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Cozy games for a cozy autumn

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IMAGE: Snoozy Kazoo

By: Meera Eragoda, Peak Associate

The final light of summer is fading away and soon, reds, yellows, and oranges will begin to colour the ground. There is no better time to snuggle up with a warm cup of tea beside you as you play these sometimes cute but always quirky games.

Turnip Boy Commits Tax Evasion

In this puzzle-filled action game, you play as an adorable turnip who is running around tearing up tax documents, fighting radioactive animals, and trying to unearth the mystery about the town you live in. Adorable graphics, a muted colour palette, and little quirks (like a sign saying to watch out for vegetarian snails) give this a nice, autumnal vibe. The cutesy energy of the game covers up the secretly post-apocalyptic world you’re inhabiting. Play the new update while awaiting Graffiti Games’ 2023 release Turnip Boy Robs a Bank.

Available on Nintendo Switch, Xbox One, Windows, Mac

Cult of the Lamb

Have you ever wanted to be a cult leader to a variety of forest critters? Well, with this recent release, now is your chance to do that and to do it as an adorable lamb. In this game, you run around the forest defeating the demons of the Old Gods, gaining a flock (hehe), preaching to them, and exploring the mysteries of the area. You also have to make sure to keep your followers fed and believing because if not, you may just have to sacrifice them. Can you tell I love a good, dark game but with a cute twist? This game is incredibly entertaining and you get to choose your difficulty level.

Available on Nintendo Switch, Xbox One, Playstation 4 and 5, Windows, Mac

Wytchwood

This game is one of the best encapsulations of fall energy. You play as a witch resurrected after many years. You get to explore the various areas of the woods, craft potions, cast spells, and solve mysteries to discover and defeat the myriad creatures Fmenacing areas of the forest. This is a very heavily craft-based game but the diversity of it and the unique situations and characters you encounter will keep you hooked.

Available on Nintendo Switch, Xbox One, Playstation 4, Windows, Mac

Graveyard Keeper

Ok, this one is basically like Stardew Valley but with a twist — you run a medieval graveyard. This game has one of the most in-depth crafting components I’ve seen and will keep you involved for hours. Luckily, you have a talking donkey to keep you company while you explore vast areas to gather supplies and complete quests. You also perform autopsies and slightly unethical experiments on the bodies that are brought to you. On top of that, you also run the church and give sermons to the villagers. What’s more fall than being the main character of your own spooky graveyard?

Available on Nintendo Switch, Xbox One, Playstation 4, Windows

Night in the Woods

Night in the Woods is beautiful, nostalgic, and will pull at your heartstrings a bit. You play as Mae Borowski, a 20-something college dropout who comes back to her hometown and reconnects with old friends. Though on the surface, it’s about exploring the mysteries that lie in the neighbouring woods; at its heart, it’s about connection and self-discovery. There are different options you can choose throughout the game that lead to one of two endings. This game is a very relevant autumnal reflection for anyone about to graduate.

Available on Playstation 4, Xbox One, Windows, Mac

What Remains of Edith Finch

The darkest game on this list, it is also the most beautiful. This game is very much about grief so play at your own risk. You play as Edith Finch, the last remaining Finch family member, as you return to your childhood residence. You explore each of the rooms belonging to a different family member and through reliving their death, learn more about their life and what they were like. While Spiritfarer might be more fitting for this list, I am blown away by how absolutely detail-packed this game is. It is one of my absolute favourites to replay and it’s perfect for moody autumn evenings. 

Available on Nintendo Switch, Xbox, Playstation, Windows, Mac

Canadian society is still far from accessible

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wheelchair symbol at subway station
We still have a long way to go until society is accessible for everyone.

By: Olivia Visser, Opinions Editor

Able-bodied people often make their way through the world without worrying about accessibility barriers. They have less reason to be concerned about finding a seat by the door or catching COVID-19, nor do they have to face the reality of being forced into systemic poverty due to chronic illness. Canada likes to pride itself in being a relatively equitable country, yet many have no idea that our society is still far from accessible for disabled people.

Canadian city design is the most apparent example of inaccessibility. When I make my way around Vancouver, I notice a striking lack of benches for blocks on end. Other issues like dangerous sidewalk conditions and few crosswalks are prevalent in certain areas. Some of the most significant accessibility barriers in Canada are related to transportation. Many bus stops have no seating options at all, and SkyTrain stations only have a couple seats that are often occupied. What are disabled people supposed to do in situations like these? Multiple times I’ve had to sit on the ground awaiting the train because my body didn’t have the energy to stand that day. Factors like uncomfortable seating, limited disabled seats, and a lack of paratransit options are only a few limitations affecting the daily lives of disabled Canadians. 

The attitudes of fellow citizens also have an impact on accessibility. You can’t tell someone’s accessibility needs by looking at them, especially when many are too nervous to ask for a seat on their own. It definitely helps when people stand if they’re able to, and watch out for those who might need a disabled seat. Other behaviours, like kicking the automatic door buttons or using disabled stalls without needing them, can make life more difficult for those with accessibility needs. Some people rely entirely on door access buttons to enter spaces — the least we can do is keep them clean for everyone. 

The Canadian government doesn’t do enough to provide for its disabled population. BC’s Person with Disabilities (PWD) program offers income assistance to anyone with a disability that affects their ability to work and perform daily-living activities. However, this system sucks disabled people into lives of poverty by granting beneficiaries only $1,358 a month. This number allocates $375 a month for shelter, which is incomprehensible in a city like Vancouver with an average monthly rental price of around $2,000. No one should live in need because their health makes them unable to acquire or hold down a job. Raising PWD amounts is a huge step forward that our government should take immediately.

Disabled people deserve to actively participate in society like everyone else. Unfortunately, Canada still has some improvement to do in terms of creating equal opportunities for disabled people. And while disability justice is a systemic issue, everyone can do their part to ensure disabled people are included and treated fairly in our society.

My Power Yoga experience: Flexibility not required

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photo of a woman in Warrior 1 pose.
For instructor Kealani Wong, teaching allows her to connect with her students through her circuit of poses. PHOTO: sippakorn yamkasikorn / Unsplash

By: Simran Sarai, Sports Writer

SFU Recreation hosted its fall trial sessions last week from September 19–23. Students and community members were invited to try out a variety of free classes to help them find an activity to partake in for the new semester. This was the first time I had ever attended trial week and it was a blast! I checked out Kealani Wong’s one-hour Power Yoga class on September 20 in Lorne Davies Complex, and had an opportunity to speak with the instructor about her passion for teaching afterwards. 

The SFU Recreation website describes Power Yoga as “an energetic form of vinyasa yoga, more based on fitness. It focuses on building strength, endurance and flexibility while working up a sweat.” 

Yoga has a rich and vibrant history that many people don’t learn before their classes — this has a lot to do with its appropriation by Western culture. Rina Deshpande briefly explains yoga’s beginnings in and its appropriation in her article for SELF magazine.

“Yoga is estimated to be at least 2,500 years old, originating in the Indus Valley Civilization,” Deshpande said. However, in western society, the practice of yoga has often been stripped down to focus on the postures, neglecting the spiritual and mental aspects. Deshpande highlights the stark difference between current practices of yoga and its traditional form. “The yoga I knew from my Indian upbringing — the spiritual philosophy embedded in everyday experiences — is no longer seen as yoga.” She added, “practices in the other limbs of yoga — such as purification of body, mind, and speech, controlling human impulses [and] the practice of breathing to control the life force within” are “forgotten in many forms of modern practice.”

Part of navigating yoga classes in western culture means recognizing the classes we take often do not reflect the full practice of yoga. In acknowledging and learning the traditional beginnings of yoga, we can take steps to ensure the classes we attend also respect the traditional practice.

I’m a beginner to yoga, so I expected this class to make me work hard, and it didn’t disappoint. No matter how much I tried to prepare myself for the hour-long session, I was still surprised at how fast-paced the class was. We circled through poses such as Downward Dog and Warrior 1 pose, transitioning from one exercise straight into the next. It felt like I had accomplished a fairly strenuous workout in such a short time. Best of all, I didn’t even have to bring any equipment: SFU provided participants with yoga mats. I do recommend bringing lots of water — this class is not a walk in the park.

There were roughly 20 people who attended the class. We sat on our respective mats and started off the session in the studio classroom with some slow stretches. The whole course focused on integrating mindful, deep breathing into our poses, focusing on making sure our stomachs expanded as we inhaled, and drawing them back in towards our spines as we exhaled. My favourite part was the last five minutes we spent focusing exclusively on deep breathing. It was so peaceful, I almost fell asleep! It helped me feel super energized after the class, which was needed after working up a sweat. 

By the time I had a chance to catch my breath, instructor Wong was already prepared for her questions. Wong decided to complete her yoga certification to become better acquainted with the practice of Power Yoga. “I wanted to just know more about it. I really enjoyed it [ . . . ] and I just kind of felt like there was a lot more to the practice than just the asanas.”

When asked what she liked best about teaching the class, Kealani pointed to a variety of factors related to collaboration and creativity. “I enjoy doing the practice, and I enjoy the creative freedom and expression to create my own practice, and then share it with other people. It’s kind of like I’m practicing my own sequences and I can express my own creative freedom, but I’m also guiding other people with that same sequence.” 

She also highlighted the joy she finds in watching her class participants better themselves. The only advice Wong had for anyone thinking about jumping into yoga for the first time is to “believe that you can do it. The only person that is limiting yourself is yourself.”

The Inside Scoop

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A photo of a cartoon character with rosy cheeks, an orange shirt, and brown hair eating a slice of pie with the pi sign carved into it
Numbers dipped below 50% when it came time to the lacrosse questions. Illustration: Maple Sukontasukkul / The Peak

By: Nercya Kalino, Staff Writer

Q1.) What does “albatross” mean in golf?

  1. When a player takes three shots less than what’s expected (76.9% answered correctly)
  2. When a player hits the ball in the expected number of shots 
  3. When a player gets a hole-in-one
  4. When a player takes two shots less than what’s expected

Answer: A 

Q2.) How many holes are in a round of golf?

  1. 14
  2. 17
  3. 18 (76.9% answered correctly)
  4. 16

Answer: C

Q3.) The outfit a wrestler wears is called a . . .

  1. Wrap
  2. Singlet (69.2% answered correctly) 
  3. Girdle
  4. Cover

Answer: B 

Q4.) In wrestling, irregularity to the ear caused by injury is called a…

  1. Broccoli ear
  2. Mushroom ear
  3. Cauliflower ear (100% answered correctly) 
  4. Popcorn ear

Answer: C

Q5.) What is the Indigenous name for lacrosse?

  1. Stickball (92.3% answered correctly)
  2. Throwball
  3. Catchball
  4. Ballgame

Answer: A 

Q6.) How many players are on the field per team in lacrosse?

  1. 12
  2. 14
  3. 10 (46.2% answered correctly) 
  4. 16

Answer: C 

Q7.) What is a shutout by a goalkeeper in soccer called?

  1. White sheet
  2. Goose egg
  3. Perfect 90
  4. Clean sheet (84.6% answered correctly)

Answer: D 

Q8.) How many sets in volleyball does a team need to win to beat their opponent?

  1. Two 
  2. Four 
  3. Three (100% answered correctly)
  4. Eight 

Answer: C 

Q9.) Which volleyball player wears a different colour uniform from their teammates?

  1. Libero (92.3% answered correctly)
  2. Setter
  3. Middle blocker
  4. Serving specialist

Answer: A

Basketball average score: 7.38/9 points (82%) (B+)

Which trash panda are you?

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By: Sharon Ha, SFU Student

Trash pandas, otherwise known as raccoons of the family procyonidae, are not only cute, they are terrifying. Why? Because they are mouthy, smart, and awesome! Why not find out which one you are while you observe these cuties from a safe distance?  

  1. What is your favorite place to eat at SFU?
    1. Bubble Waffle. Cheap, convenient, chicken nuggets for daaaaays.
    2. The latest and greatest Tim Hortons, boldly built next to the old one in WMC.
    3. Biercraft, because I am classy.
    4. Yogost. I dream of the mochi!
    5. Anywhere my friends like going with me!
  2. Do you take offense at the term ‘trash panda?’
    1. Yes!
    2. No!
    3. Maybe . . .
    4. So?
    5. Eenie Meanie Miney Mo!
  3. What type of feminist are you?
    1. An angry one.
    2. Even when we sort out trash, we must be equal!
    3. A girl boss~
    4. We should all be feminists!
    5. I agree with the smart raccoons above!
  4. How do you like the quiz so far?
    1. It is very fun!
    2. It is cute and cunning, a lot like me.
    3. Booooo — I have had more fun being stood up on dates.
    4. I have no opinion on this matter.
    5. A few of the statements above were quite rude. I believe this quiz is perfectly adequate for our needs!
  5. What form of entertainment tickles your fancy?
    1. Korean dramas.
    2. Telenovelas.
    3. Love Island.
    4. Ew, reality TV shows are gro— actually, Keeping Up With the Kardasha-coons . . . admittedly.
    5. I agree, I detest reality TV. Give me true reality: National Geographic! 

Those who have chosen mostly A’s, you are Grandma Possum Snout:

Illustrations of five different raccoons. ILLUSTRATIONS: Maple Sukontasukkul and Kelly Chia / The Peak

Grandma Possum Snout has been around since the ‘80s. She likes to eat whatever her children are eating due to a lifetime of focusing on others’ needs. Perhaps, she should try prioritizing hers once in a while. She loves wearing her comforting blue coat! It has a quilted pattern and she hopes to pass it off to her nephew.

For those who have chosen mostly B’s, you are Star, the athlete:

Illustrations of five different raccoons. ILLUSTRATIONS: Maple Sukontasukkul and Kelly Chia / The Peak

Even Star, a buff and furry raccoon, understands the word “athlete” means little to ordinary students at SFU. She can respect different opinions, and still enjoy bouncing rolling Tim Bits like a basketball. And yet she is that rare phenomenon: a kind, sporty raccoon. 

The always classy person who chose C’s is, of course, Reginald III:

Illustrations of five different raccoons. ILLUSTRATIONS: Maple Sukontasukkul and Kelly Chia / The Peak

Renowned food critic extraordinaire — only eats homemade kimchi and is a humble lover of bulgogi. Reginald is a sommelier of SFU tap water, too. Ask him for his latest rating!

If you’ve chosen mostly D’s, you are Chunky Monkey:

Illustrations of five different raccoons. ILLUSTRATIONS: Maple Sukontasukkul and Kelly Chia / The Peak

Chunky Monkey is a not-so-closeted anime fan with a proud paunch and huge talent for singing. He deserves better. Chunky Monkey currently watches Evangelion, but his girlfriend does not like it. She will, however, join him for a session of Voltron.

If you’ve chosen mostly E’s, you are Lil’ Paw:

Illustrations of five different raccoons. ILLUSTRATIONS: Maple Sukontasukkul and Kelly Chia / The Peak

Lil’ Paw is the smallest and newest member of the gang. A genius. Be that as it may, there is no denying they are the kit of the litter. Being so cuddly and sweet-faced means only the hardest of hearts will not stop to call him a “cutie.” Their favorite activity is running around the campus having little adventures with their family.

Nobel prize winner Maria Ressa joins SFU for conversation about democracy

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The photo is of Ressa and Off sitting on stage together as they engage in conversation. There are numerous people in the audience before them. A screen behind them has a large photo of Ressa and the title “How to Stand Up to a Dictator.”
Ressa shared that our information systems are influenced by the algorithmic choices of social media companies. PHOTO: Pranjali J Mann / The Peak

By: Pranjali J Mann, News Writer

On September 13, the SFU Vancouver speaker series invited Maria Ressa, the 2021 Nobel peace prize winner, journalist, and CEO and co-founder of online news agency, Rappler. She was awarded the SFU Honorary Doctorate Degree by president Joy Johnson to acknowledge her exceptional contributions to the field of journalism, freedom of press, and combating misinformation. Ressa’s upcoming book, How to Stand up to a Dictator, will analyze misinformation across the world, including “Duterte’s drug wars, America’s Capitol Hill, and Britain’s Brexit.” 

Carol Off, former CBC radio host of the show As It Happens moderated the discussion with Ressa regarding “the threat disinformation campaigns pose to our increasingly polarized democracies.” 

Ressa mentioned her interaction and interview with former Philippines president Rodrigo Duterte. Before Duterte was president, Ressa interviewed him and confirmed he committed extrajudicial killings. Off attributed this to Ressa’s reporting style: “This is the beauty of your reporting style and your vulnerability — you get people to tell you things.” 

As Ressa delved into the story, she said, “I didn’t want them to be numbers. This was horrifying.” Ressa revealed the police underreported the number of deaths to avoid the attention of human rights groups. As their government was altering casualty reports and releasing fake news, Ressa said, “This is what I call death by a thousand cuts of our democracy. But this is also a death by a thousand cuts of our history, it’s a death by thousand cuts of facts and literal people.” 

Calling social media attacks on herself as “propaganda war,” she stated that in today’s technology, “you say a lie a million times, it becomes a fact [ . . . ] And this is a bandwagon effect.” She noted the way “Facebook algorithms impact democracy.” Ressa received up to 90 hate messages on Facebook an hour — which she refers to as “hate at [an] exponential scale.” 

Ressa explained that machine learning models use the photos uploaded to Facebook to create clones of users. This is then used to design artificial intelligence models which curate targeted advertisements. “What was used for advertising is now used for geopolitical power play. And that is the danger [ . . . ] Online violence is real world violence,” according to Ressa. 

The commodification and erosion of journalism is affecting the health of democracies worldwide. Off noted as many countries will be voting for the heads of their states in 2024, a trend to elect authoritarian and illiberal democracies will be on a rise. Ressa indicated this is because technology companies and digital authoritarians use “social media platforms manipulate our emotions, they spark fear, anger, hate [ . . . ] that changes us.”

Horoscopes Sept 26th–Oct 2nd

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An illustration of a girl with long flowing hair. Astrological signs and stars shine around her.
ILLUSTRATION: Marissa Ouyang / The Peak

By: Max Lorette and Kelly Chia, Partners in Star Crimes

Aries

Don’t look now, Aries, but the junk folder in your email is beginning to grow sentient. Before long, it will be strong enough. The Stars haven’t told me exactly what they’ll do, all I know is that it can’t be good.

Taurus

Stop worrying about what other people think about you. Trust me, it probably isn’t as deep as you think it is. Next time you have to fart in class, just really let it rip. 

Gemini

The Stars think it’s due time to stop comparing your accomplishments to others. If the most productive thing that you’ve done all day is put the dishes away and bury the body of your enemy, then so be it! Self-care, baby <3

Cancer

Cancer, consider heading into your local London Drugs and purchasing a postcard to mail to a friend of yours. Regardless of whether you see them everyday or every holiday, your friend is going to be so excited to hear about your latest adventures to the Tri-Cities and that you’re thinking of them. It’ll be neat!

Leo

The Stars have discovered that the first word of every reading you have this week makes up a secret code! Surely this code will be the key to your destiny as a scholar, or perhaps even beyond* . . . only one way to find out, my brave adventurer.

* The secret knowledge will only be entrusted to you if you do your readings! Do them!!

Virgo

We know, we know, Mercury’s been all up in your business lately. We’ve had a strongly worded chat with them about expectations, and they feel so bad about retreating in your time of need. They’d like to offer you a drink. Will it be an iced americano or an oat chai?

Libra

This week, the Stars think you should enact some personal justice in your life by practicing confidence in class discussions! You do not need to undercut your own ideas by adding, “I think,” or “Maybe this is wrong,” we promise you your questions and ideas are worth adding.

Scorpio

Dear Scorpio, it’s time for you to be your best 2014 Tumblr self. That’s right, bring out that Instax camera and flower crown, and your plaid shirt, too. It is time to embrace what you’ve tossed into the black hole of teenagedom. Plus, let’s face it: that dark lipstick was a look. 

Sagittarius

From one Sagittarius to another, you may also be a chronic last–minute plan ditcher. There is a support group for people like us. This is your friendly reminder to actively make plans and call your friends when you can! You know you adore them, even though you say yes to far too many things.

Capricorn

The Stars are considering your fall schedule in full, and have decided to push you into the path of your nearest pumpkin patch regardless. They really want you to soak up those corn husks and carve some pumpkins with your friends. Or so you can smash some pumpkins. The Stars think you’re rock-and-roll. 

Aquarius

You should pick up a YA book this week. It’s been so long since you’ve read for pleasure, so we think you should take a stroll with your cutest tote bag and pick up some contemporary fiction or fantasy!

Pisces

Aww, Pisces. We think you’re doing great this week, you have earned (1) validation, redeemable at your nearest TA meeting.

VIFF 2022 Program Highlights

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A couple riding a scooter
IMAGE: Saim Sadiq

By: Emma Best, Peak Associate

Film fans rejoice! With 135 features and 102 shorts, this year’s Vancouver International Film Festival (VIFF) program is jam-packed, offering in-person and select remote screenings. This year, VIFF has launched U25: a free membership program for those aged 19–25 that offers discounted passes, tickets, and more. If you’re overwhelmed by the extensive program, here are some of the films you won’t want to miss, playing at various locations. 

Bones of Crows, Dir. Marie Clements

Screening September 29 and October 4 

Content warning: this film features residential schools, sexual violence, child abuse, racism 

Opening this year’s program is Marie Clements’ Bones of Crows, an expansive story following protagonist Aline Spears through several stages of her life — from surviving a childhood in the residential school system, to using her code-breaking skill during the Second World War. The Vancouver-born Dene/Métis filmmaker’s bold writing and directing makes for a daunting yet necessary tale of Canada’s history and the long road to reconciliation. 

Brother, Dir. Clement Virgo

Screening October 1 and October 4 

Content warning: this film features racism and violence 

Rich with themes of race, family, and masculinity, Brother centers around siblings Michael and Francis (Lamar Johnson and Aaron Pierre), sons of Caribbean immigrants living in suburban Scarborough in the 1990s. Brother uses a dual timeline, going back and forth between the film’s present and past, to explore the lead up and fall out of an act of violence that changes the brothers’ lives forever. Written and Directed by Canadian filmmaker Clement Virgo, this film is adapted from SFU professor David Chariandy’s stellar novel of the same name.  

Triangle of Sadness, Dir. Ruben Östlund

Screening October 3 and October 9

When models Carl and Yaya (Harris Dickinson and Charlbi Dean) are invited on a luxury cruise amongst the uber rich, it’s not exactly smooth sailing. From the bizarre demands of fellow passengers, to a disastrous turn of the weather, the cruise comes to an abrupt end when they become stranded on a desert island. From satrisit director Ruben Östlund, Triangle of Sadness is bound to be a comical commentary of the upper class, fresh off its win of the coveted Palme D’Or at this year’s Cannes Film Festival. 

Nanny, Dir. Nikyatu Jusu

Screening September 30 and October 8 at 9:00 p.m.

Nanny follows Aisha (Anna Diop), an undocumented immigrant who lands a job as a nanny for a wealthy Manhattan couple, hoping to bring her son to America. However, her American Dream is soon threatened, as her waking and dream worlds are disrupted by a sinister force. Jusu’s debut feature, is said to be “inspired by West African folklore and North American socio economics,” and promises both a thrilling and chilling depiction of an immigrant’s journey.

Joyland, Dir. Saim Sadiq

Screening September 29, October 1, and remotely from October 6–9

Coming from a traditional family, Haider takes a job as a backup dancer for Biba — “a trans woman and trying to make her way as an erotic dancer.” Despite his best attempts to keep his job a secret, truths begin to unravel, and Haider and Biba fall into an intimate affair. As the first Pakistani movie to premiere at Cannes film festival, Joyland is set to be a fresh and honest dissection of identity and tradition. 

Women Talking, Dir. Sarah Polley 

Screening October 5

Content warning: this film features graphic violence and sexual violence

Based on Miriam Toews’ novel of the same name, Women Talking focuses on a group of women in a religious colony who are forced to confront their beliefs after a series of assaults committed by the men in their community. Toews, who grew up in a Mennonite colony in Manitoba, wrote her novel in response to a 2018 news story exposing a Bolivian Mennonite community for the abuse of over 135 women from 2005–2009. The film is sure to be a moving and important portrait of resilience.

An Ode To My Luvr

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A photo of a Renaissance coffee cup.
It’s a nice samosa, baby, just say yes! PHOTO: Gudrun Wai-Gunnarsson / The Peak

By: Hannah Kazemi, Overly Devoted Staff Writer

Dear Renaissance,

 

Oh, how I love you so,

You stand by me when I need you most;

Your presence everlasting, unwavering, and eager —

My life on the line, I would put just to savour.

 

Mochas, carrot muffins,

Samosas and more —

Through good times and Zoom times

Your taste I adore.

 

Oh, how I crave you

And make special trips,

Up Burnaby Mountain

To bring cup to lip.

 

That sweet distinct scent

Drifting down AQ halls;

Go too long without it

And I get withdrawals.

 

Greeted by big smiles

And kind hearts full of love,

The people I meet there

Are sent from above.

Reviewing Renaissance: The Best and The Worst

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A photo of a Renaissance cup.
You say “R!” I say “enaissance!” It works, okay? Photo: Meera Eragda

By: Hannah Kazemi, Official Taste-Tester & Staff Writer

Hey fellow students, it’s Hannah, and today I’m reviewing the esteemed Renaissance Café. The heart and soul of SFU Burnaby. Coffee. Muffins. Need I say more?

As every dedicated student has done, I’ve taste–tested every crumb of our cheapest and most expensive food options here on the mountain. Renaissance has by far been my favourite. And now that I’m nearing the end of my degree, I know I am obviously the most qualified person to review some of Renaissance’s food and drink items. I trust my opinion, so you should too. @ me, Gordon Ramsay.

1. Chana Masala with Two Samosas

15/10. My favourite lunch item on their menu and my most common order. Their Chana Masala is PERFECTION. I actually do a happy dance when I sit down to eat it. When I happy dance because of food, you know it’s good. I also consider myself a samosa connoisseur, and Renaissance does not come to PLAY. They could be a little crispier, I’m not gonna lie, but even that is too much criticism for my taste. Parminder, if you’re reading this, please don’t hate me. I still love you. I would die for your samosas and will order them for the rest of time, I promise.

Tags: #loveofmylife #woulddieforsamosas

2. Hot Chocolate

11/10. Fall is coming soon (sorry but it’s true) which means it’s almost hot chocolate weather 😋 Renaissance’s hot chocolate is so rich and chocolatey. They put whipped cream and chocolate sauce on top of their hot chocolate which is SO YUM and gives me that extra sip of sugar. It’s the perfect cold-weather drink to get you through a seminar in Blusson. Why are those rooms always so cold?? It feels like my toes are going to fall off. SFU needs to do something about that or else I’m going to have to start bringing a blanket to class. Like, one of those Costco-sized ones that make you feel like you’re wrapped in fluff . . . 

#chocolateygoodness #chillyinblusson

3. Caramel Frappé

10/10. This one made me very excited. It was a new discovery for me last week, and the single most delicious and unique drink I have ever tasted. Never been done before. Iconic. Groundbreaking. I don’t know if there’s caffeine in this one, but regardless I would not recommend drinking it after you’ve had your morning coffee. I made that mistake thinking I was just going to treat myself after class one day, and then sugar crashed SO HARD. Big mistake. You’ll sleep for ten years. Otherwise, really yummy and the perfect amount of sweet caramel flavour! Just be smart when you order this. Don’t be like me.

#sugarrush #crashandburn

4. Carrot Muffin

12/10. I know, “carrot” makes this one sound healthy, but don’t be fooled. I dream of this muffin . . . They are so soft and moist (ewww, I hate that word but whatevs) and just the most delicious muffins. Crunchy on the outside and soft on the inside, like the tough looking freshmen you see in the AQ halls, these muffins are incredible. I got my sister hooked on them and now we bring each other carrot muffins whenever one of us is on campus. Show someone you love them and bring them a carrot muffin. Bribe your prof by bringing them a carrot muffin. Ask someone for a favour and then thank them with a carrot muffin. It’s just the right thing to do. Carrot muffins slay.

#healthiswealthbaby #idreamofmuffins #lovestory

5. Iced Caramel Macchiato

10/10. Standard, kinda boring, but they do it so well. I think I may have developed a bit of a sugar addiction because the amount of caramel they put in these things is astronomical. The sugar high I get from this drink is what makes it the perfect choice for right before I write an exam — it lasts juuuust long enough for me to have the energy to make it through, and then I crash and need a nap afterwards. Caffeine + excess sugar = dangerous combination. I love it, don’t get me wrong. I can’t go to Starbucks or Blenz anymore and order the same drink without thinking that they’re lacking in caramel.

#betterthanstarbucks #caramelisluv #caramelislife

6. Butter Chicken with Rice

9.6/10. When I take first-years on tours of the campus I always make sure to stop in front of Renaissance and tell them to order either the Chana Masala or the Butter Chicken. Their Butter Chicken is so flavourful and makes you feel warm and fuzzy inside. It will inspire those freshmen to come to campus. It’s another menu item that brings out the happy dance whenever I eat it — it can’t get much better than this.

#bestbutterchicken #teamrenaissance #campushighlight

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Simon Fraser University’s independent student newspaper since 1965.

Contact us: [email protected]

© The Peak Publications Society 1965-2024

Simon Fraser University’s independent student newspaper since 1965.

Contact us:
[email protected]

© The Peak Publications Society 1965-2024