) that everything will be okay.

One post says: “I will lock my bike on the first try. I will not blame myself for standing there incompetently and rather blame the lock for being so hard.” Another says: “Sleeping my life away is not an indication of my poor mental health. I am fine.”

The admin of @ucd_affirmations, who wished to remain anonymous, created the Instagram account around fall quarter of last year after noticing a lack of UCD-related meme accounts.

“Every time I had a minor inconvenience, I would just make a meme about it and heavily edit it,” the admin said.

Since then, the account has gained over 5,000 followers and many supporters.

“I’ve gotten a very overwhelmingly kind and

supportive response from everyone,” the admin said. “It was a really big shock seeing how the account grew so fast. It made me really happy to see what happened because of it.”

The page has been a cathartic way to build community from both shared experience and shared humor. Elizabeth Steinbach, a fourth-year political science and statistics major who follows @ucd_affirmations, explained how the account could make positive changes for some students.

“It actually brought some stuff to light that students just didn’t have an official platform for,” Steinbach said.

Robert Vergara, a third-year environmental science and management major, has been following the account since October of last year. As well as following them because of their hilarious memes, which he feels are a nice pickme-up in the middle of a stressful day, he also appreciates the emotional support.

“Their occasional Q&As compile useful advice and tips about navigating undergraduate life from other students, which gives the account a collaborative and grounded feel,” Vergara said. “Overall, a 10-out-of-10 account that undoubtedly deserves the Best of Davis title.”

We can’t wait to see what else @ucd_ affirmations has to offer and what future meme accounts will rise to the surface next.

Davis is known for its wide array of animals on campus. In this year’s Best of Davis, 35.1% of students have voted to name the campus cats the “best campus animals.” Whether that be the lawnmower sheep, the turkeys in the Arboretum or the cats on campus, animals are a staple to campus life at UC Davis. Cheeto the cat has become a particularly popular friend on campus, but he’s not the only one. The cat living near The California Aggie’s office and Voorhies Hall, called Newspaper by Aggie staffers, is a personal favorite for many students working at The Aggie.

Cheeto, who has made his home near the physics building, has grown to become one of the most popular cats on campus. Students often share their moments sighting Cheeto on Instagram. @Cheetodaily, an Instagram account that posts pictures of Cheeto, can be accredited for his growing popularity. The account has 7,480 followers, which includes the official UC Davis Letters & Science account, UC Davis Undergraduate Admissions and Chancellor Gary May. On May 12, Cheeto made a statement regarding his growing popularity. He said that it is a touching experience and that he is grateful for every moment of it.

“Meow… Meow, meow, meow, meow.

Meow,” Cheeto said as he ate catnip.

The creator of the @Cheetodaily Instagram account, who wishes to remain anonymous, discussed the impact Cheeto has had on students on campus and wanted to remind students of the purpose of the account. “[The point of the account is] helping people

destress and just have their daily dose of Cheeto to make their days a little bit brighter, just like what Cheeto would always do for me whenever I saw him,” said the creator via Instagram Direct Messaging.

On May 12, Duncan and Vanessa, two third-year students, said they spotted Cheeto in the bushes and wanted to visit him. Vanessa shared that she visits Cheeto regularly, and they both shared their thoughts regarding the cats on campus.

“He should let us pet him, but he won,” Duncan said when discussing how Cheeto was hiding in the bushes.

“I only ever see Cheeto actually; he’s a good campus support cat,” Vanessa said.

“Everyone needs a little Cheeto,” Duncan said.

Duncan shared that Compost was his favorite cat before Compost passed away last October.

Compost is one of the many campus cats lost in recent years. Coco, a calico cat who lived near Veihmeyer Hall, passed away due to a decline in health on Jan. 19, according to a memorial located at Veihmeyer Hall.

The creator of Cheetodaily owes the popularity of their account to the growing number of students who take comfort in the cats — and in Cheeto in particular.

“I know a lot of other students have similar experiences to me with how they’ve been impacted by Cheeto [sic] and I just think it’s so great that we can all collectively enjoy Cheeto’s company and appreciate him through cheetodaily,” the creator of Cheetodaily said.

JACOB SLOAN / AGGIE

Cheeto, a campus cat that resides by the Physics building. (Quinn Spooner / Aggie)

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THURSDAY, MAY 19, 2022 | 3

BEST DATE SPOT: FARMERS MARKET The Farmers Market is the perfect spot for a date — whether its a date with yourself, a significant other or a friend

BY ALINA ISSAKHANIAN features@theaggie.org KELLIE LU / AGGIE

If you are looking for the perfect spot for a date, Davis students say to look no further than the Davis Farmers Market. The beloved weekly Farmers Market is the winner of this year’s Best Date Spot in Davis, receiving 41.6% of the survey respondents’ votes.

“I like the atmosphere, it gives me a reason to go out and get fresh air,” said first-year genetics and genomics major Elizabeth Paul. “It’s also a great place to grab breakfast or lunch on the weekends.”

Good vibes and farm-fresh produce fill Central Park every week from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturdays and 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. on Wednesdays.

The Davis Farmers Market sells a variety of locally-grown fruits and vegetables, freshly-

made food, baked goods, art, gifts, cheese, eggs, honey, flowers and much more. Vendors roll in continuously, so there is often something new to discover. First-year biological sciences major Jessica Lowry said that in addition to delicious groceries, some of these vendors even offer great gift options.

“It’s a great place to find fresh fruits and veggies, or to find gifts for loved ones at the multiple artisan booths,” Lowry said. “I’ve gotten so many birthday and other holiday gifts for family there. It’s a really sweet environment and just makes me happy when I go.”

The next time you want to spend some quality time with someone special, or some quality time with yourself, first-year economics

People shop at the Davis Farmer’s Market on Saturdays at Central Park in Davis, CA. (Aggie File) major Yuetong Zheng recommends taking a stroll through the Farmers Market.

“After the end of a tiring week, all I want to do is relax and peacefully browse all the fresh, colorful foods and flowers at the Farmers Market with my friends,” Zheng said. “Even when I’m strolling through the market stalls all alone, the piano melodies and lively chatter that flow

through the Davis Farmers Market make me feel happy and fulfilled. For me and for many others, the Farmers Market is a hub that connects community members through good vibes and local offerings that simply cannot be found elsewhere.”

BEST PLACE TO NAP: HAMMOCKS IN THE QUAD Hammocks on campus let students unwind outdoors

BY SONORA SLATER features@theaggie.org AMY YU / AGGIE

Hammocks in the Quad. (Kayla Bruckman / Aggie) There are certain things that are essential to life for most college students: iced coffee, pasta and naps, to name a few. At UC Davis, students are so committed to “napping excellence” that there is even a UC Davis Nap Map that provides information about nap spots on campus based on safety, privacy, noise level, comfort and more.

In case you’re wondering where exactly is the best place to nap when there are so many options out there, winning Best of Davis this year for Best Nap Spot are the Quad hammocks, which secured 45.5% of the vote.

Evelyn Chichil, a first-year human development major, described her first experience

swinging in one of the hammocks.

“It’s very relaxing,” Chichil said. “I feel rested.”

Tiffany Li, a psychology major, expressed similar thoughts while lying on the hammock with her friend.

“It’s nice and peaceful, and I can feel myself relaxing,” Li said.

The hammocks on the Quad are almost always full, a representation of their true popularity, so finding one can be a challenge.

Chichil said that one of the things that sets the hammocks apart from other nap spots is that it’s outdoors, which allows students to take

in the fresh air and sunshine. Chichil considers this spacious atmosphere especially nice since she is currently a freshman living in the dorms and sometimes struggles to find her own space.

“With my roomies, they’re kinda always there,” Chichil said. “Sometimes I want space to myself, so I like to go outside and wander off. So I came here — and it’s very nice.”

Christine Li, a statistics major lying next to Chichil in the hammock, said that she appreciates the space to relax even more during stressful midterm and finals seasons.

“I just took a midterm,” Li said. “I don’t think I did well, and I have to write an essay tonight.”

Li expanded on how napping in the hammocks gives them a chance to take a break from thinking about midterms and essays.

“That’s why we’re here relaxing in the hammock,” Li said. “To just forget about the world for just a little bit. Forget the anxiety is there.”

BEST PLACE TO CRY ON CAMPUS: THE ARBORETUM The Arboretum wins first-ever “Best Cry Spot” category, and students attest that it is a deserved title

BY JALAN TEHRANIFAR features@theaggie.org

CHRISTINA LIU / AGGIE Did you fail your midterm? Drop your coffee on your brandnew white shirt? Get in a bike accident at the Silo circle? Well don’t hold back your tears, the Arboretum is the perfect place if you need to cry it out.

Fifty-eight percent of respondents voted that the Arboretum is the best place to cry on campus in this year’s Best of Davis survey.

Crying in school hallways is totally for high school — real college students know that the secret to the undergraduate experience isn’t not crying at school, but crying in nature at school, and where better than the UC Davis Arboretum? Plus, the Arboretum runs parallel to most of UC Davis’s main campus buildings, making it within reach from virtually anywhere on campus.

Tini Yu, a first-year art studio major, has never cried at the Arboretum but said that she sees the potential of the space.

“I feel like the Arboretum is such a private place to cry,” Yu said. “Because there are so many trees and plants, you can easily hide in there if you need to cry without anyone seeing you. Also, I live in the Tercero dorms and don’t want to cry in front of my roommates so it’s nice that the Arboretum is right behind the dorms. If I ever needed to cry I could just cross the street and go cry in front of the lake while the ducks laugh at me.”

Carly Klinger, a first-year political science major, said that she shed some tears along the Arboretum path during her very first week on campus.

UC Davis Arboretum. (Kazim Jafri / Aggie) “I actually cried there once,” Klinger said. “I think it was during move-in week. I hadn’t made friends yet so I was exploring campus alone and I was at the Arboretum and I just stood there and cried.

The vibes were actually 10-out-of-10, I definitely recommend it.”

Ellie Raymond, a first-year communication major, shared that she cried in the Arboretum before she was even a student here.

“The Arboretum deserves this win,” Raymond said. “I remember a year ago, my family and I drove up to Davis after I

got accepted into the school to see the campus. We were walking around campus and we got lost in the Arboretum and I remember I was crying but now I can’t remember what I was crying over.”

According to students, the Arboretum has it all; between its miles-long walking loop and hidden benches, picnic tables and tunnels, the crying possibilities are endless. It begs the question: Is the Arboretum waterway made up of the tears of past students?

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BEST GE COURSE: NUTRITION 010

BEST RESOURCE CENTER: AATC

Food science for students of all majors, a course with valuable real-life applications and professors who pay attention to both mental and physical facets of health

The Academic Assistance and Tutoring Center helps students succeed in their classes and improve their skills

JACOB SLOAN / AGGIE

Academic Assistance and Tutoring Center in Dutton Hall. (Kazim Jafri / Aggie)

BY SUN YIE features@theaggie.org

NUT 10 GE class in California Hall. (Benjamin Cheng / Aggie)

BY LEVI GOLDSTEIN features@theaggie.org The three unit lower-division course Discoveries & Concepts in Nutrition (NUT 010) offers an introduction to food science, giving students vital knowledge that is readily applied outside of the classroom. Voted best class to take online in 2021 and best GE in 2017, 2018 and now once again in 2022, NUT 010 is a clear student favorite with 36.9% of the votes in this year’s Best of Davis.

According to Dr. Liz Applegate, a former distinguished senior lecturer emerita in the Department of Nutrition and Director of Sports Nutrition, the course was designed to be approachable for non-STEM majors.

“Everybody eats,” Applegate said. “This is a topic everybody should know about.”

During her time teaching the course, Applegate developed an online version, and NUT 010 is now available to be taken in virtual (NUT 010V) and hybrid (NUT 010Y) formats.

NUT 010 is valuable for students like firstyear psychology major Aaliyah Valdez, who is currently taking the course in spring quarter 2022. For Valdez, NUT 010 is a relatively easy GE that teaches how food affects the human body.

“It shows you the differing ways of what nutrients people need,” Valdez said. “What captivated me is how each food goes through your body and how your body processes it.”

Dr. Debbie Fetter, an assistant professor of teaching and the current NUT 010 professor this spring, was inspired to study nutrition when she took the course as an undergraduate at UC Davis. Because she had close friends who experienced disordered eating when she was in high school, Fetter strives to encourage more healthy relationships with food among her students.

“There’s no one right way to be healthy,” Fetter said. “There’s no such thing as a good or bad food. You can’t tell how healthy someone is

simply by looking at them. Health comes in all shapes and sizes.”

Fetter also hopes that her students will develop a filter in NUT 010 for misinformation about nutrition and unrealistic body standards in the media.

“My goal is to teach students how to think critically about the nutrition information that we’re bombarded with in the media and especially on social media,” Fetter said. “It’s really tough to escape it. But my hope is that students will be able to apply the science-backed skills that they learn from Nutrition 010 to be able to look at a future social media post and question […] the information that they’re seeing and also question the source.”

NUT 010 students appreciate Fetter’s efforts to make the class a safe environment that focuses on mental health as much as physical health.

“The professor never says, like, these are the amount of calories you should take,” Valdez said.

“Nothing is really pushed on you.”

NUT 010 consistently fosters a supportive environment for not only undergraduate students taking the course, but also for its graduate student TAs. Applegate and Fetter are both grateful for their teams of teaching assistants, who they say are highly motivated and invested in their students.

NUT 010’s lasting impact on students makes it a successful general education course, and it is why its professors speak so enthusiastically about their experiences teaching it.

“I run into people all the time in other states — I don’t mean to sound boastful at all -— but what I get is, ‘Oh, hey, I had you at UC Davis, NUT 010,’ and then they tell me something they learned,” Applegate said. “I feel really good that nutrition has made a difference in their life, and that UCD did, and also that they got the takeaways. To help them understand the importance of what you eat and [how] it can make a difference in your health, that just means a lot to me. I think it is that type of topic that will carry on that way in years to come.”

Coming away with 45.2% of the vote, this year’s best student resource center goes to the Academic Assistance and Tutoring Center (AATC). The AATC provides several engaging educational services that promise to deliver academic help to anyone who needs it, proving it a valuable resource to the UC Davis campus.

Students who seek help from the AATC can customize their education because tutors operate their lessons with the Big 3 Questions in mind, meaning that they teach by asking questions, giving practice problems and incorporating positive reinforcement. This tutoring style helps students have more agency over their lessons, allowing them to not only learn how to solve their own questions but also learn how to think more critically about their own approach to their class curriculum.

The AATC offers an assortment of services, including tutoring in chemistry and math and assistance with papers at the Writing Center,among others. Its mission is to make challenging and rigorous subjects at UC Davis more comprehensible to students.

Katarina Schultz, a fourth-year English major, shared her experience at the Writing Center.

“As a transfer student, I found it difficult to match my community college style of writing to the level of writing that upper-division English professors expected, so this resource was really helpful,” Schultz said. “This service not only helped me with my papers, but also helped me

to grow more confident and comfortable in my writing voice.”

Math and chemistry classes have proven to be exceptionally difficult as well, but AATC mitigates many of the concerns that students have in these larger, “weed out” STEM classes by offering drop-in tutoring, individualized tutoring and workshops. Tutors at the AATC bridge the distance between students and professors, working tirelessly to provide comprehensible guidance in these subjects.

Kyle Chuang, a fourth-year environmental science major, voiced his appreciation for the AATC Chemistry and Math Departments.

“Organic chemistry and the MAT21 series would have killed me had it not been for the AATC,” Chuang said. “I liked that I could cultivate a relationship with my tutors because it’s very difficult to do that with your professors, when you’re just one student among thousands.”

Fifth-year electrical engineering major and AATC tutor Prabhyjot Mann reciprocates this admiration for his tutees who have persevered through his MAT tutoring series.

“I find this work to be even more fulfilling than if I were to tutor someone from K-12 because it feels so much more intimate knowing that I’m helping someone who is struggling in subjects that I used to have trouble with, and so it’s nice knowing that I’ve grown to be in this position and to see the development of my tutees as well,” Mann said.

CHRISTINA LIU / AGGIE

BEST STUDY SPOT: SHIELDS LIBRARY There’s something for everyone at campus’ largest library

BY ANGIE CUMMINGS features@theaggie.org JACOB SLOAN / AGGIE

Peter J. Shields library. (Kayla Bruckman / Aggie) Whether you aim to “study” with friends or actually grind and get s*** done, Peter J. Shields Library has a spot for you. Unlike other on and off-campus study spots in Davis, Shields is never lacking in a perfect spot to work, meriting 51.1% of the vote for Best Study Spot. It would take at least 30 or 40 minutes to take a complete walking tour of all the viable study spots at Shields, with a total of 350,000 square feet of space to offer.

“It’s definitely the most reliable place to sit and work in Davis, everywhere else fills up pretty quick,” said Carolie Hopkins, a third-year computer science major.

In addition to providing students with large-

scale study halls made complete with an ample amount of outlets to charge their ever-dying computers, tablets and cellphones, Shields has quiet spaces lined with individual desks that can truly be made into any student’s temporary home as they study for hours on end. These special little desks seem to be designed in a style akin to the concept of blinders for horses, immersing you in a wooden nook with only your study materials (and maybe your phone screen) in your line of sight.

“I love studying in the cubbies. [They’re] a tiny home,” said Abby Golde, a fourth-year animal science major.

One of the beauties of this particular study spot is that there really is no time limit on how long you can stay. What other study spot in Davis (perhaps besides the privacy of your own room) never really closes? While Shield’s hours are technically only 7:30 a.m. to 12 a.m. on Mondays through Thursdays (they close at 8 p.m. on Fridays), one can make use of the slightly eerie 24-hour study room — fit with a nifty vending machine and green tiled bathroom. Even if you don’t arrive at the library fully prepared for an extensive study sesh, the staff at Peter J. Shields has your back.

“The fact that they let you borrow chargers is

awesome, that’s really saved me many times,” said Livvy Mullen, a third-year design major. “They’re portable so you don’t even need an outlet.”

Shields Library is more than just a good place to study. With a plethora of seating and a wide variety of environments, it is packed to the brim with amazing (free!) resources for any of your educational (or recreational) pursuits. In addition to having what seems like every book in existence, the library offers things like printers and use of their desktop computers.

“It’s an accessible and sustainable way to get the books and resources you need, whether it’s for class or just for fun,” Hopkins said.

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THURSDAY, MAY 19, 2022 | 5

BEST LATE-NIGHT SNACK: IN-N-OUT BURGER Affordable and tasty food captures UC Davis students’ late night hearts

BY RACHEL SHEY features@theaggie.org JACOB SLOAN / AGGIE

In-N-Out in Davis, CA. (Quinn Spooner / Aggie)

In-N-Out Burger on Olive Dr. won best latenight snack for this year’s Best of Davis, receiving 36.6% of the vote.

One of the ways to get to In-N-Out from the campus is to take the Unitrans W Line from the Silo bus stop. Second-year microbiology major Cynthia Dubridge noted that she’s never been to the In-N-Out franchise in Davis, due to its location as a distant locale.

“At least in Davis, it’s so far into downtown that I haven’t been there at all,” Dubridge said.

Second-year biochemistry major Michael Tsorto counseled students to order the DoubleDouble, a cheeseburger with two patties.

“It’s what I always get,” Tsortos said. “The patties are thin, so it’s not too much.”

Dubridge sometimes goes for a milkshake in addition to the hamburger. She prefers it simple, forgoing some of the typical hamburger toppings.

“I usually order a plain hamburger which has tomatoes and spread, because I don’t like lettuce or onions,” Dubridge said. “Sometimes I’ll also go for a chocolate milkshake. I think Shake Shack’s milkshakes are better, but they’re also more expensive, so if I want a cheaper milkshake, then I think In-N-Out is a good place to go.”

In-N-Out is eminently affordable, which also makes it a good candidate for a late-night snack, minimizing the impact of midnight cravings on the wallet. The interior decor of In-N-Out is simple and clean, easy for a sleep-deprived student to navigate. Even the Double-Double is small and quick to eat, a bonus for a late-night snack, which doesn’t have to be the size of a fullblown meal.

Second-year microbiology major Macey McAdams praised the milkshake at In-N-Out. According to McAdams, it’s the combination of different tastes that you can get at the fast food chain which makes it the perfect late night snack.

“Their shakes are nice,” McAdams said. “It’s the saltiness from the fries, sweetness from the

shake, and when you crave meat you can get that nice burger, animal style, baby!”

Animal Science major Aryana Bertino-Pyne said that the burger at In-N-Out is one of the finest she’s tasted. Not only is it a good snack, it’s just plain good food.

“As someone coming from the East Coast, In-N-Out is by far the best and most well constructed burger I’ve ever had,” Bertino-Pyne said. “The flavor profile is impeccable especially if you get your burger with grilled onions.”

Second year Neurobiology major Bhavdeep Kahlon agreed that the burgers at In-N-Out make an excellent late night snack.

“The triple triple is legendary because late night cravings hit different,” Kahlon said.

In-N-Out fan Bartholomew Van Hornby asserted that no other burger can really compare to In-N-Out’s burgers. When asked what makes In-N-Out so good, he directed his praise toward the cheese.

“In-N-Out doesn’t really have much competition in the burger space,” Van Hornby said. “They’re the only large fast food chain I know of which makes things fresh, but ultimately, it’s the sweaty cheese so good you’ll probably end up eating paper trying to get all of it off of the wrapper.”

On his own trips to In-N-Out, Van Hornby enjoys “a double-double animal style with chopped chilis and animal fries” or a “four by four animal style with chilis if I’m not feeling fries at the time.”

BEST DESSERT SHOP: BEST PASTRIES: DAVIS CREAMERY UPPER CRUST The ice cream parlor located on E Street in BAKERY Downtown Davis attracts customers with homemade ice cream and a wide range of flavors JACOB SLOAN / AGGIE

BY RIDDHI PURANIK features@theaggie.org Davis Creamery, located on E Street in Downtown Davis, is a popular spot that attracts college students and locals alike with their enticing ice cream flavors, delicious candy bars and delectable caramel apples.

The family-owned store dedicates itself to creating a welcoming atmosphere for all. The outdoor seating area with wooden benches and fairy lights appeals to the crowd that frequents the streets at night. Regulars enjoy the multitude of flavors with their friends at this popular hangout spot. A quick stroll downtown ensures that you come across the shop and soak in the lighthearted atmosphere it contributes to the Davis environment.

When you take all these factors into consideration, it is no surprise that Davis Creamery was voted the best dessert shop in Davis, winning with 46.1% of the vote. The creamery seeks to incorporate fresh and local ingredients in all of their flavors as a way to support the Davis community. It has been serving the citizens of Davis since 2005.

The Davis Creamery partners with the university, local businesses and nonprofits to organize fundraisers, as mentioned on their website.

A popular event that attracts ice cream enthusiasts is Bracketology, an annual flavor competition held in March. The customers submit 16 new flavor ideas to create the bracket.

Once this bracket is finalized, the customers vote on two flavors every week. These decisions eliminate the least favorite flavors until there is only one winning flavor.

Many of the winners of the Bracketology competition have become a regular option, for example, Trifecta, Strawberry Oreo and Kit Kat Nutella, as detailed on their website.

The integration of the customers’ ideas into the cycle for selection further increases the chances of customers forming an emotional connection to this store. Perla Servin, a first-year managerial economics major, is one of the many Davis Creamery fans.

“I love walking downtown and heading to the Creamery to try out new flavors,” Servin said. “Even if it is cold outside, my friends and I sit together and recap the best parts of the week to each other.” She emphasizes that the versatile nature of the flavors is what always draws her to the Creamery.

“My friends make fun of me for liking the Avocado Coconut flavor the best, but I love the way it tastes,” Servin said.

Harika Kovvuri, a first-year biological sciences major, has a personal favorite at the Creamery: red velvet.

“I like going there after my midterm to treat myself,” Kovvuri said.

The Davis Creamery creates their ice cream fresh every morning in batches, which contributes to the taste that everyone has come to appreciate. They serve other treats that are designed to cater to all your sweet cravings such as cookies, macarons, caramel apples and candy.

The creamery also offers specials such as the Lava Cake Sundae or the Cowpie, which is essentially a scoop of your favorite ice cream sandwiched between two cookies. You can also make your signature milkshake by choosing up to three flavors of ice cream.

The Davis Creamery caters to your special dietary needs by offering a select number of sugar-free, gluten-free and vegan options. This ensures that nobody misses out on this valuable Davis experience.

The store continues to work its way into the hearts of all who step through its bright yellow doors. Head over to 113 E St. to satisfy your sweet tooth.

The bakery is located on G Street next to the Davis Food Co-op

Upper Crust Bakery. (Kazim Jafri / Aggie)

BY SOFIA BIREN features@theaggie.org The Upper Crust Baking Company, commonly referred to as Upper Crust Bakery by locals, is located in Downtown Davis on G Street. This year, its pastries were voted “Best of Davis,” getting 44.2% of respondents’ votes.

Upper Crust Bakery was opened in 1986 by Trudy and Mo Kalisky, and in 2019, their son Lorin Kalisky took over the business. The bakery sells baked goods, including breads and pastries.

According to Kalinsky, they specialize in Jewish and French baking traditions.

Kalisky has been a part of Upper Crust Baking Company for most of his life, and started working in the family business at 16 years old.

“My favorite part of working and owning the bakery is definitely being able to provide quality food,” Kalinsky said.

Lorin Kalisky, who grew up in the U.S., lived in France for 14 years. After studying in France, he decided to incorporate more of the French baking tradition in the family bakery.

“I lived in France for 14 years, and it wasn’t really until then that we really started specializing in the French baking tradition,” Kalinsky said.

“While in France and in the United States, I have trained with the best bakers and I have incorporated what I’ve learned into the current bakery we have now.”

Upper Crust Bakery’s current location was opened in 2019 and was previously a Radio Shack. The Radio Shack sign is still displayed in the back room today, the only indication that it

was not always a bakery. Their current location allows them to sell baked goods within the bakery itself.

According to Kalisky, the Upper Crust Baking Company weathered the impacts of the pandemic really well. They transitioned to delivering locally and opted into a program called Farm Fresh To You, which delivers fresh food to homes. Kalisky said that switching to deliveries allowed his bakery to do well even during the pandemic.

Reina Yamaki, an employee at Upper Crust Baking Company, said that she loves working at the bakery.

“I really love my job because this is a really nice environment,” Yamaki said. “Everyone is really nice and I couldn’t ask for anything better.”

Kalisky said that the most popular pastries at the bakery are the oatmeal cookies and bagels.

The oatmeal cookies are “absolutely irresistible,” according to Kalisky. Additionally, they rotate between putting raisins, chocolate chips and peanut butter chips in them. The bagels are another popular choice because, according to Kalisky, his parents made sure to stay as true to the East Coast baking style as possible.

Kalisky’s favorite pastries are the chocolate babka and the croissants. He is especially proud of the croissants because he perfected his recipe in France, and says they are as authentic as they could possibly be.

KATHERINE FRANKS / AGGIE

Various dessert items from the Davis Creamery. (Aggie File)

6 | THURSDAY, MAY 19, 2022

THE CALIFORNIA AGGIE

BEST THAI FOOD IN DAVIS: THAI CANTEEN

BEST TACOS AND RESTAURANT IN DAVIS: GUADS

Thai Canteen’s cuisine emphasizes the use of fresh ingredients and a great balance of flavors.

It’s quick to satisfy student cravings for Thai food

New restaurant Guads takes winning title for best tacos

BY KAYA DO-KHANH features@theaggie.org KATHERINE FRANKS / AGGIE

Thai Canteen. (Quinn Spooner / Aggie)

BY BRANDON NGUYEN features@theaggie.org This year’s favorite local Thai food business in Davis has been selected: Thai Canteen, winning with an overwhelming 63% of votes by UC Davis students who took the Best of Davis survey. Located in Downtown Davis on E Street, the small business serves authentic Thai cuisine featuring fresh ingredients and a great balance of flavors, unlike any other Thai place in the city.

It is no secret that Thai Canteen has grown to be a staple for countless college students, providing healthy, tasty and quick meals that satisfy cravings for salty, sweet, sour, and spicy flavors — all in one dish.

For third-year English major Angus Chen, there are a variety of reasons Thai Canteen has become an attraction.

“Thai Canteen is accessible to many students, as it is just downtown next to campus,” Chen said. “Its aesthetic presentation with chalkboard menu items, string lights and a nice patio outside

the restaurant gives off a comfortable, modern atmosphere to dine in.”

Gabe Delfin, a third-year neurobiology, physiology and behavior major, further added to the restaurant’s accessibility for students.

“The food that the restaurant offers is decent in serving size — not too pricey and well within budget for students to get Thai food on-the-go,” Delfin said.

Popular dishes include the restaurant’s pad thai, pad see ew and honey roasted duck, a goto order for Hugo Wong, a third-year computer engineering major.

“The honey roasted duck was packed with flavor and tender,” Wong said. “My friend also likes the pad see ew, an authentic noodle dish sauteed in soy sauce with a choice of greens and meat.”

The restaurant’s hybrid fast food style is unique, allowing for quick service and payment at the counter. With both dine-in and take out options, its versatility has only contributed to its popularity among students.

UC Davis students selected Guads Tacos and Beer as the best tacos and restaurant in Davis, receiving 79.7% of the votes for best tacos and 54.3% of the votes for best restaurant. The restaurant, located on 3rd Street, has been open for less than a year and takes the winning title from previous winner Taqueria Guadalajara.

The owners of Guads are two brothers, Rigo and Chris Hernandez, who decided to branch off from their family-owned restaurant, Taqueria Guadalajara. According to Rigo Hernandez, the name for Guads was inspired by the students who frequented the two Taqueria Guadalajara restaurants in Davis and often referred to it as “Guads.” Rigo and Chris Hernandez had the desire to open a restaurant with that name that was more modern, closer to the university and catered to college town residents.

“For us not even being open for a year and that we got that recognition already makes me feel proud about what we’re doing,” Rigo Hernandez said.

Guads differs from Taqueria Guadalajara because it offers a number of beers on tap from local breweries, according to Rigo Hernandez.

The restaurant also offers its own brewed beer: Guads Blonde Ale. Isabel Sagheb, a second-year biomedical engineering major, expressed why she prefers Guads to other Mexican restaurants. Her go-to order is a chicken burrito with sour cream and guacamole.

“I like it over the others because it’s a lot quicker, cheaper and in [a] more accessible location,” Sagheb said.

Not only does Guads have a variety of tacos and burritos to choose from, but it ​​ also has an unlimited chips and salsa bar. The menu also includes breakfast, seafood plates and vegetarian and vegan options.

“I like Guads because it is consistently so good,” Sagheb said. “I know that if I’m craving good Mexican food, Guads will not disappoint.”

AMY YU / AGGIE

Guads Taco and Beer in Davis, CA. (Kazim Jafri / Aggie)

BEST BREAKFAST BURRITO: ALI BABA Ali Baba wins title for Best Breakfast Burrito for a third time

BY MONICA MANMADKAR features@theaggie.org Serving the community since 1986, Ali Baba is considered one of Davis’ food staples.

The menu is filled with plenty of options: gyros, burgers, platters and breakfast burritos. With 79.6% of the votes, Ali Baba won this year’s best breakfast burrito for Best of Davis.

Their famous burritos are offered in two ways: regular and vegetarian. Both are filled with two scrambled eggs, cheddar cheese, french fries, honey and Tapatio. The regular one has gyro meat and bacon, while the vegetarian option has avocado, grilled tomatoes and mushrooms.

Located on the corner of 3rd and A Street, Ali Baba is right near campus, perfect for when students might feel like grabbing a quick breakfast after or in between classes.

“The first time that I tried Ali Baba’s was when my friend got a burrito and I had a bite and I was like, ‘Whoa, this is so good,’” said Ariana Shabudagi, a first-year philosophy major. “Even though I’ve only gotten it twice after that, I’ve gone with my friends at least five or six times.”

When asked about Ali Baba being voted the best breakfast burrito place, Sean Seo, a first-year biopsychology major, said that the Davis community is right and that there is no competition since it is so delicious.

“The burrito is really good and if you haven’t tried it yet, then you’re missing out,” Seo said.

Priced at under $10, this breakfast burrito is not only cheap but also filling with its hearty servings.

“I think that before coming to college, I wasn’t as huge of a fan of breakfast burritos, but Ali Baba’s has definitely changed my mind,” said Hao Ngo, a first-year neurobiology, behavior and physiology major. “Their burritos are scrumptious and whenever I think about them, Breakfast burritos from Ali Baba. (Aggie File) my mouth waters.”

Ngo said that Ali Baba saves his day whenever he needs to go to an event and doesn’t have the time to make a nutritious breakfast.

Ali Baba has not only made its impact on students who have just joined the Davis community but also has been a staple in many other students’ food experiences.

Matthew Holt, a third-year managerial economics major, said that initially he wasn’t much of a fan, but after they added a new kiosk, he was able to edit every little part of his meal.

Now Holt goes there often because he can customize the breakfast burritos exactly how he likes them.

Ali Baba is currently open for both takeout AMY YU / AGGIE

UCAL.US/REGISTER

THE CALIFORNIA AGGIE

THURSDAY, MAY 19, 2022 | 7

BEST MATCHA: TEMPLE COFFEE From tea to coffee to classes, Temple Coffee has it all

BY SHRADDHA JHINGAN features@theaggie.org Whether you’re looking for a coffee for your next midterm study session or a cup of tea for an afternoon pick-me-up, Temple Coffee Roasters offers many items that are worth trying. It even won the spot for Best Matcha in Davis in the Best of Davis 2022, receiving 38.6% of survey respondents’ votes..

Creative Director for Temple Coffee Roasters Vincent Sosa explained via email what differentiates their matcha from those of other coffee shops.

“Much like the seasonal single-origin coffees that we serve each month, our matcha is a singleorigin, single-ingredient matcha,” Sosa said via email. “We get our matcha from Mizuba Tea Co. which produces pure matcha green tea, free of preservatives, heavy metals, and is non-gmo.

In addition to the high quality of our matcha, our cafe team members are trained to prepare matcha in a way that highlights its superior flavor characteristics.”

In addition to their renowned matcha, another item that Temple Coffee offers is mocha.

George Luu, a third-year computer science major, has visited Temple Coffee Roasters once or twice and has gotten a mocha.

“I thought it was really nice,” Luu said. “It was really aesthetic in there, with the glass and everything on the shelves. I thought it was a really nice part of downtown because I kind of go there often for lunch or to hang out. I think that small coffee shops are really important for the college town experience in my opinion.”

In addition to the matcha and mocha, there are many other items that are worth trying.

The model used to source the Farm to Cup encompasses “three pillars of sustainability,” which are environmental, economical and social, according to their website. Sosa elaborated on different kinds of products that people are recommended to try at Temple Coffee Roasters.

“Although we have something for everyone, we like to recommend our seasonally rotating single-origin coffees, which we release on a monthly basis,” Sosa said via email. “We always offer a single-origin expresso and single-origin drip coffees on pour over. These specialty coffees are distinct and they reveal characteristics that are unique to their countries of origin.”

Temple Coffee Roasters also won Best Coffee in the Best of Davis 2017 edition. Barista Christy Smith highlighted Temple’s uniqueness in the 2017 edition. “[We] make sure everyone is getting really good coffee,” Smith said. “There is no one else really in Davis that makes it the way that we make it.”

Temple Coffee Roasters also offers a range of tea products, such as tisane, black and green.

For those who are interested in learning more about tea culture, there is a club on-campus as well as the Global Tea Initiative. Katharine Burnett, the director of the Global Tea Initiative, a professor of art history and a graduate advisor in the Department of Chinese Art and Culture, explained more about what the organization does.

“GTI, or the Global Tea Initiative for the study of tea culture and science, is an organization based at UC Davis whose mission is to promote research and teaching about tea across the disciplines and on campus,” Burnett said.

For those who may also be interested in learning how to brew coffee, there are coffee brewing tutorials on Temple Coffee’s website.

Sosa stated that “as much as we like drinking coffee, we also enjoy teaching others about the joys of specialty coffee.”

“And starting this spring, we’ve begun to offer Free Public Coffee Classes at our cafe in East Sacramento on the first and third Friday of each month,” Sosa said via email. “During

KATHERINE FRANKS / AGGIE

A Temple Coffee location in Davis. (Quinn Spooner / Aggie) these classes, a member of our education team discusses a topic about specialty coffee, such as flavor profiles, tasting comparisons, and brewing tips. And if coffee isn’t your thing, we offer a large selection of fine teas, seasonal beverages, and locally sourced pastries (including vegan and gluten-free options) at all eight of our locations.”

Whether you just need caffeine to get through your day, a spot to study for finals or even a place to hang out with friends, Temple Coffee is the perfect place. Located at 239 G Street, it is definitely worth visiting.

BEST COFFEE: MISHKA’S UC Davis votes alumni-run coffee shop for best coffee

BY MAYA SHYDLOWSKI features@theaggie.org

CHRISTINA LIU / AGGIE For the second year in a row, Mishka’s has won the category of best coffee for The Aggie’s Best of Davis issue.

Mishka’s, a European-inspired cafe located on 2nd Street, received 35.8% of the votes for best coffee. It is a popular place for professors, students and permanent Davis residents alike.

Sinisa Novakovic is the owner of Mishka’s and a two-time alumnus of UC Davis. He graduated with a bachelor’s degree in genetics in 1991 and completed his doctoral studies in microbiology in 2002.

During his time at Davis, he longed for the kind of cafes he would frequent in his home country of Yugoslavia, so he decided to open one himself.

“There’s a magical charm in being able to go to a town you’ve never been before and see a local shop that is attractive and unique,” Novakovic said.

He started his business with certain qualities in mind. He wanted his products to be in line with his values, so he opted to work with a local coffee importer, Royal Coffee, that supplies him with organic and fair trade coffee.

“Those two things are dear to my heart and I passionately believe in them, so that’s what I’m going to use,” Novakovic said.

“It’s my own set of ethical beliefs, I suppose. I eat organic food and

Mishkas’ Cafe in Downtown Davis. (Aggie) I wouldn’t give my kids anything else, so I think that it’s the right thing to serve customers according to that standard.”

Many of the pastries are also baked in-house. Alison Biggs is a manager and pastry chef at Mishka’s. Biggs, a UC Davis graduate herself, worked at the Ritz-Carlton in San Francisco before moving back to the Davis area and landing a job at Mishka’s. Novakovic said that Biggs worked at Mishka’s as an undergraduate and went on to study as a pastry chef at the Culinary Institute of America in Napa, and came back to open arms at the coffee shop.

Biggs makes between one-third and one-half of the pastries from scratch every morning, according to Novakovic. Another third of the pastries are baked from the freezer and the remainder are sourced from a local supplier.

The individual care that Mishka’s puts into its products is part of the reason customers keep coming back. Anja Knjazeva, a fourth-year managerial economics student, appreciates all the details that make Mishka’s so unique.

“It feels homey in there,” Knjazeva said. “It feels authentic.

You can tell their pastries are freshly made every morning, not like Peet’s or Starbucks.”

Rebeka Zeljko, a third-year political science student, shared a similar sentiment.

“I like Mishka’s because the set up inside is really unique,” Zeljko said. “The tables are configured in a warm and conversational way. Their coffee and pastries are also exceptional, and a notable signature is that they include a small chocolate-covered espresso bean with every coffee. It’s a cute and memorable touch.”

This is the feeling that Novakovic was hoping to create at his coffee shop. Despite his success, he said that he does not want to expand because he likes that his coffee shop is not a chain. He wants to preserve the charm of the independent cafe.

Novakovic also said that between managing his two other businesses, the Davis Varsity Theater and Icekrimski Cafe, and taking care of his two sons, he is busy and content with where he currently stands.

BEST ASUCD UNIT: THE COHO Students and employees have selected the CoHo as the best ASUCD unit for Best of Davis 2022

BY KRISTIN TRENT features@theaggie.org

KATHERINE FRANKS / AGGIE The Coffee House, also known as the CoHo, was originally established by the ASUCD in 1968 as a small eatery and area where students could relax in between classes. Now, the CoHo houses five eateries including Tex Mex, Swirlz, The Fickle Pickle Deli, Ciao and Mandalay Express, employing over 250 students. This year, the CoHo was voted “best ASUCD unit,” receiving 48.8% of Best of Davis survey respondents’ votes.

The CoHo is unique in its student-driven model, as it involves student employees in every facet of service including food preparation, customer service and leadership, according to Darin Schluep, the food service director for the

CoHo. Fourth-year sociology major Eeileen Zapien started working at the CoHo’s Tex Mex in winter quarter 2021. According to Zapien, the studentfriendly work environment is very welcoming and allows her to feel part of a community.

Zapien said she has made many connections with coworkers from all years and majors. She cites the ability to meet others as a major draw to the work environment, as the managing staff hosts social events after work. Zapien encouraged students in search of jobs to look no further than the CoHo. The CoHo also provides a place to commune with others, Schluep said. Students like fourth-

UC Davis Coffee House. (Kazim Jafri / Aggie) year psychology major Rhianna Gonsalves utilize it as a place to study with friends. Gonsalves said the convenience of purchasing food, in addition to having accessible outlets, plenty of seating options and a lively atmosphere are the reasons she loves to study at the eatery.

Historically, the ASUCD Entertainment

Council has used the CoHo as a venue for shows.

The council recently hosted Open Mic Nights for students to share their talents, according to Schluep. He believes that hosting events is another way the CoHo fosters community.

“The CoHo is a place where students make memories,” Schluep said.

8 | THURSDAY, MAY 19, 2022

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SUDOKU Enter digits from 1 to 9 into the blank spaces.

Every row, column and 3x3 square must contain each digit. Each Sudoku has a unique solution that can be reached logically without guessing.

Answer to previous puzzle 05/12/22

reduce. reuse. recycle.

The aggie CROSSWORD Answer to previous puzzle 05/12/22

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THURSDAY, MAY 19, 2022 | 9

BEST PLACE FOR DAVIS TO INCONVENIENTLY DO CONSTRUCTION: OLSON HALL BIKE CIRCLE Students share their worst and best memories of the construction sight that has been interrupting their morning commute

BY UMAIMA EJAZ features@theaggie.org Construction sites on college campuses can be a hassle for students to handle, but like in many other cases, UC Davis students have a say in determining which of the oncampus construction sites have been the most inconvenient.

This year, 61.5% of the students who responded to the Best of Davis survey voted to award the bike circle between Shields Library

and Olson Hall the sarcastic title of “Best Place for Davis to Inconveniently Do Construction.”

I-Wei Chang, a third-year communication major, argued that the construction was unnecessary at this time of the year.

“I fell once due to the construction,” Chang said. “I would suggest that the school does the construction during the summer quarter. This circle happens to be one of the busiest sites on campus during the academic year.”

Another student, Ahnyka Lahman, a firstyear biochemistry and molecular biology major, had at least two of her classes at Olson Hall every

CHRISTINA LIU / AGGIE

week. Lahman roller skates to her classes every day, and the construction on this route makes it one of the hardest commutes for her.

“Construction anywhere around this area during this time of the year is so inconvenient and unsafe,” Lahman said. “A couple times, we just had this one narrow space where people had to walk, bike, and for people like me, to roller skate.”

While construction on campus is inconvenient for many, it seems to be a bittersweet memory for some as well.

In the case of Hari Chandana Vuppu, a

fourth-year managerial economics major, the construction may be engraved in her memories forever.

“There are pictures of me wearing my cap and gown at a construction site,” Vuppu said.

“Can you imagine that? But because I spent the majority of my time as a student at UC Davis either at the library or Olson Hall — which were perfectly fine then — these places are important to me, even when they ruin my graduation photoshoot.”

Bike circle between Olson Hall and Shields Library. (Kayla Bruckman / Aggie)

BEST FITNESS CLASS: BEST INTRAMURAL SPORT: INNER TUBE CYCLING Cycling classes are promoting a healthy lifestyle WATER POLO for students looking for a fun workout Inner tube water polo takes this year’s crown for best intramural sport at UC Davis

AMY YU / AGGIE

AMY YU / AGGIE

Cycling Studio in UC Davis Activities and Recreation Center. (Benjamin Cheng / Aggie)

BY MARLON ROLON features@theaggie.org Cycling is not just a method of transportation in Davis — it’s a form of fitness to improve cardio, strength and overall health. Because of these health benefits, cycling is offered as a fitness class at the Activities and Recreation Center (ARC).

Thirty-eight percent of surveyors voted cycling as the best fitness class offered at the ARC. In addition to the health perks, students take the fitness class with friends in a group for the simple joy of spending time together while exercising.

For third-year computer science major Deepa Marti, joining the cycling club is a form of changing her exercise routine.

“I’ve always enjoyed taking group exercise classes and after running a lot this year, I was looking forward to a different form of exercise that was engaging and fun,” Marti said. “My friend suggested we go to a class during the trial period, called ‘Try Before You Buy,’ at the beginning of this quarter and I really enjoyed the class and decided to buy a pass.”

For other students like third-year communication major Vivian Tran, cycling is a way to socialize with people and decompress.

“There are so many benefits since it is a place you can meet new people and socialize on top of exercising,” Tran said. “It’s a place where I can go and forget about all the hardships of the day.”

The ARC offers these classes seven days a week and multiple times per day in an indoor cycling studio with upbeat music for extra motivation. One of the unique features of the class is the music, which plays an important role in enhancing different sets of challenges throughout the workout.

“The class is built around a playlist of songs

that the instructor develops,” Marti said. “Each song has a different focus such as hills, sprinting, tabata and jumps, so it isn’t boring.”

Inside the studio, there are Schwinn bikes with experienced instructors that help facilitate the class to ensure a fun and pleasant workout.

In addition, no skill level is required, making it beginner friendly.

Members have the option to exercise at their own pace by controlling the resistance feature on the bike. Increasing the resistance on the bike will result in a more intensive workout.

“The cycling classes are really nice because you can adjust the level of difficulty by adding or removing resistance to your bike,” Marti said.

“The instructors are super nice and will help you set up the bike.”

The fitness class is relatively new at UC Davis.

The Arc first offered the classes in late 2021 and has become a go-to staple for students who seek to physically challenge themselves.

“This class does challenge you as you’re constantly aiming for improvement, ‘’ Tran said. “It’s a very healthy challenge that promotes growth.”

There are three different types of cycle options throughout the day: early morning cycle, cycle strength and cycle. The length of the class lasts between 45 to 60 minutes depending on the instructor. Additionally, each class has a set of unique differences between them.

The cycling class is offered every quarter with the option of trialability. It is rapidly growing in popularity among students who look to make healthy lifestyle changes or even just have fun.

“I would definitely recommend other students looking for a fun and good workout to take this class,” Marti said. “At the beginning of each quarter, all the group exercise classes at the ARC have a ‘Try Before You Buy’ period. So you can try the class for free, and if you like it, buy a pass.”

Schaal Aquatics Center. (Benjamin Cheng / Aggie)

BY OMAR NAVARRO features@theaggie.org With 36.8% of the vote, inner tube water polo took home the victory of best intramural sport. Currently ongoing during spring quarter, this intramural sport is played at the Rec Pool and is great for those familiar to it and those that are new as well.

“It’s something that takes a lot of the team out of their comfort zone,” said first year International Relations major Katie McLain.

“Everyone is kind of on the same level because no one knew how to play. It’s just a lot of fun.”

After making a team through the Rec Sports portal, the set up of the inner tube water polo team has five players a side — a goalie and four other “pool players” whose goal is to try and figure out a way to score. While still continuing to stay on the tube, it continues to go back and forth while both teams try to score and defend.

The nature of the sport is like any other, but being in the pool can attract students who may not otherwise participate in other intramurals.

“I don’t like [other] sports. They stress me out,” said C.C. Clark. “All of a sudden here I am in Davis and someone asked me if I wanted to do intramurals. I said ‘Obviously not’, but someone said it was inner tube water polo and I love swimming.”

“What’s great is that no one is taking it too

seriously, it’s fun splashing in a pool and playing with your friends,” added Clark.

The kicker for inner tube water polo is that, per the rules, you can also flip a players’ tube over if they are in possession, adding not another level of strategy but also fun.

“The fun of it is that when someone from the other team has the ball, you can sink them with two hands and flip their tube, then it’s your ball,” said McLain.

Still, despite all of the enjoyment students have in playing this intramural sport, you don’t miss out on the competition. If you are looking for competitiveness, some teams do still go out there and want to win.

“At first I thought each team was just going to be every [single] team playing with their friends for fun,” said McLain. “It’s turned out that [some] are more competitive than I thought, but that makes it even more fun.”

At the end of the day, whether you want to raise the intensity level or not there is something that a lot of people can get out of intramural inner tube water polo. Even though it may not be as popular as other sports, getting together with your friends to play makes this an enjoyable experience for all skill levels.

10 | THURSDAY, MAY 19, 2022

THE CALIFORNIA AGGIE

BEST FARMERS MARKET FOOD TRUCK: DUMPLING HOUSE Students have selected Dumpling House once again as their favorite stand at the Davis Farmers Market

BY ISABELLA KRZESNIAK features@theaggie.org

KATHERINE FRANKS / AGGIE

Dumpling House, which can be found on 129 E St. and at the Farmers Market in Davis, was voted as the best Farmers Market food truck with 46.6% of the vote in this year’s Best of Davis.

“The food is really good,” customer AloraDannin Gardner said. “I typically get the handmade dumplings, and the customer service is usually so polite.”

The menu for Dumpling House features a variety of dumplings with fillings like pork and chive, kimchi and shrimp.

“They all sell very well and they’re all special,” said Linda Liu, the owner of Dumpling House. “The pork and chive is very popular.”

The E Street location reopened on Jan. 25 of this year following a fire, which spread from a building next door.

“We took a long time because of the pandemic, and it took a long time to get all sorts of permits,” Liu said. “All the customers have been waiting a long time, so every time we open there’s a long line.”

Dumpling House food stand at Davis Farmers Market. (Kazim Jafri / Aggie) The menu also features fish and chips, which pays homage to London Fish N’ Chips — the restaurant that the location previously housed.

“London Fish N’ Chips is a landmark,” Liu said. “We kept the recipe for the fish and chips.”

Longtime customer Kevin Bodary shared that he typically

orders the fish and chips.

“I’ve been coming here since before it was the Dumpling House,” Bodary said. “You have big portions, and it’s well done and even now it’s the same as it always has been. You get what you pay for.”

BEST BOBA: ITEA BEST BAR: PARKSIDE BAR AND LOUNGE

iTea’s convenient location as well as its expansive drink menu and snack options make it a must-visit Parkside aims to offer a fun and safe environment for Davis locals for the 21+ college crowd

KELLIE LU / AGGIE CHRISTINA LIU / AGGIE

Parkside Bar and Lounge. (Quinn Spooner / Aggie)

BY MONICA ROBERTS features@theaggie.org

iTea next to UC Davis. (Quinn Spooner / Aggie)

BY ALINA ISSAKHANIAN features@theaggie.org Downtown Davis has become a hotspot for boba, with a wide variety of options to choose from. Each location offers something unique, but this year students have rated iTea as having the best boba, receiving 30.7% of the votes and barely beating Lazi Cow, which received 27.7% of the votes. This conveniently located boba shop has secured its spot as a fan favorite among the people of Davis. “iTea’s proximity to the UCD campus makes this boba place a wonderful choice for some refreshing milk tea with egg pudding or snackables like basil popcorn chicken and udon,” said first-year economics major Yuetong Zheng. iTea is located on 3rd St. and A St. — situated between the edge of campus and downtown.

With lines often extending out the door, this shop hits the spot between classes, after a long day or when hanging out with friends.

“I love iTea,” said fourth-year statistics major Jeffrey Nduka Ugochukwu. “It uses the freshest

ingredients for their fruit teas and smoothies. iTea stands out more compared to other boba places by having fewer artificial ingredients for making their drinks.”

With a large menu and options for customization, customers have lots of options — from classic milk teas to their popular basil popcorn chicken.

“I like the convenience of iTea, it’s close to campus and is affordable,” said first-year genetics and genomics major Elizabeth Paul. “Other boba places are more expensive but iTea stays consistent. I always get mango fruit tea with boba, mango and mango jelly.” iTea is open Monday through Friday from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., and on Saturdays and Sundays from 12 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Parkside Bar and Lounge has been established as UC Davis’ 21+ hotspot, racking up 58.9% of the votes for “Best Bar” in this year’s Best of Davis survey. The bar is a Greek life watering hole, and the small club scene has no problem bringing in a large crowd on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays, its late-night days, according to students.

Anthony Biagi, a Davis local and Parkside customer, attributes the bar’s success to its owner, Jason Ojeda.

“Jason does a great job of catering to the college for what serves them,” Biagi said. “They have by far the cheapest drinks in town and have two DJs playing every Thursday, Friday and Saturday, outside and inside.”

The life-size Connect 4 game and the rows of beer pong tables on the front patio draw in students who are passing by, Biagi said. Parkside takes advantage of its large outdoor space and has turned it into a lounge, game and dance area.

Ben Ojeda, a Parkside bartender and brother of Jason Ojeda, confirmed the bar’s “nightclublike” reputation and specifically called its Thursday through Saturday weekend “organized chaos.”

“Since we’ve reopened in October, we probably have over 300 kids a night every Thursday, Friday and Saturday,” Ben Ojeda said. “At about 10 p.m. it really just goes [crazy] because that’s when the DJs come in. Our crowd is mostly Greek life, college kids and clubby. We always try to make it a fun environment.”

Parkside is also a popular spot for birthdays, as it offers space rentals and a giant birthday wheel to spin.

“The birthday wheel is about five-by-five feet and consists of some drinks, some VIP

stickers, a bag full of stuff, a pie in the face and other things,” Ben Ojeda said. “When it’s your birthday, we check your ID, and you come in and spin it, and it’s totally free to spin.”

Aside from DJs and games, what keeps Parkside customers coming back is its massive “fishbowl” drinks, according to both Biagi and Ben Ojeda.

“Our ‘fishbowls’ are basically a giant cocktail with about four shots poured in,” Ojeda said. “[Thursdays] we have fishbowl mojitos for $12, and on Fridays we do half-off our original fishbowls. We sell about 75 per night.”

Although the alcohol is cheap and plentiful, Parkside’s security means business. Hazel Mohammad has visited Parkside multiple times and mentioned that the bar’s security is heavily enforced.

“They have security cameras, and, the last time I walked in, they took our photo with our ID,” Mohammad said. “The security guards also wear bulletproof vests.”

Parkside is also known for its strict dress code, which ensures the safety of bar-goers. Sports team attire, hats and possible gang-associated colors are not permitted at the bar, according to Biagi and Ben Ojeda.

Ben Ojeda said that Parkside’s main concern is safety, especially considering its younger clientele. Offering food and water to intoxicated students is a priority to keep the experience positive for newly-legal college students.

The majority of Parkside customers order their food from Hometown Taiwanese Kitchen & Bar, according to Ben Ojeda. Bar-goers are able to order food from the neighboring restaurant without leaving the bar, as the two establishments are co-affiliated and will deliver food next door.

For more information on Parkside’s hours, events and policies, check out its website.

THE CALIFORNIA AGGIE

THURSDAY, MAY 19, 2022 | 11

BEST HIKE: LAKE TAHOE

BEST DAY TRIP: SAN FRANCISCO

Lake Tahoe was voted the best hiking location of 2022 by UC Davis students

Davis students share their favorite hidden gems in the city

KATHERINE FRANKS / AGGIE

BY MALERIE HURLEY features@theaggie.org

Lake Tahoe. (Benjamin Cheng / Aggie)

BY SYDNEY AMESTOY features@theaggie.org This year’s Best of Davis saw Lake Tahoe as the student population’s favorite hiking area with 44.8% of the votes. Located on the border of California and Nevada, Lake Tahoe is home to hiking, skiing and natural scenery.

Students can visit many parks in the Tahoe area, such as Emerald Bay State Park, which is situated on the California side of the lake and is home to dozens of hiking trails overlooking its Emerald Bay namesake. On the Nevada side, Lake Tahoe State Park and Van Sickle Bi-State Park boast their own attractions.

UC Davis offers numerous ways to enjoy Lake Tahoe throughout all seasons through the Outdoor Adventures program within Campus Recreation.

“In fall and summer we offer water-oriented trips like stand-up paddle boarding on the lake,” said Aidan Finck, a third-year ecological

KATHERINE FRANKS / AGGIE management and restoration major and a student employee for Outdoor Adventures. “Also in the fall and spring we do our backpacking around Tahoe. In winter, we do a lot of snowshoeing and cross-country skiing in Hope Valley.”

Students can visit the Outdoor Adventures website or come into the center for more information, according to Finck.

While there is no bus or shuttle that takes students to Tahoe, one can take the I-80 East towards Sacramento for a little over two hours to get there, weather permitting.

BEST GROCERY STORE: TRADER JOE’S The beloved grocery store offers students fair prices and delicious food

While the calm, small-town atmosphere created in the Davis community can be a respite for many from the hustle and bustle of big cities, students sometimes crave a little adventure on the weekend outside of the joys that downtown can offer.

Look no further than San Francisco, voted the number one day trip spot for UC Davis students in 2022’s Best of Davis survey. A little over an hour drive from campus, the city offers a large supply of hidden gems to explore. While there are many well-known areas to spend the day, from Golden Gate Park to Chinatown, students have the scoop for some fantastic mustvisit spots that may go unnoticed by tourists.

For a taste of some salty air and a fun ocean adventure, the Sutro Baths, located north of Ocean Beach, gives UC Davis students an opportunity to play in the waves while exploring the historical landmark. Constructed in 1894 by self-made millionaire Adolph Sutro, the baths feature an ocean pool aquarium and the ruins of a massive public swimming facility, which at one time could accommodate 10,000 people, according to the National Parks Service.

Demolished by the economic decline in the Great Depression and a fire at the site in 1966, the site’s ruins now serve as a playground for artists and beachgoers across Northern California.

While climbing over the ruins of the baths, explorers can experience amazing ocean views and walk through hidden tunnels leading to a tiny beach that’s been the scene of many past shipwrecks. Camille Shakirova, a second-year political science major and Bay Area local, loves visiting the Sutro Baths with friends and exploring the nature around the site.

“I really like them because it’s a unique place to look at the ocean, mostly because the focus isn’t just the ocean itself, but it’s the pools as well,” Shakirova said. “There are these beautiful flower caves and walkways that are really nice, and it’s just so beautiful. It has this very specific ocean smell, and it’s fun to see how the graffiti

changes every time you go there.”

Book-lovers will find refuge at the next location, a cozy bookstore on 9th Street called Green Apple Books on the Park, which offers a wide selection of new and used books across its multitude of shelves. Operating since 1967, the store is a treasure trove of books of all genres and has an inventory that is unmatched by most standard booksellers across the city, according to Megan To, a second-year political science and English double major and self-proclaimed book enthusiast. She highly recommends Green Apple, especially the location closest to Golden Gate Park, for its comforting atmosphere and proximity to beautiful scenery.

“They have a location on Irving that boasts a good few stories, but [the one by the Park] is far better in my opinion,” To said. “Buy a book, grab a sandwich or pastry from Tartine nearby and take a stroll through the park nearby. It’s the perfect late spring or summer day.”

After a long day of exploring, students might crave a sweet treat besides the usual Insomnia Cookies or Davis Creamery that they rely on back home. For a bite of homemade baklava and Turkish delights, and for a chance to peruse authentic Greek rugs, lamps and jewelry, Aegean Delights in the Castro District allows students to step into a little piece of Greece without boarding a plane.

Michael Yoo, a second-year landscape architecture major, stumbled upon the shop with his friends during a last minute trip to the city and now adds this spot to the end of every long San Francisco day to satisfy his sweet tooth before heading home.

“The first time I went to Aegean Delights was on New Year’s Eve,” Yoo said. “The baklava is amazing, it’s in the historic Castro district and just an overall splendid treat.”

With so many secret gems and places to explore for students of all backgrounds, it’s no wonder San Francisco was voted the Best Day Trip by 71.8% of the students who responded to this year’s Best of Davis survey. You can’t go wrong with a quick day trip to San Francisco and all the adventures the beautiful city has to offer.

Trader Joe’s on Russell Blvd. (Kayla Bruckman / Aggie)

BY CLARA FISCHER features@theaggie.org Known for its friendly employees, wide range of snack selections, and positive work environment, Trader Joe’s won best grocery store in Davis, garnering 63.2% of the vote.

Walk into its location on Russell Boulevard at any given time, and you are bound to find an abundance of customers of all ages, from college students to families to elderly shoppers, all united in the common goal of finding good deals on reliably high-quality food.

“The reason why it’s the best of Davis is because, at Trader Joe’s, it’s always an experience,” said Nadia Gheorgiou, a second-year political science major. “It’s my study break; it’s my outing.”

The store is known for prioritizing the customer experience and treating employees well, so it’s no wonder many enjoy spending time in the store. With an emphasis on morale, insider hiring and a fun stuffed-animal hunt to distract kids while parents shop (or even to amuse bored college students), the store prides itself on creating a shopping experience that will keep its customers coming back for more.

Along with its feel-good atmosphere, Trader Joe’s boasts some of the best prices for produce in town — its food is notoriously good for when you’re balling on a budget.

As a college student, it can be hard to find the time to make nutritious meals with such a

Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco. (Benjamin Cheng / Aggie) JACOB SLOAN / AGGIE busy schedule. There’s the matter of cooking, but you also need to make the trip to the store, decide what you want to eat and transport it all back home. Trader Joe’s alleviates the burden by putting convenience at the forefront of its business.

“I don’t want to make multiple stops,” said Anna Lee, a fourth-year cognitive science major.

“I like how Trader Joe’s has a lot of food stuff, but they also have other basic necessities. I don’t need a crazy amount, where, like, going to Costco would get me shampoo for like half a year.”

Trader Joe’s is also a favorite because of its interest in promoting products of cultural variety.

There are snacks from many different regions of the world, and such a wide selection means there is something for every hungry shopper.

Lee agrees. When asked what was important to her in a grocery store, she noted “... prices [are important to me], but also versatility.”

Stop by yourself anytime Monday through Sunday from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m.

PIZZA NIGHT WEDNESDAYS UPPER CRUST BAKING 634 G STREET • DAVIS

12 | THURSDAY, MAY 19, 2022

THE CALIFORNIA AGGIE

HOW AGGIES GOT THE BEST OF DAVIS Weirdest encounter with a TA or instructor? (Or, if you are a TA or instructor, what’s the strangest encounter you’ve had with a student outside of the classroom?)

“A few quotes from my professor this quarter: 1. “For many, writing a sentence is kind of like a low-grade form of demonic possession.”

2. “Your opinion is absolutely meaningless.”

3. “Cameras are just a rip-off of eyes.”” - S.S. “My communications TA would respond to all of my weekly responses on Canvas but nobody else’s, like was trying to have a conversation.” - A.A.

“The bar is usually lower than you think.” - A.C.

What is the most useful non-academic thing you’ve learned in college?

“Friendship is important. Surround yourself with people who motivate and support you.” - T.H. “How to live with other people.” - A.H. “How to lock a bike—properly and fast.” - R.G.

Quick! You’re finally being asked the question your parents/teachers/counselors told you you would be: best response to “What did you do during the pandemic?”

“Had a failed 2 year relationship” - H.W. “Knit and cried.” - M.P. “Raised a duckling!” - R.S.

“Falling all the way down the shield’s library main steps. Literally sledding on my butt all the way down the stairs.” - K.R.

Share an embarrassing freshman — or senior, we won’t judge — fail if you have one.

“Was biking home last week and my back wheel just ... fell off. Literally just gave up on being attached to my bicycle.” - S.S. “I went to a frat party my freshman year dressed as a farmer but the theme was firefighter..not sure how I got that so wrong. I also cried after my first kiss with someone at a party.” - A.A. “Falling in the sand pit in front of Olson cause I couldn’t stop my bike.” - N.D.

An ode to Davis. Show off your prose or poetry skill with a quick haiku or two bidding Davis adieu.

“Cows go moo, davis is my boo.” - A.A. “Spotted cows and best friends who become family in a home we must leave.” - K.R.

“In ten years when you look back at college you’re not going to remember the grade you got on this test, you’re going to remember the friends, experiences, and wonderful memories from college.” - T.P.

What is the best advice you’ve received in college?

“Celebrate the small victories!” - N.D. “You have the rest of your life to worry about your career plans, don’t worry about it now!” - E.M.