On a mobile device? Try our mobile site, optimized for faster browsing.

jamesas.yelp.com

James "Opinionato" S.'s Profile

Photo of James S.

"I'll have what she's having."

Elite 2009 Elite 2008 Elite 2007

profile votes icon Review votes:
229 Useful, 112 Funny, and 191 Cool

Location

Los Angeles, CA

Yelping Since

March 2007

Find Me In

L.A.

My Hometown

Chi

My Blog Or Website

http://www.schippix.com

When I'm Not Yelping...

my mouth is full.

Why You Should Read My Reviews

cause I take 'em seriously, dude.

My Second Favorite Website

http://www.twitter.com...

The Last Great Book I Read

Born Standing Up

My First Concert

a guy walked out. then, i practiced and got better by the next gig.

My Favorite Movie

Slumdog Millionaire; In Bruges; Duck Soup, Chinatown

My Last Meal On Earth

The usual: Akutakawa, Rice/Gravy, Rye Toast at Hamburger King (60657)

Most Recent Discovery

Basketball is fun.

Current Crush

Temptation

Recent Reviews

136 Reviews

Filter by: arrow Location   arrow Category
8274 Santa Monica Blvd
West Hollywood, CA 90046
(323) 848-9105

Yoshi's Sushi  

Categories: Sushi Bars, Japanese
Neighborhood: West Hollywood

4 star rating
 Update - 7/2/2009 2 photos  
OMG. More than two years ago since I reviewed Yoshi's? Well, it's easy to slip your mind. Still hides on the busy bright SMB. Yet a recent walk-by found a handful of other places looking pretty empty next to a bustling Yoshi's. Always a good sign.

Went simple this time. Just the sashimi dinner, thanks. And it was plenty of food. Sort of not expecting miso and rice, but it came too, and both were fresh and welcome. And I scored cause once again, it was $1 sake night. Can't go wrong there. Sat at the bar for the first time, and that was plenty comfy. Service was good and friendly. No orange slice sayonara, as in the past (I think). But all is well. World's most amazing sushi? No. But good quality nonetheless, and absolutely no pretense about the place. That always goes well, too.

Was this review ...?

1 Previous Review: Hide »

  • 4 star rating
    3/2/2007

    O-mazing. Thanks to likes of Danielle and Stephy and you Yelpers, we went and loved it. Totally fit the bill. Low key, fresh, reasonable. Leave the nonsense for another night, this was great. Yes, get the bomb, even though the menu descript made me think twice. But don't think twice...And just go! (But don't tell too many people, a'ight?) The lady, the owner, I think was very sweet. Asked how we heard of their place. Half the tables had rezzy signs on em. Not ours.  Easy parking, fun to walk around afterwards. It's WeHo, baby!

    Was this review ...?

316 West 2nd Street
Los Angeles, CA 90012
(213) 680-2600

Redwood Bar & Grill  

Categories: Pubs, American (Traditional)
Neighborhood: Downtown

4 star rating
 6/7/2009  
This is review is strictly for a quick bite affair. No booze, even. Still, in a pinch, looking for something more than Hoagies N Wings, we stumbled on a few rec's and landed at Redwood. Ahoy! Yes, it's a pirate themed bar. Or at least nautical in nature. Didnt have enough time to comtemplate the furnishings that much. Just enough to imagine the day (not too long ago) when everyone here MUSTA smoked. No reflection on any scent or soot, just a hunch.

So we had a movie. Yes, a MOVIE in downtown L.A. to get to. And we were hoongry. Great, helpful, efficient, relaxed server confirmed that burgers here are good. Went with a simple one, no cheese, just the garnish. It was great. You could taste the how much the grill loved this meat. They got the Med Rare thing, too----which seems harder to pull off at a lot of places. Serve the thing with the ordered temp!  They did this. And the side salad I got-----was nothing short of miraculous. Billed as a simple salad, this is a bum steer. It's a nice greens thing, fresh and tasty and so worth going kinda healthy. Plus, my friend lent me a few of the sweet potato fries-----outstanding. I'm by here all the time. Now, I can't wait to check it out with a some bartender fuel. GREAT BURGER.

Was this review ...?

2011 W. Sunset Blvd
Los Angeles, CA 90026
(213) 207-3000

Los Angeles Public Library - Edendale Branch  

Category: Libraries
Neighborhood: Echo Park

5 star rating
 5/17/2009  
Cool arts performance support (Drama West) on the occasional Saturday. Outstanding media library to choose from. Recent (ish) music to check out, and lots of good DVD movies, too. Their kids collection is the best I've seen---really kicks heinie in an unassuming location.

When busy, park on Alvarado or nearby streets as their lot gets filled!

Was this review ...?

759 S La Brea Ave
Los Angeles, CA 90036
(323) 936-1721

Massimo's Mudspot  

Category: Coffee & Tea

4 star rating
 5/6/2009  
This might turn out to be a 5 Star.

Big breezy room, and it's my lucky day, cuz I get the big-ass table (with the comfy kitchy, kitchen chairs) The fan AND the ac are cranking on a hot day in L.A. Writers, students and groovers populate.

'The Smiths'  moan and bite through the speakers-----good, inconsolable friends.  I like that the music isn't programmed by Corporate, and that yet another compilation CD isn't being shoved down my caffeinated neck. Yes, my usual, a double espresso over tons of ice, is as sharp as Morrissey's pitch---and that's good. It's not acidic, but given the room, I'd completely accept, forgive and even embrace the drink were that so.

The small chocolate chip cookies almost look like small clay projects gone awry, but at two for a buck, my sweet-tooth is in a gamblin' mood. They're apparently home-made by the owner. And ya know? They're damn good. The chocolate especially is serious w/o being a showoff. (Translation: they're not the generic milk-chocolate----almost dark).

Where were we? Oh, yeah, Mudspot. Glad to make yr acquaintance. It's like one of the many cool places of yore on the north side of Chicago. The  free WiFi is cool, but most impressive is the electric powersurge wall-jacks to protect your laptop. Now that's cool.

Was this review ...?

9 Westminster Ave
Venice, CA 90291
(310) 314-6458

Zelda's Corner Deli  

Categories: Delis, Sandwiches

4 star rating
 5/3/2009  
Awesome find amidst a lot of randomness at the Beach. My pal had the turkey/swiss sandwich, while I ventured with the Professor Ted.  Good fresh bread with quality meats and some veggies, toasted lightly. Any one-time Chicagoan might think of Pot Belly Sandwiches. (Though I'm talking old school before Pot Belly went Chain).

The wild-card is of course the donut holes. I was already drooling and ordered them before the order-taker could offer me some freebies. Dang. Oh, well, cheap and worth the few bucks.

Love the interior---with the overhead wire order delivery system, it's adds to the fun. (Also, it's next to a great indie coffee place, Ground Works.)  This was a cool fine that hit the spot. The Z Spot.

Was this review ...?

709 N La Brea Ave
Los Angeles, CA 90038
(323) 931-4223

Pink's Hot Dogs  

Category: Hot Dogs
Neighborhood: West Hollywood

2 star rating
 4/27/2009  
The line I avoided for 3 years finally beckoned as I was leaving a BBQ at which I missed the main grilled action. The line didn't look that bad, I've seen it worse. Only by hanging out with P.I.B.'s and cosmetic face metal wearers did I get a chance to wait and see. And wait. And wonder, why does this line merit such a wait. Short answer: It doesn't. It's an excuse to break your diet as you soak up your L.A. bg. Really.

Five well-meaning gents behind the counter somehow account for the care and feeding of the customers. When it was my turn (a good half hour + since my arrival), my order took less than 5 minutes. And, judging by the pre-cooked flavor of the Chicago Polish I had, I still don't understand what took so long, nor why anyone would return unless they lost a bet.

The fries were an afterthought, after I realized I was irrationally hungry after midnight. They were pretty good. The Polish had a decent 'snap,' too, but I can't gloss over the warmed over sensation.

Glad I can check it off the list of L.A. experiences. But Carney's is fresher, better tasting and far less of a wait. I look fwd to Scoobie's, too. As others have said, Pinks ain't bad, but it really isn't worth the trouble and hype.

Was this review ...?

6541 Santa Monica Blvd
Los Angeles, CA 90038
(323) 856-0098

Caffe Bacio  

Neighborhood: Hollywood

4 star rating
 4/20/2009  
Afternoon mirage no more. They are open, and worth popping into. Good WiFi, strong espresso. Nice artsy vibe. Perfect at intermission or pre/post show next to the Hudson Theatre.

Sandwiches look promising; dessert selections seem sweet and local. WHile getting my car done around the corner, this is heaven sent. But really, I think it'd be great to swing on purpose. Very soothing but with a pulse.
Yeah!

Was this review ...?

8360 Melrose Ave
West Hollywood, CA 90069
(323) 653-7145

Sweet Lady Jane Bakery  

Categories: Bakeries, Desserts
Neighborhood: West Hollywood

5 star rating
 4/17/2009  
If the Triple Berry Cake doesn't get you wet, you better see a doctor and quick. It's big enough to share, as is the delicious French Press Coffee. Throw in a contemporary yet old-world interior design, and you've got a sweet place indeed.

It's perfect for that post dinner, 'mmm who wants something sweet?' While we shilly-shallied on what to order, the server slid a taste of the Chocolate Genache cake. Wonderful and rich, and had I come with a small group, it would've been a great thing to pass around. As is, it was waaay too much for just two people. The triple berry is their most popular, we were told. The yellow cake was killer; the whipped cream was where it goes from PG-13 to NR----you might hear some moaning. The berries themselves, you'd hope would be passable---but no. They're fit for Dionysous (in this case, me).

I don't go 5 stars much, but here, it's deserved. I hope to stop in some day for breakfast or lunch. Oh that was good.

Was this review ...?

801 S La Brea Ave
Los Angeles, CA 90036
(323) 933-3229

Shabu Shabu Ya  

Categories: Japanese, Sushi Bars, Fondue

4 star rating
 4/15/2009  
I busted my Shabu Shabu cherry tonight and baby, I'm smiling. OK it's fricking freezing outside, Mr Bigglesworth, so redirecting my sushi urge helped get me in the door to this local establishment. And, OK, I did notice they had a little Yelpy promotion going on---which sealed the deal to at least TRY this place.

So glad. The server was cool but approachable and helpful. We ended up with the Beef Shabu Shabu since it was our first time and as Little Robert Anthony might say, "That's a real fine place to start." Fresh, Angus Beef (like the picture on Yelp). Veggies and voila---go to town.

Loved the interior, too, like an East Village hangout..high ceiling, chill music covering old jazz and contemporary stuff I can't name. Really nice. And the price? Another nice surprise. Definitely going back.

Was this review ...?

8826 W Pico Blvd
Los Angeles, CA 90035
(310) 273-9381

Pico Kosher Deli  

Categories: Delis, Kosher
Neighborhood: West Los Angeles

2 star rating
 4/14/2009  
DId takeout a couple times; very good.

Tried to eat-in for lunch; unforgivable.

TEN MINUTES after I ordered a corned beef sandwich, the waiter crept back to our table to inform they had no corned beef.

Excuse me?

"We have no corned beef."

How can that be? You're a big deli that's been around a long time.

"Sorry. We have no corned beef. Um, must be 'cause we're so close to the holiday."

The holiday? Passover is more than a week away.

"Sorry."

That they had no corned beef; That the didn't know this when I ordered a sandwich; That it seemed like BS to excuse the mess; That a hand wave in the general direction to my question, May I speak to Manager?.....and that the Manager disappeared as I waited at the counter for her.

In a word, 'Oy.'

I'll go back in a year. Maybe.

Was this review ...?


More

118 Friends

 

Ted I. photo

81

110

Ted I.

 

Joan S. photo

1536

1293

Joan S.

 

Robin Z. photo

949

272

Robin Z.

 

tim m. photo

24

258

tim m.

more

184 Compliments

  • Steve M.
    You're Funny

    I get hoongry too!

  • Jolene M.
    Thank You

    Totally. I always drive by and think to myself, suckas! Well, at least you… More »

  • Marie B.
    You're Funny

    Can't wait to try Triple Berry. Nom.

more

5 Lists

Photo of Hatfield's

Top Restaurants

Go When Possible.
1.  Hatfield's
It's all true.  It's like…
2.  The Water Grill
The Diet starts Tomorrow.…
3.  Yoshi's Sushi
OMG. More than two years…
See Full List »
Photo of King King

The Royal Treatment

No hearts or clubs, but plenty of gold and and…
1.  King King
Never been before tonight…
2.  King Taco
Deliciosa! Simple and…
3.  King's Road Cafe
King's Road is like a…
See Full List »

See all lists