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11680 Chimney Rock Rd
Paso Robles, CA 93446
(805) 238-6932

JUSTIN Vineyards & Winery  

Category: American (New)

5.0 star rating
1/26/2012
Now called the Restaurant at JUSTIN, this is where you go for a dining experience. Having dinner here was 3 hours of wonderful flavors, expertly paired with excellent wine in a terrific atmosphere. (Can you tell I had a really enjoyable evening?)

Upon arriving we were greeted warmly and shown to our table. The dining room is small and intimate, but you don't feel cramped or too close to other diners. We were immediately served champagne. What a nice, unexpected way to start the evening.

The meal is set where each course you choose one of three items. We made sure we ordered different items each course so we could try two from each course. Works well if you don't mind sharing a bite. Everything I tried was wonderful. The real standouts were the uni risotto, the venison, the short ribs, the cheeses, and the sticky toffee dessert. I really enjoyed the red wines, but I thought the Viognier was really good as well. Almost forgot, the dessert wine went really well with the sticky toffee.

Service was very good and the pacing was relaxing. I was amazed at the end that we were there almost three hours. As I said it is a dining experience. And yes, it is not cheap, but for a whole evening of terrific food and wine it was worth it.

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3838 Troost Ave
Kansas City, MO 64109
(816) 931-2452

Arrow Fabricare Services  

Categories: Dry Cleaning & Laundry, Sewing & Alterations

5.0 star rating
Update - 1/11/2012
Another 2 years and I managed to tear my beloved jacket again. Note to self: Lambskin is not as durable as leather. I was flying and I folded up the jacket and put it in my suitcase. One of the interior zippers in the suitcase snagged my jacket,

Sent the jacket back to Arrow and a few days later I receive a phone call. Very helpful and friendly, I was told they could patch it for $50, or replace the panel like they did before and it would be just like new. It is way too nice to have a patch done. When I received my jacket, it is back to looking brand new.

Thanks again Arrow! Top quality work and top quality customer service.

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1 Previous Review: Hide »

  • 5.0 star rating
    1/24/2010

    A couple of years ago I splurged and bought what is now my favorite jacket; a Remy Lambskin. Somehow in my travels it sustained a 5 inch tear above the pocket. I was aghast!

    Could it be repaired? Who could I trust? I contacted customer service at Remy and the only place they recommend is Arrow Fabricare in Kansas City. I was a little surprised that the didn't have a recommendation for a place in Los Angeles or San Francisco. Nope, only Arrow.

    I called Arrow and told them the situation. They sent my a prepaid UPS label and shipping bag. I was told once they looked it over, they would call me with a quote and we would proceed from there. Sure enough, in about two weeks from when I sent it, I received a call. The repairman was very professional, explaining what needed to be done and assuring me that it would look perfect again. I gave him the go ahead.

    About two weeks later I received my jacket back and you cannot tell it was ever damaged and repaired. They replaced the whole panel and cleaned the jacket.  

    I give Arrow my highest recommendation and rating. No matter where you live, they make it hassle free. Even if you just want a leather item cleaned, they will pay for the shipping to them; you pay the shipping back to you.  

    Thank you Arrow!

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13350 River Rd
San Miguel, CA 93451
(805) 467-3104

Pretty-Smith Vineyards & Winery  

Category: Wineries

5.0 star rating
11/5/2011 3 Check-ins Here
Located at the northern tip of the Paso Robles AVA, Pretty-Smith is a great place to start your day of wine tasting. Or if you are driving down from the bay area, it makes for a great start to your weekend as it is close to the 101 in San Miguel.

Pretty-Smith is a woman owned and operated winery. Lisa Pretty, is the owner, winemaker, tasting room staff, and even the tractor driver! Truly a one person does it all winery. (Although urban legend has it that the winery dog, Kokopelli, or Koko for short, really is in charge.)

Lisa focuses on 100% Estate Bordeaux varietals, currently selling Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, and a blend called Palette de Rouge.  The wines are aged in oak for 42 months and the best description of her wines is "Soft, Smooth & Silky".  The blend changes each year and I am partial to the 2003. Try it before it is gone!

Prices are very good and there is usually a case special that is a steal. New to the tasting room is her Mission View label, which has previously been only available to distributors and club members. Mission View is a value line but doesn't taste like it.  She was pouring a Cabernet Sauvignon that would compare to any at twice the price.

The tasting room is nice, cozy without being cramped. There is usually some interesting items for sale, as well as recipe cards for some delicious meals.  And for the holiday shopping, a cookbook written by Lisa will be released soon featuring pairings with Paso Robles wines.

Next time you go wine tasting, give Pretty-Smith a try; you'll be glad you did!

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630 1ST St
Paso Robles, CA 93446
(805) 769-4857

TJ's Grill  

Category: Burgers

2.0 star rating
9/24/2011
I was so hopeful that TJ's Grill would be a good addition to the area. I have been there twice and two strikes is enough for me.

The burgers are fine, not bad but nothing special either. If everything else was fine, I would rate it 3 stars and probably try again sometime. But everything else is not fine. Today it took 40 minutes to get my food. FORTY Flipping MINUTES!. And it was not just my order but every ones. Business was steady but it was not slammed. After 25 minutes I asked the woman who was working, and she had no idea why it was taking so long and she didn't seem to care. I really think the cook makes one order at a time. When I finally got my food, the same woman still didn't think anything was wrong.

Good idea and location, but poor execution and lack of customer service will doom this place.

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1495 Creston Rd
Paso Robles, CA 93446
(805) 237-9054

Starbucks Coffee  

5.0 star rating
5/10/2011 1 Check-in Here First to Review
Now I know what you are thinking "5 stars for a Starbucks? Does he own stock in them?" No, I don't. This is not a review of Starbucks the corporation, just of this location.  Yes, all the products are exactly the same as every other location at the same prices.

The reason this location gets 5 stars is the service. This location is right on my way to work and I stop here 2 or 3 times a week. Everyone is really friendly, happy, they are always working (unlike those locations where employees stand around when there are customers) and I am in and out of there in a few minutes.  That makes Randy happy.  Thanks!

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699 Embarcadero
Morro Bay, CA 93442
(805) 772-0677

Windows On the Water  

Categories: American (New), Seafood

4.0 star rating
4/24/2011 1 photo
The night continued and on to Windows on the Water for dinner. I had made a reservation but forgot to request a window table. (rookie mistake, my bad). Without asking the host led us to a prime table at a window. Wonderful view of the boats, the rock, the sunset.

Even though we had stopped at Shawns on Main for appetizer, we both wanted a first course. My friend had some British Columbia Oysters on the half shell and really enjoyed them. I had the Panzanella Salad. The salad was good but just a little too much vinaigrette.

For our entrees, I had the Pacific Bouillabaisse. Amazing. A large bowl with crab legs, shrimp, mussels, clams, scallops, and much more. I was in seafood heaven. She ordered the Whole Oak-Fired Bronzino. I usually don't care to have the head on the fish when I order, but it did look good.

As for wine, a very extensive wine list covering a wide range of styles and price points. We wanted to have a Pinot Noir and choose one from Santa Rita Hills region, so we tried the Brewer-Clifton and we were not disappointed. Santa Rita Hills is quickly becoming one of my favorite Pinot regions.

Our server was chatty, but not overbearing. He described entrees very well and had good suggestions on the wine list. His two suggestions just happened to be wines we drink regularly, so while we opted to try the Brewer-Clifton, his choices would have been terrific with our meals.

Almost forgot, I couldn't resist the homemade ice cream for dessert. A really nice end to a fabulous meal.

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912 Main St
Morro Bay, CA 93442
(805) 772-1059

Shawns on Main  

Category: American (New)

4.0 star rating
4/24/2011 1 photo
The night started with a drive to Morro Bay where we planned on walking on the beach before dinner. (I know, very cliche) A gorgeous sunny day tuned into a very windy evening so we opted for appetizers and wine instead. We decided to try Shawns on Main.

I expected to go into a bar area but there really isn't one. We chose the corner table by the window. The atmosphere is nice, pleasant decor, cozy but not cramped, quiet despite the main room we were in was about half full.

We choose two appetizers, the seared ahi and the grilled artichoke. Unfortunately they were out of the artichoke. Since we were having dinner elsewhere, we didn't need a full bottle of wine. While looking at the wines by the glass we noticed they had some half bottles. Score! The had a half bottle of Eola Hills Pinot Noir. I love my Oregon Pinots!

The ahi arrived (see photo. It was from my phone camera but still gives you an idea of how great it looked). The ahi just melts in your mouth. The wine paired perfectly. The sesame cabbage was really tasty as well, not just there for looks.

I now want to experience a complete dinner here. If everything is as good an experience as this visit, this will be a 5 star review.

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4041 Hwy 46 E
Paso Robles, CA 93446
(805) 237-7440

Hunter Ranch Grille  

Category: American (Traditional)

5.0 star rating
1/18/2011 1 Check-in Here
I have lunch here after almost every round of golf I play. Terrific food and outstanding service. This place is so good there are days that the Grille has more customers than the golf course!

The Grille is not your typical golf course restaurant with greasy burgers and everything fried. The menu has a wonderful variety and I have enjoyed everything I have tried. There are tacos, a Kobe burger, a Ruben, a Tri Tip sandwich, and so much more. One of my friends is convinced they have best fish & chips in the county. I think she is right.

The beer & wine selection is good and they have both indoor and outdoor seating.

I would say my only complaint is they do not have hard alcohol. I am known to enjoy a bloody mary in the morning and I can't get one here. Everything else is so good, I will let that slide.

(And unlike Rafael, my favorite waitress is still there!) Actually all of them are terrific.

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4041 E Highway 46
Paso Robles, CA 93446
(805) 237-7444

Hunter Ranch Golf Course  

Category: Golf

4.0 star rating
1/16/2011 1 Check-in Here
I feel we are very fortunate to have a course of this quality in the area. I have lived in Paso for a little over a year and Hunter Ranch is now my home course. I used to play it occasionally on trips to visit friends in the area. Getting to know the course has increased my love for it.  Some courses you get tired of if you play them a lot. Not Hunter Ranch, you grow to appreciate it more and use that course knowledge to improve your scores.

As for the course itself, the two nines may look similar but are actually very different. The front nine is wider and more open and the greens are well protected. Try to bomb your drives and hit accurate irons into the greens.  The back nine is more difficult and your drives need to be more accurate. There are water hazards on six of the nine holes that can all come into play. Decision making and course management make this nine a real mental test.

The course is generally in real good conditions and the greens can be lightning fast. There are good practice facilities as well. A large driving range, a 3 hole short course (all around 75 yards) to allow you to really work on the wedges, a chipping area and 2 putting greens.

The pro shop is nice, with a good selection of clothing, golf balls, etc. They do not sell golf clubs though. There is a wonderful restaurant, which I will review separately.

The staff is terrific, friendly and helpful. The pro, Mike, is an excellent instructor. I have taking some lessons and recommend him highly. The lesson rates are much less than I paid in Portland and Atlanta.

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244 14th St NE
Atlanta, GA 30309
(404) 602-4054

The Art Of Touch  

Categories: Massage, Day Spas
Neighborhood: Midtown

5.0 star rating
Update - 9/16/2010
I was back in Atlanta for a week and was so happy that Sara could fit me in for a massage.  She makes me (almost) want to move back to Atlanta. Or I need her to move to California.

Simply, Art of Touch is the best.

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2 Previous Reviews: Hide »

  • 5.0 star rating
    3/2/2009

    Hard to believe that is has been a year since my first visit to The Art of Touch. I have become a regular and I love this place even more.

    The owner, Shannon, runs a wonderful center. The environment is very relaxing and cozy. Sara is still my therapist and really knows how to work the trouble areas in my back. They have recently added an acupuncturist as well (although I have not tried it, I have heard it works well)

    Shannon supports local artists and there are always interesting pictures and painting on display.

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  • 5.0 star rating
    3/8/2008

    I have been having upper back pain and both X-rays and MRI showed no problems. That was the good news. Bad news is I am still having pain and tightness.  I thought a massage would be good, but where to go?  I chose The Art of Touch based on the reviews on Yelp! Thanks fellow Yelpers!

    I called and explained what I needed and was recommended to Sara. The center is in a nice, big old house. Such a relaxing environment the minute you walk in. After Sara and I talked a little about what I was looking for, she led me to a therapy room.  The next hour was wonderful. Sara knew the spots to be gentle and the spots to really work hard. I literally felt the tension leaving my body. The time went by so quickly I couldn't believe it.

    Sara has a new regular client and hopefully my back pain will soon be a thing of the past.

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Review votes:
317 Useful, 119 Funny, and 262 Cool

Location

Paso Robles, CA

Yelping Since

October 2007

Things I Love

friends, golf, dogs, beer, scotch, vodka, red wines, music, food

Find Me In

on the golf course; or in the bar

My Hometown

Portland, OR

My Favorite Movie

The Big Lebowski

My Last Meal On Earth

On Earth? Am I going to another planet?