Jessica "Fishnets in the FiDi" P.'s Profile

I'm making this whopper of a review all about bears.

Black Bear is no Denny's. It's no IHOP and it's not some hip, greasy spoon everyone wants to go to. It's just plain old comforting, and I would not hesitate to go back to another one again.

The bear kitch, as Joe mentioned, is a riot. Bear photos, paintings, mugs, stuffed animals, themed menu items, mugs, labeled condiments etc..really is over the top, but it's crap like that makes me happy. I don't have to own it, I just like knowing it's out there and someone, some where, has ceramic bear fixtures or curtains in their kitchen.

Our server was friendly and yes, they do love dogs. We were lucky since this particular Black Bear was situated right off the highway, in your typical travel park and rest type area. Gas up, drink up, eat up and go.

The outdoor patio was nice, and it was a glorious day to sit outside. Each server did, indeed, come out to gawk at our little man, who sometimes looks like a little bear himself.

Food was pretty decent, nothing too greasy, lots of options, good portions (although I'm not thrilled with their potato salad) and a vegetarian can find plenty of options as well. Prices are reasonable too. Truckers, families, tourists and bear lovers unite.

By the way, their biscuits are bigger than a wrestler's fist. Go for it.

Tell 'em Large Marge sent ya.

I was really surprised with the wonderful customer service, clean grounds and friendly pet accommodations. I've never traveled with my hairy son, and so, this was a treat for us both.

We were up in bear country, so I was thrilled with my designer key card with a BEAR on it, and of course, the creepy yet hilarious bear and moose paintings in the room.

Rooms are modest, though very clean. I missed not having a closet, but we were only there one night. Breakfast includes coffee, tea, a plethora of juices, bagels, muffins and a make your own waffle bar.

I found the staff to be courteous, the hotel convenient to where we needed to be for a wedding, and the town is a cute little place to drive through. It's not super cheap, but one of the only pet friendly hotels in the area.

Frankie's, you are my dark little love cave in an otherwise scalding, brutally bright lights/big city town called Vegas. When on vacation, the first order of business is usually  your vacation cocktail-many of which are concoctions made of fruits, secrets and lies, with a fun little umbrella on the side. Frankie's did not disappoint in providing me with such a list.

There's nowhere else I'd rather be at 3 in the afternoon when it's 100 degrees out than on a bar stool, watching some crazy beach romp on TV and listening to locals talk about their slots play, what's for dinner and who's doin' who.

The bar is impressive: over 80 rums, and they are generous with their pours. The take home mugs are cute, but I don't need some ceramic goddess to tell me I'm good at or enjoy tiki drinks. I'll see them again.
It's so dark in there, it takes a while for your eyesight to get adjusted...as least that's one patron's excuse for walking into the ladies room and not the men's. I guess it is hard to notice those big juicy red tiki lips on the door after a few Zombies...

They break down the strengths of the drinks by skulls, so if you don't feel like ending up pantsless in a back alley way singing Sinatra by 5pm, stick to the two skull drinks. The Green Gasser was great, and we got to sample of the Pikakae with a delightful orange liquer that is hard to come by. I also braved it and had a Zombie. I lived to tell the tale.

Every adventure, we try to find a dive or a locals only hang out to get a real taste of the local scene. Frankie's did not disappoint. Great jukebox, great staff and great patrons. I think we'll be back there one day.

Oh, I am glad this little spot exists. Twas a shame I hadn't been here earlier since I only work two blocks away. One of my friends had heard about it through the grapevine so we decided to try it out.

Get there early, bc this place is SMALL, like, "get your lotto ticket and get out" small, so there's really no room to stand in line or wait. It's really a small convenience shop that just happens to create kick ass lunches. The line usually goes out the door between 11:45 and 12:45. I managed to get there early this time, but still ended up waiting while Mom made my special bento box of the day. It was worth it.

My first visit, I tried the acclaimed kimchee burrito. I really enjoyed the fusion of flavors, cilantro, veggies and sauce that burst when you bite into it.

Unfortunately, it's a bit messy (though a great big portion), so do your best to eat at your desk and not on the go, lest you get a giant nuclear orange splotch on your lap like I did. That bad boy kept me full til dinner.

The second time I went, I got the special japchae bulgogi bento box of the day. They made it right in front of me, behind that tiny counter and I just sat and studied Mom, hoping to recreate this meal at home one day. You can tell it's a family joint, and any of the meals you're tasting, have at least come across their own table at one time or another. The special was loaded with noodles, rice, kimchee, a small salad and love. Flavorful, fresh and abundant. I couldn't finish it, it's really enough for two people.

Apparently folks are getting wind of this place as one customer said, and the lines will be getting longer earlier, so stake your place soon and try John's out!

It's that time of year again, use up all your Eco Metro coupons before they go to waste. We had a buy one entree, get one half off coupon I think...
The Spartan and I ended up here for dinner one Saturday night recently. Quaint, cozy and neighborhood feel without a bevvy of students running amuck, surprisingly.
Gracious host, amicable server, always on top of things, and a nice overall experience. Apparently the couple next to us was from SF and always venture to Venus if they're in the area.
He got the veggie plate which was a seasonal rattatouile and I got the roast chicken with mashed potatoes and veggies. A meat and potatoes girl I am...
Our dinner was nice, though I wish I complimented it with some wine, but we were both on the wagon. My meal was tasty, but not knock your socks off, and it was a bit warm inside (and out) for a big hearty meal. I'd like to go back in the winter and curl up with a good cup of their soup and a nice mocha :). I'll be back.

I've never had Nick's crispy tacos, so I was intrigued to try out Underdogs and have them "Nick's Way".

First of all, I'm not a sports bar kind of gal. Maybe back in my college days, maybe when it's the only thing nearby with booze, but it's not my first choice. The space is big though, great for groups and fairly cheap. It's great pre, post and during hangover food as well.  

That being said, we came with a semi-large group. The waitstaff was friendly, but not very organized. After having our orders taken, some of us didn't get our food for 45 minutes, while others had theirs in about 5. Tacos should never take that long, and especially before 7 on a weeknight. It was just awkward.

When my taco finally arrived I was a little underwhelmed. It was kind of like the Taco Bell Gordita. Basically, it's a soft taco, with another crispy shell. There's your secret. I had one pork and one chicken. Nothing blew me away and I fear I won't feel the need to trek back out to the outer sunset again. The guac was good though!

The house margaritas were dandy, but I did feel a bit guilty with my foul mouth and food and friends while oh, 3 families surrounded us with their tribes of kids and strollers. I'm old fashioned, I like to drink and keep the kids at home. Call me crazy, but it just added to the less than stellar tacos, long waits between drinks and the screaming babies...these things do not a good night make for me.

Had it not been for the friends that I love, the good company and nice family friendly feel of Underdogs (thank god there was a minimum of men screaming at the tv's) I might be scarred for life. It is what it is, but it ain't for me. If I was a sunset local or had a fam, I'd come here for sure, but since I'm not, oh well.

Oh, Papa George, you keep me coming back. Yet, since I moved to Oakland, I found a better sandwich, I'm sorry to say (http://www.yelp.com/bi...) but when I'm in town, I usually try to make a pit stop. Even though it's been years, I can't quit you.

My friend used to work nearby and swore by this sandwich, esp the Hy-Mart Delight. It is indeed delightful. They have a plethora of veggie options as well, so fear not vegetarians, ye who approach the deli counter!

Cash only, in the middle of nowhere, but on my way back from BUR airport, it's worth the pit stop. They take the time to get to know their customers, put love into their sandwiches and cater to pretty much any taste you have or crave.

I keep coming back here, Sunday after Sunday. Hangover after funday...their sandwiches make me happy. I branched out and tried something different a few weeks ago, and you know what, it was still just as good as the usual Italian combo on Dutch Crunch I get with the works. Generous portions, not dripping with mayo or messy, just precision sandwich making, which rivals that of delis on the East coast. It's got the right flavor combo for me, spicy, sweet, tangy etc..you name it. I never finish a sandwich thinking "something was missing".

There is always a line, which while it makes me cringe, is comforting. I know I'm not the only one with this addiction. I like to either sit outside and enjoy half of the sammy with my pooch in the sun, or walk home and eat it there, followed by a nap.

There's usually about 5 folks making sandwiches, so the wait is never tooooo long, but you can also grab a number and wait outside. I haven't tried their salads yet, but maybe one day.

When I lived in LA, I got all shook up by the Thai Elvises (and maybe a few earthquakes).

I'm a sucker for Thai food, and love this little nook and cranny of Hollywood. The food is definitely authentic-and spicy. We ordered the fried tofu appetizer (not greasy at all!) and the chicken satay. The portions were generous, and the peanut sauce, still delicious.

My friend had decided to be adventurous and order something she's never tried, but I can't remember what it was. All I know is that it had lime, ginger, skins, entrails and cashews...i was not so bold. I ordered the Kee Mao with shrimp and called it a day. It was quite spicy for the mild, but addictive nonetheless. Prices are good, about $9 a plate, and I'm not going to complain about $3.99 glasses of red :)

For 9pm on a Sunday night, the place was packed, with tourists, locals, large families, couples, people at the bar for take out etc...it was great. The staff has it down to a seating science as well, with folks stationed at every corner of the restaurant with walkie talkies to let the host know when diners leave, and tables are cleared.

I only wish the Elvises were livelier. I think they just stood up there in brown suits, (nothing glittery or wild) and sang sad quiet songs for us. At one point, I think they strayed away from Elvis and even sang Bridge Over Troubled Water. That's when I knew it was time to go...

I should've known better. It was Labor Day weekend, we were in Hollywood, the last thing we should've done was drive to Malibu. I'm a glutton for punishment. It's not like, a thousand other people had the same idea to do so on a gorgeous weekend day...

After passing up Gladstones and Moonshadows because they were out of the requested price range, and the Reel Inn (for an abundance of baby strollers and family coolers) we decided to bite the bullet and valet for Beachcombers. It's got an ocean/surfer view, I can get some liquor and I reallllly just wanted seafood, of any kind. Preferably the kind that wouldn't make me run to the nearest rest stop after eating it.

I think we came right at the start of training for those Pepperdine kids who just signed up to work as waiters. It was busy, it was Labor Day, and the hostess could BARELY be bothered to look up at us as she was folding napkins at the hostess stand. We waited about half an hour for our drinks. We ordered our apps and food, and after waiting another half hour, we still had nothing but confused waitstaff.

We finally got our food 20 minutes later, but not the appetizers. We decided to scrap them but the server offered to compensate by having the calamari on him. Ok, I won't deny myself that. Green garlic is a force I cannot deny. They were ok.

Overall, the food was good (tuna melt, fish & chips, calamari) but seriously not worth the wait. Had our young server not been so apologetic and wanting to make things right, and the tuna melt not so amazing, I would say, don't go back. But hopefully, those two stars could blossom into something better for the next patron. The steel drums playing at lunch, the ocean view etc, I'm sure it has the potential to be a 5 star experience for a lucky few, but methinks you have to time it right.