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"Transplanted from Maine via London"
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Review votes:
213 Useful, 128 Funny, and 188 Cool
New York, NY
Yelping SinceApril 2007
Things I LoveAdmiral's Club G&T pre boarding, sailboats, swimming, the thought of being in love, eyebrow dye, my sofa of sloth
Find Me InCould be anywhere!
My HometownMonroe, ME & Knightsbridge
My Blog Or Website When I'm Not Yelping...I'm on an adventure
Why You Should Read My ReviewsYeah - Why should you read my reviews? Go out and do something!!
The Last Great Book I ReadWhy we buy: the science of shopping
My First ConcertLittle Feat @ the Sugar Bowl, Jamica Plain
My Favorite MovieGosford Park
My Last Meal On EarthDumplings and a Long Island Ice Tea
Don't Tell Anyone Else But...I am working on a novel
Most Recent DiscoveryPandora Radio
Current CrushDavid John McDonald
DateNew York, NY 10025
(212) 864-5000
Lime Leaf
Category: Thai
Neighborhood: Manhattan Valley
New York, NY 10023
(212) 875-1200
Bacchus Wine Made Simple
Category: Beer, Wine & Spirits
Neighborhood: Upper West Side
Talk to the instructor, ask questions, listen and enjoy. It is a fun night out, I got a 10% discount on what I bought that night, a couple of Riedel multi purpose wine glasses, some handouts to make notes on and reference when you pop your next bottle of wine at home.
This class at Bacchus does not make you a wine geek, it makes you appreciate and understand a bit better what you are already drinking.
Their logo is Wine Made Simple--- all I can say is that Simple is GREAT.
New York, NY 10025
(212) 531-3939
Le Monde
Category: French
Neighborhood: Morningside Heights
Outside, on the sidewalk is a cross section of Morningside Heights, trundling through the rain, on their way to who knows where, oblivious to the fact that they are background players in your memories for years to come.
I had a too sweet bowl of hot chocolate. The sweetness was overlooked due to the amazing froth and size of the bowl. A small tumbler of ice water cut the sweet when I needed a palate cleanse. Three scrambled eggs - not fluffy enough for my taste, but good, and three eggs is a huge portion. I paid an extra $2.00 for bacon, and they plopped a pig on my plate. It was a lot of bacon. I appreciated it, and will be having my leftover bacon and pan roasted potatoes for breakfast in the morning.
Huge portions, attentive staff. I was there for a late breakfast/early lunch at 11 am on a Tuesday morning, the place was empty. (I love restaurants during their off hours. I don't like herds...) If I had ordered a glass of wine, I may have given four stars. But as it stands, it is a solid 3, and it provides a great faux European atmosphere as a background to watch the eclectic parade that is Morningside Heights - another reason why I love NYC. Hot coco, 3 scrambled eggs, pan fried potatoes and bacon, $13.88 plus tip.
Los Angeles, CA 90035
(310) 657-7355
Twin Dragon Chinese Restaurant
Category: Chinese
Neighborhood: West Los Angeles
This memory of my first homogenized ethnic mismatch of peseudoculture changed me. It made Tiki Bars, Scorpion Bowls, Pu Pu Platters, sweet and sour chicken and fried rice comfort food.
After seriously screwing up on my parking - that parking lot is scary to navigate, and motorcycles are the bane of my parking existence. (If that was your motorcycle George Clooney, I take it back - but anyone else, I just say... sigh...) Well, upon walking in, it is dark and definitely atmospheric, so I couldn't see if that really was George Clooney in the booth over by the wall... oh well, that's Hollywood.
Twin Dragons is also Hollywood with the faux tuxedoed waiters, the fast service, the large portions and the authentic "You've stepped back in time" feel that you get when you slide into one of their deep wooden booths.
Good honest, filling food. I had Hot & Sour Soup and Sweet & Sour Chicken. My date had Egg Rolls and Egg Foo Young and Fried Rice. We had enough in our doggie bag to have lunch and dinner the next day. (And Tim took an extra Lipitor that night!)
Twin Dragons is an experience, bring a creative mind, an empty stomach, a good friend and you'll have a great retro time - by the ride home, you'll be thinking about writing film noir, talking about '60 - '70's tv shows and smiling at memories of Americanized Chinese Comfort Food.
Glen Cove, NY 11542
(516) 676-3745
Razzano A Imported Food Specialities
Categories: Cheese Shops, Grocery, Caterers, Delis
The smell when I walk into their store warms my heart. The sight of a shop stuffed to the ceiling with EVERYTHING that I would want to own, cook and eat - well, it is Nirvana. Real Nutella, good olive oil, frozen pasta, dry pasta, hand made sausage, meats, precooked food in cases. Arancini - my downfall. Fresh bread behind the counter, sausages, dry meats and cheeses are suspended form the ceiling - dried mushrooms in bags are on a boards asking to go home with me and be made into steak braised in mushroom & Madeira... (yes, food speaks to me! (DON'T JUDGE!!))
Oh, and since one of my best friends is Italian, and his mother writes to me (in Italian) the guys at Razzano's translated the letters for me when I was just learning Italian. Phew - they saved me from some embarrassing replys.
And for the hot foods and sandwiches? Let's just say that I bring worldly people here, grab sandwiches, and drive to Sea Cliff to watch the boats on the ocean. I've had people profess undying love for me while eating those sandwiches and looking at the view - I know that it is really the endorphin rush from the food & the view - but it is safe to say that a trip to Razzano's and parking by the beach is in my feminine arsenal, and no man can resist it..... Well, until they are hungry again the next day - hopefully, one day the magic will stick.
Seattle, WA 98116
(206) 937-6100
Duke's Chowder House
Category: Seafood
Neighborhood: West Seattle
Yeah, if this tableau is going to unfold in front of your eyes, you had better be sitting at Duke's drinking a stiff drink and eating some awesome chowder. The food and the view of the mountains majestically framing the sun glint water will save you from thoughts of slitting your wrists.
Now for the food:
My two Chowder Sampler: The Dungeness Crab in one bowl and the Lobster Pernod in the other - both amazing. The crab is a subtle chowder, and the Lobster is a rich deep chowder. Together, they were a great pairing and after eating both, I was hankering for more.
The pistachio pesto salmon was delicious and perched atop a bed of creamy veggie orzo that was very filling.
The Long Island Iced Teas meh - not the greatest BUT - the Waitress who saw me suffering in silence, and quickly offered to get me another drink - well, she was AMAZING!
1 Previous Review: Hide »
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6/19/2008
It is all about convergence. That moment when everything works. Good food, good weather, good company. It all came together.
Duke's is what you would expect from a seaside restaurant. Nautical atmosphere, and friendly staff. We were seated on the balcony, looking out on the early evening sun over the Olympic mountains framing the Bay.
Bill & I had identical meals. Dungeness Crab & Bourbon Chowder and Alaskan Halibut Fish & Chips. Both great. The chowder was a thick, fresh cup of crab & corn goodness. The fish was crispy and moist (not easy to do) and there was a side of tartar/aioli, a side of slaw and a small ramekin of ketchup to dip the oversize, well seasoned fries in.
To say any more would be indulgent post vacation gushing.
New York, NY 10003
(212) 260-2445
Eastville Comedy Club
Category: Comedy Clubs
Neighborhood: East Village
Of course, when you live in NYC and you have friends who are in "The Business", you go to a lot of shows. I am a veteran seat filler, a shill....some even call me a muse (the pay sucks, but my ego loooves it.)
On Monday night, I was a shill in the audience while some friends and politicians were taping a pilot, "Town Hall Schmooze".
The place was great, the room holds quite a few people, yet is still intimate. Yes, it is dingy, yes, those are subway tiles on the wall, and the pictures & albums that decorate from the 60's- 70's - 80's (a golden time in comedy) in the Bar area are dated - but gang, it is the EAST VILLAGE, between Bowery (THE Bowery) and Second ave. I like my East Village grimy, I like my comics dirty, and I like my drunken evenings messy - that's just how I roll...
Lower your expectations, do what I did, pay the $34.00 for 2 Long Island Iced Teas and a plate of fried Calamari, laugh, enjoy being with friends and being in New York City. You can't do this in Topeka.
New York, NY 10025
(212) 662-7900
Deluxe on Broadway
Category: Diners
Neighborhood: Morningside Heights
11am on a Tuesday morning. 12 patrons TOTAL (inside and out). I ordered the Chef's special omelet (caramelized apple, brie & bacon w/ potatoes and whole wheat toast).
35 minutes after me alternately looking at the paper and looking for her - she asks if I had my breakfast. I said no.
She ran around, re issued the order, and came to tell me it will be out in a while. I asked how long, she said "I said it will be out" - no apology, no refill on my coffee, no water. Nothing. Then 50 minutes after my initial order, my meal arrived. I paid the 11.70 for my meal and coffee, and I left.
Pity, I really would have liked the place......
UPDATE: After reading the other bad reviews - to see if I was a one off, I read that someone who also chose not to tip had a tip added on to his bill. I looked at my bank statement and sure enough, 18% had been added.
Well, I grabbed my phone and called the restaurant (the tip was 2.15 - yes two dollars - but I was annoyed) I spoke with a really nice manager who went and pulled my slip, then called me back and gave me an interesting tidbit of information. The bank (B of A) adds 18% when a check is charged automatically (hmmm, I believe her. She said that the waitress did not add in a tip and the extra charge should drop off my bill)
I'll try Deluxe again - not soon, but Rose, the manager that I spoke with restored my faith.
New York, NY 10002
(212) 219-2350
Sam Lan Cosmetic and Beauty Salon
Neighborhoods: Chinatown, Lower East Side
I was wondering how am I going to change my life if I can't cut off all my hair? Well, just around the corner, I found May at Sam Lan Cosmetic...
I was carrying a picture of my inner Catherine Banning. May did it. She transformed me. After an amazing in chair shampoo & massage, she started cutting and cutting and cutting. Soon enough, there was more hair on the floor than on my head.
I knew that I was operating on faith alone. My faith was in good hands. After some product, and a deft hand with the blow dryer and round brush - she did it. She made me better, prettier, more girly. I smiled, over tipped her and strode out of the salon, with confidence and a purpose.
I love Chinatown. Where else can you find such an exotic self satisfying adventure for $15.00 (plus a $17.00 tip).
May cut my hair, and restored my faith that everything would be all right. She speaks English, and she cared enough to alter the hair style for my features. She actually thought about what she was doing.
Sam Lan has now filled the place in my life that Ping at Romantic City once did. (I'm just glad that Ping left before the trouble hit last August)
The morning after...
The true test of a haircut is after your first shower... does it hold up? I am pleased to write that it does. I now have collar length bouncy hair, with curls in all the right places....
New York, NY 10002
(212) 219-8358
Romantic City Hair Design
Category: Hair Salons
Neighborhoods: Chinatown, Lower East Side
YIKES!!! (although I am secretly thrilled to be associated with a den of vice)
I found another salon though! Sam Lan Cosmetic & Beauty Salon 35 Allen Street.
I am going to review it and May now. (it will be a glowing review!)
2 Previous Reviews: Hide »
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7/3/2008
I went back at the end of May, sigh, third time was not a charm. Ping is slipping. Still value for money (this time I was charged $15.00)
Short hairwash, not in chair. Kinda uneven, but still adequate haircut.
My next haircut, I'm going to splurge and go to Ted Gibson and spend a lot of money. Usually, once a year, I splurge in London (or I am treated) to have Kevin Moss at Aveda cut my hair, but I haven't been to London in a while, and well, I do live in NYC I should be spending my money here.
Either way, I am still happy that I had my Chinatown haircut adventures. -
4/3/2007
I used YELP to plan my adventure in 10002 and this was one of my first stops. I planned my haircut for 4pm on a Tuesday afternoon. The salon only had one other customer, an Asian lady getting her hair dyed.
Now, let me qualify. I am not vain. I hadn't gotten a haircut in almost a year, and I really needed it. My expectations were not high. Silly me. I found the salon no problem. It is small, and everything is written in Chinese. There were two women working. Their hair looked good, so I wasn't worried. I asked "how much?" The older woman said "$18.00". The price was right, I took the clip out of my hair and sat down.
The younger girl gowned me, and started washing my hair right there in the chair. I haven't had a hair wash like that since I was a child in a tub. She scrubbed, massaged for a very long time. I was in heaven. Then she walked me to the back to wash my hair again in a salon sink, along with another massage and then conditioner. I was blissed out and calculating her tip all at the same time. She then led me back to the front for my haircut.
Ping, the other woman gave me my hair cut. She was very cautious, and I gave her no direction other than to say that I wanted long layers. She apologized for her "poor English", and I told her that it was better than my Chinese. Ping took her time, cut my hair and then oiled and blew it out. She spent almost an hour on my haircut, along with my wash/massage, I was there for about 1 1/2 hours. Then came the bill. $18.00. I was beaming. I over tipped, said thank you and walked up the street for dumplings at Fried Dumpling. Whoo hoo! - I then called all of my friends to tell them about my $18.00 Chinatown haircut experience.
UPDATE October 2007
They keep their stars. This time I got a real haircut - not just a trim 6" came off (didn't I tell you my hair was long?). I brought a picture and wow $18.00 and my hair looks good. (a lady waiting said that I had beautiful hair... I wanted to tip her too!) Service great as before.
1 List
I have a cold, my nerves were at their limit and rather than go straight home after a disappointing appointment, I stopped at Lime Leaf, a restaurant that I have been wanting to try for a very long time.
5:00 on a Wednesday, the place was deserted. The staff were attentive and nice, the menu was very familiar. (I am a Thai aficionado - from my days in Boston at the King & I on Charles Street.)
The waitress brought me prawn crackers and a peanut dipping sauce to start - we were off to a good start. (I love prawn crackers!)
As an appetizer, I had Tom Kah - a great soup and a glass of Gewurztraminer.
Then the waitress brought me my main course, Chicken Pad Thai - well, I was already full, but I took a few bites to taste, and it was good. I was critical, looking for the five flavors of Pad Thai: spicy, sweet, salty, sour and bitter. Well, I didn't get those. What I got was a filling noodle dish with crunchy peanuts, and savory chicken with a hint of lime. It worked. I wasn't spinning cartwheels, but hey, I had dinner (with wine - and lunch the next day) for just over $20.00 - who am I to complain?
And the atmosphere and service? Sublime. The waitstaff were amazing, and they allowed me to sip my wine and read my book and think about my friend John, who would have loved their other restaurant on 72nd.
It was a good impromptu meal, and the atmosphere and service were an oasis of calm on a day when I really needed it.