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1725 Haight St
San Francisco, CA 94117
(415) 666-0822

The Alembic  

Categories: Bars, American (New)
Neighborhood: Haight-Ashbury

5.0 star rating
Update - 10/30/2009
Mmm.... marrow. Mmm... peppers.

Hanger steak and Cali Pinot. The perfect evening? Imo, yes.

The brioche dessert was impeccable; so many layers of deliciousness... caramel and apples as an accompaniment.

The service was, as always, impeccable. I will be back again... and again... and again.

Listed in: Left my wallet in San…, Don't Haight., Best. Beer. Ever.

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  • 5.0 star rating
    5/18/2009

    Bone Marrow.
    Pickled Quail eggs.
    Shishito peppers.
    Zattar chips.
    Olives & Almonds.
    Magnoila IPA.

    EPIC WIN.

    Everything was delicious. This was my first time with marrow and I'll tell you, it won't be the last. It tastes like avocado and butter and it was incredible.

    The pickled quail eggs were fantastic and came with some pickled red onion.  House made zattar chips- yes, olives- great. Favorite? The peppers. Sea salt and slightly blackened- these were delicious.

    Prices here are quite reasonable for being a gastropub and I found the portions slightly bigger than expected. We stuck with beer last night (to which there is a large selection) and the Magnolia IPA was great. Next time I'll probably order a cocktail though. They have so many different bottles and options, it's definitely on my list of cocktails to try in SF.

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6215 15th Ave NW
Seattle, WA 98107
(206) 789-0270

Jiffy Lube  

Category: Oil Change Stations
Neighborhood: Ballard

4.0 star rating
10/26/2009
Soooo, so, so, so soooo...

sooooo much better than the Greasey Monkeys down the street.

At Jiffy Lube, "No Means No."

When was the last time the folks at a lube-station tried to get you to buy some new wiper blades or a new air filter? Every time, right? Well, not these guys. They politely asked which oil I preferred and how my blades were.

When I opted for the cheapest and said no to the blades, there was no 'weird' pitch.

I paid, and in 10 minutes, I drove out with a window squeegeed, vaccummed, lubed up auto. Go here... please don't feed the monkeys down the way.

Listed in: Miscellany in Seattle.

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11435 Avondale Road NW
Redmond, WA 98053
(425) 285-1400

PCC Natural Markets  

Categories: Grocery, Health Markets, Delis

4.0 star rating
10/25/2009 2 photos
I found this amazing vegan cashew dip here yesterday afternoon. Seriously, it tastes like cheesey spread, only it's made with cashews and red peppers. I haven't seen this in the other stores, but maybe it was b/c I just wasn't looking for it.

Not quite as good as the Seattle locations, as there are only a few check out counters, and only two folks workin' them on a busy Saturday afternoon.

Other than that, it was A-OK!

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2323 1st Ave
Seattle, WA 98121
(206) 441-4789

Ventana Restaurant - CLOSED  

Categories: American (New), Bars
Neighborhood: Belltown

5.0 star rating
10/23/2009 1 photo
Hmm... I will say that the truffle fries here are better than any of the other truffle fries I've had... ever.

And they serve them with Humboldt Fog dipping cheese... and it is out of control.

Yesterday afternoon, I read Elise L's review of Ventana. Pretty much all I had to read was, "truffle fries and marrow gratin," and I was SOLD.

We ordered a few things here last night, which included said fries, gratin, beef tongue ravioli, warm olives, essential bread & olive oli and a bottle of Malbec. Portions here are very small, but they are also very delicious. The frites come in a cone and are actually plentiful. The ravioli was delicious; and the light sauce allowed the flavors of the tongue to really shine.

The marrow gratin was pretty much incredible in every sense of the word. Topped with cheese, golden brown, served in a terrine- it was very rich and perfect for sharing with a few people. For dessert, the folks here were kind enough to serve me up a slice of their red velvet cake, which is not to be missed. 3 layers of dense, moise red velvet, served with fresh raspberries... it was excellent.

The service here is top notch. Very attentive, fun, happy. The space is very modern and a little loud, but it feels comfortable and cozy and the view is spectacular! I would come back in a heart beat.

Come here and make sure you get the frites and the marrow. And ask for the Humboldt Fog concoction. Simply divine.

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1413 NW 70th St
Seattle, WA 98127
(206) 706-4035

Honore Artisan Bakery  

Category: Bakeries
Neighborhood: Ballard

5.0 star rating
10/22/2009
God. I am SUCH an idiot!

I waited waaaaay too long to check out Honore. I cannot believe I've been going without for so many months.

Honore is like Besalu, only much more sleek and sophisticated. It's got all the butter and class of it's Ballard counterpart, but with half the line.

I had a gruyere, onion, thyme pastry here today, and I can safely say that it was one of the best butter pastries I've ever had. I am not supposed to consume things like butter and cheese because they don't agree with me.

Too bad, stomach. Today was MY day.

I will be back to Honore. Great space, delicious coffee & pastries, friendly service, and it's got a great neighborhood vibe.

Listed in: s(EAT)tle

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1525 4th Ave
Seattle, WA 98101
(206) 624-1370

Ummelina International Day Spa  

Category: Day Spas
Neighborhood: Downtown

2.0 star rating
Update - 10/21/2009
Ugh! The customer service, or lack thereof I experienced here this weekend really upsets me.

Ummelina has always been one of my favorite places to go for a true, zen-like spa experience.

However, this weekend, I had a gift certificate, which I wanted to use to purchase some of their spa line. I walked in and asked the gal behind the counter if the massage gift card I had could be used to purchase  product. "Yeah, that's fine," she responded as I started to browse the eye creams and masks. Great. Super. I'll buy some eye creme. I'm over 30 now... let the wrinkleage begin!

I asked her about a few things and she really couldn't tell me anything more about the product other than what I read on the back of the box and she actually seemed pretty put out when doing so.

I decided on the eye creme, which I placed on the counter and headed back over to the wall.

A few seconds later, she comes over and hands me a bag with the creme in it. "Here you go," she says. "Uh... I was still shopping. What about the $30 I've still got to spend?" I ask.

"Your balance is on the receipt," she nonchalantly replies as she turns away.

Well then... "Actually, I am going to spend that... so here you go," as I hand her a mask and the bag back.

She rings me up. I give her a few bucks for the extra $ and we head out.

I don't think I'll ever be back for product. I've had better service at Wendy's.

For spa treatments, maybe... My mother loves it here and I'll definitely come here if that's something she's in the mood for.

Listed in: Miscellany in Seattle., She's a laaady... Whoa, whoa,…, Hey Good Lookin'!

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  • 4.0 star rating
    12/28/2008

    I'm so excited b/c I just recieved a gift certificate for another treatment here and I cannot wait to use it!

    I've been here a handful of times over the years and i must say that my last trip in was, by far, the best. Amber gave me a 'Revive Facial' which consisted of an hour and a half of masking massaging, exfoliating, extracting, and rejuvenating. It was fantastic. They also massage your shoulders, and each of your limbs before they wrap them up in hot gloves and let you sit there in a dimly lit room for a good 1/2 hour... Soooo relaxing.

    Last time I was in, I purchased some of their products and have been very happy with the results. I'm looking forward to some more Zen action soon... I feel it's a bit more pricey than it probably should be and the specialists can be hit or miss. This can be remedied by asking for Amber. I assure you she's worth every penny.

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1400 1st Ave
Seattle, WA 98101
(206) 838-8000

Union - CLOSED  

Category: American (New)
Neighborhood: Downtown

5.0 star rating
Update - 10/20/2009
I had a great glass of pinot here last night. Lange Pinot Noir from Oregon, to be specific.

It was pretty pricey, but I almost never spend more than $9 a glass these days, so I figured that at $14 it had better be amazing.

It was.

Now, the wine was good, but the high rating for Union comes with their service. I am not sure where I have had better bar service in Seattle, other than at Zig Zag. Don't get me wrong, there are fun and attentive bartenders... nice guys and gals who make a good cocktail.

But there is something about Chris that's warm fuzzy and cool, and welcoming all at once. I can't explain it, but he's great at making you feel like you're at home...

with a $14 glass of pinot, of course.

Tough to come by.

PS- I've eaten here a few times. It's very good. The beef carpaccio is worth ordering each and every time you're in.

Listed in: I said TAPAS, Not Topless., Dine About SeaTown

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  • 5.0 star rating
    9/26/2007

    Perfect intimate setting for a small party of two or four.. or 12! :)

    Cute bar and great Bellinis. Nice layout, spacious with great ambiance.

    I loved every single thing on the menu:

    *Beef carpaccio with horseradish and lemon- excellent light tasting, perfect
    *Mixed greens with young pecorino cheese
    *Controne bean & octopus salad- easily one of my favorite things on the menu
    *Panzanella bread salad- with heirlooms- fantastic.
    *Gnocchetti pasta with chanterelle mushrooms and parmigiano reggiano
    *Seared Sea Scallops with cauliflower and ligurian olive salad- excellent, perfectly seared scallops- great flavor.
    *Trofie Pasta served with fresh pesto- fantastic- perfect pesto.

    It's the little things sometimes, and as we were dining, we took note of the 'cool' water and drink glasses. They were pretty dope.

    Staff was extremely accommodating and polite. The bartenders were quick and friendly. I will be back for sure!

    Big props to Union for dealing with all of us crazies. You were stellar.

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6400 8th Ave NW
Seattle, WA 98107
(206) 957-5544

Goodwill  

Categories: Thrift Stores, Community Service/Non-Profit
Neighborhood: Ballard

4.0 star rating
10/19/2009
I cannot believe how easy it was for me to drop off a bunch of crap... I mean 'useful, clean gently used items' here this morning.

Here's what you do:
1.) drive up
2.) unload
3.) take receipt
4.) drive away

Better than the dump and it's free.

FYI: I unloaded some really good sh*t-- I mean stuff here this am... You should get on over to 8th and 65th and check it out for yourself.

Listed in: Miscellany in Seattle.

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1420 NW 46th St
Seattle, WA 98107
(206) 706-0311

The Counter  

Categories: Burgers, Sandwiches
Neighborhood: Ballard

4.0 star rating
10/18/2009
I was pretty skeptical.

I mean, I was thinking that it'd be like Red Robin on 'roids with so many options to choose from.... I was totally wrong.

Filling out the form before they take your order is a little like taking a test:

"Psst! What'd you put for step #3?? Black olives... no, that can't be right... or maybe it is?! I dunno."

But once you have your card all sitchimicated, they take it back into the kitchen, work their magic, and come out with a delicious meal that, much to my surprise, wasn't crazy huge/ massive. They actually make burgers of perfect proportions here.

And they encourage the following:

*English muffin buns
*Fried eggs
*Burgers in bowls
*Sweet potato fries along with the usual

I had a grilled chicken number in a bowl with baby greens, roasted corn & black beans, guacamole, olives, carmelized onions, and Southwest Caesar dressing on the side. The chicken was delicious and the salad was actually perfect in every way. I wouldn't have changed a thing.

Prices here are very fair too. I think that with a Diet Coke, and a tip, it was about $12.

I can't comment on the burgers, but everyone else (12 of us) at the table had one and there were no complaints.

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113 Dexter Ave N
Seattle, WA 98109
(206) 903-5397

KEXP 90.3 FM  

Category: Radio Stations

5.0 star rating
Update - 10/16/2009
Today was a banner day for John. I don't know if it was the Ravonettes live in NYC, or the Port O'Brien. Maybe it was the Friday song, or the new Maps.

At any rate, I still love this radio station like King Curtis loves him some bacon: http://www.youtube.com...

After all, KEXP is good for me, good for me, good for me.

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  • 5.0 star rating
    5/3/2007

    Listener since '98. Member since '02. Yeah, that's right.. and I've got the coffee mugs, membership card, and cds to prove it!

    I'm partial to 6am - 2pm. Over the last several years, John and Cheryl have made me aware of so many wonderful bands, venues, festivals, causes.. *tear*.  All the music I've come to love over the last 7 years is b/c of this fine 'commercial free' radio station and their dedicated djs.

    My cd collection has grown something fierce b/c of kexp.

    Become a member- you'll feel better:
    http://www.kexp.o...

    If you find it a bit difficult to listen at first, don't give up. Keep it on. I swear, it will grow on you, and before you know it, you too will have your own mug collection!

    Two 'morning faithfui' thumbs up.

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"I'm here to Yelp!"

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Review votes:
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Location

San Francisco, CA

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