Sarah "Proud Valley Girl" D.'s Profile

This place is surprisingly busy (especially at a time when most mid-range restaurants are conspicuously empty), but we managed to get a comfortable seat at the bar.  The wedge salad was really good, as were the Bleecker burgers.  I loved both the sweet potato fries and the truffle fries.  I'm actually glad we ate dinner at the bar; the bartender, Katrina, is absolutely lovely and went above and beyond for us.  As for after-dinner, my advice is to skip the desserts and go straight for the homemade vanilla ice cream.  It's unreal.

Seems this place is hot and cold, judging by the reviews.  I've been here four times, though, and it's always been hot.  The staff is super friendly, the ambiance is nice, the seats are comfortable, the products are high-quality, everything is clean and sanitized, and the prices are reasonable.  Seems like I'm in the minority here, but I'm a fan...and definitely plan to keep going back.

I've always had a problem with boots fitting around my calves (since, apparently, I am a 145 lb. GIANT for whom no boots are made). Despite my gross deformity, I felt that I simply could not do Burning Man this summer without a really rad pair of boots. So, I took a risk, found the most outrageous pair around, and ordered them online.

When the sparkle twins finally arrived, just as I had feared, they didn't freaking fit.  (WTF, Boot Fairy?!?)  Before sending them back, though, I decided that it would be worth a shot to try to get them fixed.

After Yelping a few shoe repair places, I called the top contenders, described my problem, and asked them if they were up to the challenge--only to receive the same answer over and over again: "I'm not sure. We'd have to see them first to make a decision."  (Um, they're boots.  What, exactly do you need to see?) I certainly didn't want to drive all over town only to hear "We can't work miracles, leggy lady."

As a last ditch attempt, I called Victor's.  They told me right away how they would approach the shaft expansion, describing exactly what I had already had in mind. "Sure, we can do that," they said, "just bring them by."

I still had doubts.

When I went to drop my glitter kittens off, the place was little hard to find. (It's right next to the frozen yogurt place on the corner, facing the street.) Once I found my way in, though, Issac seemed genuinely happy to help and, together, we went over what he planned to do. Before I left, he offered to repair the heels I was wearing, and fixed them in a matter of minutes, on the spot...at no charge!  

I crossed my fingers and departed.

A week later, I had the most sensational shoegasm of my life!  Not only had my too-tight twosome been perfectly widened, the craftsmanship was flawless. The fit was better than Cinderella's slipper--and they were instantly comfortable than all of my broken-in babies!

Victor's: I love you.  You guys seriously saved the day.  Smokin' hot bikini-and-boots photos coming your way soon.  (Just kidding.)

Danielle V. is right.  No one at this groomer speaks English.  That said, they are super clean and super friendly, and I never need to make an appointment.  Above all, Moose totally adores them--and Moose adores very few people.  As an added bonus, Moose always comes out with a cute bandana on (compliments of the house), which she wears with great pride.  So, as long as you don't need to give specific instructions, this is a great place for a wash and a trim.

Between their excellent wine list and a lovely outdoor patio, I'm sold.  As luck would have it, their food is pretty good, too.  Also, last time I was there, I made a mental note of the two large event rooms in the back of the restaurant.  Seems like a good place to have a group dinner!

When I need my Ann Taylor Loft fix or an Old Navy run, Northridge will do.  It's not glamour shopping, though.  I get in and get out.  Oh, and parking is a pain in the butt.

Why is it that bike shops are so elitist?  I told the salesperson that we were going to Burning Man and needed to know what we'd need in the desert in case of punctures, flats, etc.  I was offered a curt, "Well you can buy this tube or this other one."  Getting a set of taillights was equally as taxing.  More often than not, those of us who have no idea what we're talking about tend to spend more money than those who do.  So, what's a girl gotta do to get an up-sell around here?

Three years later and Sondra's still rockin' it.  I wouldn't go anywhere else...and can't understand why anyone else would either.

Dirty tables and dirty bathrooms, but good, cold drinks and a nice smoking patio.  It's a trade-off, I guess.

C'mon, people.  It's $2.50 per plate for pretty darn good rolls and basic nigiri.  You really can't beat that.  I love this place.  It's not gourmet, for sure, but when you need a cheap sushi fix, it's the best way to go.