Jinra "Lady Lumpia" I.'s Profile

As a Californian transplant (no, I am not a walking sack of silicon silly), I like going to places in New York that remind me of California. Like say, Paris Baguette -- a popular Korean bakery chain that happens to also be in California.

If that doesn't make any sense, I'll just say that this location is just like a regular Paris Baguette in California, sans the random smelly homeless guy that decides to sit down next to you at your table.

What does 'exactly like California' you ask? Well, this Paris Baguette has the same Korean baked goods like deep fried mochi donuts, gombo bread (peanut butter bread!!!), cream stuffed pastries, mocha bread, etc. You can also get coffee beverages and shaved ice too! All relatively inexpensive which is great. Off the top of my head a hot coco, regular sized latte and two mochi-based pastries cost me $8. Not bad.

I've gotten used to random smelly homeless people here, so this review may be a little random smelly homeless-man biased.

First things first: Baidu Shabu Shabu = Mapo Szechuan. I'm not sure where the mix up began, but one side of the building says Mapo Szechuan and the other side of the building says something in Chinese Shabu Shabu. I'm going to assume that the Chinese means Baidu.

If you've never had hotpot before, the basic concept is that you have a wok (or two at this restaurant) filled with your soup broth of choice at a table and you select raw/uncooked items to go into the wok. You're given a menu filled with items you can put into the hotpot; veggies, various meats, fishballs, meatballs, spam, tofu, noodles...the works. I happened to dine here with a group of friends that liked a little bit of everything so I can say with confidence that I've had (almost) everything. When the bill came around, I was kind of sad that we had everything since you get more value in selecting meat-only. Not that the non-meat stuff was bad, meat tastes great and it's cost efficient at this restaurant. Vegetarian? Don't worry, you're covered in that list of items you can put into the hotpot. In a nutshell, this place is a bit expensive and I can see why the $25 AYCE is the biggest draw here.

Another thing to note, is that the spicy broth isn't quite spicy though they add a lot of peppers that are kind of annoying to pick out of your food if you don't like eating peppers whole.

The inside of this place looks fancy and there's at least 3 floors -- it's kinda of cool eating on the balcony with a waterfall.

Service is okay. Just okay. Overall, this place is okay.

When I'm in in the city of Orange in my native California, TGI Friday's is rarely an option. Sadly out here in Orange, Connecticut, it is one of few options. Luckily, all the reasons why it's rarely an option in Orange, California hardly keep me from coming to this particular TGI Friday's in Orange, Connecticut.

Food is great, especially for those on a budget. I usually like anything on the menu that has Jack Daniel's (that you can eat not drink) and appetizers. I've never really seen this location packed to capacity which is unlike the TGI Fridays in California -- it can get a little obnoxious there.

As for service, it's okay. At the same time, I suspect that there's some card skimming fraud happening here. Be sure to bring cash when you come to this location.

You might be asking yourself how a member of the working class like myself, can afford the luxuries of the David Burke Prime Steakhouse. It's all very simple really: Asian parents.

Unfortunately not my own, but for the purpose of this review, a friend's Asian parents. Because if you live in this area and you have an Asian friend, it's highly likely that their parents like to frequent the casino. Casinos in Connecticut is of course, where they keep Asian parents. Anyway, I digress. Asian parents love to visit casinos (except mine) and they rack up all kinds of crazy rewards just for gambling. Among those rewards is a fancy meal at the David Burke Prime Steakhouse.

When I went, of course I went to town -- I went for the aged sirloin steak and basically all the sides. The steak was tender and juicy and melted in your mouth. I especially liked the fries that were served!

Service was fantastic!

If you've ever been to the Garden Grove location of Pizza & Chicken Love Letter, the Anaheim location is basically that but bigger and better service. Garden Grove is like, "Here's your chicken and pizza. You'll eat it and you'll like it." Anaheim is like, "Your chicken and pizza is served. If you need me, just press the button -- enjoy!" Insert smile here. Being from Anaheim, I have to say -- this is how we get things done. Press a button and service arrives.

(Just kidding.)

Just like Garden Grove, your must-trys are the sweet potato gold pizza, fried chicken (any style) and the sweet potato fries. I highly recommend this place for bigger groups as the space is more accommodating. Your best deals are in the combo packages -- no more than $35, comes with soda, sides, pizza, chicken and will feed up to 6 people. Or 3 really hungry people.

Spotting a picture of David Boreanaz (of Angel and Bones fame) happily dining with his family on the wall at Asian Bistro gave me a sliver of hope for Asian cuisine in Connecticut. Perhaps maybe, just maybe, Asian cuisine could be decent for once here. After all, if Angel likes it hopefully I should too. (Following the 'Anything Angel Likes, Jinra Likes Too" Logic From the Mid '90s)

Sadly, the logic was proven wrong here by my recent experience. The service here isn't terrible but extremely slow due to a lack of staff. Sushi, namely the spicy roll combo was good and quite filling but a bit over-priced. Same can be said for the chicken peanut dish, only it was just okay. Portions are decent but almost on the 'small plate' side. That aside, I was impressed by the decor -- it looks pretty upscale without being too tacky. Something rare for me here in Connecticut.

Overall, just an okay place.

Do blackholes exist? They do in Orange County and in the form of a Korean spa. And by Korean spa, I mean public bathhouse with super cheap amenities that usually cost a lot at non-Asian establishments. Yes, you're required to be naked in public (with your own gender) here. If that bothers you, skip this place.

If you don't mind being naked, just understand that this place is a blackhole because you come in not knowing how much time you blissfully pass here. It's basically the Garden Grove location on steroids. And quite possibly way better than some of the spas I've been to in Korea (and I've been to many!) So with that, Fullerton's Imperial Health Spa is bigger with more hot/cold/warm/jacuzzi tubs, showers, saunas and more jjimjilbang rooms. The most impressive room I found, was one that had several personal clay caves big enough to comfortably accommodate one person in cozy warmth. Apparently the minerals in the clay are great for your health.

The common area/area where all sexes can hang, is huge with a few large screen TVs and reclining chairs. In addition to that, there's a cafe and coffeeshop. I highly recommend the cold veggie noodles at the cafe and the iced coffee from the coffeeshop is the perfect way to end your day!

As for admission and fees -- super cheap. Entrance is $20 and that gets you access to pretty much everywhere. If you want to splurge on a service, the 'ddaemiri'/body scrub is great for $30 (and that includes your entrance fee). Also, you get your own room at this place whereas, you share a space with another person in Garden Grove.

When it comes to Setara, there's only one stylist you should know about: Tanya. I've been going to Tanya for years and I only really trust my hair in her hands. She's super meticulous about her work and is a perfectionist. So much so, that it could take her almost two hours to cut your hair (if it's long going to medium length). From this you get a sense that she's really passionate about what she does as opposed to just getting you in and out of the salon. Hair styling isn't her only talent -- she's an excellent colorist and esthetician!

One thing to note is that she's great with Asian hair and Asian hair trends/styles. If you tell her you want to look like a KPOP idol or a JPOP star, she'll work her magic. She's great with shaggy, layered cuts and bobs.

As for Setara the salon, I couldn't really care too much for it. The area is slightly busy, customer service isn't all there (from receptionist and other employees). It's also kind of a dirty salon -- you can see unswept hair around the stations. I really only come here for Tanya.

Quite possibly the cheapest (and delicious) macarons, this side of the 405 freeway! If memory serves, they're only about $1.25 per macaron and they come in a variety of flavors. What makes this place even better for me is that it's a small Vietnamese mom n' pop shop in Westminster. Note that I said small and not hole-in-the-wall. There's just enough space for some casual dining to be had. Just don't expect much Vietnamese goods aside from the cafe sua da (iced coffee). With that said, I found service to be fabulous. Mom was waiting patiently nearby as I perused the day's offerings. I like that kind of attention.

If that's not your thing, come for the cheap macarons.

Menkui Tei is basically like Ise next door, only the specialty here is ramen. There are a few rice dishes like katsu curry, but for that you should just go next door.

The ramen was delicious and to my liking without filling out a fancy ramen preference sheet like they give you in California. By to my liking I mean the soup wasn't too oily, the ramen noodles were the Japanese word for 'al dente' and the pork slices that came with the house special ramen were quite large. Unless you're really hungry, I wouldn't order any extras. Instead, I'd do a combo -- full-sized ramen with a small side of curry rice. The curry is delicious!

Even better, the service is great and the food is pretty cheap.