David G.'s Profile

I've been looking for a great massage therapist in my neighborhood and couldn't be happier with my session. Very strong hands, extremely professional, this therapeutic massage really helped get the kinks out. Response to my inquiry for an appointment was fast, and the coconut oil he used wasn't too greasy. Reasonable rates too! Definitely will be back for another session.

Kobo Opoponax Amber (sandalwood, violet, patchouli) pure soy candle. That's what I bought here. Makes my condo smell nice. $38 plus tax nice. And worth it. Fun variety of candles and home decor (pillows, dishes, etc.) and really friendly customer service. Glad I stopped in today!

There is something about staying at a W Hotel that just makes a trip worthwhile. My room, on the 15th floor, had a peek-a-boo view of the water and when you looked down a lovely parking garage loomed large in all its glory. That being said, the ultra modern furnishings suited me to a tee. Room was clean, and the Bliss spa products in the shower and the bathroom counter were a nice touch. A few mentions:

1) Free dvds are available from the lobby. Called and they brought my selections up very quickly. DVD player wasn't hooked up the tv, so being a handy person connected the cables and worked nicely.

2) Outlet in the bathroom was a bit loose, so tightened by hand. Easy.

3) Bed was extremely comfortable and air conditioning worked well. Bathroom only had a shower (no tub) but it was modern and the hot water came on quickly during my showers.

4) Pool is small, but gym is nicely stocked with working equipment and several flat-screen tvs on the walls

5) Cabana is nice, but the roof deck was closed for renovation. Bummer. Staff mentioned the lobby is about to undergo an extensive renovation.

6) Restaurant was closed too, but ate elsewhere so didn't mind. The churros for dessert I had in the lobby on my last night there were outstanding. House music playing was groovy, but a bit too loud to hear what my friends were saying.

7) Staff were extremely polite and helpful. Five stars for their efforts, especially Michelle at the front desk.

8) If you are feeling snacky, go buy snacks at the drugstores nearby, as I ate a small can of Pringles in the room....$5.67 with tax. What?!

9) Acura has a small kiosk near the front door. Hotel guests can arrange to have someone drive you to your destination for free. For me, Berk drove me to the airport in a new snazzy Acura MDX. Watched a 40-second video on the way and took a survey on an iPad during the ride, but it was a heckava lot better than a cab ride.

10) The neighborhood near the hotel, two blocks away, includes the jail, and several bail bond businesses, along with the courthouse. There are some homeless people on the street. Don't walk up 1st street to Broadway if you don't like this sort of diversity. I didn't have any problems, and the main shopping areas nearby are about a 10-15 minute walk away.

I don't think this is an "A" property for the W Hotel chain, but the staff really do their best, so I'd stay here again.

Feeling a bit like a Rebel last night, and after stuffing myself with nibbly bits from Canela up the road, my fab British friend Cat strolled down Market Street for a few after-dinner cocktails. This was their "Pledge" party night, quite the fun soiree.

DJ Christopher Berini hadn't started spinning yet, so Cat and I sat on one of the plush black leather sofas in a corner and compared photos on our iPhones. Between sips of my Amaretto on the rocks and her gin martini, we managed to discuss her gran's move to a retirement home and huge boobs while courting her future husband to what the go-go dancers were wearing as they spun around several poles near our table. Phil, an amazingly tone gent sauntered over several times to offer us cranberry/Absolut vodka shots for $2 each, and of course how could I resist?

Enjoyed the decor of dark woods, thumping house music, good-looking mixed crowd, and light fixtures with Edison bulbs. And the drinks were strong and tasty.

Perhaps because I have a nasty cold today and am feeling snarky, but my recent bill from Avis makes me so. Great staff, and loved the Nissan Maxima, but for what I paid for 9 days, could have rented a Ferrari, or if I tacked on another grand, could have bought a used car. In addition to my pre-paid rental, was also charged the following fees, which frankly make my eyebrows lift and my mouth utter the word, "Really?!"

"Customer Facility Charge" $4.00 per day

"Transportation Fee" $2.20 per day

"Vehicle License Recoup" $2.25 per day

Just wish there was a car rental place out there that gave you a great car at reasonable prices/fees!

What can one say about flying in an airplane that reminded me of a lounge in the sky? Mood lighting, video screens at every seat, and quite the fun atmosphere by their staff. Main cabin select seating areas have more legroom and give passengers more options like free food, free drinks, free checkd baggage and all the video channels/movies you want to watch at no extra cost.

One mention is that on a recent flight I upgraded to main cabin select at the terminal gate for a minimal fee. During the flight from DFW to SFO, there were several main cabin select seats that were empty. Several folks who had not upgraded simply moved from their cheaper seats to the snazzier main cabin select ones and as far as I could tell they hadn't paid the extra upgrade. Crew didn't say anything to them which I thought was wrong.

Other than that a great flight (they arrived at my destination early!) on a great airline.

I "heart" Starbelly.

Whether for brunch or dinner I haven't had a bad meal here yet. The service is always excellent, too. Stopped in for a late afternoon snack today and sat at the bar/counter. Mexican coke over ice started things off nicely. The Dungeness crab sandwich rocked with fresh seafood flavor served on toasted bread (didn't notice what kind) with a side salad of mixed greens, house dressing, pearl tomatoes, and Feta cheese. Loved it!

My only minor quibble, similar to being charged $25 to check one bag when I fly, is that when my waitperson asked if I wanted fries or salad with my sandwich, I assumed it was served with the sandwich rather than being an add on. Would be nice if that had been mentioned. Again, totally minor. An extra $2 on my bill.

If you like outdoor seating, their back patio is relaxing with lots of live plants/herbs growing on the fences surrounding the tables. It's covered and heated too.

Walked by this place on my way home this evening from the dermatologist and decided to dine in. Mushroom sandwich with side fennel and carrot salad was rich and tasty, washed down with a bottle of Mexican coke. Dessert was a banana cream pie, which isn't really pie, rather, seemed like banana pudding with a side of whipped cream and a cookie, all served in a paper cup. Very avant garde pie if you ask me. Definitely will try again. Oh, and the young lady taking my order was very friendly and enthusiastic.

I continue to love eating here. Yes, it's new restaurant, and yes, there are always a few bumps along the way with any new place, but their enthusiasm and good food for brunch and dinner make it a pleasure to dine here. Tapas are really good, and depending on the size of your group, they have something for just about everyone. Love the garlicy gambas, as well as the gazpacho, meat/cheese platter, and wine list. Bathrooms were clean, which is always important, and also like the fact you can sit at the bar or upstairs for a more intimate dining experience.

Still love eating here, but now that I've been dining here regularly, had a few updates to share:

1) Skip the rolls, as they are not homemade, or at least I don't think they do, rather, just come from a package or sure taste like they do.

2) The coleslaw also is bland, so skip that too.

3) Red beans and rice are AMAZING when she has them. Simply the best I've ever had.

3) Menu is confusing as there is a version posted outside, and then more menu items written on the walls inside. Last time I visited I simply gave up as all the items listed that I wanted were sold out, which is a good sign at a restaurant. Line was out the door, also a good sign.

4) Scary crowd can gather on this block, so prep yourself. This isn't Pac Heights.

5) Wish they'd trim the tree out front as it covers up their sign. No, not a food-related comment, but I'm just saying!

6) Mac and cheese is out of this world!

7) I'm just waiting on regular sweet tea to be served. Usually, they serve strawberry sweet tea, or some such variation, which is fine for some, but I'm from the Souh and just want some good ol' sweet tea.

8) May is the jewel of this place. Her customer service is outstanding!

9) Can be pricey for some items, but just ask beforehand and there won't be any surprises.