Brandi "Tiny Girl" J.'s Profile

My ex-boyfriend and I drove by this little place in Capitol Hill on some random weekend and noted we should try it out just...because.

We eventually made it back, and I have to say this is probably the best sushi I've had in the area yet, at least for traditional rolls (since that's what I prefer). The texture is very solid, and they aren't kidding when they classify something as spicy! They have a really neat one that is baked or fried with special sauce, and boy is that good. I tend to stick with basic Philly or (spicy) Tuna, though.

We tend to pop in every other Tuesday or so recently, and there is one really adorable little Asian waitress I always like seeing. She does really cute things when you're eating/talking like pushing aside some old plates and saying very softly and almost coyly, "excuuuuuuuuse me". I dunno, I find it amusing.

Great place. I prefer it when they don't have the bad foreign cover songs on in the background, though. :)

If you haven't gotten the idea that Mike Cao is basically one of the best people to go to for a haircut in the DC area yet, then you must be missing something. I must join the crowd and sing his praises. No more Bubbles, no more strip mall haircuts.

I got my second haircut from him today, and I started panicking on the way home because in the excitement of gushing over my new short, piecey bob I'd totally forgotten to leave him any tip. I actually went all the way back to Bethesda from DC just to give him a $20. For a $60 haircut. Yes, that's how awesome he is.

He is one of the few people who seems to instantly share my passion for obliterating the evil triangle hair and takes great lengths to heed my obsession with removing the bulk that forms in one's hair once you reach the point below the ears. He is a master thinner and shaper, and whether you are going for a sleek and modern long look or a fun, indie, girlie short cut, he knows exactly how to give it to you.

Mike is a punky Asian guy with a bunch of tattoos and oftentimes a cute ski hat or something else fun on. He looks a little tough at first, but he's a big sweetheart. He is also far more than just a hairstylist and does a lot of graphic and fine art design, so he's definitely got the the eye.

In fact, my first haircut with him was in November of 07 and I just now in May of 08 went back for a new haircut. Of course I've been trimming my own bangs in between, but the rest of it grew out flawlessly and even better than the original cut almost.

Bottom line: if you can afford it, make Mike your man for hair. He's totally got you covered (and there's no going back, so yeah, hope he sticks around!).

One of my favorite places to eat in Dupont Circle!

For about 9 months (I've been slacking off a little) I convinced everyone in my office to make the weekly Tuesday or Monday trip to Thai Chef with me, a less-than-one-block walk from our place by Florida and Connecticut.  I started out as a sushi virgin, but after some teasing and daring by my boss I tried a tuna roll, made a scrunchy face, then realized it was actually quite yum!

Ever since, "my meal" has become a staple of six Spicy Crunchy Tuna Rolls (always slightly sweet which I love), Sweet Corn soup, and Vegetable Spring Rolls with a great plum sauce (if there is someone to split them with). The assortment of small Asian servers are quite familiar with me and usually cut me off by reciting my order to me from memory before I've said much. I just smile and nod. Sometimes, if I want leftovers, I go out on a different limb and get an order of Chicken Pad Thai, which is equally good (I love the fresh bean sprouts on the side).

Overall, for about $10, I get a tasty little meal, good service, and a nice environment with friends. The interior decor could lend a bit more atmosphere, but it's fine. On nice days they even open the front wall of glass and let the fresh air in. There are small, 2-seater mini tables by this area as well where you can eat inside but enjoy gazing at passers-by.

Hmm, I suddenly have a craving for sushi, now.