Joelle "tenth muse" R.'s Profile

This place makes Sbarro look gourmet.

The big up is that the place is clean and attractive enough and the service was polite. But the pizza (we got 2 cheese slices and a medium drink) was lackluster. The crust was a little thick and flavorless and the sauce was a bit on the sweet side and lacked depth.

Usually "by the slice" places will heat your slice in the oven before presenting it, but we were given two congealed slices right from under the heat lamp.

It was under $7, so for the price, if you're drunk, this gets the job done.  But, if you're looking to actually enjoy a slice of pizza, I'd go elsewhere.

(This review is specifically for the Pizzeria and not the Ristorante, as I've never eaten there and haven't tried anything other than their pizza by the slice.)

All I wanted was a quiet spa day.

PROS: good location, polite staff, good cucumber lemon water, attractive, stylish main salon floor.

CONS:  noisy. Also, noisy. And sometimes, it's noisy. Especially when it's noisy.

I usually go to a strip-mall type nail salon for my mani/pedis, but I needed a special treat, so I took a Friday off work and booked myself their best "spa pedicure" (50 minute "Ice Cream Pedicure"), their best manicure (their 50-minute signature manicure) and a brow shaping.

When I got to my appt, I checked in with a nice quiet guy at the front desk who offered me some cucumber lemon water and directed me to the loo. All good so far.

When I got back to the lobby, despite being 10 minutes early, I sat for 10 minutes past my appt time until finally a woman came over and asked me if I needed to check in. It became apparent that no one had told my esthetician that I was there.

My esthetician was professional and kind, but very fast. My brows looked alright, she did a fine clean-up, but the shape lacked and she left them a little "natural" for my taste (I prefer a tiny bit more of a classic vintage arch, which I did express to her before she began.)

(Note: the room itself would've been a quiet, spa-like experience, however the halls in the spa area are high traffic, so you can hear every woman's heels and people talking loudly and whistling during your service.)

When my brow appt was over, she took me to a back room of the salon, not the spa, which consisted of a handful of shampoo bowls, two mani stations and a nook with 2 pedicure "thrones".  They're not massage chairs, if that's what you're looking for.  They're comfortable enough, but not that relaxing.

The esthetician sat me down in a dryer chair and told me to wait. So I did... while a manicurist talked loudly on her cell phone nearby. The esthetician didn't introduce me to her, so I wasn't aware she was my manicurist until 7 minutes later when she finally finished her call, walked PAST me all the way to the front of the salon and found out I was her client.

I was really disappointed. All I wanted was a quiet, spa pedicure, a mini-spa day, a treat just for me. I wanted a REAL spa pedicure, not like the "spa pedi" you get in the strip mall nail salon.  Since I was IN A SPA, I thought that was what I was getting. The woman who booked my appt assured me "once I have one of those pedicures, you won't ever want anything else". I beg to differ.

First, my manicurist talked non-stop to the manicurist next to her. Neither of them shut up for entire time I was back there. I heard about The Voice, Angry Birds, karaoke, someone's alleged Korean mafia boyfriend...  They couldn't stop talking with the client next to me who ALSO wouldn't get off her cell phone.  And no one was using their inside voices, if you know what I mean.

Add to that the endless train of stylists traipsing their clients back there for shampoos who talked from the moment they entered the room until they left. Every time someone took a towel out of a cabinet, they slammed the doors. And let's not forget the club music they were playing.

Where was my "spa" pedicure?! This is a SPA, so I expected a tranquil, spa-like experience. When I've gone to other spas for a pedicure, it's treated as a spa service. For spa prices, I expect spa treatment.

I didn't chit chat much with the ladies, though they tried to engage me, hoping they'd get the hint that I just wanted to relax, but no... she didn't get the hint until she asked me "So what do you have planned for the day?" and I replied, "A quiet spa day."

I did soften and chat with her more during the manicure (I just gave up) and she was very sweet, so it's not personal, but I did voice to her that I thought the pedicure areas should be more secluded and peaceful.  She told me to fill out a comment card.

The results? I left tense and disappointed and my pedicure was just ok. I could've gotten all three services, perhaps even a bit better, in my usual strip-mall nail salon for half the price, but she did a fine job. The manicure was more like 30 minutes, not the promised 50, and while she did do the scrub and the hot towels, she forgot the massage (unless she did it and it was so brief I didn't notice).

The lighting is terrible in that room -- all the red/orange/pink polishes look the same -- so instead of a hot pink, I actually ended up with bright orange neon toes once I got outside. UGH. My feet could land a plane.

The main salon floor was stylish and hip, but I think the "spa" portion could really use a dose of tranquility.  I mentioned nicely to the check-out receptionist that I wasn't 100% happy and was told again to 'fill out a comment card'.

To add insult to injury, I accidentally overtipped by $20. Sigh.

I'm not saying don't go -- clearly some people like this place a lot -- just bring earplugs.

I really, REALLY wanted to like this place. I really did. The raves from my personal friends, all the reviews here on Yelp... I promise you, I had high hopes. But overall, it was just average.

I will admit that I am a bit "Southern California persnickety" about my Mexican food, but have a pretty good tolerance for even bad Mexican food.  It's grease and meat and cheese and hot sauce -- what's not to love?  Sadly, the food here was neither good, nor bad, it just... was.  Bland is the closest adjective I can give it.

The salsa was bizarre and had strange tangy-ness that was unexpected and off putting. The consistency was kind of like Cholula hot sauce, not a true salsa. The beans were beans, on the loose side, like a dip. Pretty decent, better than the salsa. The chips were fine.

We each ordered fajitas, he steak and I chicken with flour tortillas. The steak, I swear to you, had no flavor at all. It just tasted like cooked meat.  The chicken had slightly more flavor, but really, nothing to write home about. We saw spices on it, but strangely, there were none on our tongues. There was no zing, no heat, no depth, it was just... food.

Now, the tortillas -- those were awesome. Really good tortillas, freshly made.

Where they lacked in the flavor department, they did make up for in service. While we were initially forgotten after being seated way in the back by the toilets, after we reminded them we existed, they were extra attentive. Overly so, even.  I think they could tell that we didn't love our food, as we asked for a box after just a few bites (I decided to try my hand at improving upon the leftovers the next day.) So they were very concerned about us being happy. We said we were and smiled and nodded -- we just didn't have the heart to tell them we thought their food was mediocre. :(

They brought us extra hot tortillas to go, at no additional cost, so we were very appreciative and tipped accordingly.

The meal itself was pretty pricey for a mexican restaurant, in my opinion. $15-$20 a person -- maybe that's the going rate, but I'm used to more $10-$15 a plate, the high end for fajitas.

Our bill, without alcohol was $49, not including tip, pretty high for 2 orders of fajitas, if you ask me, but maybe I'm just that old fart recalling how it used to be a quarter to go to the movies. I don't know.

Anyway, I feel bad for not being totally in love with them. What they lacked in flavor, they made up for in customer service, so 3 stars it is.

Eh... sadly, the last few times we've gone there/ordered take-out from there, its been less than awesome.  There's something in the ranchero and enchilada sauces, some kind of spice, that they are getting REALLY heavy-handed with. In fact, even the smell of it turns my stomach now, sadly. I can't put my finger on what it is... oregano or maybe cloves?  Whatever it is, it's not a good thing.  

Their rice has been especially dry and clumpy the last few times we've ordered, as well.

Their beans are still delicious, their salsa still rocks, but I do think they could pony up for some homemade chips. It's not that hard to make them and it would make their great salsa stand out more.

Their service is still great, too, but overall the place is just not as awesome as it was for me before. Bummer.

Spent last Saturday cruising the Tivoli Village Farmer's Market and once we'd loaded up on Kettle corn and asparagus, we decided to grab a bite to eat.  Having dined at the Brio in Town Square, and enjoyed it several times, we decided to give this location a go.

The patio was lovely at 11am on a Saturday. We managed to get there before the rush, so we had our pick of seats and it was quiet and very relaxing.

Our server wasn't the best in the world. He was a tall slim guy (though all the servers seemed to be super tall and slim) with a huge band-aid on the side of his neck. I assume this was to cover some kind of tattoo, but it wasn't that appetizing, i'll be honest.

However, because he was so soft spoken and meek, I thought maybe he had some kind of life-saving throat or neck surgery and cut him some slack.  His service was super slow and he forgot about us a few times, but I refused to let it ruin the brunch and let Mr. Potential Cancerous Goiter and/or Criss Angel Tattoo off without griping.

The peach bellini is TO DIE for. So good and comes in a giant pint glass. I thought it was going to be a simple bellini in a champagne flute, but no, this was like a booze slurpee. For $7. I'll have two next time.

I had the eggs benedict, which was absolutely delicious. The grilled asparagus that came with it was gone in 30 seconds. I like my poached eggs on the medium-well side and mine came so runny they were almost cold inside (which I realize is how some folks like them). But the manager, who happened to be walking by, had them remake them, despite my protests. She was really attentive and personable. I should've gotten her name -- she's got long dark hair and blue eyes, kinda on the wee side.

I'd definitely go back to this location, especially  for brunch. There's some berry stuffed french toast I've got my eye on...

From the outside, you might think it's not all that appealing. It's been there since 1978 and they haven't done that much to "update" (which I rather love). But, Omelet House is the exact right combination of kitsch and comfort.

The interior is like a time machine. It's got a very 70's breakfast diner vibe, kind of like a Cracker Barrel, though not as countrified and not manufactured. It feels authentic and their knick-knacks feel curated and not just cookie cutter. It's got a lot of character and charm. It feels like going to breakfast with your grandparents.  In that good way.

The staff was so warm and genuinely enthusiastic about the food. When I asked two different servers what their favorites were, they were more than happy to share. They also pointed out that their omelets are SIX eggs and the options we had when ordering: we could get it baby-sized (3 eggs) for .89 cents less. Or we could split the full-size for .95 cents more and they'll give you extra potatoes. So that's pretty cool.

The prices were on par with other breakfast spots like Cracked Egg and Babystacks. Maybe a tiny bit higher, but there are six eggs in those omelets. SIX. So you're getting a lot for your money.  Each omelet was in the $9-10 range and they are served with toast (or homemade pumpkin or banana bread) and thin-sliced breakfast potatoes (almost crispy!).  

There are maybe 15or 20 kinds of omelets to choose from. I had a baby-sized "green chile omelet", which had pork, chile verde and jack cheese. Even baby-sized, I could only eat half and barely made a dent in the potatoes, which were delicious. Everything was delicious, actually.

The look/texture of the chile verde was a little different than I expected. It's not *pretty*, per say, but it was *tasty*. Food around the room all looked delicious, I think it's just the nature of that particular style of sauce.  I'd eat it if offered, but don't know that I'd *order* it with so many other options.

Had a bite or two of the blueberry waffle, which was amazing, as well. Light, fluffy with the blueberry compote not overly sweet. Definitely a win when so many Belgian waffles tend to be too heavy or tough.

Two breakfasts with one orange juice was $24.65.  A little more than say, Denny's or IHOP, but much, much better.  And we brought home the leftovers to make into breakfast tacos for dinner.  

Looking forward to going again... maybe next weekend...

We'd passed this place at least a dozen times and always remarked how we should try it -- and finally we did on Easter weekend.  It  was much smaller than we thought inside -- but not too crowded. Cozy, I'd call it.  But there are no booths, it's all table seating.

The staff was really nice and attentive as they could be considering it was pretty busy. We walked in around 10:30 on a Saturday morning, but we must've gotten lucky, because despite her saying it would be 20-25 minutes, we were seated within 5 minutes. Not too shabby.

I ordered the Mexican Omelette with buttermilk pancakes instead of toast.  The omelette was delicious -- could've been a little spicier or maybe had another elements, like pico de gallo, but I just hit it with some Tabasco and all was well. Delicious carnitas, pepper jack cheese, jalapenos and topped with sour cream. Yum. I'd order it again, for sure.

I'm kind of picky about my pancakes. So many places make them heavy or dense or way, way, WAY too big. I don't need silver dollars, but I prefer them smaller than my face.  These are the exact right size, especially to accompany eggs.

I wanted to try the red velvet pancakes everyone raves about. The guy at the table across from us ordered them and they looked amazing.  Babystacks lets you get a specialty pancake instead of just buttermilk in lieu of toast, but I figured if this is a breakfast joint that specializes in pancakes, I should start with the basics. If their buttermilk pancakes are good, the rest probably are, too.  And they were good! I ate them both and ended up bringing home most of my omelette.

Next time, I'd like to try the lemon ricotta stacks or the red velvet. There are really so many to choose from, though i'm not much of a dessert-for-breakfast type of girl, so I likely won't try them all.

But I'll definitely be back -- it was comparably priced with places like Cracked Egg just up the street.  And while I love Cracked Egg, Babystacks will provide a nice alternative, especially when I really want pancakes.

I've been to several Smashburgers and to this one more than once. It's been a 3-4 star experience most of the time, but I'll give 4 stars today because my burger this last time was totally awesome.

I usually get a simple burger, less is more -- but I decided to live on the cardiac edge and try the Sin City Burger, the local signature burger with bacon, haystack onions, grilled onions, an egg, American cheese, smash sauce and Lipitor.

SO. DAMN. GOOD.

Usually, I find Smashburgers a bit on the overly salty side, but this was perfectly seasoned and all the artery-clogging deliciousness worth every bite. I could only eat half, but the rest reheated well the next day (though, wrap it up when you get home in clingwrap, the box lets the bun dry out).

In visits past I've had their Veggie Frites, which are a pass, in my opinion. Always super greasy with limp vegetables.  No one likes flaccid veg.  

I also am not a big fan of their turkey burger, for what it's worth. Bland, pre-formed patties -- or so it seemed.  

My doctor would probably agree it's a once-in-a-while thing, but I could easily go for another Sin City Smashburger.

I want to shove your fishliciousness in my face.  You are delectable.

Some friends brought me here for the first time and I thought I'd never meet the AYCE $29.95 volume for the price, but I was totally wrong.  It's worth it, too. Everything on the menu is included, so you linger with friends, order as your'e ready for it and stuff yourself until you grow gills.

I've been 3 times now, twice with the original friends who brought me and then I brought my BFF from out of town, who also loved it.  

My faves: Lemon Roll (FOREVER!), Jala Jala roll and Yebinsu. I also love the Super White Tuna. And the salmon belly, when they have it.

Basically, everything is awesome. Beware the 9-1-1 roll unless you have an iron-clad palette. Your taste buds will both love and hate you.

The service is great, the patrons friendly (and mostly japanese, which told me right away that this place was going to be good) and their matcha iced green tea will keep you up for 4 days. Drink lots, kids.

I already want to go again. Can we go again?

I'm not sure how we ended up here. We were looking for a reprieve from The Strip, which was being pummeled by a dust storm, so we thought Paris seemed like a place we could find a good lounge.

After walking in circles having trouble finding anything but a quickie casino bar, we saw Le Central, a slightly-elevated circular bar that looked like a decent vantage point for playing "That's Your Boyfriend". (Oh and it WAS.)

The server, whose name I've forgotten, was totally sweet and reminded me a lot of Bethenny Frankel. Funny, a little dry and caustic, but inviting and welcoming.

Martini drinks were 2 for 1, and I appreciated that she didn't make each of us get two. She let us pay for 1 and each have our own individual.  Some bars here make you drink them both *and* sometimes even force you to get them both at the same time, leaving one warm and less than awesome. So that was nice.

Sadly, the drinks recommended -- the French Bikini made with chambord and pineapple and Absolut, was kind of bleh.  It's not my usual kind of drink to order, but my friend didn't really get into it either, so I don't think it was just me. We drank it -- don't get me wrong. For $16, you drink your damn drink, but we promptly headed over to The Cosmopolitan for a proper cocktail like we should've from the get-go.  (But That's Your Boyfriend isn't as tragic there.)

If I happened to be in Paris and just needed a cocktail, I'd cop a squat and get a drink here, sure. But I'd probably stick with something I usually order, like a vodka tonic or a simple dry martini.