Marianna "Marilala" T.'s Profile

I've been to Hair Waves twice in the past three years, but I will now use their services more frequently.

The first time I went was to have my hair done for a wedding.  The bride decided that was where she wanted us to get coiffed.  I don't remember the name of the woman who did my hair for the occasion, but I think she took for granted that while I have very wavy hair, it has a tendency to be easily weighed down by certain hair products.  However, I had a hair style that remained shiny throughout a very long day of picture-taking and running around from ceremony to reception, dancing, crying, etc.

More recently, I stopped in for dye and a trim.  Michelle took very good care of me and examined the condition of my hair before making a final decision as to what product would best keep my hair in good shape.  I really appreciated that she took the time to explain my hair's condition and the possible reaction it could have to permanent hair dye.  She knew what color would work best with me and the long-term effects that would best benefit the health of my hair.

She trimmed my hair so that the ends fell into a more natural wave and also blow dried it straight.  I was able to keep that hair do for two days before having to wash it.

Another enjoyable aspect of getting myself dolled up there was that I was offered coffee and water.  I opted for coffee and got a lovely cup and saucer with two yummy cookies.  I really needed that caffeine boost as I was feeling a little sleepy and needed to be able to stay up a little late for dinner plans.

I will go back.  I really enjoyed the hair cut and the service given to me by Michelle.  She was friendly, knowledgeable, and took great pride in the outcome of her work.

There are numerous things you've got to try when visiting Taqueria Jalisco.  First of all, it's a small restaurant located in Bell Plaza, a strip mall on Atlantic Avenue and Randolph.  Seating is limited on busy nights, but however long you have to wait, you will leave satisfied.

Recommended items are: Quesadilla with Carne Asada, Burrito de Asada, Shrimp Cocktail, and the Carne Asada Nachos.

All ingredients are savory and flavorful.  The salsas have a slightly smoky taste and definitely kick in after the second bite.  The red sauce goes great with the Asada Burrito.

What really hooks me about this place is how chill the owner is.  Not long ago my mom sent me on a quest to find chicken soup (or as some of us would better know it, caldito de pollo).  The man there, who I assume is the owner, said, "Well, we don't have any here but lemme give the pupuseria a call and see what they've got."  He went ahead and called the Salvadorean restaurant across from us and referred us to them.  We chatted for a while about how other restaurants don't make their stocks fresh, they freeze them for a time and then defrost them when a certain order is placed.  After I left to place my order for soup at the other restaurant, I looked at my receipt and realized that I'd been given a small discount on my order.

I love it when businesses work as a family.  Very positive vibes from Taqueria Jalisco and a delicious, irresistable menu.  Do yourself a favor and call in your order or get over there right now for a burrito and some nachos.

You can tell that they've really put in a lot of hard work in making this little place a lovely, often romantic little setting.  The servers are pretty and young and have very pleasant manners.  They've recently provided a happy hour menu that includes the Thai Mojito, Lemondrops, and Sangria.

I recommend some familiar favorites:  Pad See Ew with Beef, Pad Thai, Peanut Pleasure (though it has a funny appearance), and the appetizers.  Their dessert is so decadent as well! Delicious homemade coconut ice cream, fried ice cream, fried bananas...stop me.

The tables usually hold orchids and small candles.  The music is jazzy and if there's a game on, they will turn the TVs on for it.  I really like this place.  It's in the same strip mall as the Stardust where several of my friends play on Thursdays.

Joy Sushi is a really nice little place in the Whitwood Town Center.  The rolls are amazing and so are the people.  I watched the sushi chef and a patron down a whole beer, the bottom of which contained a quail egg.

The women are lovely and pleasant although now and then they've got some odd stuff on their flat screens.  Last time I went I was watching a Beyonce DVD.  

I've enjoyed some really creamy sake and tempura rolls.  My preference is for yellowtail tuna and a few other raw delights, and in the several times I've been there, I have yet to suffer any disappointments.  The flooring is dark bamboo, the setting is neat, and it's just overall a very pleasant place to eat with friends or future lovers.

I want to talk about a Cole's that once was, before The Varnish took up a great portion of this old haunt.

Ali Mazarei used to make me the best Manhattan I ever had.  Now and then he would sneak to the back and grab a few french dip sandwiches wrapped in foil, still warm and delicious.  We ate them up almost forgetting all the drinks at our table.  Sawdust on the floor, cigarettes just outside the door.  It was gritty, it was dark, and it was fun.  Neighbors came down from their lofts now and then to check out the local bands, most of them my friends' bands.  Long gone are the days of Silent Gray, Pleasant Something, Profugos, and Nu Republic playing in the back room and bringing in the indie rockers and brit poppers.

Sometimes, when the girls and I ran off to the ladies' room to talk about boys, we'd be a little scared taking those few steps down into the subterranean feel of the building though we were really not that far from the surface. We shook off the creepy feeling by handling our business and checking our lipstick.  

I haven't been there since The Association opened, but I will try to check that out and come back to share about how it has changed.

Incredibly delicious.  I had the Austin Blues and was sad when I ate it all because it was so frickin' good.  Happily washed it down with a stein of Optimator.  That's quite a lot of beer for a lady but NO REGRETS ever with Spaten Optimator in hand.

Great place.  Entrance is deceiving!  Small area for ordering.  Looking to spend about $6 for each sausage served with grilled onions, sweet peppers, or spicy peppers.  Your choice.

Walk around to the back with your number to the dining area and find yourself a seat whether at a small table or a large picnic style table with your friends.

Highly recommend the Pulled Pork Cuban Sandwich.  If you're a beer fan, I think you can acknowledge that a place that offers Hoegaarden, Three Philosophers, Delerium Tremens, Chimay, and a few other great beers can't be passed up.  I've also been known to have a shot of Maker's Mark or a cocktail.  Whatever your poison is, they seem to have it.

The only downside was that one bartender got way too confident and started flirting with my best friend.  This made her feel uncomfortable and that's not a great way to keep a customer coming back. For etiquette's sake, let the customer flirt with you first before you go and lose a patron.  Not that he wasn't cute, but I want to continue going back with my friend without worrying about little things like that.

The menu looks good.  All items are written on large chalkboards that are hung on the walls.  Order your food at the bar, take your number and your drinks to the table or booth of your choice and have yourself a fabulous evening.

Decor is dark and comfortable.  Old movies are projected onto a screen above and to the right of the bar.  Along the walls on the way to the washroom are quotes, one from the Raymond Carver short story, "A Small Good Thing" and it reads:  Eating is a small good thing in a time like this.

That's what hooked me.  I will keep going back.

Seems like almost every time I've been here, there's been a story to tell.  This is a great place for getting trashed without worrying about what people think.  You can walk to the back exit and smoke a cigarette or come out the front and buy a burrito next door.

Over time, the quality of bartenders has drastically changed.  There used to be a girl named Erica there who made an amazing Alabama Slammer.  Nidia, who is there almost every night I believe, she's a bit sloppy, but more so on busy nights.  If it gets too crowded she becomes overwhelmed and won't make a Bloody Mary.

I've seen boobs.  Lots of boobs.  First pair I saw was in the women's restroom.  No idea why they were shown, but they were lovely.  I've also seen another patron's boobs after she was pretty trashed and had spent most of the night trying to get me to kiss her.  That same night, Nidia showed us one of hers and well, the decision was that natural boobs are prettier than fake ones.

There's been lots of vomiting, crying, running, you name it.  And you know what?  Nobody judges you!

I've met Elvis the cab driver, a quiet biker dude who let me sit on his motorcycle for a picture, and a Samoan who has psychic abilities.  Now you tell where else in Downey you will find that?

But it could be that I've been there way too many times in my life.  The dive has seen several boyfriends come and go, but my friends and I remain the same.  I recommend bottled beer, vodka tonics, and shots of Chocolate Cake.