Chris S.'s Profile

A few months back I bought an 89 Volvo 245. I love everything about the car except the factory stereo that it came with. I jumped on Yelp and looked for stereo installation spots in Long Beach and that led me to All Star Sound. I read through all the 5-star reviews and headed back to my old neighborhood, North Long Beach.

When I arrived, I met John and started talking to him about what I was looking for. He tried to find the least expensive route for me, an iPod adapter, but my car was too old. I ended up getting a newer Pioneer 7300BT and saved a few bucks when John looked up the price on other websites. I want to point out that he did this on his own, with no prompting from me. That's not something you come across very often.

John never asked my budget and tried to get me out the door spending the least amount of money possible. There was no upselling and no pressure: just two people talking.

John and Jay are very honest, affable people. I had a great conversation with John while everything was being put in. I ended getting new speakers, a Bluetooth stereo, harness, and installation for around $300, which was exactly my budget all along.

My wife just got a beautiful Volvo 244 and we will be coming back to All Star to swap out her analog tuner as soon as possible. I'm also thinking of getting a subwoofer...

I can't say enough good things about John and Jay. I am beyond impressed. They have a customer for life.

I have been looking for a place where I could eat Broasted chicken and it just so happens to be across the street from my son's school. Serendipity. Right in the heart of "scary" North Long Beach, where I grew up.

Ok. So, the food is jamming. The skin is crispy and the meat is juicy and hot. I also tried the Broasted potatoes and they were no joke either. Load those taters up with some ketchup, salt and pepper and you're in heaven.

My son and I took our order to go as the only thing going on inside are two giant picnic tables and benches. No condiments, no decorations, no salt and pepper, no art on the walls... it's pretty bleak. All these cats care about is Broasting the hell out of some chicken. The drinks are served in the cans they bought them in so don't go expecting and refills or fountain sodas.

I actually got a lot of food for my $8 and it was delicious. As long as you're doing take out and you can load up with hot sauce and condiments at home, this chicken can't be beat.

Every time I'm in Austin, I stop in to Juan In A Million for a Don Juan breakfast taco or two. The salsa is hot, the extra tortillas are plenty, and the glasses of water are huge (with crushed ice). Juan In A Million can get VERY busy so parking and seating are occasionally hard to find. It's worth it though. The Don Juan costs less than $3 and most normal people will eat one and be done.

I called Russell's on a Friday to ask about a tuneup and oil change for my 89 Volvo 245. Russell suggested coming in on Monday morning so he could check out the car and look it over. He said it was possible my money could be better spent than on a tune up.

Well, he was right. He drove my car around the block and, as it turned out, my Volvo needed the two original ball joints replaced and the front brakes were in need of changing. Russell broke everything down and charged me a very fair price for all the work. When I picked the car back up he showed me the old ball joints (factory from '89!) and went over all the work he performed. He topped off my fluids and I ended up getting my oil change done too.

If this doesn't sound that remarkable, perhaps I should mention that Russell is the mechanic I've been waiting my whole life to find. He's funny, honest, and explains everything to you without any pressure or weird vibes. His shop is bright and clean and he has tons of Volvo parts, screws, and bulbs on hand.

I have to get the timing and tensioner belts changed soon but Russell didn't pressure me to get everything done at the same time. He said they should be next on my list, so I'm saving up and happily going back for a visit next month.

Very impressive French/Japanese fusion bakery. Fresh flavors and beautiful presentation. Looking forward to going back and trying more dishes.

Very clean, well run store. My family and I purchased a number of supplies for a red eared slider (turtle) and they employees could not have been more helpful and educated. I'm looking forward to going back and supporting these guys.

I have to say, I don't write many negative reviews (only 1 out of 30) but this place takes the proverbial cupcake. If you only sell one thing, it better be incredible. Instead the product here is inedible: dry and heavy cupcakes with tasteless, oily frostings. Not only are they too big to be eaten in one sitting but they don't keep in the fridge so you have to eat it all or throw out half. If you want a real Red Velvet cupcake try Jongewaards in Bixby Knolls and you won't be disappointed. Get there early though, they actually sell out everyday, you know, because they taste incredible.

My only thought is that the owners of Charmed Cupcakes don't know what they are doing. Very rarely have I encountered a business this raw and unrefined: on my first trip to the store, the owner asked my if I was writing something bad about them on Yelp because I sat in the store and read through some emails on my phone after I bought a few cupcakes.

This brings me to a different point. It would be one thing if they had bad cupcakes and were trying their best to improve their product. Unfortunately, they have obviously taken to spamming the Yelp reviews, I mean seriously how are 11-five star reviews going to pop up on one day all from people who have no other review history? It's an embarrassment.

Without getting too much into the amateurish decor I will say the shop itself looks like an office space combined with a liquor store and someone's living room.

I see bad businesses all the time. It's not hard to pick out the ones that won't be around in a few months but Charmed Cupcakes displays a surprising lack of vision and no artistry whatsoever. It smacks of "next big thing" or get rich quick thinking. Avoid at all costs.

Very impressive menu and high quality food. I had the Panko and Pecan Encrusted Chicken Breast with jalapeño cream sauce, broccoli and garlic potatoes. I was also served hot, tasty miniature corn bread and butter as a free appetizer.

The service was very prompt and friendly with my glass of water constantly being refilled and my plate taken only minutes after I had finished. I was offered a dessert menu but after having two brownies at Rio Rita last night, I need to take it easy.

Man, I really wanted to like Mr. Catfish more than I did. The atmosphere is cool and the people and very nice. Unfortunately I was disappointed by what they didn't have. Name condiments but I'll get to that in a minute.

I ordered the 3 chicken strip/ 3 shrimp combo. My two sides were red beans & rice and hushpuppies. Only I was told they didn't have red beans & rice just yet.

Ok. No problem. I ordered gumbo instead.

Then I ordered a Pepsi. They were out of Pepsi.

Ok. No problem. I ordered water instead.

After waiting for a bit they told me the red beans & rice was ready and I switched back. When my order was delivered to my table I was a little dismayed to see the condiments provided: tartar sauce, honey mustard sauce and cocktail sauce.

Now look, I know that some people love these condiments. They are staples for fish restaurants. Only thing is, I don't care for them.

I asked for some BBQ sauce for the fried chicken... only to be told they didn't have any BBQ sauce. Usually I eat my hushpuppies with butter and honey. Couldn't find any to save my life.

All this having been said, the shrimp was fantastic, the hushpuppies so-so, the fried chicken was dry (naturally) and the red beans & rice were good but a little watery.

If I lived nearby I could probably make it work and take my own stuff or bring it back home. Since I live in California however, I probably won't be back.

Finally went to the Drafthouse last night and caught the Wesley Willis documentary "Joy Ride." The experience here well thought out and flawlessly executed. There is a strong curatorial sense in the films they choose and the events that are put together and the food and service was fantastic.

I wish we had a Drafthouse out in Long Beach but, alas, that keeps me looking forward to the next time I am in Austin.