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837 Industrial Rd
San Carlos, CA 94070
(650) 995-6573

IMPACT! Kickboxing Fitness  

Category: Martial Arts

5.0 star rating
7/7/2011 62 Check-ins Here ROTD 7/21/2011
5 STARS No Question.

In honor of Erik Wahlberg's birthday, I've decided to Yelp once again...  

The IMPACT! kickboxing fitness class is simply awesome. Erik's IMPACT! class has helped me change my life in the areas of health and fitness. For this I'm eternally grateful. It's outstanding for it's dollar to value ratio. Each class is only $12.00 for a 1.5 hour workout with no long term commitments. I've been convinced to purchase blocks of 11 or 12 classes which brings the cost down to $10 per class.  see: http://impactkickboxin.../

The classes start out with a light warm up involving a jog outside the facility for 3 laps. Then we stretch. Then we shadowbox / shadowkick with a partner to continue warming up. After we've warmed up, the classes are broken up into two groups: one doing heavy bag work for the more experienced folks, the other doing additional floor exercises for the new folks.

The class has grown considerably from it's humble roots of 8-10 hardcore devotees 2 years ago to over 200 members as of July 2011. It continues to grow and the quality of instruction has continued to stay high, allowing Erik's Impact students to focus on technique, speed, endurance and power.

In addition to heavy bag work for punching and kicking, Erik's Imapct class also has 80 pound dummies for practicing ground and pound drills, knee drills, submission holds, and throwing. If all of this isn't enough, Erik also incorporates about 10 minutes of intense ab/core work into the routine. You are guaranteed to sweat in the Impact workout.  

Other notes:
- parking is plentiful and free
- bring your own towel and water
- suggestions: purchase your own wraps and boxing gloves
- in case you are new, gloves and wraps are available to borrow for the class
- IMPACT!'s YouTube footage here: http://www.youtube.com...

This class is fun. What makes it even better are the people taking the class! They are focused, intense and dedicated on the mat and they are incredibly fun outside too! This class is also great for couples. I thank my wife for dragging me in in 2009 to keep her company, I've been hooked on working out with her ever since.

Erik has been an incredible instructor since the early days at Golds/Crunch in San Mateo and now a great friend.  Thank you for creating the IMPACT! program!  

"Keep Fighting!" :)

#592

Listed in: The Short List..., ROTD = Review of the Day, Fitness

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615 3rd Ave
San Mateo, CA 94401
(650) 344-0041

UYE Whisky Tasting at Bistro Luneta 2010 Edition  

Category: Local Flavor

5.0 star rating
10/29/2010 4 photos
FTR Suckas!!!

Year Two of tasting the Brown Suga!

I declare a success!!!  A BIG thank you to Jon & Janet of Bistro Luneta for allowing the Yelp Community, the SBC, and my friends take over the restaurant for the evening for some great food and whisky tasting!  This also would not have been possible with the encouragement and support from an amazing host: Jakob H.!  You ROCK!!!  I think we have something to look forward to again in 2011!!!

This event was great in more than one way.  THIRTEEN to be exact!!!

01) Wild Turkey 101 Bourbon- fm Voldemort ( LOL )
02) Maker's 46 Bourbon - fm Chris C. ( http://www.yelp.com/us... )
03) Woodford Reserve Bourbon - fm the other Chris ( Jakob is he on YELP??? )
04) Johnnie Walker Pure Malt 15 HK Scotch - fm Peter L.  ( http://www.yelp.com/us... )
05) The Glenlivet 12 - fm Ed V. ( http://www.yelp.com/us... )
06) Oban 14 - fm Jennifer F. ( http://www.yelp.com/us... )
07) Cragganmore 12 - fm Kevin N. ( http://www.yelp.com/us... )
08) Dalmore 12 - Elaine I. ( http://www.yelp.com/us... )
09) Nikka 21 Japanese Whisky - fm Badri N. ( http://www.yelp.com/us... )
10) Cardhu 12 - fm Lynette G. ( http://www.yelp.com/us... )
11) Tobermory - fm Jakob H. ( http://www.yelp.com/us... )
12) Ardbeg 10 - fm Vy N. ( http://www.yelp.com/us... )

And the Pièce de résistance...

13) The Glenlivet 1975 - fm Michael L. ( http://www.yelp.com/us... )

With 10 Whiskys and 3 Bourbons there was an interesting variety!  Thanks to our generous participants for bringing the Brown Sugar for all of us to sample!!!  I've come to some solid conclusions after tasting that many whiskies!

Super happy that our very own Yelp SV Community Manager Connie C. came out to hang out too!!! Yay!

more laters...
#493

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430 Kipling St
Palo Alto, CA 94301
(650) 328-6722

Zibibbo  

Category: Mediterranean

3.0 star rating
9/27/2010 1 Check-in Here
Solid 3 STAR joint.

It had been at least 8-9 years since I've been to Zibibbo.  They have a nice Mediterraean menu that has many seafood items. While I do not eat seafood, they do have many meat options and a few vegetarian options. I wanted to give them another shot and see how they stack up against places like Evvia and Il Fornaio, which are my first choices in Palo Alto for company group dinners.

3 Stars is generous, as they were _very_ inconsistent in service, while prices are at a premium. (-1 STAR)

There were two things that stood out at Zibibbo that would definitely bring me back:

1) Great Charcuterie Plate $10.00 - there was a very nice variety of olives, mini-pickles, and cotto, soprosetta (sp?), and milano salami.  These were all tasty.  Great accompanyment to have with any of their 4 different Wine Flights.

While the menu shows 3 different charcuterie selections listed for this plate, when we ordered this at two different times during the meal, it came out with different items each time. I expected each charcuterie plate to have all 3 meat items but only came out with 2. While they were good, I was very disappointed that the plate did not come as described. (-1 STAR).

2) Fig and Pancetta Pizza $16.00 - Sweet and Savory! This is big enough to share with one other person. I was really impressed, with the flavor of the pancetta on this pizza.

I'm a fan of cured meats, Zibibbo's selections in this department deserve 4 STARS!

Also tried the Wild Mushroom Pizza, which was quite good but not as impressive as the Fig Pancetta.  I also ordered the Antipasti selection $16.00 with Tzatsiki, Hummus, and Fried Risotto, which was tasty but not as good as the charcuterie plate.

The Bordeaux Wine Flight ~under $15~  had a nice selection of four 2 ounce pours of various Reds:

- Merlot: Leveroni, Sonoma Valley 2005 ($9/glass)
- Cabernet Franc: Thomas Fogarty, Santa Cruz Mtns 2006 ($12.75/gls)
- Malbec: Mil Piedras, Mendoza, Argentina 2008 ($7.50/gls)
- Cabernet Sauvignon: Peju, Napa Valley 2006 ($12/glass)

The Fogarty Cab Franc and Mil Piedras Malbec were my favorites! Unfortunately, my dining companions enjoyed the consumption of my flight more than I did. I guess, I'll have to go back and try again!  =D

If you are looking for a place which can acccomodate large groups of 10, 15, or 20 this is a good venue.

List: Company Dining Venues in Palo Alto

Listed in: Company Dining Venues in Palo…

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1780 El Camino Real
San Bruno, CA 94066
(650) 872-6682

Fat Wong's Kitchen  

Category: Chinese

5.0 star rating
Update - 9/7/2010 14 Check-ins Here
5 Reasons for 5 Stars:

#1: Beef Brisket Noodle Soup ~ $6.00
#2: Rice Noodle Roll with Chinese Donut ( a.k.a Ja Leung ) ~ $3.00
#3: Sesame Balls $2.50
#4: Affordable Prices / Good Taste and Quality (see above)
#5: Open Late: past 11PM most nights

I've eaten here numerous times. I was tempted to leave the original 4 STAR rating. But after thinking long and hard, I'm not sure there's another Cantonese restaurant that serves a great Beef Brisket Noodle Soup and a Rice Noodle Roll better than Fat Wong's Kitchen.

Most other Chinese places have broth that has a tinge of ammonia flavor and aroma. This is not the case at FWK. The soup is served piping hot and it's exactly how i expect it to be served when I try similar dishes at other Chinese restaurants.  The Rice Noodle Roll (aka Ho Fun) isn't served after 9PM which can be a bummer, but after having it tonight before 9PM I'm happy to update my review and give them an additional star.

Eat at Fat Wong! Yum! I'm amazed there are only 266 (or so) reviews. I'm glad this one is under the radar.

CASH ONLY!

Listed in: The Short List..., 2010 Short List

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1 Previous Review: Hide »

  • 4.0 star rating
    1/14/2007

    I LOVE this place.   Open late 'til 11:30PM.  Fast service.  Affordable prices.  Lots of winning choices.

    Since it's cold I'm craving their Beef Brisket Noodle Soup.

    The regulars include:
    1)  Porridge with Pork and Preserved Egg + a Chinese Donut
    2)  Pork Chop with Spicy Salt (extra MSG)
    3)  Crispy Noodle with Beef - add the hot chili sauce provided on table

    Pros:
    +open late
    +good value
    +good taste
    +inexpensive milk tea ($1.25)

    Cons:
    -no reservations
    -cash only
    -tiny parking lot / street parking

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509 2nd Ave
San Mateo, CA 94401
(650) 401-7008

Yakitori KOKKO  

Category: Japanese

5.0 star rating
8/17/2010 6 Check-ins Here ROTD 10/1/2010
This is easily my FAVORITE local Japanese Yakitori restaurant.

Casual. Delicious. Low Key. Open Late.

I've been to a few pure US-based Yakitori's but never having been to Japan, I have no accurate comparison point for any of the places I've experienced.  

SPIN: * http://www.youtube.com... *

Here's my current 2010 ranking:

1) Kokko's (San Mateo) - # 1 !
2) Ichiza (Las Vegas) - http://www.yelp.com/bi...
3) Raku (Las Vegas) - http://www.yelp.com/bi...
4) Hana Zen (San Francisco) - http://www.yelp.com/bi...
5) Izakaya Mai (San Mateo) - http://www.yelp.com/bi...
6) Izakaya Restaurant (San Jose) - http://www.yelp.com/bi...

SPIN * http://www.youtube.com... *

I've had many items on the menu.  The standouts:

+ Enoki Mushroom Wrapped in Bacon
+ Deep Fried Chicken Cartlidge
+ Butter Corn
+ Pork Cheek

Obviously this isn't enough for a meal but the reason why Yakitori gets the 5 STARS.  No other Yakitori joint does these items better IMO.

My mouth waters when I think about biting into a piping hot skewer of Enoki Mushrooms Wrapped in Bacon with a dab of Japanese Mayo.

The first time here was the most memorable for the copious amounts of Sake and Beer shared with fellow yelpers Cindy C., Badri N, and Rosie C. (MIA) and of course Lynette G.   Ugh...H.A.N.G.O.V.E.R. ! ! !

Service is helpful and friendly in case you are unfamiliar with the Sake or other grill items.  Just ask.  But be patient, everything is cooked to order and does not come out in any particular sequence.

Prices are reasonable assuming you don't go in with the impression that you will come out stuffed.  Portions are small.  Come here to drink AND snack.  Otherwise, order many items for the varieties offered by the grill masters.  Be sure to check out the daily specials written on the board just outside the restaurant.  

(...i'll be there tonight...)

Kampai!

#589

Listed in: ROTD = Review of the Day, 2010 Short List

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210 E Main St
Los Gatos, CA 95030

Yelp Elite Event @ Hotel Los Gatos  

Category: Local Flavor

5.0 star rating
7/20/2010 2 photos
Connie! Again: Awesome!!!  Effortless 5 Stars!!!

Awesome DJ! 5 STARS
Great Drinks! 5 STARS
Incredible RIBS! 5 STARS
Betty Dance Off! 5 STARS

WHITE! Everywhere!!!  5 STARS

The themed parties are super fun! Masquerades, Monopoly and Monochromy!!! Can't wait to see what's next in the YEE line-up...

Shout out to East Bay Yelp Elites: Ed V and Eugene L!
Another shout to Vi and Myk!  I want some of your RIBS!!! =P
Great meeting y'all! 5 STARS

Great seeing Kathy D. too come out of the woodwork!!! =P 5 STAARS

The drinks were on point!

IZZE Cocktails with Beyond Vodka! Yum!
Jazz Cellars Rhapsody (white) and the 2008 Sonoma Zinfandel: good stuff! Thanks Hotel Los Gatos for the comped and endless house Merlot and Chardonnay and Amstel Light and Heineken's!!!  

Got to sample Dio Deka's Lamb Meatball, Crostini's, and the RIBS! Worth a visit to have a full meal!!!

Thanks again YELP and to Connie, Ruggy, and Jessica!

Time to catch up on some real reviews...  =D
(Kokko's or the Post YEE venue: Izaka-Ya?)

#588

Listed in: Yelp Elite Event Resume

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515 Veterans Blvd
Redwood City, CA 94061
(650) 365-3800

Gold's Gym - CLOSED  

Category: Gyms

5.0 star rating
6/22/2010 13 Check-ins Here
LTR Suckas!

In this case Last To Review...

With all things in life, all good things must come to an end. As of June 22, 2010, the Redwood City Gold's Gym will be operating as CRUNCH Gym. I'm surprised and saddened by this change in brand and ownership for one reason:

The loss of Les Mills Fitness programs.

Since 2008, I hesitantly attended the Les Mills Body Pump group fitness class after encouragement from my wife. I can honestly say that this is the one program that changed my life. My wife and I've been fans ever since. I'm thankful that Gold's Gym offered numerous programs such as Body Pump and Body Combat from Les Mills. It's helped me lose weight, get stronger, become more energetic and meet some fantastic people!  

Alex Kattar and Jozi Lisenfeld are amazing Les Mills Instructors. They are knowledgeable, experienced, encouraging and energetic instructors. I wouldn't have stuck with the program for so long and so consistently if it were not for Alex and Jozi who are great representatives of the Les Mills Program!  I'd follow them to any gym that offered their instruction! They are that good!

A BIG thank you to Gold's and Alex and Jozi of Les Mills. You will all be missed!!!

Listed in: GOLDS

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10050 S De Anza Blvd
Cupertino, CA 95014
(408) 253-8900

Yelp Elite Event @ Cypress Hotel  

Category: Local Flavor

5.0 star rating
6/9/2010 1 photo
FTR Suckas!!!   (sike...!)

5 STAR All the WAY! esp for the FTR!

I checked and searched and found no other YEE reviews -- nothing yet -- for this event!!!  I guess everyone is still partying at BJ's Brewery...

*Bump* GOLDEN: http://www.youtube.com... #JillScott (5 STARS for what was spinning in the Cypress Lounge)

Connie WONDERFUL EVENT!  - 5 STARS!  Ruggy & Jessica can't wait to attend y'alls next event and see you somewhere in the Yelpverse...

Incredibly fun theme of MONOPOLY at Park Place.  It was awesome to see the creativity in folks living up the Monopoly theme!  

Shout OUTS:
THE Race Car Driver! -- http://www.yelp.com/us...
Virgina Ave! -- http://www.yelp.com/us...
Conductor aka Ms. Pennsylvania Railroad! -- http://www.yelp.com/us...
Mr. "Chance" You're Yelp ELITE Card -- http://www.yelp.com/us...
Ms. Community Chest!  -- http://www.yelp.com/us...
Ms. 2nd Prize! -- http://www.yelp.com/us...
Monopoly Top Hat Dude! (??? who was this ???)

5 STARS for meeting the lovely:

CAT C.  -- Finally!!! http://www.yelp.com/us... - Great meeting you IRL AND hope to introduce you to more SWEET Rieslings!!!

5 STARS for meeting Ms. FOURSQUARE:

LORRIE M. -- (and Steve) http://www.yelp.com/us...  LOL "I'm Mayor of yourMOM on FourSquare" =P

5 STARS for the Awesome Staff at Park Place and Cypress Hotel. Shout out to Norma for great service and Nicole the Dog Watcher!

5 STARS for JAZZ Cellars: http://www.facebook.co...
Thanks for 4 generous pours of your wines!  I'm glad to be part of the FIRST Winery and Wine Club in Foster City!

5 STARS for ENDLESS food! Great Blue Cheese + Steak Slider, Truffle, and Potato Croquette!  So many other choices! Too bad I followed my YEE advice and already ate at Pasta? in Mountain View http://www.yelp.com/bi... ...

5 STARS for the Laugh Box Photo Booth! see: http://www.thelaughbox.../ Dexter you ROCK!  The SBC broke ALL REcords!!! =D

Again Thanks to Connie Ms @YelpSV ! Wonderful Event. YOU ROCK!

So that makes 45 STARS Total!!!  =P

Cheers! jimbo aka "The Pinball Junkie"

#586

Listed in: Yelp Elite Event Resume

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236 S B St
San Mateo, CA 94401
(650) 348-8008

Level 236  

Categories: Dance Clubs, Lounges

4.0 star rating
3/3/2010 2 Check-ins Here ROTD 7/20/2010
Great venue! Huge space with a big bar, projection screens, huge dance floor, and comfy and spacious VIP area.  The outdoor area is a big plus for the smokers and for those who need a breath of fresh air after tearing it up on the dance floor.  That night was chilly and the heat lamps made it bearable and easy to enjoy the outdoor space.  Some nights Hookah Guy is available --- call ahead to make sure he's available.

Solid 3 Star Venue! +1 extra star since it's a night club in the Peninsula! Yelp should definitely throw an event here with some local San Mateo and restaurants and breathe some additional  life into the already vibrant food scene.  I know if I need a venue for 50+ to 100+ peeps, Level 236 is first on my list!!!

I was here for Ms. Sha's. Birthday celebration with the SBC!!!

PS: Happy Birthday Sha! http://www.yelp.com/ev...

#585

Listed in: ROTD = Review of the Day

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5030 Spring Mountain Rd
Las Vegas, NV 89146
(702) 367-3511

Raku  

Category: Japanese
Neighborhood: Chinatown

5.0 star rating
3/3/2010 2 photos 1 Check-in Here
I love this restaurant!  Must return (but this is but one more reason to come to LV) !!! *6 Solid Stars*

pix laters...

- 1 STAR for the attitude with reservations

Listed in: "The Vegas..." - i love the…, Gnarly Nevada, 2010 Short List

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52 Lists

ROTD = Review of the Day

Inspired by none other than the incomparable Teri…
1.  IMPACT! Kickboxing Fitness
5 STARS No Question.   In…
2.  Yakitori KOKKO
This is easily my…
3.  Viognier
Happy 20th Anniversary…
See Full List »

The Short List...

Here's the short list of where I go when I'm…
1.  Fat Wong's Kitchen
5 Reasons for 5 Stars:  …
2.  Tabla Flavors
EDITED 2/25/2008!!! Tabla…
3.  Hotaru Japanese Restaurant
Hotaru has a few things…
See Full List »

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2 Events

"Chronic Overeater a.k.a. Pinball Junkie"

Review votes:
1815 Useful, 1064 Funny, and 1579 Cool

Location

Foster City, CA

Yelping Since

August 2006

Things I Love

Stolen moments, turning points, random acts of kindness, jigsaw puzzles, skiing, Lake Tahoe, golds gym, yelp, travel, scotch, Facebook, twitter, pinball

Find Me In

Denial or South Lake Tahoe

My Hometown

Foster City, CA

My Blog Or Website

http://www.xanga.com/j... http://www.astralwerks...

When I'm Not Yelping...

I shoot pinball

Why You Should Read My Reviews

You shouldn't. But i rarely cook or eat at home. I have a "thing" about pinball

My Second Favorite Website

http://www.misterniceh... http://www.ichiza.com/...

The Last Great Book I Read

Freakonomics, Caribbean 2006, Dig Your Well Before You Get Thirsty

My First Concert

1st:  Motley Crue 1984 (Erie, PA)  2nd:  New Order with Esco in 1988

My Favorite Movie

Prime, Chasing Amy http://www.nightrose.c...

My Last Meal On Earth

Chicken Tikka Masala, Bhindi, Tandori Chicken at  Nawab in San Mateo

Most Recent Discovery

Stock Options

Current Crush

Samaire Armstrong, Keira Knightley, Uma Thurman, Tyra Banks, Selma Hayak