Taj "Impresario of Lifestyle" T.'s Profile
Date
3708 Las Vegas Blvd S
Las Vegas, NV 89109
(702) 698-7950
Las Vegas, NV 89109
(702) 698-7950
Jaleo
Categories:
Spanish,
Tapas/Small Plates
Neighborhood: The Strip
320 S Arroyo Pkwy
Pasadena, CA 91105
(626) 577-6001
Pasadena, CA 91105
(626) 577-6001
Houston's
Categories:
Steakhouses,
American (New)
Neighborhood: Pasadena
I must disclaim this rating with the following: I absolutely love Houston's. It is one of my favorite dining establishments of ALL TIME. This review is not a reflection on my personal taste it is neutral and I can only keep it 100% real.
Rating criteria:
Quality of Service
Quality of Food
Quality of Experience
SERVICE
Houstons Pasadena receives and absolute ZERO on service which equals no more than 1 star in overall rating. That's my rule.
Why? Recently I dined there with a party of 4. We put our names on the main dining room waiting list but in the interim decided to grab appetizers at the first come first serve booths adjacent to the bar until our table was prepared. These aren't the oversized booths either really made for 2 people (1 on each side). So with 4 you are squeezing folks to make it work. Also mind you, this is very typical at most restaurants (to order apps before a table is ready). Instead of being greeted with menus and asked for our drink requests we were instructed that we had to order our full meal from the bar or we could not sit there. I immediately asked for the manager on duty. Upon her arrival she advised me that it is Houston's policy to reserve bar seating for dining. I said the policy was completely ridiculous and I also advised her that I'm a huge fan of the HIllstone Group family of restaurants eating almost weekly at them, and I had NEVER been told such a thing. Plus the table was TOO small for 4 ppl! After my rant she said she'd make an exception, but I was still pissed. It was the principle of now an exception has to be made? No, the "policy" is WRONG all together. I'll digress.
It got worse at the table, I asked for the specials, the waitress said there were none. I said really? Not one? She said no. So I asked someone else and she gave me the run down. SMH
FOOD
Love the food...period.
Experience
It was soured on this night and this location does not have the best service out of the many SoCal locations. I have dined since this episode with better experiences but I'm only dining here to to proximity. The corporate office will be notified of the aforementioned.
Rating criteria:
Quality of Service
Quality of Food
Quality of Experience
SERVICE
Houstons Pasadena receives and absolute ZERO on service which equals no more than 1 star in overall rating. That's my rule.
Why? Recently I dined there with a party of 4. We put our names on the main dining room waiting list but in the interim decided to grab appetizers at the first come first serve booths adjacent to the bar until our table was prepared. These aren't the oversized booths either really made for 2 people (1 on each side). So with 4 you are squeezing folks to make it work. Also mind you, this is very typical at most restaurants (to order apps before a table is ready). Instead of being greeted with menus and asked for our drink requests we were instructed that we had to order our full meal from the bar or we could not sit there. I immediately asked for the manager on duty. Upon her arrival she advised me that it is Houston's policy to reserve bar seating for dining. I said the policy was completely ridiculous and I also advised her that I'm a huge fan of the HIllstone Group family of restaurants eating almost weekly at them, and I had NEVER been told such a thing. Plus the table was TOO small for 4 ppl! After my rant she said she'd make an exception, but I was still pissed. It was the principle of now an exception has to be made? No, the "policy" is WRONG all together. I'll digress.
It got worse at the table, I asked for the specials, the waitress said there were none. I said really? Not one? She said no. So I asked someone else and she gave me the run down. SMH
FOOD
Love the food...period.
Experience
It was soured on this night and this location does not have the best service out of the many SoCal locations. I have dined since this episode with better experiences but I'm only dining here to to proximity. The corporate office will be notified of the aforementioned.
Rating criteria:
Quality of Service
Quality of Food
Quality of Experience
SERVICE
I eat here on a regular basis. I know all the staff, management and they know what I'm going to order most days. For that alone the service is on point. But since I dine there so frequently, I've asked them to consider a locals discount or service incentive for repeat regular folks like myself.
FOOD
Fish Camp has THE BEST clam chowder in Los Angeles Metro. I'm a huge clam chowder lover (white chowder) and it is second to none in LA. The fish selection is 100% fresh whether farm or wild. I especially like the Tilapia with parmesan crust. Sometimes I think a few dishes would be better with capers and a richer lemon sauce, generally I could use a tad more flavor on the fish. But overall they are consistent.
Experience
This venue is not actually in Huntington Beach, its in Sunset Beach so this actually makes it a better experience because parking is great, traffic is minimal and chaos is limited unlike surf city. Overall a great lunch or dinner atmosphere at a decent price point for the quality of food.
Quality of Service
Quality of Food
Quality of Experience
SERVICE
I eat here on a regular basis. I know all the staff, management and they know what I'm going to order most days. For that alone the service is on point. But since I dine there so frequently, I've asked them to consider a locals discount or service incentive for repeat regular folks like myself.
FOOD
Fish Camp has THE BEST clam chowder in Los Angeles Metro. I'm a huge clam chowder lover (white chowder) and it is second to none in LA. The fish selection is 100% fresh whether farm or wild. I especially like the Tilapia with parmesan crust. Sometimes I think a few dishes would be better with capers and a richer lemon sauce, generally I could use a tad more flavor on the fish. But overall they are consistent.
Experience
This venue is not actually in Huntington Beach, its in Sunset Beach so this actually makes it a better experience because parking is great, traffic is minimal and chaos is limited unlike surf city. Overall a great lunch or dinner atmosphere at a decent price point for the quality of food.
10982 W Pico Blvd
Los Angeles, CA 90048
(310) 441-0404
Los Angeles, CA 90048
(310) 441-0404
Bossa Nova Brazilian Cuisine
Category:
Brazilian
Neighborhood: West Los Angeles
This is my favorite of all the Bossa Nova locations.
Hollywood is too busy, West Hollywood is too small, so is the BH location.
I'm a loyalist to Bossa Nova especially due to their late night hours (til 4 AM) so its the perfect "after the club/lounge/night on the town.
Rating criteria:
Quality of Service
Quality of Food
Quality of Experience
SERVICE:
I've had a range of service experiences with Bossa Nova, some great, some good and some grossly negative. Overall the waitstaff is extremely friendly and accommodating. The handful of experiences that weren't to my liking were based upon a negative energy and assumption of the server as that I may not know anything about Brazilian cuisine. LOL I will laugh it off.
FOOD:
AMAZING. Especially the Pasta's. I order the same thing virtually every time I go. Sunset Pasta (hold Mushrooms). The menu is very expansive and you can reach the ends of the earth with the selection and quality. Did I mention the sangria? Get a pitcher.
EXPERIENCE:
Generally a B+ experience and the accommodation of late night hours adds the plus. I just love this place.
Hollywood is too busy, West Hollywood is too small, so is the BH location.
I'm a loyalist to Bossa Nova especially due to their late night hours (til 4 AM) so its the perfect "after the club/lounge/night on the town.
Rating criteria:
Quality of Service
Quality of Food
Quality of Experience
SERVICE:
I've had a range of service experiences with Bossa Nova, some great, some good and some grossly negative. Overall the waitstaff is extremely friendly and accommodating. The handful of experiences that weren't to my liking were based upon a negative energy and assumption of the server as that I may not know anything about Brazilian cuisine. LOL I will laugh it off.
FOOD:
AMAZING. Especially the Pasta's. I order the same thing virtually every time I go. Sunset Pasta (hold Mushrooms). The menu is very expansive and you can reach the ends of the earth with the selection and quality. Did I mention the sangria? Get a pitcher.
EXPERIENCE:
Generally a B+ experience and the accommodation of late night hours adds the plus. I just love this place.
122 S Lake Ave
Pasadena, CA 91101
(626) 584-7000
Pasadena, CA 91101
(626) 584-7000
Jersey Mike's Subs
Category:
Sandwiches
Neighborhood: Pasadena
I REALLY like Jersey Mike's Subs!
Typically, I'm not a "chain" restaurant sorta guy at all. I hate subway, Togos, Quiznos and all the other sandwich chains you can think of. The quality is not representative of a neighborhood deli or even your fav local grocery deli. Processed meats, frozen goods, etc. Not my style.
Quality of Service
I like to be greeted near instantaneously upon entering a place and I was. The staff was friendly and right away let me know that I would be helped. Please note, I'm the type of client that if I don't feel greeted upon entry I will walk out of your digs and tell anyone else walking in not to.
Quality of Food
I'm a HUGE cheese steak lover. Well normally chicken steak - I mean serious. I've yet to discover a worthy steak sandwich venue in Southern CA before discovering Jersey Mike's. When I say I know Cheese steak I'm for real. Been to Philly tried Gino's & Pats and the corner store steak sandwiches from the hood, Love Gutbusters in ATL (from my college days) and a few others. So I get it. Jersey Mike's is solid on this front. Freshly baked bread everyday, meat is sliced upon order, ingredients are fresh too.
Quality of Experience
Great experience, good system of organization, good sandwiches. BUT too pricey $12.02 for a foot long. Ouch! If the pricing would have been more reasonable I could give this a 5 star rating.
Typically, I'm not a "chain" restaurant sorta guy at all. I hate subway, Togos, Quiznos and all the other sandwich chains you can think of. The quality is not representative of a neighborhood deli or even your fav local grocery deli. Processed meats, frozen goods, etc. Not my style.
Quality of Service
I like to be greeted near instantaneously upon entering a place and I was. The staff was friendly and right away let me know that I would be helped. Please note, I'm the type of client that if I don't feel greeted upon entry I will walk out of your digs and tell anyone else walking in not to.
Quality of Food
I'm a HUGE cheese steak lover. Well normally chicken steak - I mean serious. I've yet to discover a worthy steak sandwich venue in Southern CA before discovering Jersey Mike's. When I say I know Cheese steak I'm for real. Been to Philly tried Gino's & Pats and the corner store steak sandwiches from the hood, Love Gutbusters in ATL (from my college days) and a few others. So I get it. Jersey Mike's is solid on this front. Freshly baked bread everyday, meat is sliced upon order, ingredients are fresh too.
Quality of Experience
Great experience, good system of organization, good sandwiches. BUT too pricey $12.02 for a foot long. Ouch! If the pricing would have been more reasonable I could give this a 5 star rating.
Sancho's is a hit with me. But VERY pricey for a taco joint.
Rating criteria:
Quality of Service
Quality of Food
Quality of Experience
Service
Friendly, approachable and offers a local flavor.
Food
Tacos, Chicken - highly recommend with chubbie sauce, cheese & sour cream. You really can't go wrong with any of the meat choices. Burritos are ok too. But I'd recommend tacos first.
Breakfast burritos are HUGE and a lot to eat, you don't feel like you are being cheated at all on portion sizes.
Experience
This is a local establishment in every since of the word, if you drove past this place you may not go in. But if you experience I don't think you'd be disappointed in the least bit. Besides the spiked prices $2.89 for a single taco (not including all the fixings) I recommend this place for a lunch. Just don't go super hungry. You could easily spend $25 for two people, compared to a "taco truck" $25 would feed a large family.
Rating criteria:
Quality of Service
Quality of Food
Quality of Experience
Service
Friendly, approachable and offers a local flavor.
Food
Tacos, Chicken - highly recommend with chubbie sauce, cheese & sour cream. You really can't go wrong with any of the meat choices. Burritos are ok too. But I'd recommend tacos first.
Breakfast burritos are HUGE and a lot to eat, you don't feel like you are being cheated at all on portion sizes.
Experience
This is a local establishment in every since of the word, if you drove past this place you may not go in. But if you experience I don't think you'd be disappointed in the least bit. Besides the spiked prices $2.89 for a single taco (not including all the fixings) I recommend this place for a lunch. Just don't go super hungry. You could easily spend $25 for two people, compared to a "taco truck" $25 would feed a large family.
Southern CA is not known for having magnificent BBQ. This review will certainly endorse that statement.
I will rate based upon 3 criteria:
Quality of Service
Quality of Food
Quality of Experience
Service:
This place isnt extremely busy, but in times of the lunch rush it can take an extra moment to get your food. I did not find the service to be exceptional nor did the restaurant honor a free lunch coupon that I received (with no expiration date). That was very poor service to me. Further, I give restaurants a "chance" to show what they are really about so I try to dine more than once if a second or third experience will justify. I went for the third and FINAL time today. My food was delivered cold and I had to send it back to be warmed up. Upon that request I was greeted with a look of annoyance. I didn't feel like my patron ship was appreciated.
Food:
I have been to this establishment a handful of times while visiting the area. They have a decent tri-tip sandwich and a fairly sweat & mild BBQ sauce. As mentioned in the service, my sandwich was cold so that ruined my mood. On a brighter note they serve BBQ sauce in heat controlled dispensers which is a first. A nice touch (but today they weren't working properly).
Experience:
Overall I have had a less than rewarding experience with this venue mainly do to the service. The food is decent but nothing to write home about.
I will rate based upon 3 criteria:
Quality of Service
Quality of Food
Quality of Experience
Service:
This place isnt extremely busy, but in times of the lunch rush it can take an extra moment to get your food. I did not find the service to be exceptional nor did the restaurant honor a free lunch coupon that I received (with no expiration date). That was very poor service to me. Further, I give restaurants a "chance" to show what they are really about so I try to dine more than once if a second or third experience will justify. I went for the third and FINAL time today. My food was delivered cold and I had to send it back to be warmed up. Upon that request I was greeted with a look of annoyance. I didn't feel like my patron ship was appreciated.
Food:
I have been to this establishment a handful of times while visiting the area. They have a decent tri-tip sandwich and a fairly sweat & mild BBQ sauce. As mentioned in the service, my sandwich was cold so that ruined my mood. On a brighter note they serve BBQ sauce in heat controlled dispensers which is a first. A nice touch (but today they weren't working properly).
Experience:
Overall I have had a less than rewarding experience with this venue mainly do to the service. The food is decent but nothing to write home about.
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"The Impresario of Lifestyle, Music & Pop Culture"
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Review votes:
3 Useful, 0 Funny, and 1 Cool
Compliments
Location
Los Angeles, CA
Yelping SinceApril 2010
Things I Loveart, culture, lifestyle, music and social engagement
Find Me InLos Angeles, CA
My HometownOakland, CA
My Blog Or Website When I'm Not Yelping...I create musical masterpieces
Why You Should Read My ReviewsI'm the Impresario of Lifestyle - a true tastemaker
My Second Favorite Website The Last Great Book I ReadPower of Awareness
My First ConcertLionel Hampton
My Favorite MovieBoomerang
My Last Meal On EarthSurf & Turf
Don't Tell Anyone Else But...I hate waiting in lines
Most Recent Discoverywon't tell - its a trade secret
Quality of Service
Quality of Food
Quality of Experience
SERVICE
Pretty great service. I can't complain here. I was greeted by a wonderful hostess, and our waiter was delightful.
FOOD
I'm not a huge fan of tapas establishments because I never feel full after the experience + the food comes out too slow in many cases as was my experience with Jaleo. I did enjoy the Brussel sprout inspired salad, and spinach salad, the meat items (carne asada & fried shrimp) ordered were OK, but not seasoned to my liking.
Experience
This venue is inside the Cosmopolitan Hotel. So it gets an A on location, the experience was charming nonetheless and if you like tapas you will enjoy.