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"asking the world to dance..."
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Review votes:
13774 Useful, 10844 Funny, and 11568 Cool
Chicago, IL
Yelping SinceSeptember 2006
Things I LoveBYOB, Buena Park, my dog, roller derby, travelling, volunteering, Chicago, cherries, manicures, champagne, jibaritos, falafel, wine, my mom, polka dots, banh mi, bubble tea, pho, NAWF
Find Me Inredefinition.
My Hometownthe Cherry Capital.
My Blog Or Website When I'm Not Yelping...I'm lookin' for the next bestest thing.
Why You Should Read My ReviewsI LOVE Chicago.
My Second Favorite Websitehttp://backgarage.com, http://etsy.com, http://cutechicagoboys...
The Last Great Book I ReadBright Shiny Morning.
My First ConcertThe Wallflowers. Jacob Dylan is still pretty fly, yo.
My Favorite MovieHomeward Bound, Grandma's Boy, Before Sunset.
My Last Meal On EarthPeanut Butter drizzled pancakes + syrup.
Don't Tell Anyone Else But...I am going to the premiere of New Moon...and I like it.
Most Recent DiscoveryI can haz snow bunny?
Current CrushBabysitters Club.
DateChicago, IL 60618
(773) 525-7500
Skyline Insurance Agency Inc
Category: Insurance
Neighborhood: Roscoe Village
1 Previous Review: Hide »
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1/21/2008 First to Review
Man, this review makes me feel like a grown up.
So I own my place. It's not easy, lemme tell ya. The powers that be (management/mortgage lender) want to make sure if something blows up, or catches fire (which if you know me, is entirely too possible) that damages will be insured.
In steps Skyline Insurance Agency. I've been with them for 2 years, without a hiccup. Mind you, I've not had any issues...thus far, but I have good faith that I'd be taken care of. They call in to check with me on renewals, have auto debit (a mere $22 per month to insure the inside of my dwelling), and every time I call/email to get info/copies of insurance etc, they email it right over.
Couldn't be happier...if you gotta be a grownup, at least there are places like this to make it a bit easier :)
Chicago, IL 60618
(773) 281-9800
Brushin' on Belmont
Category: Pediatric Dentists
Neighborhood: Roscoe Village
No, really. I am serious.
A 5-star review for getting an f'ing cavity filled!? Indeed. I love Dr. Monika so much, I give her 5 stars for poking me in the mouth, numbing half my face, drilling, and making me wear dorky protective glasses.
She makes chit chat like a champ. Even though she is busy and she is literally 9 months pregnant (due 11/29/2010), she is cheerful and asks about your vacation plans and your boyfriend and your smile and your life and your job and your teeth.
Beyond her expertise and excellent demeanor...her office staff is truly out of this world. They are courteous. They are punctual. They change the TV station to Extra while you get your cavity filled. They stock you up with toothpaste tor traveling and extra toothbrushes for house guests. They check with your insurance BEFORE you check out so that you know exactly how much you'll owe. They take credit cards. They joke around. They are ACTUALLY nice, and they work in a dentist office.
Reasonably priced, take a lot of insurance carriers, easy to get an appointment, easy street parking, next to Bleeding Heart Bakery, across the street from a park, great staff, GREAT dentist, quality care, TVs in every room....
It's my perfect dental fit. I love them. I'm gushing about a dentist, and I do not care. Do yourself a favor and ditch yours if you can't...mine is waiting and taking new patients. For now.
1 Previous Review: Hide »
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8/19/2008
Confession: I chose this dental office due to their proximity to one of my favorite sweet shops, Bleeding Heart Bakery. I laugh in the face of cavities...ha!
So, I dumped my old dentist. It was a soggy relationship, mired in low expectations and pushy sales like tactics. These are my teeth, I get it. Quit acting like I am pimping out the rims on my car or something, ok? They also stopped the evening and weekend appointment availability. BOO!
SO, 5 stars for Brushin' on Belmont. Why?
1. Appointment was easy to schedule (I actually sent an email late at night to their web site, and someone called me the very next day).
2. Parking is relatively easy, and/or its located right off the Belmont bus and walking distance from Paulina brown stop if/when it ever reopens.
3. Office is bright, clean and inviting without going WAY over the top to be all Zen/spa. I don't need a massage or a Nintendo, I just need my teeth cleaned. BonB hits the right balance. They do have TVs at all of the chairs, which is a nice touch. I remember reading the same inspirational poster over and over and over on the ceiling of my childhood dentist, so even the news is a welcome distraction when someone is crackin' away at your chompers.
4. Friendly doctor and staff. Dr. Govina (the female) was lovely. She advised on a few things, but wasn't pushy.
5. Aforementioned distance to Bleeding Heart Bakery. mmmmmm.
I think I found my dental people. YAY!
Chicago, IL 60654
(312) 467-6868
Steve's Deli
Category: Delis
Neighborhoods: Near North Side, River North
I totally gave you a fair shake on more than one occasion...but my final straw has been used, and I'm afraid...we.are.OVER.
My most recent pick-up order went a little something like this:
1. call 20 minutes before, place order for lox plate, one latke, and quart of mushroom barley soup. (approx $30)
2. Race over while on a conference call to pick up.
3. Give girl the name "Rubin" to pick up the order. I'm clear about it being a pick-up that we called in.
4. She charges me for a Reuben sandwich: $15. I am distracted, so I don't realize that this is much too little for what we ordered.
5. I wait 15 minutes.
6. I ask where my order is. She gives me a Reuben I didn't order.
7. Some other lady overhears me, gives me my real order that has been sitting (ready!) on a counter for the last 15 minutes.
8. Girl gets all flustered, then makes me wait 10 minutes while figuring out the difference so she can charge me.
9. I pay the difference.
10. I walk out, annoyed.
11. I get 2 blocks back to where I am going....and realize there is no soup, which is HALF of our order.
12. I go back in to Steve's, ask for the soup...she gives it to me. NO apology.
13. I vow to never tangle with Steve again. Seriously.
The food is fine, honestly. The service leaves MUCH to be desired....and I can get lox and soup elsewhere, really.
Work on it Steve...it's not me, its YOU.
Best,
Colleen
1 Previous Review: Hide »
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7/10/2009
If you hang out with Andrea R enough, you're bound to get a few treats from Steve's Deli...
Case in point: http://static.px....
LOOK at that thing!? It's the biggest, most chocolatey cupcake EVER. It's from Steve's, and that's all I needed to know. I split it 4 ways with some yelpers, and it was sufficiently sinful for all four of us. Um, that's insane. In a hot, foodsex sort of way, right? Right.
I've also had their lox to go, very good...
But, seriously THOSE cupcakes!? For real. That's why I'd go back. I suggest you do the same if you are sick of eensy/expensive cupcakes elsewhere.
Like a virgin, touched for the very first time...Ciccone Vineyards is, well. Inexperienced. And, it shows.
Unenthused staff (yes, I realize its busy...but wine season is short here, at least fake being excited!)....small selection of wines, none of which were particularly alluring.
The Madonna Collection is composed of about 5 wines, 4 of which were sold out. Ummmm, ok. Obviously we have some business decisions to make here. Quit making the boring stuff, start slapping Madonna's face on all the bottles so they sell.
The outside barn/vineyard space is beautiful....great for an event/wedding, etc. But a $5,000 price tag? Are they kidding? Do they know this is Northern Michigan....not some major metro area or California wine country? Yes, its a gorgeous view over the Lake, but it's a barn for chrissakes. Like a real frickin' BARN. No barn is worth $5k, I don't care if its sitting on an island in Fiji.
Overall: if you are touring Leelanau wineries, this one could be skipped. Unless you want that one bottle of Madonna wine they've got left...then go for it, diva. ;)
Chicago, IL 60607
(312) 226-9529
Palace Grill
Categories: Diners, Sandwiches
Neighborhoods: West Loop, Near West Side
1. blueberry pancakes.
2. two eggs, scrambled.
3. coffee.
4. diet coke.
5. a hot guy.
6. medication.
7. nap.
1-4 can be found at Palace Grill. 5 is mine, 6 call a doctor...7, you're on your own. :)
1 Previous Review: Hide »
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10/22/2009
The tree D's of breakfast are found at Palace Grill:
Denver Omelettes
Diet Cokes
Diet-killers.
Really, what else is there to know? You needa breakfast, they gotta breakfast. Old school Chicago diner style. Most appropriate for men, women who actually eat good food, and children who appreciate chocolate milk.
Scores for:
-private parking lot
-bank next door (MY bank, nice)
-American cheese square slice melted atop the omelette.
*And, I must agree...hashbrowns here are RIDICULOUS. Do yourself a favor and line yourself with them.
Denver, CO 80202
(303) 571-0300
The Curtis Hotel
Category: Hotels
Neighborhoods: Northwest, CBD
Well, this is MY version. "It's so...hot." Ok, not really...but whatever, it was fun and the front desk made a big deal out of it, and all of the notepads and pens look like they were personalized for me. My only little hotel heir moments....for just a few days :)
Room: Large, corner rooms (try to get one with -21 at the end). TWO windows!? One with a sunrise over the mountains each morning. The other overlooking downtown Denver. Indeed....a nice vantage point from the 15th floor...
Downside? Riding to/ from the 15th floor each day....abysmal. With so many people, and only two working elevators. BLAH. Very annoying. If stairwells were available, I'd have been on them. And...that wouldn't have been a bad idea with all the calories I consumed in a 4 day period. OMGawd, not to mention the annoying announcements on each floor that detail the theme. If I heard "You're on the 15th floor" sung to the tune of "It's so unusual to be loved by you," I would have lopped at least one of my ears off. Truly.
Great restaurant/bar (Corner Office), great room service ($7 large pot of coffee...not bad!), great cleaning people (I am annoyed at myself for the way the bathroom sink looks, so I can imagine it's not an easy job), clean, comfortable....I can't really ask for a whole lot more, honestly. Well, ok...yes I can. Fortune cookies!? Yes, those were waiting for me, too...and a grape soda. Well done, Curtis.
Conference and catering was on par...great service, dependable, quick to help. Interesting selections (breakfast cereals, brekkie burritos, sodas, waters, coffees, etc).
After 6 days I never wanted to see a kitschy floor, the Paper conference room, or anything themed. However, it was a great stay...and I'd def be back for more. Request a short floor if you get annoyed with elevator exchanges though, you'll have a lot if you are high up there ;)
Love,
Hotel Heiress for a Week
Chicago, IL 60607
(312) 455-8114
De Cero
Category: Mexican
Neighborhoods: Near West Side, West Loop
By nature of them being named "tacos," their price ceiling hovers somewhere around the $1-$2 mark .
So, the options De Cero...
1. Stop overcharging for little tacos.
2. Change the name to "overpriced tortilla food snuggies."
That is all.
1 Previous Review: Hide »
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4/11/2009
Expensive Mexican fare? Interesting concept, but I can get on board...it's the only spot for Mexi in the West Loop that doesn't have formica countertops, so let's do this...
Admittedly, I've only had takeout...but have been pleased both times. Platters of tacos for a large group? Indeed, and done well. Steak, chicken, cheese, DUCK! (wha!? yes!), shrimp...they got 'em. Order a variety pack, and you'll surely be a crowd pleaser for your next shindig or potluck where you pretend you made shit. Add chips and guac, and well....we've got a winner! Salty/hot/fresh chips with fresh guacamole, I mean really...it cannot be beat, unless you have little tomato fairies crushing avocados at your beck and call...which would be awesome, but in reality...I'd like to just order it from somewhere that knows what's up...
A bit on the pricey side, but for takeout orders they'll whip it up right quick and have it waiting...
I'd love to be able to dine-in, it's certainly on my list...next time I have time for a much-needed margarita and a killer pork chop (also devoured with a side of bacon refried beans last night) I'll be marching my self to De Cero. Price be damned, this is well worth it...
Charged with leading 8 hungry worker bees (buzzzzzz) out for lunch on a particularly gorgeous Denver afternoon...I was a little...lacking in plan. On purpose. I figured, at the very least....we'd roam a few blocks, find something adequate, stretch our legs and be back at the "office" in time for the next session. No harm, no foul.
Or, at the very best....find a patio table for 8 (no wait!) with prosecco cocktails (with apple cider and a lemon garnish!? mmmm), an attentive server, fabulous salads (spinach with warm bacon dressing = out of this world) and pizzas (go for artisnal).
We got the best...!
Now, this was even a tad better than I could've planned. And, if I had TRIED to plan, surely it would not have panned out so well, I'm sure.
Life is good. We are full. Buzzin' for the end of day sessions, full of hearty breads, cheeses, fresh salads....and team cheer. Go Yelp MIdwest ;)
much recommended, even for smaller groups...
Denver, CO 80239
(303) 373-5462
Super Shuttle
Category: Transportation
Neighborhood: Northeast
And, I'm sure you are wondering...what does THAT have to do with a Super Shuttle review in Denver?
Well, cash is in short supply until my new plastic arrives to my home and the jackass in Columbia stops trying to gamble with my checking account money. So I'm on limited cash reserves for the duration of my weeklong stay in the Mile High City.
Oooof. Bummer.
And, cabs from the Denver airport to downtown generally run around...$60-75.
Double Ooooooof.
So, I decided to be all economical and book a Super Shuttle to whisk me through Denver, and to my hotel. $19 + $3 tip, charged to my credit card. Seemed like a very practical solution, right?
730pm reservation.
Booked. Charged.
Check-in at counter. Get receipt.
Man: "Next shuttle is at 830pm."
Me: GROAN. Serious?
Man: Yes.
Me: I'll take a refund, thanks.
Me: :::looks around for other annoyed looking people::::
Me: Hey, who's going downtown?
Man 2: Me!
Woman: Me!
Perfect, let's roll.
Luckily for me, the AALAS conference was descending on Denver on this very same evening. So, not only did I get two riding companions...but I got to learn all about the welfare of Animal Laboratory Animals. Never a dull moment, I assure you. Random information acquired through seemingly odd avenues makes my heart sing.
$25 outta my pocket (cash, sigh).
However, I saved myself at least 2 hours of travel time. Time is money people....and I know all there is to know about the transfer of zebra mussels in laboratories in Eugene, Oregon.
Props to Super Shuttle for allowing refunds, but "boo" for not being able to meet rising demand with a large conference in town. If you're slammed...FINE. Just don't book me a reservation.
Over and out. Charge it to my cc.
Chicago, IL 60657
(773) 529-1681
Studio Nails
Category: Nail Salons
Neighborhood: Lakeview
And this friends...is indeed what needed to happen.
http://Nail.com looked like a trixie treasure hunt...and thus, I opened the arsenal of nail places in my brain. Ah, yes. Studio Nails. No wait. Perfection.
A perfectly acceptable option in the area. Certainly no frills...but no true negatives either. You won't get the sweet little extras (massage, paraffin, witty banter, super stylish cuticle cutting, etc), but you will get some primped nails for $12. On this particular afternoon, this was certainly enough to scratch my princess digit itch.
A lovely shade of cherry red to brighten my life. Amanda C in tow. Champagne buzz. In/out in 30 minutes. Bada bing, bada pampered.
Good midweek mani/pedi special: $32 (I think). Pretty stellar for the area.
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3 Events
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*updated* BROgiving- A Charity Drinking Event…
Saturday 3:00 PM -
FREE Workshops/Demos at Lillstreet Art Center… (CANCELED)
December 13 12:00 PM -
Yelp's Biggest Loser
December 31 1:00 AM
With such positive experiences in the past, I rung 'em up when looking for car insurance. I figured...one lump payment, less people to deal with, etc, etc, etc.
Called for a quote.
Never called me back.
Weird.
So, hi Geico. Nice to meet you, thank you for taking my money every month.