Middle Eastern eatery Ali Baba voted Best Burrito in Davis for the fourth time

By ALEXANDRA SHAPIRO — features@theaggie.org

Middle Eastern eatery Ali Baba Cafe has been voted Best Burrito in Davis with an overwhelming 75% of the votes. Ali Baba is known in Davis for having highly addictive, unique breakfast burritos suitable for all times of the day. Ali Baba offers a wide-ranging menu featuring gyros, hamburgers and specialty coffee drinks, but their breakfast burritos are a popular staple of the restaurant. 

When he was only 20 years old, Ali Moghaddam opened the cafe in 2008. Motivated by a desire to learn and contribute to the community, Moghaddam and his mentor, Ali Reza, decided to establish Ali Baba in Davis because of the high foot traffic common in a college town. 

“I was just a punk kid who didn’t want to go to school, and my parents were like, well, you have to work,” Moghaddam said. “When I started, I was 20 and very optimistic. I loved that I was around the age of all the kids around me. Having a restaurant really allowed me to meet a lot of people and grow with the business [and] understand people better.” 

Ali Baba introduced the breakfast burritos in 2009, but their immense popularity soon made them the star of the menu. 

“The breakfast burrito makes up about 85% of our sales,” Moghaddam said.

Moghaddam explained that the menu is well-tailored to suit the customer demographic.

“The breakfast burrito and the ‘buy six, get one free’ are designed around what the college students want,” Moghaddam said.

The renowned breakfast burritos at Ali Baba come in two styles: regular (meat) and veggie. The traditional meat burrito includes two scrambled eggs, cheddar cheese, bacon, gyro meat, french fries, locally sourced honey and Tapatio wrapped in a flour tortilla. The veggie burrito replaces meat with avocado, grilled tomatoes and mushrooms but includes the rest of the ingredients. Both are fully customizable and offer plenty of extra add-ins, such as feta cheese, chicken and falafel.

Ali Baba’s breakfast burrito has become a staple for hungry college students in Davis. Following an early morning exam, Rojina Imani-Nejad, third-year neurobiology, physiology and behavior major, always opts for the traditional breakfast burrito as is.

“I love how it’s ready just minutes after ordering,” Imani-Nejad said.

Jasmine Rodriguez, fifth-year civil engineering major, described the variety of Ali Baba’s menu and the benefits of both meal options. 

“The menu is super easy to navigate and both of the breakfast burritos make great meals,” Rodrigez said. “The veggie is for when I want something a little more nutritious, and the regular meat is for when I want a hearty meal to carry me for the rest of the day.” 

The breakfast burritos are well-portioned and only cost $10, making them the perfect meal for college students. Their neat wrapping makes them easy to enjoy, and customers can have their burritos cut in half. 

Ali Baba offers a refreshingly simple and social anxiety-friendly ordering process. Customers can adjust their orders without the pressure of talking to cashiers or waiting in line. 

During the 2020 COVID-19 pandemic when the university was closed, Ali Baba remained one of the few restaurants in the area to keep its doors open. 

“I looked into what I could do and found the kiosk buddy,” Moghaddam said. “I put those in, and it’s been great because now I don’t have to hire cashiers. I hired an extra cook so the kitchen has extra help.”

Moghaddam further explained the variety of benefits the kiosks bring to Ali Baba’s employees and customers. 

“The kids sometimes have a lot on their minds,” Moghaddam said. “[The kiosks] make the process more clean, metaphorically speaking. This process benefits not only customers but also employees by preventing mix-ups.”

On April 8, Ali Baba opened a second location in Berkeley right next to the UC Berkeley campus.

 “This one is a smaller location; I kept the menu simple, really only selling breakfast burritos and sides [to] give the people what they want,” Moghaddam said. 

Moghaddam is deeply appreciative that Ali Baba was voted Best Burrito in Davis for the fourth time.

“I love Davis, and I love my customers,” Moghaddam said. “I’m indebted to them for supporting me. I am also very grateful to have my coworkers; without them, Ali Baba wouldn’t be what it is.” 

Written by: Alexandra Shapiro — features@theaggie.org

Students have selected West Quad road as the best place to take graduation photos 

By CAROLYN (CARI) FENN — features@theaggie.org 

For many students, a common way to commemorate their undergraduate experience is to get dressed up, grab a bottle of champagne and their cap and gown and travel around UC Davis to take graduation photos. While there are a plethora of beautiful spots all around the UC Davis campus, this year students voted “West Quad road” as the Best Graduation Photo Spot. 

At some point, every UC Davis student has either seen, biked or walked down the road situated between the Memorial Union and Wellman Hall. Lined with beautiful oak trees, it is no surprise that graduates love to make the road one of their main backdrops for graduation pictures.

“In my opinion, it kind of represents Davis as a whole,” UC Davis alum Dominique Pajaro, a graduation photographer who earned a degree in landscape architecture, said. “Davis is surrounded by nature and beautiful trees, and this spot helps illustrate that in such a beautiful way.”

Pajaro elaborated further on how the road presents an ideal backdrop for graduation photos, with her background in landscape architecture adding an extra layer of knowledge on what makes the West Quad road so picturesque. 

“Humans like to feel enclosed in a space, and the way the oak trees drape over you and create that arch is definitely something that helps draw people to that space,” Pajaro said. “The way the light shines in between the leaves makes it look like the leaves glow, and helps center the graduate within the arch.”

While Pajaro believes that the spot is always a great place to shoot no matter the time of day, she chooses to shoot on the road with graduates either from 9 to 11 a.m. or from 3 to 6 p.m. to get the optimal lighting for photos. 

“Either of those times is perfect, but you need to switch which sides you take pictures on for the best lighting,” Pajaro said. 

To all the UC Davis students beginning to say their final goodbye to the campus as they prepare to embark on a new journey in life, don’t forget to commemorate your time here at UC Davis by taking your graduation pictures on the iconic West Quad road.

Written by: Carolyn (Cari) Fenn — features@theaggie.org

The family-owned ice cream shop’s unique flavors and welcoming environment make it a Davis staple 

By LAILA AZHAR — features@theaggie.org 

From Kit Kat Nutella to Avocado Coconut, Davis Creamery’s unique assortment of ice cream flavors helped the shop win in the Best Dessert Shop category with 45.8% of student votes.

Located in Downtown Davis, the family-owned ice cream parlor strives to create a “welcoming, enjoyable environment for all ages,” according to their website.

Co-owner Jen Schmidt owns the store alongside her husband and noted that, because of its location in Davis, college students make up a large portion of the store’s employees. She also described how the community-oriented spirit is integral to the business. 

“I really enjoy our employees [and…] giving kids their first jobs,” Schmidt said. 

One way the shop connects with its customers is with its annual flavor idea competition: Bracketology. As part of Bracketology, customers submit their ideas for ice cream flavors, and 16 of these ideas are then selected for a bracket. Customers vote on which flavors move on to the next level in the competition. 

“It’s a fun way to get the community involved,” Schmidt said. 

Flavors from the most recent Bracketology include chocolate potato chip, animal cracker and peanut butter pancakes with maple syrup. 

Previous winners, such as brigadeiro (a Brazilian dessert) and trifecta, have become staples of the store’s menu. Davis residents are welcome to participate in this annual event every March. More information about Bracketology can be found on their website, originaldaviscreamery.com. 

The store has been a part of the Davis community for 17 years, and Schmidt’s family purchased it eight years ago. Both Schmidt and her husband grew up in family businesses, and Davis Creamery has served as a way for them to continue that tradition while also providing their kids with a space to learn about running a business. 

“It’s something we talk about at dinner; it’s something me and my husband enjoy working together on,” Schmidt said. “It’s a family activity that we’re all involved in at some level.” 

Davis Creamery’s ice cream is made daily, with an emphasis on using local ingredients.

Schmidt cites honey fig and goat cheese, along with orange blossom honey, as her favorite flavors. With its rotating menu and wide range of flavors, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. It’s clear why this community-oriented family business was chosen as Best Dessert Shop in Davis.

Written by: Laila Azhar — features@theaggie.org

UC Davis students vote Dumpling House as favorite spot to satisfy a craving for dumplings

By ALMA CULVERWELL — features@theaggie.org

Davis’ Dumpling House, located in downtown Davis at 129 E Street, was voted the best dumpling after receiving 60.5% of students’ votes. 

Dumpling House, which has been a Davis staple for over 20 years, is known for its variety of dumpling options, such pork and chive, shrimp and pork. They also carry several options that cater to patrons’ various dietary restrictions, including vegetarian options like veggie or kimchi-filled dumplings. 

Originally known as London Fish N Chips, Dumpling House also carries several options from their original menu, including their signature fish and chips and calamari. 

Grace Hsu, a second-year managerial economics major, described why she loves frequenting Dumpling House and the personal connection she feels to the restaurant. 

“I love eating Dumpling House’s food because it’s always so comforting to the soul,” Hsu said. “It reminds me of my mom’s cooking and it tastes authentic.” 

Dumpling House is well-regarded by many community members for its welcoming and supportive atmosphere. Nina Moreno, a second-year cognitive science major, stated her thoughts about the restaurant’s atmosphere. 

“Dumpling House is like a place of comfort for me,” Moreno said. “I really like dumplings in the cold weather or when you are having a bad day.”

Linda Liu, the owner of Dumpling House, learned how to make dumplings from her grandmother. She got her inspiration for founding the Davis location after traveling around Asia and noticing the widespread popularity of dumplings. 

Liu developed her dumpling business to cater to the college audience by making her food affordable and accessible. Liu explained her favorite part about working her job. 

“I feel like people, [including] all the workers, are so friendly,” Liu said. “Also, the customers are so friendly, too.” 

Liu explained that her hope for the future is to increase business.

Dumpling House underwent a brief remodel after a fire in 2019 but has been reopened since March 2022. They also currently operate a stall at the weekly Saturday farmers market at Central Park, a Sacramento location and often make appearances at other Davis events. 

Written by: Alma Culverwell — features@theaggie.org

Their cozy vibe, artisanal lattes and their pastries are a crowd favorite

By RAGAVI GOYAL — features@theaggie.org  

With lingering aromas of the brewing coffee, light jazz playing in the background, warm lighting and the chatter of college students studying with one another, Mishka’s Café makes for the best coffee in Davis. Preferred by 27.7% of this year’s Best of Davis respondents, this coffee shop has everything from delicious coffee to the best vibes for both socializing and studying. 

Located in downtown Davis on 2nd Street, Mishka’s was founded in 1995 to create an environment that matches the atmosphere of old European cafes, according to their website. The name, Mishka’s, comes from the name of a “big black friendly cat,” to which the Mishka’s website owes its success to.

The coffee shop offers high-quality and freshly roasted beans and various teas for the non-coffee drinkers. 

They have a wide variety of lattes and an array of unique flavors such as their rose latte, lavender latte, turmeric latte and midnight mocha. The coffee shop also offers special drinks for the holidays. 

Mishka’s is also known for their pastries and baked goods, with the majority being freshly made each morning. Some of their more popular pastries include the blueberry scone and the coffee crumble cake. 

“We’re here almost every day,” Jenny, a UC Davis graduate student in psychology said. “I get the white mocha every time.” 

Ria, a fourth-year human development major, believes that Mishka’s is the perfect coffee shop for any occasion, whether it be for studying, catching up with friends or grabbing a bite to eat. 

“You look around and there’s all sorts of people,” Ria said. “There’s always people on a first date, people who are studying or friends just hanging out. It’s just really a wonderful environment to be in.” 

Ria continued to say that she likes Mishka’s especially because of their wide selection of teas.

“Usually, coffee shops don’t really value teas as much and that is why I like Mishka’s,” Ria said.

She concluded by discussing the warm environment created by the staff at Mishka’s.

“The staff is really friendly,” Ria said. “They are always super welcoming.”

Written by: Ragavi Goyal — features@theaggie.org

This Japanese restaurant, located in the Davis Commons, was voted the best sushi restaurant in Davis

By HANNAH SCHRADER — features@theaggie.org

Mikuni was once again voted the best sushi restaurant in Davis, receiving 56.8% of votes. It is a Japanese-style restaurant located just off First and D Street in downtown Davis. 

Mikuni was founded in 1987 by Taro Arai in Fair Oaks, California, who had just recently emigrated from Kyushu, Japan. Arai became the reverend to the First Japanese Baptist Church in Sacramento shortly after moving to California.

Arai came to the United States not knowing how to speak English but learned it through his years working at his parent’s restaurant. Though Arai didn’t have the privilege of getting a higher education, his kids were able to.

The Arai family owns Mikuni, which started as a small business 37 years ago and has flourished to become one of the most prominent businesses in Northern California with nine locations throughout the region. Chefs at Mikuni have created over 300 recipes, and the restaurant has won the Best in Sacramento Readership survey 13 times consecutively.

In 2001, Mikuni started their sushi bus and became the only traveling sushi bar in the world. Then, in 2002, Mikuni launched their well-known interactive sushi-making class that teaches the basics of sushi making. In 2004, the “Koki Club” was launched as Mikuni’s very first loyalty program, and today, it has over 80,000 active members.

The restaurant celebrated its 35th anniversary in 2022 and gave away a new Honda Civic. Though the restaurant’s philanthropy does not end there, Mikuni has raised over $3.5 million dollars for over 100 different charity organizations.

“[Mikuni] firmly [believes] in giving back…to being a good neighbor…to assisting those in need in any way possible,” Mikuni’s website reads.

Mikuni also accepts fundraiser requests on its website. Some of the organizations Mikuni has donated to include: Twin Lakes Food Bank, Child Advocates of Placer County, River City Food Bank, Alzheimer’s Aid Society and Lighthouse Family Counseling and Resource Center.

The Mikuni Davis location has a very modern design with low-hanging mood lights and traditional Japanese decor. On the weekends, the restaurant is lively, with servers swiftly delivering rolls through a bustling restaurant with a sustained buzz of chatter.

The crowd at Mikuni varies from UC Davis students seeking reprieve from the quick-moving quarter system to out-of-towners who love Mikuni just as much as the Davis locals.

Melvina Smith, a materials and store supervisor, and Tajae Ramsey, an arts education and camp manager at the Kroc Center, enjoyed a meal at Mikuni and talked about the vibe of the restaurant.

“Oh, it’s really good,” Smith said. “And we keep coming back because we live in Suisun, so we travel to come here.”

Smith and Ramsey then talked about their favorite rolls to order at Mikuni.

“I really do like the flaming mushroom [roll],” Smith said. “Every time I come back, I try a different roll.” 

Ramsey agreed with that sentiment.

“All their rolls are really good,” Ramsey said. “And their appetizers are everything.”

Written by: Hannah Schrader — features@theaggie.org

The iconic Trader Joe’s location is voted Davis’ Best Grocery Store by students

By YASMEEN O’BRIEN — features@theaggie.org

Known for its friendly employees, affordability and wide range of snack selections, it is clear why Trader Joe’s won Best Grocery Store in Davis (for the third year in a row!), securing 54.9% of the student vote. 

At any given time in the popular grocery store, you are bound to find an abundance of customers of all ages, from college students to families to elderly shoppers, all with the shared goal of finding good deals on reliably high-quality groceries.

Joe Johnson, a Trader Joe’s crew member of over two years, said that while he is very appreciative, he is not surprised that Trader Joe’s won Best Grocery Store. He chalks it up to its proximity to campus and the friendly environment of the store. 

“People are just more excited to be there [than other grocery stores],” Johnson said.

Johnson also shared that there’s never a dull moment at the store, and that you must be prepared for anything while on shift. 

“I once had a roach crawl on my arm from a customer’s bag that they brought from home,” Johnson said. “So, that turned me off a little bit [from customers bringing their own bags].”

The positive work environment Trader Joe’s fosters is a main reason why Johnson enjoys working there; he values his fellow crew members and has become close with them.

“I transferred to Davis from junior college and didn’t really get a chance to make a lot of friends outside of work,” Johnson said. “So for me, my coworkers became my group of friends in a way that I haven’t experienced with other jobs.” 

Johnson’s experience working for Trader Joe’s has undoubtedly enriched his life: from new friends to being unexpectedly but often entertained on the job, Trader Joe’s checks all of the boxes as a working environment. 

The iconic grocery store is also famous for creating an inviting environment that keeps customers coming back for more. 

Simone Haggerty, a fourth-year ecological management and restoration major, shops at Trader Joe’s every week and has done so throughout her time at UC Davis. She agreed with Johnson that the store’s positive atmosphere improves her shopping experience.

“I think [Trader Joe’s is] a great environment,” Haggerty said. “I always run into friends there, and all [of] the cashiers are really nice. It’s good vibes.”

Haggerty also shared that she appreciates the unique aspects of the shopping experience Trader Joe’s cultivates.

“I love all [of] the fun little snacks they have to try and all [of] their seasonal foods,” Haggerty said.

Whether you are grabbing a quick snack after classes or completing your weekly grocery haul, expect your Trader Joe’s shopping trip to be a well-rounded experience full of exciting specialty products and passionate, engaging staff.

If you haven’t already, check them out at their Russell Boulevard location between the hours of 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. any day of the week.

Written by: Yasmeen O’Brien — features@theaggie.org

The popular Davis bar and restaurant was once again voted the Best of Davis

By MADELEINE YOUNG — features@theaggie.org 

Sophia’s Thai Kitchen, a vibrant restaurant and bar located in the heart of downtown, has returned to the Best of Davis list for best trivia night with a 56.3% vote. 

Launched in 2005, Sophia’s Thai was the first bar in Davis to host a trivia night. This 21+ event happens every Tuesday night at 9:30 p.m. at the kitchen’s adjacent bar and requires an order of at least one drink as your buy-in. 

At night, you can find a mix of college students, families and locals looking for a bite, ordering their county-famous mojito, or participating in trivia night. With gift cards, six-packs or bottles up as prizes, Sophia’s is a great place to grab a drink and bring out your competitive side. 

Third-year managerial economics major Trimanpreet Kaur can be occasionally spotted competing with a handful of her friends on a Tuesday night. 

“It’s a really fun way to spend a night out with friends since the more people on your team, the more likely you are to win,” Kaur said. 

Kevin Wan, owner of Sophia’s, makes the questions himself. They range from geography, history, pop culture and more. Wan also will occasionally give bonus prizes for things like “most incorrect answer” or “funniest answer.” 

“It can get competitive but you meet so many new people and get to spend time with friends, especially when you want a breather from school,” Kaur said. 

Written by: Madeleine Young — features@theaggie.org

Best Pub or Bar: Sophia’s Thai 

On top of this, Sophia’s Thai Kitchen follows it’s last year’s place as best pub or bar with 42.9% of votes this year.

The business was founded almost 30 years ago and according to the owner, they were the first Thai restaurant in Davis.

It is common to see a live DJ or even karaoke on this bar’s outdoor deck. The bar didn’t open until 2001 and has made a great companion piece to Sophia’s trivia nights.

“I usually get a ‘Thaibreaker’ as my drink [while I] play,” Kaur said describing their drink of choice during trivia night. 

Written by: Madeleine Young — features@theaggie.org