Amanda P.'s Profile

My god. It was... amazing. I'm still reeling from a wonderful meal there last night. Yes, everything is seasoned and fried and delicious. If you're all about bland and light, you're not going to like it. But if you're looking for Berkeley-style food, don't go to a Louisiana Kitchen. It's blasphemy to say, but the beignets were fantastic -- as good, if not better, than the last one I had at Cafe Du Monde. The fried chicken was unlike anything I'd ever had before, super crispy outside, tender inside, on a pile of ginger sweet potato mash next to fantastic green beans. Yes, the mac & cheese was great, but believe it or not, our favorite dish may have been the Brussel sprouts. Or the bananas foster bread pudding (although I would have put a tiny dollop of whipped cream on it to cut the sweetness of the heavenly caramel sauce). The staff was friendly and accommodating. The timing on food was perfect -- one course right after the other. You could see the kitchen getting enthusiastic about the food, dashing dishes with scallions or whatever the heck with great panache. Healthy? Hell no. But a great, cozy, filling date night and a perfect place to wash it all back with a Dixie Blackened Voodoo? Hell yes.

Over the years, Lucky Juju has only gotten better. Beautiful electromechanicals have been joined by a few more modern pins, but still the bells, lights and flipping are magical. It's been the perfect last stop on a romantic date and the centerpiece of a family evening out.

The machines are in fantastic shape. Everyone is super friendly. You can move from machine to machine, lost in a blur of playfields. A great bay area find.

My praise is for Dr. Salaveria. My daughter was terribly afraid of dentists due to a horrible one in the past. He was super gentle with her, sweet, calming and did a very good job. The prices were reasonable within my insurance and the digital x-rays were fast to see what's going on. And the receptionist has always been incredibly sweet and kind.

Remember that dream I had where David Lynch, Weekly World News, Guy Maddin, McSweeney's, a MENSA quiz and my college Russian teacher got together to create a maze that was also a museum that was also a tea room that was also a performance art piece designed simply to screw with my mind?

Oh wait. That actually happened. And I'm wearing the shirt from the gift shop to prove it.

Finally a decent delivery pizza in San Francisco. The crust is thin and good. The margarita pizza is amazing - with huge, fresh basil leaves. The cheesy garlic bread was a meal in itself. They delivered fairly quickly, faster than they said on the phone (even on a Friday night). From the guy on the phone to the delivery driver, everyone was kind, happy and very polite. They even called to make sure I was happy since it was my first order. Amazing.

My eight-year-old daughter has been crying for a half an hour after visiting this pet shop and seeing a hamster eating another hamster, blood covering its face and feet. This was after she turned to me and said, "All the animals look so sad." What a lovely place to window shop (gag).

The poor puppies were either howling, freaking out or passed out, not a healthy, happy pup among them.

I don't hold it against anyone for wanting these adorable dogs out of that situation, but it pains me to think that every dollar is supporting Serramonte Pet Shop and the puppy mills they source from. With the number of dogs in pet rescue in California (search petfinder) you can find almost any breed you're looking for - cheaper and with fewer mental issues than the poor dogs at Serramonte.

The parrot has picked himself bare around his neck from stress and bangs his head against the glass.

The bunnies - adorable and petable - are terrified and incredibly overcrowded.

The store hasn't always been this terrible - it seems like more animals are more tightly packed and looking worse these days. Steady decline seems like the most apt term for it.

I really hope this place gets shut down.

We've used Pick of the Litter Pet Care for over three years now for midday playgroups throughout the week and vacation boarding at least twice a year. I wouldn't trust our dog with anyone else.

Before we met Carie and Stephanie, our dog Sassy was a nervous wreck rescue pup with separation anxiety something fierce. Putting her in a kennel for a vacation was heartbreaking and we'd have to re-reassure her for weeks after. Crating her in the middle of the day made her freak. Leaving her just alone wasn't an option.

Within a month of going out on playgroups, Sassy was able to go the park without trembling in terror. We could leave her alone without her having a breakdown. She now loves other dogs, is friendly with people and even knows some commands and heels! I've never seen such a dramatic change so quickly. We get a note after every playgroup, letting us know what she's been up to - such a thoughtful touch.

With boarding, I know they care for Sass as if she were their own dog. No tiny metal cages or industrial pens, but a loving environment. And her neurosis level is zero even after a long trip. They've also cared for various tank and cage critters for us with great results. (Carie's even let me back in my house when I locked myself out - I love knowing that someone I trust, and that is bonded, has a key in case of emergencies.)

All you really need to know is the second our dog hears the car pull up, she yips with excitement and wags knowing Carie and Stephanie are there. She loves them as much as she loves us - and I trust they love her just as much back. And that's exactly what I want in someone caring for my pet.

Tons of food for the price, killer sweet corn bread and good barbecue. Sure, it needs the sauce it comes with. A no-frills atmosphere and decent (if not killer) sides.

None of this cheeky hipster bbq like you find elsewhere. You want to pay for atmosphere? Hit a Tony Roma's or something. You want old wooden tables, decent meat and great mac and cheese, you want The Rib Shack.

A wacky slice of tropical heaven, blended with ice and served in a tiki glass. Great atmosphere. The staff is friendly, attentive and sweet. The MP3 jukebox is vast and well stocked -- as well as fun to  flip through. The drinks are strong enough to be worth it.

Sure, this isn't the cheapest place on earth to get a drink, but compared to other Bay Area tiki lounges (Tonga Lounge, the bar at Trader Vic's), the drink prices are a downright steal.

Wish it were near... oh, anything else. But it's on a bus route, so it's all good.

We had a party here for 6 year old girls. The staff was friendly and really patient with the kids -- who were a bit overwhelmed by all the toys, clothes, hairstuff, lotions, games and dancing. It took the moms' attention to keep the girls focused a bit, but it worked fine. It is certainly dad kryptonite (all the pink, let alone seeing their daughter in makeup).

I'm not a girlie girl in the least, but the kids seem to adore being the center of attention, getting all fancy and having fun with each other. It's perfect for parties catering to the princess phase of girls' lives. Also, their webkinz addiction.