Jake "waffles" F.'s Profile

When I lived in Seattle, I was absolutely spoiled with some of the greatest exotic foods accessible in this country. I became a freak about thai food almost overnight. Since I've been home, I've been searching for comparable authentic thai within this gray, depressing, mid-western land. Yesterday I tried Little Bangkok and ordered one of my favorite thai dishes, crossing my fingers underneath the table in hopes that I would get a glimpse into the life I left on the west coast.

I wasn't disappointed at all. The food was exquisite. This was the only thai within this city that I have ever been able to compare to what I left in Seattle. It was such a treat -- and almost a relief -- to have finally found what I've been looking for since I've been home.

I've been told that the interior had recently been remodeled, and while it is quaint and adorable, it is very small. I highly suggest getting take-out during peak hours, or be some of the first to have lunch when they open right at 11AM. The prices are what I would expect for the quality and for the area. The service is what you would expect at a Thai place, but I couldn't care less. The food wins. Seriously.

This place is great, seriously. The prices are ridiculous. You can get a meal with a great hamburger for about $2.50. There is always a weekly special, and it's fantastic. I always get the special.

The place is owned by someone who is no less than a professional chef and it's been in business for about 20-some odd years. The atmosphere is pathetic. The place needs to be gutted or burned or something, but the food is beyond magnificent.

There is never more than one server on the floor at a time, so when it's busy or when the old folks decide to raid the place, it takes some time to get service. It doesn't matter though, again, because of the food.

The place is about an hour away from Grand Rapids, so only go if you're in the area. Not a great place for groups and there is a smoking "section" which isn't really a section at all, so don't go if cigarettes bother you.

Take out available, but no delivery. This is a great place for kids and they usually get a popsicle if they're not too annoying to the wait staff.

Java Bean does not have Wi-Fi. I don't like this.

The coffee is good because they use a medium-roast espresso, which is something most coffee shops don't do, but this requires an extra shot to really get the coffee taste I'm used to. I would have liked the Café Molé a lot more if the chocolate would completely dissolve, but it doesn't. It sits in the bottom of your cup.

The decorating inside is quaint and adorable, and I get it, but I don't like it at all. The blue carpet is not appealing, and tends to show every little thing on the floor.

I like the Eggel a lot, with spinach especially. If you try one with an Asiago bagel, the cheese on the top melts a little bit and makes it just that more amazing.

The staff can be short and impersonal at times. Perhaps it's how busy they get at times, which I can understand to be stressful, but I've almost felt bad for just wanting a coffee. I felt like I was really interrupting something important.

I've been turned down for wanting to use a credit card for a purchase under $5. Alright, I understand that it sucks that VISA wants to charge you $3 every time someone uses a credit card, but seriously, to turn down a customer? Does anyone really carry cash anymore? I felt really embarrassed.

Java Bean has an extremely close-knit clientele and they will be in business for years to come, but I would prefer the extra walk to Aster or Café Besalu instead.

Aster is one of my favorite coffee shops in all of Seattle. The atmosphere is modern and very clean. They usually have great artwork on the walls from the Art Walk or local artists and they play great eclectic music.

You can order single cups of brewed coffee from a brewing machine called the Clover. I spoke with one of the Barista's about it and apparently this is a rarity in most coffee places as the machines are so expensive. I tried two different coffees from the Clover, both fantastic. Aside from coffee, Aster also serves a fine selection of beer and wine at great prices for the area. There are also beautiful pastries and ciabatta sandwiches available for purchase. I've had a toasted vegetarian sandwich that was divine. I believe they also have breakfast options including waffles.

On Saturday evening's around 8pm there is usually live music. The place usually fills up and some people stick around even if they have to stand up to enjoy the show. I've really enjoyed some of the artists that perform. Capturing the local culture is exactly what a Seattle coffee shop should be all about and they have done a great job at this.

While Wi-Fi is free, there are only two electrical outlets available if you have a bum battery in your laptop. I hate this. While it's probably out of the hands of the owner, it's pretty annoying. I would hate to have to go somewhere else like Java Bean or Starbucks just because I need an outlet.

I have really taken a liking to Aster. If I ever decide to move back to Ballard, I would consider buying a condo above the place just to have it underneath me at all times. This truly is such a great place and everyone should give it a try.

I've been meeting up with friends at Diversions (or, the 'dive') for years. The club is divided into four parts: A karaoke lounge, a video area/bar that plays music videos, a dance floor, and an atrium to simulate outdoor seating. The music on the dance floor can sometimes be ridiculous and dated, but they accept requests and most of the time end up playing them.

This is not the greatest gay bar I have ever been to. I understand this is Grand Rapids, and while Diversions has always been the better option over Rumors and Throwbacks, I just wish there were more to it.

If you plan on using a credit card at Diversions, they will charge you $1.50 for each transaction. Even if you keep your tab open, at the end of that bill will be a $1.50 charge. I think this is ridiculous and probably illegal in some way, but I've never cared enough to look it up or pursue it legitimately.

I hate the gay atmosphere here in Grand Rapids. I've hated it for years. These gay bars in the area, including Diversions, are always filled with skinny, white, trash-talking, coke-snorting bitches that wouldn't give you the time of day if you accidently slit your wrist on your glass and were bleeding to death at the door to the bathroom. Always go with a group, and if you're over 21, never show up before midnight. You will look stupid and those skinny bitches will give you that evil gay eye. If you're under 21, you most-likely will not be able to get in after midnight. They usually turn away minors to keep room for the folks planning to drink.

I like that there is a coat-check available. The bars offer the usual in alcohol selections but nothing interesting. The prices are not bad for the area, but drink specials usually only offer deals on beer. The servers can be annoying in the sense that they'll try to sell you everything or they're a bitch and ignore you all night.

Whatever.

I love the Copper Gate in Ballard. This Scandinavian-themed bar represents what Ballard is all about. The bar itself is divine and very clean. The photos of breasts at every angle of the place add an artistic flair. The atmosphere is comfortable and the candlelight is quaint. During busier hours, it's impossible to sit at the bar due to its size, which was inconvenient during a couple of my visits. During off-peak hours, this is a great place to enjoy a cocktail and grab a quick lunch, or even read a book. However, I was disappointed when I realized Wi-Fi is not available.

During any visit, I would recommend the Pommes Frites seasoned with dill and served with curried ketchup -- amazing. I could live off these fries. I've also tried the Blomkalsuppe, or spiced cauliflower soup, which was also very good. If I remember correctly, I believe they dabble just a bit of a lemon flavor on the surface of the soup which pairs beautifully with the flavors of pepper and cauliflower.

Both the food and drink menus are a bit pricier than expected for Ballard, but this is a great place to take your out-of-town friends for a taste of Ballard's heritage. All in all, a great place.

Oh, oh, and -- the restrooms are gorgeous. They're decorated exquisitely. You must see them before you leave.

This place is amazing. The "Dream" Roll was the best I've ever had. And at $12.50, was quite worth the price. I love the menu, and the atmosphere is very clean and comfortable. I would take anyone here. They have Laughing Buddha!

The one thing I didn't much care for was the entrance. When you get in, there is no space to wait for a table with your party. And no one is on the door constantly, so it was awkward waiting for someone to greet us even with just a party of two. Other than that, it was great. I'm a big fan.

This is a great place right on the water with an amazing view from almost any table in the restaurant. The food is alright, but not the best I've had. The atmosphere is quaint, but may be more enjoyable during the summer.

We visited on a Tuesday evening and the place got pretty busy around 6PM. There was a large group of people in the front of the restaurant waiting for tables as we left. The service was fantastic and our food came out quickly. I enjoyed the caramel corn at the end of out meal -- it was a great touch.

Overall, I enjoyed my meal, the location, and the service. I will return in the summer perhaps when I can sit outside near the water. Rose's is definitely a place everyone should try at least once.

This is by far my favorite restaurant of all time. The atmosphere is authentic and enjoyable. Recommended dishes are the Pahd Thai (the best I've ever had), Pahd See Iew, and the Pahd Kee Mao. I generally do not enjoy spicy foods, and my meals are always made to order and to my liking (1-2 stars).

Whether you're visiting with a friend or an entire group, your meals will come out in about ten minutes flat. I love visiting Thai Ku when I'm very hungry, because I won't have to wait any time at all to start eating a great Thai dish.

On several occasions I've had some issues getting my check split. When I used to serve years ago, it was our duty to ask our guests if they plan to split the check before I put in the order. If you don't clearly specify that you'd like to split your check before you order your food, it will be impossible to split later on. I got the feeling that we annoyed our waitress when it was her responsibility to ask. Perhaps it was a slight language barrier?

Overall, the location, price, food and presentation make Thai Ku a great place to go anytime. I enjoy going with friends or taking people from out of town for a great meal. Before you leave, make sure you visit the old opium den in the basement.

Formosa has both excellent Chinese and Thai food, but the place looks like a laundromat. I recommend take-out. If you decide to stay, the service is so-so. They never seem to be busy or ever have even close to a full dining room. I've stood at the front counter waiting for service for about 3-4 minutes before with no one else in the restaurant. Normally I wouldn't return to a place that allows its customers to stand in the lobby waiting for service for so long, but the food is really great.