Valerie "bookwormgal" F.'s Profile

This place is awesome for a research type like myself.

You can literally find media covering anything you want from historic events to that silly TV show you were addicted to as a kid. Programs using social science to analysis media and fashion trends - check. In depth interviews of historical figures as well as that vapid new reality TV (and I use the term here loosely) "star" - check. If it has anything to do with culture (particularly Pop Culture) you can find it here (or in NYC) at the Paley.

I went with my husband to LA for a few days for a conference and decided a day at the Paley Center in Beverly Hills was exactly what I needed.

On my way walking over the phone ran out of juice and I desperately need the loo and I saw this place had both my needs (Score!) and had just opened so decided to give it a try.

I had a Canelé and it was pretty good, sweet but not too sweet. Also it was only 2 dollars! Given it's prime BH location I thought the prices were reasonable.

Idiotically put in my mouth one of their yellow marbles in the glass carafe in the middle of the table thinking it was a free candy sample (ergh) - they should really put some fake/real flowers so it's more obviously a center piece. Other than that I was satisfied with the service and I like the openness of the space.

Dough was worst version of the drink I've ever tried. Super fermented and sour. It was however VERY big for the price so if you like it that way you'll be happy. Too me it was not what I wanted (the sweeter more lassi style of the drink). (1 stars)

Anywho, the Zereshk Polo with Lamb shank was enough for two (or more) people and was relatively good (3.5 stars)

Salad was nice (4 stars)

Delivery was VERY fast as well so overall 3 stars.

Let's face it - I'm cheap, have back issues and resistive grays so I often will avoid the salon till the last minute. However, the lure of a well priced coupon deal made me decide to give this place a try and I'm VERY glad I did.

Does it take a hairdresser with a degree in biology from UC Berkeley to rinse my hair at an angle that doesn't trigger my sciatica? We'll apparently it does. Is he way overqualified for this job? - Sure, but he loves it and that shows.

Scott was amazing! With the use of one color application he was able to get the red violet brown I wanted on the main part of my hair. He also restored the part which had faded from a highlighted purple into a shocking pink into a nice pleasant mix of Red and Plum under-lights. The haircut also fit what I needed for class which was it was "bob" enough for my Cabaret number for music, but long enough to put into a ponytail for science labs.

Frankly the only reason I'm not giving it 5 stars is that Teagan made a comment that made me feel a bit ugly. I've gotten fat in the last few years due to PCOS - even though I exercise and eat healthy - but I still think overall I'm okay looking and didn't deserve that comment. On the other hand he was very complimentary about my singing so I'm really at 'sixes and sevens' about what I think of him. I saw what he did to the blonde's hair and it was very talented! I just really think he needs an internal "edit" button."

Summary:

Would I come back here even without the coupon - Yes
Do I recommend it for people looking for a mid-priced salon - Yes
People who need health issues accommodated in a salon - Yes
People who are sensitive to critical comments - Not if Teagan is around but otherwise sure. Scott is better at that.

Cons: Not in the greatest part of town so go early. Parking in that area sucks so take Muni or BART then walk.

Pros: Cheap for the quality of service given (even without a coupon).

It's a Walmart so I feel I can't ethically give it more than three stars.

On the other hand it is the BIGGEST one I've ever been to!

First it's open all the time 24/7!

Next it has just about anything you could ever want in it: Photo Center, Pharmacy, Garden Center, amazing grocery, McDonald's®, Subway®, Tire & Lube, ice cream parlor, nail salon, an bunch of Southern chains I've never heard of before, and not to mention it's right near movies!

I was amazed by the shear size of the place!

These guys let me have what I wanted eventhough I was a few quid shy of the total.

Other than that what can I say that hasn't been said already? I don't know but this is the best poke I've ever had!

I guess that is really all that needs to be said...

Go for the ...

Scenic drive
Prime Rib
Steak on a Stick
Ribs
Lamb
Calamari Steak
Karaoke next door
Stuffed dog
Viewing old trains afterward

Avoid the ...

Worst fish & chips I've EVER had
Over-fried fried calamari appetizer

Note:

Some nights there is no music playing, other ambient music, others nights Karaoke, and still other nights there is a band in the bar portion of this place. Check the website so you know what kind of ambiance is that night. Bar part is divey, Resto side is more intimate and romantic.

Seems to be closed and phone doesn't forward to any new location or anything like that.

No delivery until 6pm!

Then why did you put your ad on my doorknob at 11 am!!

Sheesh!!!

This WF is near one of my colleges (Foothill) so sometimes I end up here when getting stuff for on campus events. To be honest I've done most my classes online because I live kinda far away (Fremont) and most my work is for nonprofits in the East Bay or San Francisco.

However this branch is on the most frequent line to the college (VTA 40) so getting to and fro in between an afternoon course and an evening event is quite easy if one needs to get something for a class event or just get away from campus for a bit. So feel free to leave the car on campus and take the bus no need for more driving!

The sushi here (unlike in the campus cafeteria) is real sushi with real raw fish made by real Japanese dudes and it is excellent and not too expensive compared to other nearby sushi places. Los Altos can be VERY expensive at times and in general I try and avoid the WF near where I live/work as there are cheaper, better places to get organics and other hard to find ecofriendly items in my area. But if I am stuck in the Foothill area this is a good choice for me.

Also as an older "return student" it can be annoying at times to hang around the young'ns and you want to be somewhere with people who (like you) have worked in the real world I come here. I also can use the time to purchase easy to carry (light) items I need for home that I can put in my backpack easily and don't spoil. These also tend to be the items that are same in price compared to places in my area - like bamboo serving spoons, ecofriendly cleaners, organic toothpastes, organic perfumes/cosmetics etc. so I often will do my shopping for those items here in between or after class times/on the way home.

I also find in comparison to other WF this one has more deals on their produce items. You would think it would be standard pricing across the lot but for some reason the WF in the expensive city is sometimes cheaper than the one in the cheaper city (Redwood City) - go figure?