seema s.'s Profile

Downgrading... haven't found a single thing to buy here since that (still kick-ass) dress I referenced in my last review.  Guess I got lucky.

I've left this Safeway empty-handed twice in the last two weeks because they don't carry foods that I consider basics (greek yogurt, dry lentils, an assortment of fresh produce, etc.).  Maybe I've turned into a bit of a food snob (tho I still love T-Bell) b/c I'd much rather pay a premium at Whole Foods for the selection and quality.

Two other things that suck about this particular location:  1) Game days; 2) The checkout lines always back up into the grocery aisles - it's like Brownian motion in there

Dr. Meister is the only person I'll let near me with a specula.

Thanks for the transparency in pricing - love your online res interface.  And thanks for the occasional humor, free check-ins, and complimentary snacks.  

But I hate lining up like cattle and I hate the looks on passengers' faces as I eyeball the buffet-scrap of middle seats between them... If you want to make it first-come-first-served, just let us pick a seat when we check in.

I like my pizza one of three ways: deep dish (I'm from Chicago); super-duper thin crust flatbread-style; or Picco's style.  LOVE the brick-oven, burnt-bubble crust... and all of the flavor combos I've tried are incredible.  The soups & salads are also top-notch.  It's obvious they use premium quality, fresh ingredients for all of their dishes.

As for the Straus ice cream - I've had the swirl ice cream with chocolate shell... didn't think it was all that.  But still 5-stars overall - the pizza carries this place.

Loved the food, atmosphere, and price-point.  We ordered the ceviche del dia, peach salad (MUST-HAVE if it's still in season), the tunisian tuna pastry, flank steak, new potatoes, tres leches, pot de creme, 3 cappuccinos.  Excluding our wine, the bill came out to $80-ish... worth every penny.

Onto the wines.  The wines were great, and the bartender was scoring points with his attentiveness and flattery - he even complimented my "dress" (which was actually a long shirt)...  And then with perfect comic timing, he knocked over a glass of red wine, spilling it all over my shirt and bag.  Accidents happen, especially when I'm wearing heels, so I can't fault him for being clumsy.  BUT, while I appreciated the apologies and the wine-away spray... no offer to comp my drink!!  That's a social felony.

I'm going to second pretty much everything Erin R. said on 7/16/09.  

My first cup at Philz (the Tesora) reminded me of the cafe con leche I would have every morning in Spain... rich, robust, perfectly blended with the right amounts of milk and sugar.  The second and third cups were equally incredible... and I specifically requested "low-fat" on the third.  Still superb.  What do all three of these cups have in common?  They were made by the barista with the blue eyes, glasses, and big bushy hair... He should train the others.  

I'm sure some of the others are great, but the first guy set the bar and no serving I've had since has been quite as good as his concoctions.  Regardless, I definitely prefer Philz laid-back 'tude to the heaps of snoot you get at Blue Bottle.  And if you get the barista with the bushy hair, the coffee's better too.

If you're getting your first wax ever, here's my input:
1) It hurts.  But women have been doing this for millennia, so you can assume it won't kill you (unlike laser removal which really feels like it might kill you).
2) For your first time, you may want to go somewhere more plush and flowery to put yourself at ease.  If that matters.

If you know what waxing is all about and you just want someone to do a great job, go to Tracy.  While there's nothing frilly about her setup or her personality, and though she does take calls while she's working on you (she's all business), she excels where it matters - she's hygienic, thorough, super fast, and affordable.  

And it is true that her method is magically less painful.  She says it's because she rips the hair out in small, quick, patches.

I forgot about Basil Thai for some reason until very recently... Man I've missed this place!  A nice selection of the usual Thai eats alongside less common dishes, some great "light" options, and consistently top quality.  Good drinks, too.  

They deliver through WoW, but I love the dine-in experience... Warm, casual, with a trendy urban edge.  And the young man who often works the register/bar is a burst of sunshine.  Definitely my latest go-to Thai place...

Food is good & drinks are excellent!  (Try the "dark & stormy").  Service was friendly but retardedly slooow & incompetent.