Lee "Still in the Studio" S.'s Profile
DateLos Angeles, CA 90017
(213) 833-5100
Point Moorea Lounge
Category:
Lounges
Neighborhood: Downtown
Beverly Hills, CA 90035
(310) 277-8288
Salon Republic
Category:
Hair Salons
Neighborhood: West Los Angeles
Speaking from the perspective of a guy who, you know, didn't really have the whole hair-thing on his radar: I didn't know what I was missing. It was just something one spent a certain amount of time on every few weeks, like balancing one's checkbook. Maybe not quite as fun. And I'd resigned myself to the mixed-bag results.
Now, of course, I'm spoiled. I arrive at Vivian's cheery salon space, and before a single lock hits the floor I feel a little happier... more confident... more put-together. She knows how I like to look, and she knows what works best for me, and she makes that happen. Flawlessly, consistently. With a great sense of fun as a bonus (Vivian has a terrific sense of humor, and her blend of energy and centered-ness is catching). All of which, to me, is sort of like magic.
Bottom line: I trust Vivian implicitly to make me look my best. Simple as that.
310-927-3718. Now you have the digits... give her a call and see what I'm talking about.
El Segundo, CA 90245
(310) 335-9288
Salt Creek Grille
Categories:
Jazz & Blues,
Bars,
American (New),
Seafood,
Steakhouses
Neighborhood: El Segundo
The hickory sauce is delicious, and pairs with the bacon--you must, I repeat, MUST add the bacon to make the experience work--in a way that's kinda magical.
So Salt Creek is a great place to "dress it down" and get just about the least expensive thing on the menu. It's not something I often do, but here it works wonderfully.
P.S. The service *has* improved, and I'd say it's improved drastically. Since my last review, I've been maybe 8-10 times, and not a single thing has been missing, incorrect, or less than perfect on any of those occasions. For LA, this is just short of a miracle.
Happy to say, Salt Creek Grille is now: Recommended (for burgers).
1 Previous Review:
-
1/6/2009
You know the drill: quasi-steakhouse, quasi-artsy decor meets a meat-heavy (though fairly extensive) menu. Add a large lounge area to entice a happening bar scene, and voila! Hot spot. That's the formula for Salt Creek Grille, and I think they're pulling it off.
Service was adequate, if not incredibly polished... an artifact, I think, of the newness of the location. I expect it'll improve, though there's an underlying not-entirely-thrille d-to-be-here vibe that I detect. Subtle, but it's there.
I've been to this location three times (or is it four? Not a good sign, I think, that I can't remember)--usually taking Mom out to lunch; once with my gf.
Of course, I tried the ribs--if you're going to offer them, I'm going to try them. The ribs were fine... not as good as Houston's, in my opinion. Stingy with the sauce, and there's a little too much vinegar for me (although that's all incredibly subjective... you might like this drier, tidier style).
Mom's burger, which I'm not ashamed to say I sampled, was superb. All the spicy-bbq elements that were missing from my ribs... there they were. Next time I'll save a few bucks and have that burger.
One thing I won't have again was the mesquite caesar salad (at least that's what I *think* they were calling it)--wilty, stalky grilled romaine lettuce with a perfunctory smattering of crouton dust. Um, yuck? But you order grilled lettuce, you deserve what you get... and now I know.
Parking is a treat; seating was more than adequate (except for the one time we arrived at the height of holiday lunch rush--I'd advise against eating in the lounge area). Not bad, all things considered. Full bar.
Santa Monica, CA 90401
(310) 458-9294
The Lobster
Category:
Seafood
Neighborhood: Santa Monica
Some places you go to are consistently three-star: the food is OK, nothing life-changing. The atmosphere is inoffensive. The service is functional. And on and on. Ultimately forgettable. Not even worthy of a review, really.
Not so The Lobster, which comes by its three stars via a roller-coaster experience for myself and my three lunch companions. Lots of aspects of this place deserve five-star ranking; others made me feel one-star stabby. Highlights and lowlights to follow.
The good: price, location, ocean view, decor, parking, drink selection, main courses--all admirable. It comes across as a really reasonable, laid-back variety of Nice Place to Eat, packed (and I do mean PACKED) with fashionable people and the occasional spandexed cyclist. Um, how did that last thing happen? Never mind. I don't have a single problem with any of the above.
...Aaaaand the horrible: Table--I know, I know... someone has to sit at the Worst Table in the Restaurant, but it still grates. The constant distraction and annoyance of the NOISE LEVEL--I can't overemphasize it. if you're at all sensitive to this, go elsewhere. Grabby busboys (no, I'm NOT finished with this plate). Bland desserts that pleased no one.
About the only element I'd rate as three-star *in and of itself* was the service. Not awful, not amazing (our waiter seemed to warm to us... but really, should I have to "turn on the charm" just to get a meal that won't activate my food allergy? Seems a bit back-to-front somehow).
Full disclosure: This was a lunch that I wanted to be perfect, and the flaws in this restaurant line up particularly neatly with my long-established pet peeves. I'd like to go back sometime on a whim, maybe just by myself, and re-evaluate... especially considering that, at a restaurant named "The Lobster," no one at my table ate lobster. That seems like a bit of an oversight, doesn't it?
So let's say that this is three stars with room for improvement and a caveat: Will Visit Again.
DGM (a.k.a. Back Alley) was described to me as "kinda ghetto," and I have to agree--the ad hoc, plastery walls, covered in writing; the second-hand benches/utensils/menus; the general haze of smoke from all kinds of different sources... the uncertainty about whether they'd take credit cards at a place like this (they do).
I have to say, though: I kind of dig it all. This seems like K-town's version of an urban greasy spoon, but with a little more claustrophobia and industrial vibe thrown in for some pseudo-Blade-Runner LA appeal.
The food was serviceable, and cheap... and the booze cost about what you'd pay anywhere else... so if you're looking for sort of an intentionally dive-y but congenial time, this might be for you.
Los Angeles, CA 90020
(213) 388-8850
Gaam Restaurant and Lounge
Categories:
Asian Fusion,
Lounges
Neighborhood: Koreatown
First off, I love that the entrance is down a sort of unfinished back hallway, off a tucked-away parking lot (like lots of spots in K-town). I always feel like I'm in that long-ass "entering the club" shot from Goodfellas. To me that's cool.
Next--I've never gone for the $20 combo. I'm just a sucker for some of the stuff that's not on the special, and it's not *that* much more expensive to get my favorite stuff a la carte.
Of course, I dig the architecture and the "feel" of the place like most of the other reviewers, and I agree that the seating is definitely uncomfortable if you're there for anything more than, say, half an hour. Parking is a mixed bag... if you're there during prime-time, bring along some patience. The place does get pretty packed.
But for a fun time with friends, or for a nice, high-energy start to a date, this is a great option. Recommended.
Burbank, CA 91506
(818) 567-2900
Color Images Copy & Print
Category:
Printing Services
Neighborhood: Burbank
For the seven places I called *before* finding Color Images here on Yelp, this wasn't even in the zip code of possible. I ran into the whole comedy cliché--A) I told them what I needed and when I needed it, then B) big braying whoops of laughter came leaping up from the phone.
Enter Color Images... and my experience with Jeff was so radically different as to make me suspicious. "Sure, we can do that. E-mail the files tomorrow and we'll have it ready in about 30 minutes."
Um... WHAT?!?
So different from everything else I'd heard for the last hour. Surely Color Images wasn't that far ahead of the pack. This being LA, my hope was tempered by a little realism. Nothing here is ever *that* simple. Right?
But no, these guys actually did EXACTLY what they promised. Professionally, cheerfully, expertly. Exceeded my expectations at every turn... That's a cliché, too, albeit a nicer one. But I mean it literally--I went in with a set of expectations, and they did it faster, cheaper and better than I'd hoped.
From what I'm reading in everyone else's reviews, Jeff and his mild-mannered Color Images crew don capes, leap buildings and help their clients dodge speeding bullets pretty much every day.
Add me to the list of fans. Grateful fans. Still don't know if I got the gig... but if not, I'll have only myself to blame.
...here's the slightly-longer version, if you care: one of the valets left a parking permit hang tag in my car. Apparently they use those tags to put customers' cars on the street in the neighborhood--it's zoned for residents only. When I returned the tag, we shared a moment. Since then I've had really good parking service. Go fig.
1 Previous Review:
-
1/6/2009
My first experience with Korean BBQ, and still my favorite for authenticity, service and taste. Seems like something's missing in my week if my (Korean) gf and I haven't dropped by this place.
After the hassle of parking (peak hours and weekends will leave you waiting in the street, with angry K-towners swerving around you--be warned), it's a warm welcome. The place is busy, but there always seems to be a table ready for us. Charmed life? Maybe. Does it help that we're regulars? Oh, yeah.
Some of the other reviewers have knocked the service, but my experience has been uniformly positive: That first bottle of rice wine hits the table in about two minutes, if you're counting (and, as über-speedy service is sort of a hallmark of these places, you probably are). We typically have just enough time to pour and think up some clever toast before the banchan parade begins.
Good stuff, and plenty of it--though you really have to commit to a certain density of flavor and an emphasis on the sour and bitter parts of your palate. The onion in the kimchi means I'm not able to try it (I'm allergic), but my gf assures me it's spot-on... and, some nights, spicy even to *her* palate.
Meat selection and quality is solid for an AYCE place, and the experience of grilling it yourself--setting your own pace, lingering over drinks, taking in the good-natured chaos as servers flit from table to table amidst the chatter--is a particularly congenial start to a night out.
Lots more to mention--I'd fight any man who tries to horn in on my egg custard--but if you're a Korean BBQ veteran you're already getting the picture. And if not, I'd recommend giving it a shot--just be sure to come HUNGRY. Recommended.
Westchester, CA 90045
(310) 410-0593
Bristol Farms
Categories:
Grocery,
Caterers
Neighborhood: Westchester / LAX
It's also a terrific complement to the other grocery stores nearby (speaking as a selfish local). I do what most people do--go to Vons or Ralph's for the daily essentials (water, soft drinks, paper towels, stuff like that) and go to Bristol Farms for the higher-end stuff (scotch, good cheeses and salami, seafood--you get the picture). And I think Bristol sort of intends to position themselves this way in the community... their offerings along the lines of, say, toothpaste are perfunctory at best.
The sit-down café, to your left as you enter, provides food that is functional and service that is not... made of meh on their *good* days. The Peet's coffee mini-coffee-shop offers friendly service, if a little on the slow side (especially during morning rush).
Recommended for the non-essentials. Those, Bristol Farms does exceptionally well.
Manhattan Beach, CA 90266
(310) 545-7206
The Walking Company
Category:
Shoe Stores
Neighborhood: Manhattan Beach
They spent nearly an hour with me, assessing my feet (sounds weird, I know) and how I walked, and making some recommendations for shoes that would work perfectly for my needs (incl. discussing how the shoes I bought would coordinate with my wardrobe--!). I tried on maybe a dozen pairs of shoes--and that's a lot for a guy.
Bought three pairs, and I love 'em all. Maybe they did *too good* a job... I haven't needed to go back. But I will (need to). And I will (go).
Superior service, product range and attention to detail. Can't imagine a nicer or more effective shopping experience. Highly recommended.
No Lists
Lee hasn't made any lists yet.
|
"Music that kicks the maximum amount of ass scientifically possible."
- 20 Friends
- 53 Reviews
- 2 Review Updates
- 4 Firsts
- 2 Fans
-
Rating Distribution
Loading...
- View more graphs »
Review votes:
68 Useful, 36 Funny, and 56 Cool
Los Angeles, CA
Yelping SinceJuly 2008
Find Me InLos Angeles
My HometownMetropolis, IL
My Blog Or Website When I'm Not Yelping...I'm probably zipping around the freeways of LA.
Why You Should Read My ReviewsTrust the (formerly) big guy. (Formerly) big guy knows what's good.
Don't Tell Anyone Else But...I once entered into a drinking contest with a tuba player. It ended... poorly.
First off, it's not trying to be hip. Which, to me, is very cool. The bartenders and waitresses are friendly and genuine, rather than artificially brusque (blech) or obsequious. And, though there is a "theme" here, it's not really pushed that hard. You can ignore it if you like... I do. I didn't even think of it as a tiki bar until some of the other reviews mentioned it (they're right, but yeah... it's a soft theme at most).
Also, Knob Creek at a reasonable price (though the other high-end bourbons are pricier). They also have Scotch at prices which are generally reasonable... following my buddy Scott's "dollar-a-year" rule, you can have a dram of the Lagavulin 16 for your price point. Yum.
And while I'm sipping my drink, I get to play pool for free. FREE. If you arrive at any sort of reasonable hour, chances are a table will be free for you to do this. No kidding.
And later, if I'm a little hungry, I can eat bar food which is competent (and, in the case of the fries, actually crispy and delicious). Happy hour specials, which I'm not usually around for, make this a great deal on price point alone--although my barfly friends tell me this sort of thing happens elsewhere, too.
If there's a game on, it's like a little bonus that I get to check that out on a number of new TV screens as I relax and shoot a few games... everything looks great, and the noise level is never oppressive (CRAZY! NOISE! is one of my buttons).
One last thing: if you enjoy people-watching, this can be a fun place. It's an odd mix of convention-folks, airline workers, plus a few locals and random people who just happened across the place (like I did, originally). Makes for an interesting cross-section.
Look--when I go to Point Moorea I'm generally wanting to have a comfortable, low-key good time. Not to worry about being seen, or to hook up, or to be wowed by some sort of special ambiance or gimmick. I just want to drink some tasty beverages, and have some fun shooting pool with my g/f or my buddies. And it has never once failed to deliver that to me. Consistency is rare in this town, and I like to reward it.