Students say that Lake Berryessa is the perfect getaway spot for hikers

By KACEY CHAN — features@theaggie.org 

Surrounded by the Vaca Mountains, Lake Berryessa is the largest lake in Napa County. According to UC Davis students, this scenic hiking spot is the perfect place for a day trip with friends. In the annual Best of Davis survey sent out by The California Aggie, Lake Berryessa was awarded the best hiking spot with 31.6% of the vote. The area is known for being the perfect spot for a variety of activities including stargazing, swimming and hiking.

For Raaghav Saxena, a former student at UC Davis and a member of the UC Davis Outdoor Trips Discord, a trip to Lake Berryessa typically involves hiking with good company. 

“Primarily, it’s just hiking around the general ar

ea of the lake,” Saxena wrote in a Discord message. “We just go to an area with parking near the lake and walk around the perimeter. […] The southeast section especially is amazing!”

Saxena also recommends swimming in the lake with friends.

Mari Hoffman, another former student at UC Davis, agrees that hiking is the best way to enjoy Lake Berryessa. 

“A trip to Lake Berryessa for me has always been about the hiking!” Hoffman wrote in an Instagram direct message. “I love seeing the beautiful views of the pristine lake and getting some miles in with my friends.”

Salvatore Martinez, a second-year global disease biology major, said that Lake Berryessa is also the ideal spot for a nighttime adventure. 

“I’ve been trying to explore the outdoors more this year,” Martinez said in an email. “Lake Berryessa is absolutely stunning at night with very little light pollution and a quiet, calm atmosphere.” 

A particularly unique feature of Lake Berryessa is a strange hole that occasionally appears in its center — resembling a weird optical illusion for those not in the know. Fondly, and perhaps unfortunately, named the “Glory Hole” by nearby residents, it is actually a drainage feature that acts as an overflow valve for the reservoir. According to Alta Journal, Lake Berryessa is actually a man-made lake constructed for the Monticello Dam, which confined the water flowing from Putah Creek. 

Students searching for a peaceful getaway from the dreary goings-on of school should consider a hiking trip to Lake Berryessa (which may or may not feature an idiosyncratic, scary vortex in the middle). 

Written by: Kacey Chan —  features@theaggie.org 

The popular Thai restaurant was voted as Davis’s best bar by UC Davis students

By MADELEINE YOUNG — features@theaggie.org

Sophia’s Thai Kitchen was voted as Davis’s Best Bar and Pub by students with 42.6% of this year’s vote. Sophia’s has been a cornerstone of downtown Davis since 1995 and was actually the first Thai restaurant in Davis according to its founder, Kevin Wan. The restaurant’s bar didn’t open until 2001, after Wan graduated from UC Davis in 2000.

“I love being a place where people have made memories,” Wan said. “We get many Davis residents and UCD alumni who come back and say ‘We had our first date here’ or ‘We came here every week during college.’ Some even have brought their college-aged kids back after I’ve seen those kids in baby carriers. It’s pretty special to know you hold a special place in people’s formative times.”

The tropical bar has a lively atmosphere, and its deck often features a live DJ and disco ball on many weekend nights. Wan talked about what makes Sophia’s a special place in the Davis bar scene. 

“As a bar, we strive to be everyone’s third space, a place you go when you aren’t at home or work,” Wan said. “We are very much a Davis bar, opened by a UCD grad and 27-year local, and [everyone] who works here lives in Davis.”

In addition to great drinks, the restaurant and bar also holds trivia nights, hosts local bands and serves great food that is popular among students. 

“We’ve [had] the pleasures of [bringing] a lot of firsts to Davis — first trivia night, first mojito on a drink menu,” Wan said. “We’ve brought lots of live music from bands big and small, The Lumineers played on our deck, as well as Lord Huron, Dawes and The Head And The Heart.”

Wan expressed his gratitude for winning Best of Davis but also paid tribute to the other bars in Davis that didn’t make it through the COVID-19 pandemic. 

“It’s an honor, but the feeling is mixed because I am sad some other bars didn’t make it through the pandemic,” Wan said. “The Davis bar scene definitely isn’t the same as it once was. I hope over the next year or so, some more bars will open up and [the] Davis nightlife can return to having the thriving, bar-hopping vibe it once had. I miss those days.”

Written By: Madeleine Young — features@theaggie.org

The local hotspot is voted Best Restaurant by UC Davis students 

By ALEX UPTON — features@theaggie.org

The Dumpling House, located in the heart of downtown Davis, was voted Best Restaurant by UC Davis students, receiving 35.8% of votes in the competitive category. Despite popular neighboring restaurants such as Sophia’s Thai and Davis Noodle City, The Dumpling House manages to keep a strong and steady customer base.

The restaurant was originally a London Fish ‘N Chips restaurant and still contains elements of this cuisine, embracing a quirky menu that includes both dumplings and fish ‘n chips. 

Restaurant Manager Ivy Mai has worked at the Dumpling House since 2012, experiencing both a four-year closure and a remodel during her time working for the restaurant. Like many of the businesses in downtown Davis, the restaurant operates out of a converted house that gives it a close-knit feel. Mai talked about how this atmosphere and her bond with her coworkers contribute to the store’s ambiance. 

“I love working here, we treat everyone here like a family member, we are happy every day and we work together as a team,” Mai said. 

Mai’s favorite item on the menu is the pork and chive dumplings., which she says are not only delicious but also have a sentimental value for her. 

“I started out as a waitress here in 2012, and then if it wasn’t busy, I would try to make dumplings, and then I learned how to make them from my co-worker,” Mai said. Now, making dumplings is her favorite part of working at the restaurant.

UC Davis student Mili Molinari agrees with Mai that the pork and chive dumplings are the best item on the menu. Molinari is a second-year environmental engineering major and lives near The Dumpling House, so she eats there often. She said that she appreciates the consistency of their food and the welcoming environment. 

Clearly, the friendly staff is a big draw for students, as Molinari made a point of describing how welcoming everyone is when she comes in. 

“The food is really good; it’s a super friendly environment,” Molinari said. “And I really like the staff here, they’re super nice.” 

Written by: Alex Upton — features@theaggie.org

By LILY FREEMAN — features@theaggie.org

Famous for its high-quality food selection, affordability and engaging crewmembers, Trader Joe’s provides the best grocery shopping experience most college students could ask for. Whether it’s purchasing one-of-a-kind snacks on the way to class or stocking up on the frozen essentials (vegetable gyoza, jasmine rice) to get through the quarter, it is clear why 64.6% of surveyed students believe it is the best grocery store in Davis. 

Not only are their snack and meal varieties unique, but Trader Joe’s also creates an inviting environment that keeps customers looking forward to their next shopping experience. 

“I always feel welcome in that store,” Ella Swadley, a second-year human development major, said. “It is my favorite grocery store mostly because of the community that it brings together.” 

The store appeals to customers of all kinds, from families with bright-eyed children thrilled to complete the scavenger hunt for the store mascot, Agnes the Cow, to students in need of a midterms pick-me-up via the seasonal stickers and lollipops offered at checkout. 

Emmeline Thomsen, a second-year design and sociology double major, explained why Trader Joe’s is her go-to grocery store. 

“It is a lovely environment to shop in because of the friendly workers that are always engaging and kind,” Thomsen said. “As a design student, I also love the colorful signage. It brings a more fun element to shopping. Of course, they also have delicious food, ranging from fun snacks to yummy frozen meals that are essential as a college student.” 

Amelia Swanson, a second-year sustainable environmental design major, said that she is hooked because of the affordability of the grocery store. 

“As a student, I am always searching for where I can get the most bang for my buck,” Swanson said. “Trader Joe’s makes it too easy. They know how to make everything they sell exciting and fun while keeping it cheap enough to give me the power to try it all.” 

Aside from its versatile and affordable product selection, Trader Joe’s is backed by upbeat workers. America Negrete, a fourth-year wildlife, fish and conservation biology major, described her experience as a crewmember at the grocery store. 

“I’ve been working at Trader Joe’s for a year now, and I can confidently say that it was one of my greatest decisions to apply,” Negrete said. “There is never a boring day. The environment is so welcoming and I’ve made some of my closest friends through the job. Most of us are students so we all have a deeper understanding of what we are going through and connect so well.” 

Max Isensee, a fourth-year political science major and crewmember at the Davis location, agreed.

“As an employee, Trader Joe’s has led me to making so many friends and connections,” Isensee said. “The job is all about human interaction and customer service, which is why customers keep coming back.” 

Open from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. every day, expect not just an average grocery shopping trip but a well-rounded experience created by both the exciting products and passionate workers when stopping by Trader Joe’s. 

Written by: Lily Freeman — features@theaggie.org

Rocky Horror Club wins 35.8% of the vote for its unique and engaging performances

By SYDNEY AMESTOY — features@theaggie.org

If you’re looking for a club on campus that will offer you a unique experience, look no further than UC Davis’s very own Rocky Horror Picture Club. The club puts on interactive screenings of the cult-classic film, “The Rocky Horror Picture Show” monthly; these popular shows helped the group win best student club this year with 35.8% of the vote. 

The club puts on elaborate productions with live performances alongside a screening of the movie. Members of the club can perform or work behind the curtain in the technical realm. President and third-year neuroscience major Natalie Pearl created the club along with another student early last year. There was a previous Rocky Horror Picture Club on campus that did not return after the pandemic. 

“We play the movie on the screen,” Pearl said. “We do it in Rock Hall, and we act it out in front of the screen, and the audience yells at us and throws stuff. And it’s just such a beautiful, weird experience that you can’t really get anywhere else.”

Pearl explained more about why the film has a ‘cult-like’ following, both on and off campus.

“It’s like a parody of old horror movies,” Pearl said. “It’s like a parody and a love letter at the same time. And it’s a musical. And it’s about embracing your sexuality. And it doesn’t really have a plot. But it’s so fun.”

James Barton, a second-year biological sciences major and one of the original cast members in the club, spoke about his experience with the club over the last year.

“We love seeing people who come back every single month,” Barton said. “It’s so much fun. We love seeing people learn the lines and learn where to look and what stuff is going on. We love seeing the outfits and the creativity. We were so excited when we found out that we got voted [for Best of Davis].”

The club’s next show is on April 14 in Rock Hall at 7 p.m. Part of what keeps people coming back month after month, according to Pearl, is that each month’s showing has a different theme: months have been based around Mario, Star Wars, Pride and more. Since the club’s first performance took place on April 15 last year, this will be an anniversary show that is Davis-themed. You can find more details on Instagram at @rockyhorrorclubatucd.

Written by: Sydney Amestoy — features@theaggie.org

By RACHEL GAUER— features@theaggie.org

Established in 1968, The ASUCD Coffee House (or to many, simply ‘the CoHo’) provides a centrally located meeting place, study area and on-campus dining option. Students often deem the CoHo the main star of the Memorial Union, with its spacious dining room, delicious pastries and community-oriented feel, all of which contributed to it winning the title of Best ASUCD Unit this year with 50% of the vote. 

For third-year political science student Audrey Laskey, the CoHo serves as a convenient on-campus location for both socializing and relaxing.  

“I feel like the CoHo is a lot of students’ ‘home base’ when on campus,” Laskey said. “I always see people I know [there] and I love that I can interact with friends and be productive simultaneously. Even if I only have a few minutes in between classes, it’s always my go-to spot when I need somewhere to chill for a bit.” 

The Coffee House also reflects Davis’s mission to be a sustainable university. Sophie Kamenov, a second-year cognitive science major and CoHo cashier, described the cafe’s sustainability efforts.

“One of the [main] Davis vibes is being eco-friendly,” Kamenov said. “Here at the CoHo, we use environmentally safe cups, straws and utensils. We also have our very own compost and recycle machine. We ensure quality food and service while also attempting to do our part in reducing greenhouse gasses.” 

The CoHo was originally established nearly 50 years ago to create an environment similar to the one Laskey described — one that acts as both a coffee shop and a gathering place for students. 

Kamenov began working at the CoHo earlier this school year, a decision that she said was partly due to its welcoming environment.

“I think [the] CoHo was nominated as the Best ASUCD Unit for Best of Davis for multiple reasons,” Kamenov said. “However, the strongest reason for me would be the student culture. It is unmatched anywhere else on campus.”

Though the dining options are frequented by many, it is the CoHo’s overall environment that students point out as being particularly outstanding. Laskey also commented on the impact that the CoHo’s culture has on the overall “feel” of Davis.  

“Everyone that works [at the CoHo] is super amiable and it’s a great place for meeting up with friends, which I think really reflects Davis as a whole,” Laskey said. “I think one of my favorite aspects about UCD and the city of Davis is the tight-knit community, and the atmosphere at the CoHo does a great job at fostering that.”

Written by: Rachel Gauer — features@theaggie.org