Chris N.'s Profile
DateStockton, CA 95203
(800) 777-0133
Department of Motor Vehicles
Category:
Public Services & Government
1 Previous Review:
-
1/20/2012
I've gotta say, every time I visit a DMV, all the biases I had set in my mind get reaffirmed. This really is a miserable way to spend an afternoon.
The frustration started as soon as I pulled into the tiny lot. Barely any parking, and the spots that were open were hogged by either terrible drivers that parked over the line or by massive SUVs parked in compact spots. Sometimes I just hate people.
But it doesn't get better from there. As you walk into the front door, there is no clear explanation for where you're supposed to go. To the right is a desk with a single woman beneath a sign that says "Start Here." I'd start there, but next to that sign there is one reading "Appointments Only." Now, I consider myself a person of moderate intelligence, but I must have stood there for several minutes before figuring out that there is a separate line for non-appointment people. The best part of that line is that everyone with an appointment or question gets to cut in front of you, and since there is only one woman at the desk, your line never moves. The guy in front of me explained that he called the appointment number 4 times but no one ever answered.
After maybe 20 minutes of waiting (I was second in line), I made it to the front and got my number: G122. It was already at G107, so I figured it was only a few away! Turns out this sadistically deceptive system has several letter classifications, so waiting for your number to come up can be brutal. To top it off, half of the windows were empty.
So I was left spending the time looking around and overhearing conversations, which must be a similar experience to being in the studio audience for the Steve Wilkos Show. Hoo-wee, Stockton's got some fun residents.
Once my number was finally called, the whole process took maybe 5 minutes. The gal at the counter was friendly enough, but seemed vacant and hollow inside. I don't think she made eye contact with me once. Guess this is what a life at the DMV does to a person?
As I was about to leave, there was a car accident behind my parking spot and I was further delayed. All together, it took over 2 hours to renew my license (the sign said 45 minutes when I entered). What a waste of a day.
Rutherford, CA 94573
(707) 963-1792
Rutherford Grill
Categories:
American (New),
American (Traditional)
First off, there's no corkage fee, which is something special for wine country. The BV Vineyard next door is a great place to do some tastings, and you can walk right over.
However this place definitely seems popular with the tourists... we went in around 11:30 AM for lunch on a Friday and there was a line out the door. Reservations would be a good idea. After a 45 minute wait, we were seated and ready to go.
They had an appetizer on the specials that was really something: blue cheese chips... which is exactly what it sounds like. An ungodly amount of blue cheese heaped onto a pile of chips and melted. If that doesn't make your heart hurt, nothing will.
For the main course, I tried their popular veggie burger, which was certainly a nice item to see on a menu. Vegetarian options are often limited, if there are any at all, so I applaud them for this effort. It was interesting... sweeter than I had anticipated, with a base that seemed to be largely rice. It was certainly tasty, but a little different than expected. I felt the same way about the slaw that it came with... different than I expected, but good.
The service was solid, and the prices were reasonable considering where we were. Overall it was a great place for lunch, but it didn't quite earn that final 1/2 star from me.
Saint Helena, CA 94574
(707) 963-7077
Wine Country Inn
Categories:
Hotels,
Bed & Breakfast
Despite visiting on the one rainy day in months, we had a blast. Our room was fantastic (#25) and featured a gas fireplace and private hot tub on the back patio, which had a view of a vineyard. We had been relaxing for hours before I even noticed that there wasn't a TV in the room, which I wasn't about to complain about (but make sure you're staying there with someone you can tolerate!).
In the evening, they have a local winery providing (ample) wine tastings in the lobby, along with a variety of appetizers. Innkeeper Jim, who oversaw the festivities, was great and seemed to genuinely enjoy chatting with the guests. Following that, they had an SUV limo that would take you to and from restaurants in the area. Awesome!
That limo is also used for wine tours that they offer at an additional charge. We didn't take part in this, but it sounded like a quality time.
The breakfast spread in the morning was impressive as well, which will fill you up and leave enough time to linger before a noon check-out time.
Overall, we had a wonderful time and would highly recommend staying here!!
Listed in: Hotel Adventures
San Marcos, CA 92078
(760) 510-9307
Hyuga Sushi
Categories:
Japanese,
Sushi Bars
I stopped in for a birthday party that rented out the place, and the owner and his staff were fantastic. Way more food than we could finish, and it was top quality.
I'm not usually around San Diego, but all the locals in the group assured me this was their favorite sushi place around. Plus the owner was great. He was kind enough to put my Oregon Ducks game on TV during the party, and that warrants an extra star right there!
All around, an excellent sushi restaurant, and I'd love to go back!
Sacramento, CA 95814
(916) 341-0532
Mati's
Categories:
Indian,
Gluten-Free
Neighborhoods: Downtown, Midtown
Reasonably priced, the dish-you-up-as-you-order setup works very well for Indian food. Quick, with many options that all look delicious. Oh, and the naan bread is fantastic.
They offer several sauce options for dipping the naan bread... so many that it was hard being limited to only 2.
Great for a quick and fairly inexpensive lunch. I just wish they were open Sunday too!
Jorge's is a little strip mall type restaurant that doesn't look like much on the outside (or inside), but they know how to make some solid Mexican food.
I hope to return one day. Good stuff.
The white pizza was delicious, and I was sad to see it gone when I finished. The pear and gorgonzola is also a personal favorite, but I decided to mix it up this time.
The staff was all very friendly and prompt. Service overall was great. They also had this little computer monitor at each table, where you could keep track of your bill and play trivia games.
Plenty of TVs and seating, with a quality drink list. This is a CPK location that does everything right.
Sacramento, CA 95814
(916) 446-7456
Dad's on J
Categories:
Sandwiches,
Burgers
Neighborhood: Downtown
If you go in around noon, you're probably going to have trouble finding a place to sit. Even if you do claim an empty chair, you'll probably feel like you're in the way, and if you sit anywhere near the front door, expect to regularly be blasted by the cold (if it's winter).
But the gardenburger that I ordered was delicious. Huge, with grilled onions and cheese... it made a mess, but it was really darn good. The fries were solid as well. The whole meal was under $10, which is perfectly reasonable.
Again, avoid the lunch rush if possible, because it gets crowded fast and orders don't come up that quickly. Unfortunately they were closed when I went by on the weekend, so perhaps a late lunch is your best bet.
Listed in: Veggie Burgers Around Sac
Sacramento, CA 95824
Tacos El Sinaloense - Taco Truck
Category:
Food Stands
But I finally found myself with some cash (no credit cards accepted) and a desire for a burrito, so I decided to check it out. And boy, am I glad I did.
The vegetarian burrito was delicious, and worth the $5 price tag. Easily the best in the Fruitridge area, and that's saying a lot because every other business is a Mexican restaurant. It included a side of peppers and radishes, which I didn't really understand, but it was appreciated.
If you're really feeling adventurous, there were some pretty crazy items on the menu... Beef tongue... beef head... beef brain... I can only assume they sound more appetizing when said in Spanish, but since I ordered the vegetarian burrito I guess I have no business judging. Just know that the option of beef brain is there!
Some of the best Mex in town. Glad I finally stopped!
Listed in: Best & Worst Mex in Sactown
Service isn't as personal, the accessory options are limited, and they weren't able to access accounts without a password or social security number. I was trying to figure out if someone was eligible for an upgrade (as a Christmas present), and they weren't able to help me out.
Again, it isn't really their fault if that is how the system works, but I wasn't able to get what I needed on my visit.
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Sacramento, CA
Yelping SinceJanuary 2009
Find Me InSacramento, CA
My HometownPiedmont, CA
When I'm Not Yelping...I go on adventures.
My Second Favorite Website The Last Great Book I ReadTV Guide
After the previously mentioned hellish experience that I had at this DMV, my renewed licence finally arrived in the mail, and sure enough, they F'ed it up.
My weight on the licence is listed as 100 pounds, not 200. Come on. After sitting on hold for half an hour to talk to someone, they said I'd have to go back in to correct it.
I think it would be easier and less painful to lose the 100 pounds than it would be to go back in there.
Damnit.