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mindyblee.yelp.com

Mindy "Scooter Girl" L.'s Profile

Photo of Mindy L.

"4 wheels move the body. 2 wheels move the soul."

profile votes icon Review votes:
105 Useful, 30 Funny, and 88 Cool

Location

Oakland, CA

Yelping Since

December 2006

My Hometown

Oakland, CA

When I'm Not Yelping...

I am exploring the neighborhood

Why You Should Read My Reviews

they're simple

My Second Favorite Website

http://www.lifehacker.com

The Last Great Book I Read

Hunger by Elise Blackwell

My Favorite Movie

Anything that makes me cry or laugh

Most Recent Discovery

Vinyl LP Records

Current Crush

my Blackberry

Recent Reviews

73 Reviews

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2560 Webster St
Oakland, CA 94612
(510) 893-7282

Mazda Of Oakland  

Categories: Car Dealers, Auto Repair

5 star rating
 2/10/2009  
Simon is the best. He is "retired" but loves to deal with the people. He makes you feel at home, like a grandpa with his wise advice and interesting stories. He was cool to let me test ride 3 cars without his riding with me. We took up 3 hours and he gave us some restaurant and life advice. We ALMOST bought the car, but ended up getting a BMW elsewhere. All in all, it was the best dealership experience I have ever been to (Porsche, Lexus, Toyota, Jaguar, BMW, Mercedes, in Oakland and Fremont). I am tempted to go back just to chat, and I feel welcome to test the cars and ask questions without having a pushy salesperson breathing over my shoulder. This experience, and test riding the sports car 6 speed converted me to believe that mazda really is zoom zoom zoom!

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3314 Piedmont Ave
Oakland, CA 94611
(510) 645-1912

Drunken Fish  

Categories: Sushi Bars, Japanese
Neighborhood: North Oakland

4 star rating
 10/23/2008  
This place is run by all Japanese. The sushi chefs have excellent cutting skills, fresh huge pieces or sashimi, beautiful rolls. We were very satisfied.
Cute fish decor: pictures, scrolls, frames, wind-chimes.

Look for the charming outdoor seating area in the back!

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532 Grand Ave
Oakland, CA 94610
(510) 834-7866

Coach Sushi  

Categories: Sushi Bars, Japanese

5 star rating
 10/23/2008  
Delicious fresh sashimi and sushi. My boy and my favorite place.

Cool sake boxes you buy, decorate and get to use every time you come in.

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2033 Martin Luther King Jr Way
Berkeley, CA 94704
(510) 548-0737

Sushi California  

Categories: Sushi Bars, Japanese

1 star rating
 Update - 10/23/2008  
Same as HY, I received messages from two users (Gordy and Kazuko) who've only written 2 reviews, and their reviews for this place give 5 stars. One user wrote to me saying I must have not know Japanese food, and the other invited me to try it again; saying I must have had bad luck with it that day, offering to pay for my return meal or reimburse me. I understand your loyalty, but I have had VERY good, fresh Japanese food; in fact Japanese food one of my top 3 favorite foods.

I'll concede-  it is possible to have bad luck at a restaurant, but I believe the service can more than make up for it. Soggy raw meat is a big no no, rotten rice is a big no no. If I wrote a letter to the health department, which I just might, as a former restaurant owner I don't think this place would pass...

I'm entitled to my opinion, even it is based off one experience. At least 50% of Yelp reviews are based off of one experience. Would I give it another chance, possibly, but I'd rather not risk it or waste my money. Thank you, try this place out and write about it. The more reviews the closer we get to the truth. I wrote my review in hopes that this place will wake up and make improvements, not ask people to write biased reviews, then bully other Yelpers.

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1 Previous Review: Hide »

  • 1 star rating
    9/9/2008

    Only unknowing college kids who don't know any better would eat here after one time. The owners/managers need to get out of their store or go to another Sushi restaurant to remember what the essence of Japanese culture, service, and pride in efficiency and constant improvement. Very over-priced for the low quality and bad service we received.

    We were starving. This place looked cute, warm, and there were happy Japanese people in the window. Must be good right?

    Decor was precious. I love little shops and privately owned restaurants. The hot sake was fine. The edamame fine. Salad dressing bland.
    But the waitress was not happy to give recommendations when asked. She was impatient when we were not ready after 5 minutes.

    The sushi sucked. it was small and not fresh. Plus the sushi chefs couldnt even cut the fish straight!! There were jagged edges and tiny slivers of meat stacked on each other. Not fresh tasting either.

    The art of sushi and sashimi is the display, and cutting angles/ technique. You must have pride in what you serve! We did not sense this and were so thoroughly disappointed.

    The worst thing was that the rice was sour. My boyfriend and I both cook and have worked in restaurants (I managed one for 2 years). So we know as Asians might I add, know when rice is sour and gone bad. We made a comment to the waitress when paying and she promptly denied it. Then took it back to the chefs. The Chef comes out and instead of apologizing or offering a discount of some sort, he denies it saying it seems fine with him, and offers us another bowl of sour rice at the end of our meal.

    I understand small businesses are suffering during this economic downturn. I understand that with low sales you might have older rice. But never compromise your product, and never lie to the customer when something is obviously rotten.

    The waitress brings a credit card and receipt for us to sign and it's not even ours. We kindly told her and she returned the card to the rightful owner. Very scatter-brained, and she's not a young teen either.

    This was my WORST experience in ANY restaurant of all my 26 years alive so far. I was so angry I wrote 0 zero in the tip space and let the waitress know she should listen to the customer and at least apologize instead of deny that anything was wrong. We will never return. Be warned!

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San Francisco, CA 94101

San Francisco Scooter Girls  

Category: Local Flavor

5 star rating
 9/9/2008  
I rode in my first rally last weekend, hosted by the SFSG. It was well organized, lots of fun and there was great food. Lots of scooterists showed up.

I think there could be more welcoming and mingling with new people, but overall it was a fun and resourceful group. They put alot into their events and you can sense the camaraderie and passion for scootin'!

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200 W Main St
Alhambra, CA 91801
(626) 282-6433

Alhambra Beauty College  

Category: Cosmetology Schools
Neighborhood: Alhambra

4 star rating
 7/1/2008 3 photos  
Only for the adventurous, non-anal, low maintenance, Love to save money, will wait as long as possible to do something with your hair - type people. Adventurous because it's a risk, but if you are not too picky, then you should have a happy ending.

$3 for a haircut, very cheap coloring, nails, up do etc.

Taking classes here will teach you the basics for cosmetology. According to my new friend, it's much more affordable than the Paul Mitchell school, also tuition is cheaper than the nearby Rosemead Beauty school. Students work 1600 hours before their review.

Students are mostly older and of Asian decent. There are also a few younger guys and gals with styles and dreams. Clientele really varies, young teens, old guys, young deaf (ipod wedged) guys, young and middle aged women. Most people were wanting to save a buck, and didn't care too much for glam.

I found it exciting to see them at work, learning and practicing. I let Peter have creative freedom, and he used a Paul Mitchell choppiness technique with some angles. I asked for dramatic intentional asymmetry and got what I want, even though the instructor initially critiqued his creativity.

Plenty of free street parking, clean, and gives you old school vibes (they've got the 80s family perm posters still up).

I had a great experience, Peter cut my hair- and we had a great conversation with my non stop questions. I'd suggest dropping in to meet some students, then make an appointment with one you like instead of just randomly being assigned a student (you'll want one you can connect and communicate with).

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1220 S Golden W Ave
Arcadia, CA 91007
(626) 574-0136

Cloud 9 Station  

Category: Coffee & Tea

4 star rating
 6/26/2008  
I'm on Cloud 9!

Of all the boba places, this one has never given me a bad apple so to say. The blended drinks are great, everything is tasty but not too extreme.

Roger is the owner, he is the nicest. This place is down to earth and more humble and comfortable than the posh teen scene nearby (Ten Ren and Au).

The drinks are great, real fruits and good texture. I love the peach tea with aloe pieces. Drinks are not cheap, but more affordable than Ten Ren next door. If Roger could have one wish, he could ask for a nicer seating area than Food Court offers.

I dont' think business is great, they might move. So I will keep supporting the mom and pops while they're still there!

** ok so Tony C. pointed out that the colloquial phrase is "So to speak", thank you.

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8970 Duarte Rd
San Gabriel, CA 91775
(626) 291-2453

76  

Category: Gas & Service Stations

5 star rating
 4/14/2008  
I hate credit card fees!
No credit card charge! Yay... and Cheapest gas in the area.

There are lines yes, but no charge for credit card usage.
The price never disappoints. Pretty safe and busy intersection at all hours.

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338 W Huntington Dr
Monrovia, CA 91016
(626) 357-7670

Viva Gift Store  

3 star rating
 4/3/2008   First to Review
For a Dollar store-ish place, the stuff can actually be pulled off.
It's the place to get ghetto gear or accessories in every color to match each outfit of your rainbow wardrobe. Friendly Korean family run the joint. I was surprised at how huge the place is. This is where all the locals get their Dickies.

They carry clothes, clear bra straps, various wigs, cheap shades, hair accessories, hats, earrings, chapstick, etc. The plaza is old, but you don't feel unsafe.

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9679 Las Tunas Blvd
Temple City, CA 91780
(626) 309-4301

Hanabi  

Category: Japanese

2 star rating
 4/3/2008  
I am not a food snob, but I was thoroughly disappointed.
They have a very limited raw fish selection. Those who just want ramen and a lunch menu with dainty side dishes to pick at.

The rolls I got were SO TINY (the diameter of two fingers). I was so enraged that I whipped out my camera (in order to post the pictures for all Yelpers to see). The fried ice cream (like everything else) was "ok".

We ended the meal with my friend saying "You wanna know a place with AMAZING sashimi, where the chef has full control of what you eat? The sushi melts in your mouth and the sign says 'Just trust me'"... Point is, a place is pretty bad when you start talking about better places to eat WHILE you are still there.

1 star - The lunch meal is worth it. My friends enjoyed their meals. Dainty servings, fit for ladies and to fill hunger, but don't expect to be stuffed.
2nd star - for the patient and nice service

Sorry, I don't plan to return.

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72 Compliments

  • Evelyn L.
    Hot Stuff

    "Like a strip of bacon frying over an open fire, you're seriously… More »

  • H Y.
    Thank You

    Thanks for the support.  I just hope they stop bothering both of us!

  • Ligaya T.
    Just a Note

    Try this one! http://www.yelp.c... More »

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