Hammocks on campus let students unwind outdoors

By SONORA SLATER — features@theaggie.org

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.” 

Written by: Sonora Slater — features@theaggie.org

iTea’s convenient location as well as its expansive drink menu and snack options make it a must-visit for Davis locals

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.

Written by: Alina Issakhanian — features@theaggie.org

Davis students share their favorite hidden gems in the city

By MALERIE HURLEY — features@theaggie.org

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 must-visit 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.

Written by: Malerie Hurley — features@theaggie.org

The Arboretum wins first-ever “Best Cry Spot” category, and students attest that it is a deserved title

By JALAN TEHRANIFAR — features@theaggie.org

Did you fail your midterm? Drop your coffee on your brand-new 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.

“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? 

Written by: Jalan Tehranifar — features@theaggie.org

UC Davis votes alumni-run coffee shop for best coffee

By MAYA SHYDLOWSKI — features@theaggie.org

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 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.

Written by: Maya Shydlowski — features@theaggie.org

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

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 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.”

Written by: Alina Issakhanian — features@theaggie.org

Parkside aims to offer a fun and safe environment for the 21+ college crowd

By MONICA ROBERTS — features@theaggie.org

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 “nightclub-like” 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.

Written by: Monica Roberts — features@theaggie.org

Students share their worst, and best, memories of the construction site 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 on-campus 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 first-year biochemistry and molecular biology major, had at least two of her classes at Olson Hall every 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.” 

Written by: Umaima Ejaz — features@theaggie.org 

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

By SUN YIE — features@theaggie.org

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.

Written by: Sun Yie — features@theaggie.org

There’s something for everyone at campus’ largest library

By ANGIE CUMMINGS — features@theaggie.org

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. 

Written by: Angie Cummings — features@theaggie.org

The beloved grocery store offers students fair prices and delicious food

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 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.

Written by: Clara Fischer — features@theaggie.org

The student-run meme account is surprisingly honest

By CORALIE LOON — features@theaggie.org

What do you look for in a college-related 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 (half-convincingly) 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 pick-me-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.

Written by: Coralie Loon — features@theaggie.org

The egg-shaped sculpture in front of Shields Library takes the win

By JACOB ANDERSON — features@theaggie.org

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 hard-working, 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.”

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.

Written by: Jacob Anderson — features@theaggie.org

Affordable and tasty food captures UC Davis students’ late night hearts

By RACHEL SHEY — features@theaggie.org 

In-N-Out Burger on Olive Dr. won best late-night 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 Double-Double, 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 full-blown 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.”

Written by: Rachel Shey — features@theaggie.org 

The ice cream parlor located on E Street in Downtown Davis attracts customers with homemade ice cream and a wide range of flavors

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. 

Written by: Riddhi Puranik — features@theaggie.org