Brent "Burento" A.'s Profile
Date
1 Previous Review:
-
11/15/2011
I'm fairly spoiled when it comes to gyms, so this place doesn't fair as nicely was what I used to have. I think the trick for this place to really work for you is to get to know the right people. As many people have said, the gym does has a lot of equipment, towel service, easy parking, and many other perks not often found at other gyms. Now, the real problem here is the people. Which, if you got to any gym you're going to run into this...
For other members, you'll always have people who don't re-rack weights, and you'll always have rude members who think they're all that and more. You'll just have to deal with that.
As for the staff, it's a mix of the best and the worst. Some of the staff I love, and they're absolutely great to be around. They are high-energy and always welcoming. These are the people you'll want to befriend if you want to have a truly great gym membership. Sam, as many people have mentioned, is indeed one of these people. As for others, they are quite the opposite. They are lackadaisical, rude, and generally off-putting. I've grown accustomed to this as normally it's the attitude of "I work at the gym and I know more than you do so I'm hot stuff." Just ignore these people and you'll be fine.
The only time I've ever really had an issue was when I was waiting to pay for a drink and one of these aforementioned people walked up (after a few minutes), just looked at me, and then called someone to the front desk. Really? What the hell are you doing working here if you can't ring up a simple transaction? Secondly, what the hell are you doing working there if you can't even acknowledge the fact I'm there? ... Again, this is one of the staff members you'll just have to deal with at times if the awesome people happen to not be there. *shrugs*
This has been my first week, and overall I like the place and will continue to workout there. The members and majority of the staff are very friendly, and with the perks I mentioned about the gym, I can't find a reason to necessarily leave just yet. I just wish the place was a little larger so I could practice more of the gymnastic-oriented exercises I have, heh...
San Francisco, CA 94110
(415) 875-9020
In-Symmetry
Categories:
Massage,
Skin Care,
Day Spas
Neighborhood: Mission
When I called, the owner actually asked me my background and what I was looking for. I specifically said deep-tissue and sports therapy. After explaining my workout regimen, she said she'd recommend more sports therapy, which was fine by me, as long as I was mostly fixed by the end of it. She made a recommendation of a therapist, so I took the appointment.
My masseur was nice, yes, but his stated background didn't come through in the service I had. We started by telling him my trouble areas and explaining to him the ailments I had. The massage started off nice and I thought maybe I was lucky in finding someone who would compare to my regular masseur. Oh, was I wrong. He continued to talk throughout the entire service, even though I would intentionally stop responding sometimes. I just want to relax and be fixed, not be chit-chatty. Secondly, he didn't know how to diagnose my problems correctly. That's extremely sad for a person who has been a masseur for 20 years and is a personal trainer. He figured a few of the problems I had, but couldn't truly diagnose the causes. In fact, when he couldn't figure out one of my issues, he basically rubbed the area vigorously, saying, "we can try the wooga wooga" method. WTH?! ...
For comparison, I normally can tell my regular masseur what I think is wrong, and he'll diagnose me and tell me that it's something else in my body that I don't even realize. For instance me saying my ankles and calves ache, and he'll figure out it's because my hips are askew from a tightness in my hamstrings and lower back. ...
The thing that really set me on edge was that I had to cover myself twice. I've grown accustomed to ligaments near very private areas needing to be fixed from all the rough impact from gymnastics, and having those fixed by my normal masseur... but I've never, ever, had to cover myself up. I actually felt very violated by that... Had this not been the case, I would rate this place a 3 or so. But, something like that just crossed the line with me.
So, would I go back? No. Plain and simple. The staff and all is very nice, but I have absolutely no plans on going back. Show owner comment »
Las Vegas, NV 89109
(877) 264-1844
Cirque du Soleil - KÀ
Category:
Performing Arts
Neighborhoods: The Strip, Eastside
What I really loved about the show was the overall aesthetic of the theatre, costumes, and lighting. I'm fully impressed with the grand entrance when people walk in, it really seems as if you're entering into a foreign world. The eye first is drawn towards the columns and then as you find your seat you notice the fire that seems to erupt from the void where one would expect to see a stage, only it's just a void that is filled with rolling fog effects and intense bursts of flame every so often.
The attention to detail is really what makes Kà so wonderful. The costumes are magnificently crafted, and I'm partial to the archers and spearmen (super hot!). The stage transitions and lighting effects are both subtle, yet dramatic and truly take the user into a new world. Although I must say this isn't my favorite Cirque production, it is towards the top of the list. If you prefer more acrobatics, then see O and Mystère while in Vegas. If you prefer more theatrics, then Kà is definitely the show for you.
(650) 564-7499
Pixybooth
Categories:
Photographers,
Party & Event Planning
Neighborhoods: Lower Pac Heights, Pacific Heights
San Francisco, CA 94118
(415) 668-8186
To Hyang
Category:
Korean
Neighborhood: Inner Richmond
We ended up having the haemeul soon dubu, yukaejang, and dak dori tang--all of which were delicious! I really loved the dak dori tang, and particularly appreciate how spicy it was. The soups were both really good, and very flavorful.
As for the banchan, who could ask for more? All of the dishes were well thought out and plentiful. I particularly enjoyed the fish, kimchi, and lotus root. Mmm...
I plan on coming here again with friends when I'm in the mood for Korean and want something homey. The only real pitfalls here was the fact they didn't have makgeolli and the food took a little longer than I thought to prepare. Other than that, the service was great and the food was just as equally enjoyable. If you haven't hit up To Hyang, I definitely recommend it.
Flushing, NY 11358
(718) 321-7770
Sik Gaek Chun Ha
Category:
Korean
Neighborhoods: Auburndale, Flushing
We sampled a wide variety of dishes, but by far my favorite was the sea snail and noodles. So tasty! The haemul pajeon was really good, too. The other dishes we had (primarily different sparerib dishes) were good, but not anything amazing.
The vibe here was really good. I love how the entire staff is enthusiastic and wiling to assist you with anything you need. Although we had a primary waitress, I think we had at least 4 or 5 other people waiting on us as well.
Would I come back? Definitely. THe primary reason though is I'd like to try the live octopus. Although we didn't order it tonight, when I looked around I didn't see any octopus in the tank.... so my assumption is they were out. I'd think that was the case since Hurricane Irene is supposed to come in tonight, but that's another story...
San Francisco, CA 94102
(415) 861-8887
Domo
Categories:
Sushi Bars,
Japanese
Neighborhood: Hayes Valley
So, I just wrote a review recently, but my previous trip this weekend trumps my first visit. Ryo is quite superb at executing an exquisite looking and tasting dish. All the flavors meld and sing together. When I came this time, I merely asked him to make me dishes he felt like creating. Therefore, all the dishes I had this time were off-menu.
For starters, credos! The first one was quail egg, salmon roe, salmon, and shiso. Heaven in a spoon! The second type was avocado, uni, and a touch of sea salt. mmm....
Our salad course was comprised of daikon, arugula, and flash fried baby aji. It was perfectly light and the fish were amazing. I don't just trust anyone serving me whole fish, but I will here.
The next dish was too amazing for words: avocado, thin slice of grilled kobe beef, topped with uni. Each bite just melted in your mouth. I kept waiting to eat another bite or taking a sip of water because I wanted to savor every delicious bite.
Our final dish was a similar to a crab cake, but it was made from mussels and served in the shell. They were perfectly baked and tasted delicious. Each bite was warm and filling.
So, here's the deal. Come to domo, befriend Ryo and let him get to know you. After you know him, let him make you food. Although everything on the menu is great in and of itself, the true genius of this chef shines when he was the free reign to create masterpieces with the freshest ingredients he has in his kitchen.
Ryo, arigato gozaimashita~
1 Previous Review:
-
6/27/2011
A very well deserved 5-star rating. I absolutely love Domo. Even though it's a treck for me to visit from Mountain View, I'll do it. Now, having said that, if you haven't come here, you can skip it. =) I don't want to wait in any longer lines, haha...
I came with a group of 4, so we had to wait a little while for a table. By table, I mean we scrunched ourselves into the sushi bar area. This, however, was a wise decision as we got to meet Ryo. He's awesome. Simply awesome. He was very attentive to our needs even with the restaurant at maximum capacity.
Also, having a large group, we had the benefit of trying a multitude of dishes. The special rolls were indeed special. Mango and sushi just work together so well. The ankimo was extremely delicious and fresh. The sunazuri was absolutely amazing in my book. The only thing that really could have made it better was if they carried katsuo.
Another thing, I must disclose Ryo made us a special dish since this was our first visit. It was absolutely amazing, and as it was on the house--even better! Ryo, you're awesome!
A quick breakdown of Domo:
*tiny restaurant, so expect a wait, I'd recommend max of 4 people
*food is extremely fresh
*staff is amazingly attentive
*prices are completely reasonable for the fresh food you're getting
*food presentation is impeccable
This is, by far, the best sushi I've had in a long time and I plan on coming back many more times.
For starters, when I first walked in I wanted to see what the food was like so I took a quick glance around and saw the typical American-Chinese food. Some woman was taking forever ordering in front of me. I could easily see the girl taking her order get a bit irritated. Hell, even I was irritated and her seeming lack of knowledge of how to read a menu. Well, the other girl walked up and I heard the two of them say a few things in Chinese to one another. I chuckled and took a step back just waiting for this woman to finish ordering. Well, she kept asking questions so one of the girls picked up a pencil to ask me what I wanted. I stepped up and asking them a couple of blanket questions about the menu, but in Chinese. This totally blew both of their minds and the three of us had a good laugh... the woman still ordering was even more confused by this... They ended up calling over the guy who seems to manage the place (wish I had asked for his name... super nice guy... cute, too, haha). He recommended a dish for me and said he could have them make it a bit spicier and such for me.
My family ordered your standard dishes, cashew chicken and general tso's. I sampled them and found them to be quite good in comparison to the other "Chinese" places here. The one place which trumps them in this category, however, is Golden Korean Restaurant. The dish I had was your typical chow mein. Well, typical meaning modified to accommodate available foods here. Overall, it was good, but certainly not the best I've ever had--just the best I've had in Missouri.
So, would I come back? Yes. Are they Chinese? Yes, again. If you haven't come here, I would give them a try in comparison to all the other "Chinese" places in the area, I feel they do it a bit more justice.
New York, NY 10009
(212) 529-2740
Ramen Setagaya
Category:
Japanese
Neighborhood: East Village
While in NYC, I'll definitely come back here for a bowl of noodles. I think this place shines when compared to Ippudo. Although small, the food here is good as is the service.
Listed in: Ramen-Ya
1 Previous Review:
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3/22/2009
This is by far the best ramen I have had. I haven't been to a few of the other places mentioned in the other reviews, so do take that into consideration.
Walking down the block, my friend and I were looking for a place to eat, and this suited our fancy. I'm really glad we stopped here.
The gyoza was perfect. It had the perfect crispness which highlighted it. The pork in my ramen had the right amount of fat and meat that made it melt in your mouth. The noodles in-and-of themselves were perfect for my dish; I don't think they could possibly have been better.
The prices are cheap, too, but make sure you bring cash. If you're in the area, definitely check it out.
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"Eclectic Critic"
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509 Useful, 190 Funny, and 325 Cool
Mountain View, CA
Yelping SinceDecember 2007
Things I Loveworking out, trail running, DFuse, soju, Sake, bourbon, Rum, sushi, chinese food
Find Me InStarbucks or the gym
My HometownBuffalo, MO
My Blog Or Website When I'm Not Yelping...I'm trying to stay out of trouble.
Why You Should Read My ReviewsI'm highly analytical
My Second Favorite Website The Last Great Book I Read"A Wild Sheep Chase" by Haruki Murakami
My First ConcertGwen Stefani
My Favorite MovieAmélie
My Last Meal On EarthSushi
Don't Tell Anyone Else But...I miss Missouri every now-and-then, but I still don't want to move back
Most Recent DiscoveryBun bo hue
Current CrushKasper Falksegaard, Micah Naruo
To make this place truly stellar, a few simple changes would be nice.
* During the treadmill class, turn the music down a few decibels. I can barely hear my trainer who is 2 feet away from me during that class.
* Add a slip mat between the walkway and the shower area.
* Clean the tops of the lockers as that is literally the only place not cleaned in this facility (everything else is spotless).
* Open 24 hours would be nice, but not necessary.. just a very nice to have.
As for my comments, I wanted to make a call out for my trainer, James. He's absolutely amazing and I love working out with him. He has been spot-on with everything, and very accommodating. There's a reason he's the boss... haha. As I mentioned before, Sam is also a great person to know at the gym. He's always super happy and helpful with everything.
Overall, I plan on coming here for quite a long time. It's the perfect gym I've been looking for since I left my old one back in San Jose.