Carla "Mistress Hammer" L.'s Profile

To me this just seemed like an edgier Hot Topic.  The music was so loud when we went in we couldn't hear the gentleman behind the counter asking us for our bags to check in.

A few hipster wannabes also inside the entrance who wouldn't move for us to come in either, it was pretty annoying like we were bothering them because we wanted to come into the store.  

There is a vast selection for everyone, from Star Trek to Disney T'shirts, cool jackets, etc.  But honestly pricey and overwhelming - the store is HUGE.

They seem pretty popular because there are quite a few items with their logo so I guess some of the kids are like "yeeeaahhh I got this at YRB in NYC".  Mine wasn't that impressed and much preferred Muji over YRB.

Now I am not one to be able to claim that I know what real Thai food tastes like, but my brother-in-law who has been in Thailand does and he said this place is the closest to real Thai that he has had.

So we trekked through 19 degree weather happily to try this place.  First things first, I love Hells Kitchen, I don't know why but the atmosphere is just super cool I guess?   Either way we came expecting some great food and this place didn't disappoint.  

The decor was super cute, the lighting warm and inviting.

I had Thai Vegetable Curry and it was great!  Service was good too, although I found in NYC it was kind of hard getting a check after we finished, in various places not only this one.  The curry was perfect and my bro-in-law told me after tasting it that in fact it was very close.  Great since I loved it.  

The highlight of the evening besides the food was the table next to us.  They came in while we were in mid-meal.  A guy about 35 years old with a fire engine red Mohawk that was limp at the moment, which in itself isn't a big deal at all since my youngest daughter sports a pixie cut that changes from purple, to pink, to blue, to green.  He had jeans, tats and chains.  Real fake bad ass look.  He came in with what looked like his parents, midwestern, plain looking folk.  It was sweet.  Until he started yapping about his "movie" in a voice so loud that said "LOOK AT ME I AM A (wannabe) STAR" to which his mom (?) would respond with "I understand because when I sing, my Musical Theater voice just belts and the director just doesn't get it".  Oh wow,  so entertaining to hear about how amazing they all were, well, mom and son.  Dad was quiet and listening.  

So this is what people talk about when they talk about that strain of pretentious NY artists.

Either way, great food at great prices and entertaining people at the place.

I must agree with Marisol.  The Guava Cupcakes were off the chain.  

This event was as always AMAZING!  Yes, I got a hug from Monica, yes she gives the best.  The pizza was delicious, the wine also, and the cupcakes absolutely divine.  

Having said that, I loved seeing everyone represent their High School Years, I believe my "Flashdance" representation was OK but not as great as everyone else.  George? Brilliant.  Jeff, with his Disney Grad Nite tee shirt was great, Mon with her jock/nerd look adorable.

I didn't play anything because a) ping pong and heels don't mix and b) I was having way too much of a good time talking to my fellow peeps, especially Marisol, Ximena, Javi, and Glenn.

My favorite part of every Yelp event?  Meeting new people while hanging out with old friends.

Where the hell was Gina.  We could have matched outfits.

I shall await the backlash from those who hate the place, however I can't in all fairness give this airport anything but a good review because my experience wasn't bad, it was in fact in both cases was very good.

So, upon arrival on a Friday night, although the flight was packed, getting off the plane getting to the exit was seamless.  Then there was a line for the taxis.  Yes, a line unlike the horrible mess of rude humans in other airports (read: MIA) pushing and shoving their way into the cab you are trying to get into.

On our departure I was stressed out, being from Chicago, living in Miami - two pretty intense airports, I figured this one would be pretty bad.  We got there, and aside from a pretty b*tchy American Airlines employee, we encountered a nonexistent line at security, super nice TSA guards and a great area to wait in.  D1 as a matter of fact.  

Its hard to describe how shocked I was when I witnessed this interaction:  I saw a gentleman getting his boots brushed at a shoe shine stand.  The guy who worked there, he seemed like an Italian man in his 40's, was chatting away with the gentleman and when he was done, the customer offered some money and he brushed it away telling him that HE had wanted to do it, that his boots needed it and it was his pleasure, the gentleman insisted but he didn't accept it and was laughing and talking with a hearty laugh and huge smile.  I was floored.  He was warm and nice and afterward was hanging out with a smile and talking to his fellow LaGuardia employees who all interacted as a family that actually like each other and have fun together.  

Was I lucky? Probably, but it was my experience at this Airport and it was great!

You know what?  I really do *heart* NYC.  Can't wait to fly back.

On our first night, after having been in a car, at an airport, on a plane, in a cab since 3PM and now it was 11 and we were STARVING and exhausted we dropped our bags at my daughters place and walked over.

The smells that wafted towards my tired nose can only be described as what an Angel must smell like.  Yes my dear friends Angels smell like garlic, butter and cheese.  In a good way.  

So we order a couple of slices and I saw they had Tortellini Soup.  I must have some of that because again, I am starving.  The pizza came and I wolfed it down like it was nothing and glad to have ordered the soup.  The pizza was one with Basil leaves on top, I don't remember the name but it was delicious.  I can admit it was my first NY style pizza IN NYC.  I had never had it before - here - so I was very happy.  I enjoyed it greatly.

The soup was ok, I can only describe it as Tortellini in a clear cheese broth.  Almost like they seasoned the water they cooked it in a bit.  The rolls and bread that came with it were delicious though and dipping them in the broth was quite perfect.  

Nice way to start my trip.

We popped in because I can't resist.  I just can't.  Beautiful pendants, wraps, even portable altars that are just so beautiful.  A very beautiful and sweet woman greeted us as we perused everything.  I found a most beautiful and wonderfully priced meditation bowl and felt like a fool when she had to explain how it worked - my Yoga teacher back home just rang it but she showed me how to make it SING! I did not know that it did that (note to self - try to research more about meditation, there is always something to learn).

My little one chose a beautiful pendant with the Buddhist Mantra of Wisdom and Compassion on it - OM Mani Padme Hum.  My other daughter chose a beautiful ring and a little box.  

I just couldn't believe the prices.  It made me realize what a ridiculously unnecessarily expensive city I live in (Miami).  So here you will get good prices, great items and wonderful warm service.

After an amazing Thai dinner, looking for that place we had passed by that had smelled SO great, we fount it.  Amy's Bread.  Such a simple name for such a complex and amazing array of deliciousness.  

Teeny Tiny bakery holds BIG humongous delicious delights.  There were five of us in this party - none of us had been here before so you know it was like a hidden camera show where the joke is being played on the poor girl behind the counter.  Either way, after about 20 minutes, 4 bags, paying 3 times because we kept on adding to our order they were finally rid of us.

At the apartment we took out the dessert, boiled some tea and started eating.  I had a Cherry scone.  Now, I adore cherries in any form but am always prepared to be disappointed because sometimes it hasn't been done right.  Here, it was.  It was the best scone.  EVER.  No lie.  It was late so it was cold but even cold it was amazing.  My daughter let me try her Coconut bar - super delish.  My Oatmeal Scone for breakfast the next day was effectively consumed as well - we were all pulling out our goodies and sharing them with everyone so we all had tastes.

We had bought a few breads for breakfast.  So we decided to ''try'' those as well.  OK so halfway through both breads and some amazing Mama Llamas' Awesomesauce - because on the Olive Bread it was even more amazing we declared ourselves done.

Good thing we had been walking all day.  It was crazy on the calories, but a testament to the greatness which is Amy's.  I wish I had one in Miami.  

Amy's I salute you!

On a super busy night we were able to get to the bar for a few nibbles and drinks with no wait.  

What I love about Chang's is that you know that the food is mostly consistent.  The eggplant we had was slightly less tangy than the last time at a different Chang's I went to a couple of weeks ago but otherwise the veggie lettuce wraps were great, the drinks good.  Since they were busy we weren't asked if we wanted white or brown rice so we automatically got white.  

All in all it was a good meal, a great time with perfect company!

Ohmygowwwd!  I *heart* this store!  Please let me explain why....  

First things first, it is closer than any other store with true Art Supplies (Michael's is sadly more for the craft folk than the artists), and other places are just way too far.  Foo foo joints and all.. gotta be where the hipsters are or the rich folk.... this place is just in a businessy (is that a word? It sure is now) area.  No nonsense, no hipsters.

Anyway we did find this place by chance driving by and since our kid does go to D.A.S.H. we spend a fortune on supplies and another fortune just getting to any of the stores, so this alone is a HUGE BIG RED Yelp star!  Then, we walk in and immediately the nicest guy helps us out and points us to the cheaper portfolio and tells us it is better than the more expensive one.  OK when you see two parents with a kid with blue hair you KNOW they will buy her whatever she needs or we perceive her to need for school, especially because we don't want to have to return every other day.  Did he take advantage of us?? NO!  He could have but honesty and great service, excellent prices and just plain 'ol good Ch'i rule here.  Do not spend your hard earned cash elsewhere.  I promise this place is worth it even if you do have to drive.  

Best spot in Miami, hands down.

I don't know if it is a change in management ..  they changed the menu, don't love it right now.  Its not bad, but it just seems more dependant on the lunch and everything else has been reduced size wise.

Been having issues with service, I went with my daughter once, the place is tiny and they play music at a decent volume.  There was a girl on a laptop sitting next to us and she decided to play HER music (crappy reggaeton at that) over the music playing.  I asked the server to lower the restaurants music and he told me he couldn't.  I made it clear that the conflicting music was really ruining my experience, my daughter and I couldn't have a conversation.  Finally after I couldn't take it anymore I asked the girl to please lower hers, I was nice and she sneered and gave me a huge attitude.  Then after a while she gets up and goes to the kitchen.  I then realized that she worked there!!!!  What horrible attitude!!!  I was floored, just in complete shock.  The server didn't say anything to her and then she gave ME attitude?  So wrong.  

So we stopped coming for a while, Cesar the server who was super awesome was no longer present, the current guy is just seeping with attitude and with kitchen staff like that I was wondering if my food came with a little extra on that day.

We saw some Groupon specials and decided to give them another try.  Food OK but that same server giving horrible service.  So for food they get the 3 stars.