lisa "savory and sweet" a.'s Profile

Feudally speaking, more like "Peon Taco Subpar."

There is a reason the "food" is so cheap.

The boy and I were too tired to cook one night, so we ordered in, something other than Chinese. Big, big mistake.

-The "chicken" taco kind of resembled chicken, but not really.

-The spinach burrito does have fresh spinach, but is mostly filled with iceberg lettuce. Yes, indeed...if you like to consume warm, nutritionally deficient iceberg lettuce, then please, by all means order this.

-The guacamole was an abomination: it was soupy, made with sour cream and tasted of bacon. I abhor places that use sour cream in their guacamole. It's dairy and doesn't belong. Period.

-The salsa was similar to a spicy, ketchup-y concoction.

We ate the least we could possibly stand (a few bites), looked at each other and said, "Most unsatisfying meal ever."

Gross. Just...gross.

How can I still have a buzz hours after drinking their wonderful mojitos?

They are indeed magical.

Oh, and if you go, order the side of chips and bean dip. You'll get a tomatillo salsa, a black bean dip and a scrumptious white bean dip (for which I want/need the recipe!). The side of fried plantains ain't too shabby either...both perfect accompaniments to my two mojitos. Oh, mama, I was happy.

Go.

I guess this is NYC's interpretation of what a Detroit bar embodies. Except most of the bars I've been to in Detroit don't look like this. This is basically just a dive bar. Don't get me wrong, I like it, but...

I think if they wanted to go full on Detroit, they'd offer beers from Michigan and, say Michigan sodas (or "pop" if you want to use the local vernacular) like Faygo, Towne Club, or Vernors ginger ale. It'd also be great if they had a couple tv's so transplanted Michiganders could watch Michigan, Michigan State, Tigers, Pistons, and Red Wings games.

I really dig the old, wooden Vernors sign above the bar as well as all the other local signs. Made me miss home.

(My apologies to elliott smith.)

"Everything is exactly right as I walk around here drunk every night with an open container from 7-Eleven... in St. Ides heaven..."

It's late. Dim lights of old, used, somewhat dirty (but not gross) train car...I look at my fellow Brooklynites... reading, books, newspapers, girl resting head on boyfriend's shoulder, woman with legs stretched out taking up three seats, talking to friend, talking to self, listening to iPod, writing/texting on phone, staring off in the distance of train car, like me.

I love Brooklyn.

So, it's no secret I like you.

I even have an alias for myself when I've had a little too much of you. (oh, hai there, I'm Liz).

I most enjoy you when you're in the form of a nice, well aged Single Malt, or some Irish whiskey, a perfect Manhattan, or a robust red wine from Italy or France, or even that nice cold pint after a softball game with my friends.

However, over the years I've learned my lesson, time and again. Story after story. Some reaaaally bad*, some pretty good/funny. For instance, there was this one time I was out until 2:30am, drinking Jameson the entire night and I dutifully got up the very next morning at 5am and went running. My marathoner friend said, "How in the hell did you do that? Even I'm not going running today." Honestly, I have zero idea. I still like you quite a bit, but I know my limits.

What was it that Homer J. Simpson said?
"To alcohol! The cause of - and solution to - all of life's problems!"

Yea, that pretty much sums it up.

*I'll spare you those sordid details

Years and years ago I used to liken a trip to the dentist's to two movies, Marathon Man and Brazil. If you've seen either, you know what I'm talking about.

Well, that all changed about 10 years ago when a friend of mine referred me to Dr. Clauss.

Now, I actually don't mind going to the dentist and don't shudder in horror like I used to before I met Dr. Clauss. He is, hands down one of my favorite doctors ever. He (and his staff) are the absolute nicest people and have the most laid back and comfortable (and professional) office atmosphere I've ever been in. They all get along so well and that translates to their patients. It seems that everyone who comes to see him is an old friend (sometimes I almost forget I'm at the dentist). The staff are always jovial* and really kind too. He is very thorough at explaining any dental questions and you never feel like you're rushed because your health is the number one priority.

Oh, and another bonus is that the radio in the office is usually tuned into a classic rock station. How cool is that?

Anytime anyone asks me if I know of a dentist I happily tell them about Dr. Clauss.

*I know, I know, you're thinking "In a dentist's office?" Yes!

Ah, Paris. I went once and had croissants and crepes and other random pastries. So, while in the West Village one morning I spotted this famous Patisserie and knew I had to drop in.

Pain Au Chocolate...I love you. No, I really mean it.

I had to restrain myself and only buy one Pain Au Chocolate. As I walked to the train to work I could smell the buttery pastry through the paper bag.

Delicious, buttery, flaky, light-as-air goodness and chocolate-y with each bite. I savoured every morsel and tried not to let any crumbs escape. Oh my!! I think I just died and went to another place. (I ate this at my desk and I was glad no one saw the chocolate on my lips or the buttery crumbs on my dress.)

I am glad I don't live nearby...because I would be here at least twice a week like *some* people. The only difference is I'd be incredibly obese.

Au revoir, a bientot Claude.

I will most definitely be back...because isn't that why I go running in the first place?

I was in pain....my shoulders, neck and upper back hurt, so I treated myself to a therapeutic massage. I wasn't really sure where to turn, so of course I consulted Yelp, and this is how I stumbled upon Opal.

I've had several massages at various spas around NYC, but Opal is by far my absolute favorite. At other spas the overall feeling seems like forced tranquility, at Opal, nothing is forced. The practitioners are genuine and calming and the space itself is quite ethereal.

It is a somewhat tiny space (not confining or claustrophobic) with two massage rooms. You call, leave a message (no receptionist), they call you back and you make your appointment. You arrive no sooner than 10 minutes before your appointed time, to a sign on the door that states they're with clients. Once inside, you can't hear any outside noise. It is quite a serene place.

I got the 70 minute session for $90--which in my opinion was a steal. Shakti, my practitioner, is trained in Thai Yoga Massage and she was a genius with her healing touch. I didn't receive a Thai Yoga Massage, but one that was custom made for my particular muscle needs. Afterward, all the tension and knots were gone. It seemed everything was in its right place and I felt more balanced.

When I was done I felt euphoric. I felt at peace and left in a much better mood. As I exited Opal, back onto the streets of Park Slope, I actually floated across 4th Ave to the subway...

So..I started writing this review on my phone while i was giggling to myself. Perhaps I had too much Jameson (no way!! how is that even possible?!?). I was seated on the F train...carrying my Yelp lunchbox...trying to play it "cool." I had just left Kelly S., Ethan C. and Roddy at some bar....Freddy's (?) and wanted a cab....but was not so lucky. So yes, I walked.

Let me back up a bit...

I met up with my cyber mom, Unlucky (five stars in her own right) in our neighborhood....we took the B67 to the event. After arriving, I realized that I must have walked by this bar numerous times....because Oceans 8 is really not that noticeable at the ground level. Once inside...it's pretty cavernous.

You like to play pool? Ping pong? Air hockey? They've got it all here. And, there are about eight million tv's so you can watch whatever sporting event that happens to be on.

The bar staff were great and efficient. The food was...ah, well, the veggie options weren't so great. Let's just say I ate two mini cupcakes and four mini veggie spring rolls before some "meh" vegetable pasta came out. (it's okay, I'm used to it). Well, at least I had Jameson to keep me company.

It was so nice to see everyone and I was *elated* to see the likes of Mo P. and Liz W. And thank you to Melissa Z. for looking out for veggie food options for me.

I apologize to Danny P. for being such a horrid ping pong doubles partner. And, well, let it be known I let him beat me at air hockey (Luckily I did slay another guy before Danny...) even though I should have won because I'm part Canadian.

Excellent job Peter, Jane, Miriam and the entire Yelp staff for another fabulous Brooklyn event.

Oh, and a side note to Roddy....if you ever bring those Doughnut Plant donuts to another event...we're so not friends anymore. And you're paying for my personal trainer.
;)

I'm glad Cara and I went to dinner at Candle 79 that one night weeks ago and said, "Hey, let's have another cookie event."

Thank you to everyone who came and brought the sweetness last night, especially those who are new to baking: Chun and Danny.

For me, baking is a Zen process, a mindful task and homage to my maternal grandma who, along with my mom taught me everything I know about baking. I love to bake and I'm happy to share.

Oh, and can someone please tell me why I have two pigs, two ducks and two cows in my fridge? ;)

Here's to more cookie events in the future!