Robert P.'s Profile

After months and months of staying away from this place because it turned into a drunken sorority mecca, I decided to try dinner on Saturday night.  I was allowed in by the two "bouncers" outside (?) and waited at the podium the host usually stands at.  I was seen by the servers, the bussers, the bartenders... And nothing.  7 minutes later, it was obvious I wasn't going to get seated or acknowledged anytime soon.  So we went to Chow instead and I had amazing fish tacos.  After having been such a fan of Lime for a long, long time, I think this was the final straw.  There is far better food in the Castro (Starbelly, Poesia, Eureka,) with better service and less douchiness.

Oh, how I love Radius.  I love meeting friends and sitting at the bar.  Drink a glass (or glasses if you're me) of wine and trying the following:

--Oysters!  Always a great selection
--Littleneck Clams!  Don't be shy about asking for extra bread to soak up the delicious broth.
--Cheese Tasting!  Lots of great cheeses with almonds and cranberries and all kinds of other deliciousness.
--Red Potato Crisps w/Brown Butter Hollandaise!  I swear, these are like crack cocaine!  So addicting!

I've had dinner at a table and it is equally good, I just prefer the more casual vibe of sitting at the bar.

Say hello to the owner, Christian, too!  He's super nice and friendly.

I am no longer a fan of Fresca.  Now that I work around the corner, I have visited twice for lunch and both times have been nearly identical.  

My colleague and I decided to visit for lunch today and boy do we regret visiting.  As a matter of fact, I'm now back at work after lunch...with an empty stomach.  Although our appetizer came out relatively quickly, our entrees are now wrapped in to-go boxes and sitting in our break room.  I had to ask a busboy to bring me more Coke (after it sat empty for 10+ minutes.)  Once we were pushing the one hour-mark, we informed our server we needed to have our meals boxed up since it was taking so long.  No apology, no explanation, only an annoyed "ok."  Meanwhile, we continued to wait, and the table next to us were served their food, even though they were seated at least 15 minutes after us.   And then when we tried to pay, my $100 bill was denied because he had no change.  (No, I don't normally carry cash, let alone hundreds, but I needed to break it.)  Regardless, this experienced sucked.

Never again.

Oh, Viceroy, how you did me wrong. From the start I should have known that it was not going to end well, but I chose to ignore and got myself burned.

When my partner and I arrived at the hotel on Thursday, 6/16/2011, for a one-night stay, we were actually impressed with the exterior of the property. It looks older, but relatively hidden and overall "cute." Even when we stepped in we were impressed with the décor and feel the small reception area had. What we were not impressed with was the lack of a/c in the "lobby." It felt hotter indoors than out. We were also not impressed with the fact that at 6pm, our room was still not ready "Because the major leak was being repaired." Hmmm, not words we want to hear when checking into our room. Luckily we only waited about 5 minutes and then were told we were good to go, "Since the jack hammering was done, although we wouldn't have water in our room for about 30 minutes." More words we don't really care to hear when checking into what is supposed to be a "luxury property."

The room itself was pretty cool. Obviously dated with wall unit a/c, but decorated nicely and rather large. Loved that they had full sized bottle of bathroom toiletries and 2 big bathrobes for us. We had upgraded to a larger room, so we had a balcony overlooking the main pool and it was also pretty spacious. The location of the tv in the closet and not really visible from the bed was weird, but we weren't really in Palm Springs to watch television...we were there for the pool.

Ah, yes, the pool. There are three pools and hot tubs located around the property, although we really only had interest in the main one located closest to our room. Before heading out for dinner and cocktails, we decided to take a quick dip and order a drink. The pool server was extremely friendly and gave us lots of recommendations of places to try. The pool was small, but clean and at a great temperature. Same for the hot tub.

When we came back to the hotel around 1:30am, we wanted to go for another dip. The pool area which is surrounded by tables for dining was still lively with people having cocktails and chatting. We decided to get in the hot tub, but did not turn on the jets. We sat there for about 10 minutes, making zero noise, surrounded by people having a grand time drinking their cocktails, before security came to inform us that we could not be in there, since the pool area was closed. We could only use "the other hot tub." I quickly stated that the whole point to us booking Viceroy that their website stated all three pools were open 24 hours. He replied "I don't know, I just started about 6 weeks ago. You guys can't be in here." So we were given the boot. Back at the room I pulled out my laptop and looked up the Viceroy's website where it does in fact state that all pools are open 24 hours.

The link is here: http://www.viceroypalm...

I'm also sure once they read this they will change it, so it clearly states:

Q. How many pools do you have and what are your hours?
A. We have three refreshing pools open 24 hours, two adults-only swimming pools and one family pool.

So back to the lobby I go to show the front desk attendant, who is also apparently the Night Manager that we were asked to leave the pool area when their website clearly states we could be there. She proceeded to tell me that "Although their website states that, she doesn't know why and that it is obviously incorrect." I explain to her that they should honor their own website as that was the main reason we chose to stay there in the first place. At this point, the same security guard shows up and stands behind her listening to the conversation. She tells me "It is her responsibility to maintain order at the hotel and that I absolutely cannot go back in the hot tub." I ask her what would happen if I did go back in and she tell me "Then I would have to have you removed and call the Police." She tells me I can leave the property and that they would be happy to refund for the night.

So off we go, at 2am, to the Ace Hotel. Where they also do not have a 24-hour pool, but they were apologetic about our experience at the Viceroy and discounted our room for the inconvenience. They also have an amazing shower and a massive and ridiculously comfortable bed.

What is WRONG with you, Viceroy? You want to blame me for your false advertising? And then offer my leaving the property as the solution? Something is seriously wrong with this picture. Shame on you. Never again. And thank you Ace Hotel for turning our ruined night into a peaceful one. I will definitely be visiting you again.

Yes, I eat out a lot.  Yes, I eat at classy restaurants.  Yes, even outside of San Francisco.  (L.A., Las Vegas, NYC, Chicago, etc.)  So I've been around the block.

Saison?  I do not understand.

For $285 per person, I expected to be amazed.  This was not the case.

The concept is cool.  Yes, it's hidden.  Yes, it's small.  Yes, you have no idea what the hell you are ordering because they don't let you; it's one menu, all pre-fixe, no options.  Yes, I was able to try things I wouldn't normally try.

But again, for $285 per person, I wanted to wish I could afford to come here everyday!  This was not the case.

Also, be forewarned that there is the madatory tax, SF health care whatever that is, and gratuity tacked on.  It does not matter what size your party is.

I can now say I have been and really have no desire to return.

I have been going here for almost two years now and I have yet to be disappointed. Cotton, Ahna and/or Steve (the owner) always take great care of me and make my absolutely impossible hair look good!

If your idea of a cool barber includes beer and great music in the background, with people who actually know that they're doing, then Public is definitely your go-to place!

I hate to say it, but this place has gone downhill after the infamous Bauer review. You know, the one that said Zero Zero is the "French Laundry of pizza." It appears they let it go their heads.

Having eaten here at least a dozen times now, I've experienced enough of this place to know that they take themselves entirely way too seriously with their rules.

Shall we begin?

1. No phone orders after 7pm. Yes, you have to come in and order and wait at the bar. (Fine.)
2. You may however, call in an order before 5:30pm (score!) but only with a limited menu (fail!)
3. I'm not sure exactly what time their "kitchen cut-off time" is, but this past Saturday at 10:45pm, with a restaurant full of people, we were told no more take-out because the kitchen was closed. (No soup for you!)
4. You need to place your to-go order with the bartender. Or...not. I guess it depends!
5. The bartender last night wanted us to place our drink order with him, and then go back to the hostess to take the food order and then come back with him. (Really? REALLY?) After we basically said WTF, he agreed to just take the order.

And it seems like everytime there is a new rule or a changed rule or a different employee who wants to try a different rule out for the night.

While normally I would give this joint four stars for the food and ambiance, after walking out pissed on more than one occasion, minus two stars seems appropriate.

Get it together Zero Zero. With places like Cotagna popping up, in a couple months you will be begging people to eat here...

I know, I know, I haven't Yelped in a really long time. But after having visited Rosebowl last night for the first time, I needed to get back on here to give it the review it deserves. This place is nothing short of awesome.

After being asked by my friend Terry to join him for his "Wednesday wine after work" at Rosebowl (for what I'm pretty sure was almost a year,) I finally agreed to tag-along and see what the hell he was talking about. A wine bar...in a flower shop...with a bunch of regulars? Didn't really seem like my kinda scene. But boy was I wrong! Everyone there (who all knew each other by name and greeted one another w/hugs and kisses) was extremely friendly and the owner was so incredibly sweet and accommodating. I tossed back 2 glasses of wine, wandered around the store to look at all the cool gifts and flowers and even purchased 2 bottles of wine to take home! I had so much fun chatting up the customers and well, relaxing. Something I don't often do.

I would not hesitate to come back here in a heartbeat and for sure will be using this florist to deliver flowers (AND WINE!) to a certain special someone.

*Bonus points to the owner for agreeing with me that people who look down on chardonnay have no clue what they're talking about. It's my favorite and I'll drink what I want to!

While the actual gym facilities are nice, their shady billing is what makes them more than earn their one star. After receiving a phone call yesterday from the location I joined at that my monthly dues didn't go through, I called back to fix the issue. Having my wallet lost/stolen last month, I knew what the issue was and had no problem taking care of it. This morning I looked at my bank account to see that there was $80 authorized by them...which didn't add up since my monthly charge is $25. I called the location back to inquire and was told that it was actually July and August that had been returned due to the timing. I would have been more than fine with had they not tacked on $15 PER MONTH as an "inconvenience fee" for them. $15 is 60% of $25. Does this make ANY sense?

I think not.

I explained that I had not authorized this and although technically he only said "this month's fees", I obviously had no issues paying both months I owed, but the $15 x 2 was ridiculous. The employee told me there was nothing he could do and referred me to "Cat who is in charge of billing". I called her to explain the situation and she basically said the same thing. Nothing she could do.

Apparently I'm the dumb one, because if you Google "Gold's Gym billing" you come across web page after web page for complaints, lawsuits, etc. re: their shady ways.

Whatever. I'm not going to continue stressing over $30, but I can definitely give my two cents to anyone who asks.

Finally, a 5 star!

After getting tired of walking all the way  to Starbucks, only to be greeted by a half-retarded staff and a line that only an idiot (read: me) would stand in, I knew I needed a change. Thanks to Gregor G., farm:table was recommended and it only took me 3 weeks to actually try it out.

Wow.

I asked if they could make an iced latte, and was told no, BUT, they could make me an iced coffee w/cream and sugar and I figured what the hell. And can I be any happier that I did? I think not. It's delicious and only $3.50 and I was in and out within 4 minutes. Now THIS is what a morning coffee run is supposed to be like.

Oh, and the workers? Pretty easy on the eyes. Ha.