Sokey L.'s Profile

Earlier this year, when my girlfriend invited me to a private "Ladies Night Out" session at the Glam Factory with champagne, cupcakes, and a make application, I thought, FUN!!! Who could resist such a treat?

She bought the session through a deal through LivingSocial. "Two hours of ultimate pampering" was the advertisement. I didn't get a chance to read the fine print, but needless to say, I came here excited with high expectations.

These expectations were not met.

The "two hours of ultimate pampering" was a euphemism for a Mary Kay facial.We sat in a row and applied cleanser, toner, and moisturizer ON OUR OWN. How is that the ultimate pampering experience??  I felt cheated out of a relaxing evening. It was a sales pitch, through and through.

No offense to Mary Kay and their products, but I'm a die hard Urban Decay/Bobbi Brown make-up snob. The thought of switching to anything else is unfathomable. But still, I felt obligated to make a purchase and so I did. Two out of three items I purchased still sit unused in my toiletry bag.

I later found this makeup session deal was priced at $350. Unbelievable.

My party of five and I had amazing time at the Glam Factory. We brought three bottle of wine to the session. Who wouldn't have an amazing time with good friends and three bottles of wine?

Long story short, come here with an expectation: Mary Kay facial. Google it. I did, belatedly.

At $76 a head, I expected The Hobbit to be an exciting culinary adventure. But to my dismay, it was fell short of exceptions. It was underwhelming and overpriced.

The restaurant is very cozy and quaint. The waitresses and servers were very polite. Each course was spaced perfectly and plated beautifully, but none of the dishes really spoke to me. There was always something missing, I felt. The meal didn't feel complex. I was content, but not satisfied.

The best part of the meal was without a doubt the wine. The Coniglio Cabernet Sauvignon is perhaps the best wine I've had to pleasure to indulge. Full bodied and rich, it left an impression without making a dent in my wallet.

The Hobbit is an experience everyone needs to try at least once. My party of 6 and I had an amazing time, despite my earlier remarks. People come here to indulge and there's a definite festive energy in the air.

The gfs and I stayed in a one bedroom suite at the Trump on our most recent trip and absolutely loved it. The hotel is to die for! Everything about our stay was perfect! Check-in was so fast, efficient, and friendly! The elevators are a short distance away. And room service was so speedy! Loved it!!

Our room had a view of the Strip, which was gorgeous. The kitchen had everything imaginable! We had a great time waking up early Saturday morning and whipping up breakfast. Just remember to bring butter, salt and pepper if you plan on cooking!

And folks, the reviews do not lie: the hotel smells like fresh citrus! A welcomed changed from the smoker friendly hotels.

Highly recommended.

I don't understand the 3 stars rating!

The food here is phenomenal. Phenomenal.

The service is excellent.

The venue is sleek.

Plus, it's Top Chef's CJ!!! What's not to love?? Long story short, 5 stars. Just try it.

Next stop, the Michael Voltaggio's ink.

The bf and I came here for lunch one mellow Sunday afternoon and found it to be a-ok!

I had their special: seared Albacore Nicoise salad: poached egg, fennel, arugula, and cucumbers. For a $15 salad, I found it underwhelming. I've had the Tuna Nicoise many times at Tender Greens and this one didn't wow me. Perhaps I have very high standards set for this salad. Perhaps I was really craving a burger.

Whatever the case, I wasn't too happy with my salad.

I also had their Blonde 5, which has to me one of the more spicier blondes I've had to date.

The bf, on the other had, LOVED his prime rib french dip and fries. It was very juicy and tender, the way prime rib slider should be!

We shall revisit!

Tres Hermanas Winery has perhaps most unappealing tasting room I've visited. It desperately needs a facelift and soon! Tthe server was friendly, but I wasn't too keen on their wines. They had mostly shiraz and chardonnay. Nothing really stood out. The shiraz wasn't as full-bodied as I'd hope. Tres Hermanas was the first winery we visited on our tour and I was a little disappointed.

There are tons of wineries to choose from in the Santa Ynez valley. My verdict? Skip this one.

I had high hopes for this jerky shop. There has to be a reason why it would stay in business all these years! I know of a another jerky stop in Parker, AZ and it's the cutest thing ever!

But alas, disappointment. Gus' has very few selection of jerky. I counted perhaps 6 total. I was expecting more selection. The bf and I opted for the Sweet & Spicy Beef Brisket and found it to be too sweet and salty for our liking.

No bueno!

Hands down, the BEST 24/hr Pho place I've been to! I've been to quite a few, growing up as north OC girl and all.

We pulled in around 2am and was seat promptly. Waters came right away. Waiters took our food right away. The food came right away. Speedy service!

My pho's broth was amazing! One of the best I've had. Light, savory, and not too sweet. Just how I like it!

Location, location, location!

Location is perhaps the only thing La Piazza has going for it. The bf and I loved the people watching, dancing fountain, and live jazz band from our seat on the upstairs patio. It was the perfect ambiance for a date night.

However, there the good stops. The food here is mediocre at best. My seafood black pasta was bland. I didn't like the texture of the pasta. It was so soft and mushy. It was as if I was eating baby food. The bf had the chicken Milanese of sorts: a large breaded check breast and a side of red onions, roma tomatoes, and mozzarella in a vinaigrette. The dish didn't mesh well.

Overall, I was not impressed.

I recently discovered Bangkok West Thai a few weeks ago and have been ecstatic ever since! Good thai food a few blocks from work! YAY!!

Thus far, I've had their lunch special Mint Leaf with Chicken, which was a tad too spicy for me, but was full of flavor! I've also had their Duck Noodle Soup which was amazing. I loved the broth! Good till the last drop.

Great decor, efficient service, and lunch specials! I'm a total fan!