by Emma Parker

Regarding family-style dining, Buca di Beppo is a name that often stands out. Known for its vibrant atmosphere and hearty Italian-American dishes, this restaurant promises a ballad of flavor nostalgia, and communal dining. But does it truly deliver on its reputation? I visited Buca de Beppo, and here’s what I discovered.

Buca di Beppo: A Taste of Italy with a Side of Nostalgia

Buca di Beppo is a restaurant that knows how to make an impression from the moment you walk through the door. With its warm, inviting ambiance and quirky décor that celebrates Italian-American culture, it’s the kind of place that feels like stepping into the home of a big, boisterous Italian family.

Ambiance

The décor is over-the-top, with walls covered in vintage photographs, posters, and eclectic knickknacks. Strings of lights and checkered tablecloths create a fun, nostalgic vibe. The layout features family-style dining rooms and even a “kitchen table” for those who want a behind-the-scenes experience. While the atmosphere is lively and vibrant, it may feel noisy for those seeking an intimate or quiet dinner.

Service

The service is friendly and accommodating, with staff members eager to explain the family-style menu concept. They are attentive without being overbearing, ensuring drinks are refilled and dishes arrive promptly.

Food

Buca di Beppo specializes in Italian-American classics, and their portions are designed for sharing. Here’s a breakdown of some highlights:

• Appetizers: The Fried Mozzarella and Bruschetta are crowd-pleasers. The mozzarella is perfectly crispy on the outside, gooey on the inside, and paired with a robust marinara sauce.

• Pasta Dishes: Their Spaghetti with Meatballs is a signature dish, and it doesn’t disappoint. The marinara sauce is tangy and fresh, while the meatballs are tender and flavorful. The Fettuccine Alfredo is creamy and indulgent, though it can be a bit heavy for some palates.

• Entrées: The Chicken Parmigiana is a standout, with its crispy breading and generous layer of melted cheese. The Eggplant Parmigiana is also a great vegetarian option, though it leans on the richer side.

• Desserts: The Tiramisu and Chocolate Chip Cannoli are decadent and satisfying, making for a perfect sweet ending.

Family-Style Concept

The family-style dining experience is both a strength and a potential drawback, depending on your party size and preferences. Large groups will love the communal feel, but smaller parties may find it challenging to justify ordering multiple large dishes.

Price

While the portions are large, the pricing can feel a bit steep, especially if you’re dining with a smaller group. However, for the quantity and quality, it’s a reasonable value for those looking to indulge.

Overall Experience

Buca di Beppo is a fantastic choice for celebrations, family gatherings, or casual dinners where you want to enjoy hearty Italian comfort food in a fun, lively setting. While the noise level and portion sizes may not suit every diner, the restaurant’s charm and bold flavors make it a memorable dining experience.

Rating: 4/5

by Sarah Jacobs

The 2024 Game of the Year Awards was a tough contest. Three of the best games I’ve played in a long time were nominated for the prestigious title, but one stood above the rest: Metaphor: ReFantazio.

Although it didn’t win Game Of The Year 2024, Metaphor: ReFantazio won multiple awards at The Game Awards 2024, including Best Narrative, Best RPG, and Best Art Direction. It is critically acclaimed for its beautiful art style and story.

The king’s assassination is causing anxiety in the kingdom because he is assumed to have no heir. Unbeknownst to the public, the prince was put under a curse many years ago. He is alive, but he has been unconscious since the curse was cast. A good friend of the prince, Will, and his closest confidant, Gallica, are tasked with finding a way to reverse the curse and return the prince to the throne. At the royal funeral, the late king’s magic manifests as a stone island large enough to block out the sun bearing his face. He announces that the people will decide on the next king. Will decides to win the throne in the prince’s place.

Characters and their arcs are handled beautifully by this game’s narrative. The world feels expansive, and it’s easy to get invested in the problems facing this world.

It won Best Art Direction at The Game Awards 2024, and it earned that title. The menus take on a painted style. The art and character designs are visually stunning. The mix of 3D and 2D makes the visuals compelling throughout the entire experience.

The cast is easily one of the most likable. The party includes characters from a variety of fantasy races, and their race and upbringing play an obvious role in how they see and interact with the world.  

The voice acting in this game is one of the most impressive aspects of the game. The English voice cast features largely unknown actors, each of whom excellently brings the characters to life. The variety of accents creates the impression of a vast world.

Metaphor: ReFantazio is a step above its competition in the JRPG genre. Few other games have gripped me in the same way. I highly recommend anyone who is a fan of JRPGs check it out.

by Miranda Flores

Bright lights, dozens of different aromas, and chatter all around. From the early 80s to the late 90s, malls were the place to hang out with friends. From grabbing a bite to eat to shopping for clothes and electronics, the mall was the place to go.

With the rise of online shopping and social media, the need for in-person shopping drastically declined, along with the popularity of malls. This raises the question: Are malls still popular?

Saturday is the busiest day for Mall St. Matthews in St. Matthews, Kentucky. With over 150 different stores, it is no wonder so many people want to visit. 

The smell was the first thing that hit me after walking through the automatic sliding doors leading straight to the food court. My boyfriend, two friends, and I arrived around 11:30 a.m., only 30 minutes after the store opened. I was surprised to see that there were already dozens of people there sitting down and enjoying their food. 

Looking around I was drawn in by the free samples the employees were passing out. I only tried two samples before I knew what I wanted to eat. The large portion of sweet and tangy orange chicken and the vegetable lo mein from Chinese Gourmet Express was delicious. It was hot and fresh and it only took about two minutes for my order to be completed, including the time it took for me to be rang up and checked out. The staff was also very nice and the food was cheap. There were many places to sit in the food court and it was spotless. 

After we finished eating we visited numerous stores. The St. Matthews Mall has a wide variety of stores and all kinds of merchandise. They even have places that can fix your watches, jewelry, and even your phone all while you shop. We went to the smaller stores, which surprised me with the amount of stuff they were able to keep inside. 

Each store we went into had clothes and toys all up and down the walls. I had trouble getting things down because they were just out of reach, so I had to have my boyfriend hand me the clothes that I wanted. This was a bit bothersome, but it is something that I have to deal with in most stores. Some of the stores were so small that they felt very cramped and packed in, especially some of the more popular ones. 

Walking through the mall itself it was wide and open with enough room for everyone to spread out and walk around. Surprisingly the lights weren’t blinding and they had a few large skylights instead. The St. Matthews Mall has a lot of interactive areas for all ages such as a large lifesize chess board with moveable pieces built into the floor and the indoor water fountain where people toss coins into. There are even designated areas for children and tots to run around and play. The mall has both stairs and ramps for easier access for families with strollers and wheelchairs.

One main issue that I had was the bathrooms being hard to find and they were extremely smelly. Large signs were hanging from the wall that said “restroom,” but they were hidden behind other shop signs, and the restroom itself was down a very dim and hardly lit hallway. I was scared that I was in an “employee’s only” area, but then I stumbled across the restrooms. When I opened the restroom door an intense odor of urine hit me and it was so bad that I was turned away from the bathroom altogether. 

Luckily there were multiple other restrooms around that were much cleaner without any bad odors. A good thing about the restrooms is that they have a family room along with other full restrooms that also allow for more accessibility.

Around 3 p.m. more people had shown up and it was getting hectic, so we headed back to the food court for one last time. There, an employee from King Gyros, a Greek restaurant, was passing out samples of their lamb. Once again we fell in love with the sample and decided to get it to go. My boyfriend and I chose to get the lamb platter to share, which came with rice and a creamy tzatziki sauce smothered over the top. The to-go box was heavy from the amount of food they packed into it and we left very satisfied.

The overall experience of visiting Mall St. Matthews left me wanting more. I loved the food, the clothes, and the experience, which is why I have no doubt the store is so popular. I am eager to return and visit the other stores I have yet to see and I highly recommend going out and visiting for yourself.

by William Hudgins

LEGO has hit varieties of different age groups. People play with them or have them as collector’s items. Whatever you do with them, they are an amazing item to make your life fun. 

LEGO began in 1934 in the carpentry workshop of Ole Kirk Kristiansen, a skilled carpenter who made wooden toys. Kristiansen prided himself on high quality craftsmanship. He eventually chose the LEGO name for his company, wanting to focus on child development through quality play.

Ever since then, LEGO has become one of the most popular hobbies in the world. It is truly amazing, because you can build or collect what you want to collect. 

LEGO has many different options to choose from based on your interests. The most popular sets include Icons, Ideas, and Star Wars. Star Wars partnered with LEGO back in October 1999, and ever since these sets have been a hit. 

When you see people’s collections, you’ll see many Star Wars sets. There is a reason for this: they are just great sets to keep sealed or on display. They have over a thousand retired or new sets. Some popular ones include the Millennium Falcon, R2-D2, Luke Skywalker’s Landspeeder, and many more. Star War sets are truly such great sets to have; heck, I wish I had some. 

LEGO Ideas launched in 2014, with the first set being called Shinkai 6500 Submarine. To become a LEGO Ideas set it needs 10,000 votes, and then LEGO will look at it to see if they want to make it. These sets are truly great, and most of the sets relate to real TV shows or movies, like the Winnie the Pooh set or The Office. If you are wanting to get into LEGOs, you definitely need to pick up an Ideas set. I highly recommend the Winnie the Pooh set, as it’s incredible to have on display. 

LEGO Icon released in 2010, with only 142 sets available, where most sets came out in 2024. Ideas and Icon sets are more expensive, but they are really worth it. This brand has to be my favorite, because they have many really cool sets, like the Atari 2600, Optimus Prime, Bumblebee, McLaren MP4, and more. If you were to get a set, this is really where you get one; they are just fantastic sets. 

When a LEGO set retires, it’s possible that that set could go for thousands of dollars. LEGO collection is a great way to make money. The set’s lifespan lasts up to three years before it retires. If it’s in good condition, it’s worth more, and if it is open it’s worth less. The most expensive set ever is the San Diego Comic-Con 2013 Spider-Man.

If you are wanting to get into a hobby, choosing LEGO isn’t a bad way to go. 

by Quadri Gbadomosi

My favorite club Liverpool FC, known as ‘the Reds,’ has a rich history that spans over 120 years.

Founded in 1892, the club has become a symbol of excellence in the world of football. With passionate support from fans and a commitment to the game, Liverpool has seen numerous triumphs, including multiple league titles and Champions League victories.

This review explores the key elements that define Liverpool FC’s legacy, including its historical successes, recent performances under management, and the unique culture cultivated by its fans.

Historical Background

Liverpool FC has a storied past marked by the likes of Bill Shanky and Bob Paisley, who paved the way for the club’s success. Shankly transformed Liverpool into a dominant force in English football during the 1960s, while Paisley carried on the club’s legacy, securing multiple championships. Fans remember these iconic moments, which established a winning mentality that resonates to this day.

Recent Performances

Under the leadership of Jürgen Klopp, who took over in 2015, Liverpool FC has experienced a golden era. The club won the premier league in the 2019-2020 season after a 30-year wait, along with the UEFA Champions League title in 2019. Klopp’s tactics focused on intense pressing and pressing play, having revitalized the team, making them a force to be reckoned with in natural competitions.

But recently, the discussion around tactics has shifted with the interest in emerging managerial talent, particularly Arne Slot, who has gained a reputation for his innovative strategies while managing Feyenoord. Though not directly at Liverpool, his approach to developing young talent and playing attractive football lends itself to how clubs like Liverpool can evaluate managerial styles in the future.

Fan Culture

One of the most remarkable aspects of Liverpool FC is its vibrant fan culture. The famous anthem “You’ll Never Walk Alone (YNWA)” echoes through Anfield, fostering a deep sense of community, unity and passion among supporters. We the fans not only celebrate victories, but also stand by the team during tough times, creating an atmosphere that is unique to Liverpool.

Conclusion

Through its rich history, a commitment to excellence, and a strong fanbase, Liverpool FC continues to leave a significant mark on the world of football. As the club moves forward. It embraces a legacy that inspires both current players and future generations. The journey with the Reds is not just about the trophies won, but it is about the lasting impact on and off the pitch. 

Liverpool FC remains a platform that promotes unity and inspiration and will continue to remain such as the club progresses.

by Abbigail Hollins

 “The Notebook,” directed by Nick Cassavetes , is based on the 1996 novel by Nicholas Sparks.

This story is a very well known story with it being such a heartfelt story that many love. People know it as a romantic drama because of its loving and romantic scenes and the rough times that come with that.

This story is of a young couple, Noah Calhoun and Allie Hamilton, two young adults that fall in love during the early 1940s. Despite facing numerous obstacles, including social class differences and World War ll, their love endures.

The film is most known for beautiful cinematography, emotional depth, and strong performances by Ryan Gosling and Rachel McAdams. The movie is a touching story of love and memory that connects with the audience. The film is popular and known by many. But how well do we really know it?

The on-screen chemistry between Gosling and McAdams was undeniable. However, off-screen, their relationship was initially quite tumultuous. The actors has a rocky start, with Gosling even asking for McAdams to be replaced at one point. Despite this, they managed to work through their differences, and their performances ultimately brought the love to life in the movie.

An interesting aspect of the production was the dedication to authenticity. The filmmakers went to great lengths to ensure that the setting and costumes accurately reflected the 1940s and 1950s. The movie was filmed in various locations in South Carolina, capturing the romantic southern backdrop. The crew also paid attention to detail in recreating the period’s look and feel, from vintage cars to the era- appropriate clothing. This commitment to authenticity helped immerse viewers in the love story, making the film a classic. 

The story was inspired by the real-life relationship of Sparks’ then wife, Cathy’s grandparents, who had been married for over 60 years. Sparks was moved by their love and the way they continued to cherish each other despite the challenges of life, aging, and illnesses. This heartfelt connection served as the foundation for the movie, which viewers will enjoy.

by Gracie Reeves

“She’s The Man” (2006) is a hilarious modern take on Shakespeare’s “Twelfth Night,” starring Amanda Bynes as Viola and Channing Tatum as Duke.  

Viola’s ultimate passion is playing soccer, but she is challenged because her school’s girls’ soccer team gets cut. She is so determined to play soccer that she then plans to disguise herself as her twin brother, Sebastian, and enroll at his new school, Illyria, to play against the boys’ soccer team at Cornwall.  

Once she gets there, she has to navigate challenges such as fitting in with the other guys and dealing with the star player, Duke Orsino. Viola then starts to develop a crush on Duke, but he’s trying to win another girl, which leads to some major romantic tension. It’s a big challenge for Viola to try to act like a guy, but also somehow impress Duke. 

The soccer side of the movie is fantastic. I personally loved these scenes, as they were super entertaining and well-choreographed. The soccer scenes were intense and exciting while also being funny. I thought they were the highlight of the movie. 

Back to the actual movie, as the story unfolds, eventually the truth comes out, leading to Viola boldly revealing her true identity. The ending is sweet, with a classic romantic resolution. The whole message of the movie is about being true to yourself.  

Overall, I thought the movie was great. I was on the edge of my seat the whole time, and I enjoyed every second of it. If you love comedy and romance, of which this movie is a great example, I highly recommend giving this a watch. 

                                    Where To Watch “She’s The Man” 

by Ricky Cummins

In 2021, I found Conan Gray on the CMA music awards on TV. He has been my favorite artist since then. 

Gray has four albums, 112 songs, and has 5.36 million subscribers.  Quick disclaimer, some of his 112 songs are covers, or features. Also, some songs are translations. Conan Gray is a 26-year-old singer and songwriter and former YouTuber. He started his YouTube channel in 2013. Gray became popular in 2019-2020. Gray has also starred in the movie SOUR Prom.

His music has a type of rhythm that I have not found anyone could recreate. When I think of Conan Gray, I think of his songs “Heather,” “TCTAB,” and “Manic.” These three songs have been some of my favorites for some time now but all of his songs are a work of art.

I love “Heather” for the reason that the song is relatable. He sings about everyone having a “heather.” I interpreted this song as being about someone who has left him for another person and he has been jealous and frustrated. Gray sings in the chorus, “Why would you ever kiss me? I’m not even half as pretty”. I believe he is feeling used and confused. His envy and jealousy shows in the lyrics “But how could I hate her? She’s such an angel. But then again, kinda wish she were dead.” 

I think of “TCTAB” because once again, it’s relatable. TCTAB stands for “The Cut That Always Bleeds.” I believe that he named this song after one of his toxic relationships. This relationship was hard to get over because they were leaving and coming back over and over again. The lyrics “I don’t love you anymore, a pretty line that I adore, five words that i’ve heard before,” prove this. He keeps falling for this person every time they come back when he sings. “’Cause I could be your lover on a leash, Every other week, When you please.”

Last but not least, “Manic”. “Manic” is a catchy and overall a well rounded song. It pretty much talks about his experience with an ex that spreads around rumours. In the pre-chorus Conan stands up for himself when he says, “You should turn back to your rat pack, tell them I’m trash.” I think he says this because he is getting over the rumors and stories about  him and he feels that what others say doesn’t affect him. By telling people to call him trash feels like an “I don’t care what you say or do,” statement. This also shows in the lines in his chorus. “Tell all of your friends that I’m crazy and drive you mad. That I’m such a stalker, a watcher, a psychopath.”

If you like Pop or any of the sub genres indie, acoustic, and bedroom, there is a good chance that you will like Conan Gray. Teen Vogue has also called him ”the pop prince for sad internet teens.”

One thing’s for sure, teens today will find his lyrics relatable to their own lives.