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23704 Farmington Rd
Farmington, MI 48336
(248) 474-8213

Farmington Shoe Repair  

Category: Shoe Repair

5.0 star rating
8/30/2010 1 Check-in Here
I've taken a few pairs of shoes here and have always been satisfied. I was particularly impressed with a recent repair of strappy heels that I tore a strap on. They replaced the single leather strap on both shoes to make them look the same. $20 and a quick turn around.

Great people with reasonable prices. They also repair purses and luggage and have various shoe accessories. Highly recommend!

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578 Starkweather St
Plymouth, MI 48170
(734) 455-2630

Plymouth Fish Seafood Market & Restaurant  

Category: Seafood

3.0 star rating
8/30/2010 1 Check-in Here
Ok so it's a fish market proclaiming fresh fish of many types - get it grilled or get it fried. We wandered in here starving and not wanting to venture about in Plymouth much and had a decent meal.

The service was nice. We sat at an outdoor table. The outdoor space seemed to effectively double this tiny place! I ordered shrimp and scallop scampi. I really enjoyed the coleslaw served with it, just typical veg with a lighter dressing and some dill, nice. The shrimp and scampi were fresh and well cooked but the seasoning, or lack of, just didn't tickle my fancy. The steak fries I got as my side (I know, I'm addicted) were awesome and very Red Robin-esque.

All in all, ok but I don't think this is a place I would crave...

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501 S Washington Ave
Royal Oak, MI 48067
(248) 298-2460

5th & Fringe Salon & Spa  

Categories: Hair Salons, Skin Care
Neighborhood: Downtown Royal Oak

1.0 star rating
8/23/2010 1 Check-in Here
I was hoping to be able to write a nice little review but, I am sad to say I was more disappointed in this salon than I could have imagined. I too purchased a Groupon. I called that day to make an appointment and the kind receptionist said that due to the large volume of appointments being made she would have to take my name and number and they would get back to me. Ok no biggie, I was excited to get a deal - you give a little to get a little. They did call me the next day and I finally was able to find an appointment that would work for me and my girlfriend that was about 3 weeks away. Sweet, we were excited.

The day of our appointment we got there. The interior seemed nice, minus the piles of boxes by the reception desk. The music was clubby not so calming. We were greeted and taken to the waiting area and offered a beverage. Nice, and I just love that Aveda tea! We then were asked to present our Groupons and then we were met by our manicurists (is that the right word?) and taken to the nail area.

This is where I started to question the situation. There was a VERY limited selection of colors to choose from, most of them had sparkles which just isn't my style. Next we had our hands dipped in the paraffin that was perched on a very scary looking apparatus, I actually knocked it and nearly sent the wax flying. The little mitts they put on your hands after were soft and nice. We then sat in some massage (more like vibrating) chairs and soaked our feet. What happened next was not the indicated services on the Groupon - no sea salt exfoliation, no expert care, not a good pedicure at all. The staff members spent most of the time talking to each other or complaining about how their backs hurt, or that they wanted to go out for Friday night fun, or that they were annoyed that they had appointments after our 7:30 appointment. My nails were barely shaped, nothing was moisturized and the paint job I could have done (which isn't a good thing)...

Next was our manicures, which unfortunately took place at manicure stations on opposite sides of the salon so my friend and I couldn't chat. My nails were not shaped well, nothing was moisturized and no sign of that lovely sea salt exfoliation I was promised. My nails looked a hot mess when I left, in fact the paint job on my right hand actually melted off by the time we walked across the street for dinner - like when you accidentally leave lotion on your hands before polishing. Completely disappointed I went home and removed the polish and tried to refile my nails, ended up just having to cut them to make them even.

We learned that the girls providing our services had not been at the salon long, the one working on my friend had started the week before. No biggie if they did a decent job but they didn't. Groupon should NOT be a way to train your staff. Also, while I don't mind spending some time at the salon when it takes nearly 2 hours for a really poor manicure and pedicure it's frustrating. I guess the staff doesn't feel as motivated when they already know what they're being tipped. Won't be back and I'm glad I didn't purchase anyone else this Groupon as a gift...I would be returning it!

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29160 Eureka Rd
Romulus, MI 48174
(734) 941-9388

Block's Stand & Greenhouse  

Categories: Home & Garden, Farmers Market
Neighborhood: Downriver

5.0 star rating
6/3/2010 1 Check-in Here
Carrie and John know what's up! Driving here from Farmington Hills is well worth it! I agree that you should take time to explore the never ending maze of greenhouses. Also grab a wagon as soon as you can - though there seem to be more than previous years.

We've been going to Block's for many years...except one where we went somewhere else because we were too busy - never again. We have found tge plants fron Block's to be healthier and higher producing. The selection is second to none and reasonably priced. An added plus is helpful staff that usually seems to know thier stuff.

This year I was excited to find chocolate mint and several heirloom tomato varieties. Also the gerber daisies were looking mighty fine this year.

Checkout is a breeze if you keep an eye on the lanes further from the main traffic. Be sure to grab a sheet of the plastic to keep the dirt from getting into your car's carpet.

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2810 Harbor Blvd
Oxnard, CA 93035
(805) 985-3306

Fisherman's House Sushi  

Category: Sushi Bars

2.0 star rating
4/26/2010
I cannot compare this place to others in the area because I'm not from here so I'll just base it on my collective sushi experience. My brother took me here to show me some of his old haunts. It's an interesting food court like place but the restaurant opposite this one doesn't seem to be open. I could see it easily getting loud in there but on a Wednesday late afternoon it was pretty relaxed despite the awkward setting...even the screens of business cards blocking view of the sushi chefs at the bar were kinda odd to me.

We enjoyed a large bottle of their "premium" (they called it that, I'm skeptical) cold sake - which was good but not the "premium" dry and light sake I'm used to...whatever, it did its job.

We ordered the Ventura Roll and Spicy Scallop. Both were tasty enough but didn't stay together very well (maybe less sauce would help). I thought that all the fish was quite fresh though very poorly cut, the knife the chef was using didn't even look right based on what I see the chefs use in the sushi bars I sit at in the Detroit area. Pieces were thick and super thin within an inch of each other. I think it compromised the quality of the food because the texture really suffered. I'm not a sushi snob by any means but I feel the cut is very important.

We also got lunch bentos (hey the meal was on Mom!). My bro really dug his salmon teriyaki and gyoza (too bad he isn't posting the review because I know he would do 4 stars). We both enjoyed the baked mussels despite more grit/shell pieces than should have been in there. I did not enjoy my spicy tuna roll - not cut or seasoned to my liking. I think there's a lot of potential here but the regulars have to be the ones to push for change. As an interesting aside, I liked that the regulars get to keep their chopsticks in boxes here, very cool.

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250 Beach St
Laguna Beach, CA 92651
(949) 494-9109

Hapi Sushi  

Category: Sushi Bars

4.0 star rating
4/26/2010
My uncle took me here after a day of tide pool walking and art gallery gawking. You might miss this place if you didn't know it was there...(I realize I say that a lot in reviews but I get lost (a lot!) so I'm just trying to help out!)

It's a nice little hole in the wall with a funny chef at the bar. I particularly enjoyed the Japanese burrito and the 49 Special. The fish was fresh and combinations unique - though some sounded very sauce heavy. The soybean wrapper on the burrito was a nice change. The mint and lemon in the 49 made the roll surprisingly light and fresh without slapping me in the mouth, though I could have done with less (or no?) spicy mayo something on it.

The hot house sake was nice, I would prefer it a little drier but it hit the spot. Will definitely go again when I'm in Laguna!

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23352 Farmington Rd
Farmington, MI 48336
(248) 478-0061

Top Nails  

Category: Nail Salons

4.0 star rating
4/15/2010 3 Check-ins Here First to Review
Ok, I'm really not sure how I feel about nail places in general something about them just seems strange to me but, whatever a good mani and pedi is a delightful thing. This place is located in the strip on Farmington by Luigi's with the big awning...you would probably miss it if you didn't know it was there.

You're greeted and either told to wait, pick out a color, or come over. The people that work there are also the owners and don't really talk to you much but are nice enough. The place is clean, all instruments come out of the autoclave in packages, and the products are high quality. All in all, pretty standard non-salon nail place from my experience.

Pedicures include hot stone massage and are very exfoliating while you sit in a massage chair. Manicures are well shaped and nicely painted. What I think is the difference is they seem to use an additional layer (or two?) that most places don't which helps it last longer. I don't know what it is but the manicures I get here last longer than others.

On the downside, they don't really do well with time management so don't come here in a rush because they don't really keep appointments well (I had one for 6:00, started at 6:30) and sometimes they are slow while they're working on you but, I really don't mind that part because they really do a nice job for a good price: a regular pedicure and French manicure is $35.

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20490 Haggerty Rd
Northville, MI 48167
(734) 464-3675

Trader Joe's  

Category: Grocery

4.0 star rating
4/14/2010 9 Check-ins Here
I've been in love with Trader Joe's since I was a kid in San Diego thinking everyone grew up on wasabi peas and fruit leather...I moved to the Midwest and found that to not quite be the case...still, I'm thrilled that TJ's has made it out here!

Interesting selection of products - a variety of organic & conventional produce, unique bread selection (the gluten-free ones kinda suck, just sayin'), a cheese selection worth working your way through, and wine that is always worth trying for under $10. While I can find most produce in the appropriate season from the USA, I would love to see more local produce here. Also, I would suggest avoiding shopping on Mondays - I just find the selection to be sparse...they must get a shipment on Tuesday because that's when I find the selection to generally be the best.

I totally agree with previous reviewers that the staff rocks! I love that when I try to bag my own groceries they say that they can do it and they want to make sure I'm well taken care of at their store. I don't mind bagging my own though, it helps the line go quicker - hint, hint Sunday shoppers...

If you are gluten-free, Trader Joe's actually keeps a list of the gluten-free products they stock, many even have this leafy "g" label thing: http://www.traderjoes.... (they have printouts at the store too!) The GF granola is off the hook and I should just start buying it by the case. For boxed mac-n-cheese lovers they have a gluten-free version (it's the Amy's brand!) that's on the bottom shelf in the pasta section, you'd miss it if you didn't know it was there :)

I think the best mindset to have when going in is to get one new thing to try each time - it's a fun adventure! Oh and be careful, the parking lot can get crazy!

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17559 Haggerty Rd
Northville, MI 48168
(248) 347-2100

Rei  

Categories: Bikes, Outdoor Gear, Sports Wear

5.0 star rating
4/5/2010
I love REI! I'm a member of the co-op, have REI gift cards on the top of my gift lists, and find the employees to be huge asset. While I like Darin E's description of the store, I do think that thanks to the incredible customer service this place can be for the casual outdoorsperson. I'm not a hardcore anything (except eater, maybe?) but I love to hike with my dog, camp, ski, travel, and ride my cruiser around town.

I have been to this location many, many times for a variety of reasons. I am particularly fond of the shoe department guys that sold and helped me learn to adjust my Chaco sandals which have become my favorite pair of functional footwear. I also recently went in for some new hiking boots - I thought I was set on the Merrell Chameleons after lots of research but asked the guy what he thought would be best for a hiking boot that works for snowshoeing in the winter. He recommended the Keen Targhee II because he uses the men's version for exactly the same thing and found the comfort and water protection to be highly superior. That's what I like - employees that not only know their product but actually use it. I fell in love with the Keens and thanks to their ultimate return policy (no seriously, http://www.rei.com/hel...) I bought them that day.

Other highlights include searching for the ultimate bug spray and getting a recommendation from an ex-military guy that works there, he made solid recommendations that were spot on and made my Costa Rica trip far less itchy. I've also enjoyed sampling the wide variety of Larabar flavors - you get a discount when you buy 10 or more! I love that the backpack selection has weights and things for you to try out to get a real sense of the product you're buying. Plus, the dog products are pretty rad too! Clearly I am one of those people that can just wander in this store for an hour or so :) I think you get the idea from reading all the reviews that it's as much a store as it is an experience.

In my opinion, generally you will pay a little, not a lot more for products here but I find that the resources from the staff to workshops well worth the modest price increase. I like that as a co-op member I get 10% back and get to take advantage of the member garage sale to find great deals on used (often quite gently) equipment. I dig the REI brand of equipment that is equal to it's brand name counterparts at a better price.

Bottom line, if you're looking for something in this shopping genre, it's not going to be a waste of your time to venture in and check it out.

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261 E 9 Mile
Ferndale, MI 48220
(248) 327-0575

Yelprov Elite Event at Go Comedy!  

Category: Local Flavor

5.0 star rating
3/5/2010
I have been telling all my friends about the awesome time I had at Go Comedy! with the Yelp Elites since last Friday - seriously, what a fun event! My cheeks hurt from laughing so hard.

Loved the popcorn with toppings (!!!), the fun drink specials (especially the Joan Collins, love grapefruit!) and excellent entertainment. I also found the wait staff to be very attentive which isn't always something you find at a comedy club.

I will be back with friends in tow to burn some calories laughing my ass off. The improv rock opera was second to none and really showcased a talented group of entertainers. I was actually surprised at how much I enjoy it! Thanks for getting  me out to Go Comedy! Mariah, you rock!

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Gluten-free Eats!

Alright, so whenever I dine out I eat gluten-free.…
1.  Mudgie's
Alright, I will admit it…
2.  Giulio's Cucina Italiana
Bravo Guilio's! After…
3.  Buddys Pizza
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"These buns are gluten-free!"

Review votes:
232 Useful, 59 Funny, and 152 Cool

Location

Farmington, MI

Yelping Since

February 2009

Things I Love

small plates of yumminess, great conversation, dirty martinis, olives, cheese, chocolate, music, art, architecture, photography, dancing, fun, riding my bike, hiking

Why You Should Read My Reviews

Eating is my favorite hobby & am on the lookout for gluten-free places!

My Second Favorite Website

http://twitter.com/red...

The Last Great Book I Read

Jimi Hendrix: The Intimate Story of a Betrayed Musical Legend

My First Concert

Beach Boys

My Favorite Movie

The Princess Bride or Ferris Bueller's Day Off

Most Recent Discovery

http://restaurants.com (go now...check it out!)

Current Crush

sea salt caramels...mmm mmm good!