jennifer "Jenja" j.'s Profile

This review is mostly about the decor and service.  I attended the pre-opening Bacchus party, so I have no idea what it will be like on regular day in full pool mode.

The decor is great.  Sleek and modern.  The furniture is resin wicker loungers, couches and stools.  Outlying cabanas have the same furniture but are covered with a canvas canopy.  There are two really large bars covered with a stretch nylon canopy and there is a large fire pit at the far end.  The pool is tiled in a darker blue with a cement island in the middle which includes fountains.  The pool seems small compared to the space, but I don't think this concept was designed with swimming in mind.  Based on the Vegas like advertising, the Jones is going more for a scene then a swim.   I can't even imagine how many binoculars will be smuggled into H&R Block by their employee's.  At $1,000 a year, there might be a few interesting members on display, or a least a few fun bar fights late in the day.

Employee's were all over the place.  The bar service wasn't very thorough.  Once they ran out of the free sponsored vodka (typical Bacchus party) and you had to pay, you got a lot more attention.

Obviously putting together this concept cost a few coins.  But honestly, the most stunning feature of The Jones did not cost a thing.  Being surrounded by skyscrapers (KC size), the moon and the stars is a true escape.  You feel like you are in another city.

I appreciate the concept of an urban beach oasis in the middle of the city, but I can see how this easily might become douchbag central.  The concept and perception of this new venue will be in the hands of management from here on out.

I called ahead to find out the deal for getting into the bar on a Saturday night over Memorial Day Weekend and they gave me he impression it would be crazy and they were expecting a "big weekend."  I am sure all the Scottsdale residents WERE expected a big weekend-in Vegas!  As we walked from Bourbon Steak to Stone Rose, you could have heard crickets chirp.  The crowd was about 25 people and they were all sitting at the bar.  The loungers and outside perimeter was completely empty.  We sat on a lounger for about 5 minutes before going up to get our own drink.  Later I did see a cocktail waitress go over to one table, look in our direction and completely ignore us.  

I like low lighting, but the lounge area was really dark.  So much so, that I spilled red wine in my new Michael Kors dress and I still don't know how.  Im taking a star off for terrible service and the fact that my dress is still at the cleaners a month after my return to KC :(.  

I get the feeling Randy has had his day and it was somewhere in the 1990's.

After such a great first experience, I returned to a lesser experience.  I certainly didn't care for my dry and flavorless chicken enchilada's.  Also, I had vowed to return to finally try the much discussed table side guacamole-also, a disappointment.  It needed salt and more kick.  The consistency was not great, I don't think it was mixed very well....which I know because I watched it happen.

In a cruel twist of fate, this restaurant also serves one of the most mouthwatering desserts I have ever had.  I still dream about the warm fried cinnamon sugar churros with ice cold vanilla ice cream and warm caramel sauce drizzled all over the plate.  I vow to make hose happen in my own kitchen...please god, make it happen!

Stopped in last Saturday to check out the new ice cream.  We bought the vanilla and (much anticipated) fleur de sel caramel.  We finally dug in on Sunday night.  
Don't get me wrong, they were both really good, but I have had better.  I was hoping for some fleur de sel caramel pieces in the ice cream, but they were not there.  The limited edition Haagen Dazs Fluer De Sel still holds top position in my book.  The vanilla was fine, but it was vanilla-what can I say?  

This isn't over yet.  Many of the sorbet's had sold out and until I try the lemon thyme, I am reserving final judgement on this new venture.

So far I have tried Bliss in Chicago and San Francisco.  My boyfriend made an appointment for me here while we were in town for my birthday.  I love the clean modern look of Bliss Spa's and this location is no exception.  The waiting room is super small, but they have the water, crackers, cheese and of course, the brownies.  The brownies here did not hold a candle to the Chicago Bliss, but that didn't stop me from eating 2.  

My first appointment was a deep tissue massage.  If you have read any of my other reviews, my biggest problem is trying to find a therapist who will actually do a "deep" deep tissue-not a problem this day.  She didn't look very strong, but looks are deceiving.  I am glad she started on my back, so I could make silent screams into the doughnut hole.  When I flipped over, she caught me making a couple more faces, but I said-"keep going!"  I needed it bad.  My next appointment was the Oxygen facial-which takes 10 years off your face for a few days.  The facial was great.  My complaint is that I added an eyebrow wax and she really did a number on them.  Normally the esthetician will give you a hand mirror for approval, but I never got a peek.  I knew it was probably bad since I don't have a lot of eyebrow to begin with and she was clipping, pulling and waxing forever.  Now, I am trying to let them grow out for my Anastasia appointment in July.

Upon checkout there were tons of Bliss products at the counter that my technicians recommended.  Luckily I am used to this hard sell technique and didn't bite.  I love Bliss products, but when you are dropping spa $$$, the last thing you want to do is drive the bill up any higher.

All and all, totally relaxed and glowing (with penciled in eyebrows).

We came here during a recent trip to Scottsdale.  It was a close call between this (something new) and Element (where we had been before and loved.)  We chose to do something new.  The entrance was dark and masculine.  The interior was masculine too, except not as dark as it needed to be.  You know that really high lighting that makes the room bright an unromantic, yet is so high is kinda blinds you from really seeing the things that are right in front of you?  That is the lighting here.  I am kind of a lighting fanatic, but I believe a dining experience should be pleasant to ALL the senses.  I noticed the tables on the patio, which looked like a better choice for ambience.

Our meal started with the amuse bouche of a french fry trio w/3 different dipping sauces.  I loves this non-pretentious approach.  Light hearted and fun.  We split a caesar salad, which was perfect on the portion size.  I had a Kobe filet and it was amazingly tender, I thought it could have used a little more seasoning.  More then the steak, I was really impressed with the mashed potatoes, which were the best I ever had.  You could certainly taste the butter and cream, but there was a textural thing going on that I couldn't quite figure out.  Almost like the potato was riced, then pureed with cream.  Anyway, I have never been so sad to leave something unfinished....but we were really full.

Service was just OK.  Several times I poured my own wine, which is kind of a bummer.  The restaurant was pretty empty at that point, so I guess our waiter was done.  We left without anyone acknowledging us.

Our primary reason for coming here was not to eat, but to see the band "Trampled Underfoot" Trampled Under Foot, winners of the 2008 International Blues Challenge and climbing the blues chart fast.  Since we knew we would have to get there early for a seat, we decided to have dinner as well.

Ambience-Pretty much as I expected.  Kinda roadhouse with a lot of funky stuff hanging around.  The tables are set up banquet style.  There is a wood deck where most of the smokers hang out.  There is a narrow area where the band sets up.  No stage.

Food-Let's just get the food out of the way.  I always say that if you walk into a restaurant and you can't smell the thing they are known for, it's a bad sign.  I could see the smoke walking in, but no smoky bbq smell.  I mean,
I can smell Gates when I drive by in the car with the windows up!  Anyway, we were in it for the long haul, so we started with fried crawfish tails.  They were pretty bland.  For our main course, we ordered the sampler platter.  The beef ribs were tough, with little meat, the sausage was bland, the pork was the best...but there wasn't too much.  All this comes with fries.  Unfortunately, the fries were big potato wedges that had been deep fried with a batter coating...the combination of textures did not work.  I tried to pull the breading off, but the potatoes were undercooked, so nothing to salvage.  On the upside, I did like the spicy bbq sauce, more Memphis style.

Service-Our waiter was great.  He was all over the drinks and got the food out quick.  He made the evening very enjoyable.

Band-They were amazing.  My friend went on a Blues Cruise in the Caribbean and he said they brought down the house every night.  NPR broadcast a recap of the events and they couldn't quit talking about them.   They are right here in KC, so I didn't want to waste an opportunity to see them live.  They hauled in all their stuff and set up and broke down all by themselves.  I can appreciate this, since I do this at my art conventions.

Like I said, I was there for the band, but since we ate I thought I would give it a review.  I am giving them an OK review because I appreciate that they are bringing great bands to KC music fans.  It is also a great place to throw back some beers.

Looks like I might be the odd man out on my rating, but that was my experience.

I never cared to much for breakfast, usually choosing sleep over food.  Chirpy morning people are especially annoying.  However, once in a while breakfast is necessary when you have a full day ahead.  That said, it is tough to find a Sunday morning breakfast place downtown.  When I say breakfast, I mean a full service full menu restaurant.  Normally I go to Happy Gillis, but sometimes I want pancakes, waffles or an omelette.  

I have been to other First Watch locations, so this morning we tried the one on Amour Rd., right over the bridge from River Market.  We got their at 9:15 and had a 10 minute wait.  The wait wasn't too bad because they offer free coffee and lots of benches to sit.

I have always like their menu.  There are healthy options, omelets, pancakes, french toast, waffles, breakfast sandwiches, even yogurt and granola.  

I ordered the one waffle, scrambled egg and 2 slices of bacon.  Waffle was excellent.  It was crispy on the edges and warm and chewy inside.  Bacon was crispy (exactly how I like it) and eggs were decent.  Service was swift.  I love how they leave the pitcher of water on the table so you don't have to beg for more.  Big comfy booth was nice.

It is easy to forget this place.  It is right across the street from a fairly nice CVS.  A tidy interior belies the old shabby street location.  

Passes the test for me :).

I have been using modern postcard for several years.  I have never had a single problem.  If they ever have a question or see issues with my postcard prepress, someone always calls me to find a solution.  I have also used their mailing services and it has always worked out great.

Quality is great and the online proofing makes things so efficient.  They have started a new website called http://simplecard.com for really basic postcard orders.  This is even more affordable and a great way to do photo greeting cards.  Thumbs up!

I have always loved frozen yogurt, but this place didn't inspire me much.  Maybe I am old school, but I loved the good old fashion chocolate vanilla swirl at TCBY the best.  I ordered a strawberry flavor and threw some strawberries on top...just because I felt pressure to do something more.  It was decent.

I think I might be mehhh on this place because I really never got into the topping hype.  I don't like the "mix in" places either.  Give me ice cream or yogurt straight up or with a well thought out flavor profile.  Mixing chocolate chips into vanilla ice cream will never taste as good as chocolate chip ice cream.  Is it just me?  Oh, well who cares,  I know what I like and this doesn't inspire a return visit.  Maybe I am just not much of a Harajuku girl.

Murray's is still the best.