Transit G.'s Profile

Ramen Nippon has brought sexy back to the San Fernando Valley.  Well, not really.  But this is about as close as you can get to finding hidden treasure in Reseda.  Your closest competitors are the Arby's across the street and a Panda Express knock-off in the same strip mall.  There's also a Taco Bell/Pizza Hut not too far away.

For roughly $10 a person, you get:  
- a menu offering over a dozen ramen selections;
- a HUGE ramen bowl, equipped with a spoon that has been designed never ever to fall into that bowl (absolute genius, I'm telling you!); and
- fresh ramen noodles that actually don't taste like they came out of a cup on a shelf at Walgreen's.

For $3-4 more, you can get the combo and add fried rice, gyoza, or both.  They also serve alcohol, including wine and sake (although I'm not sure at what price or how good any of it is).

What's great about this place is that it is, in fact, a hole in the wall--without feeling too much like a hole in the wall.  It's clean, simple, well-designed, and draws a diverse crowd.  When we walked in, the first thing we saw was a Hispanic family sitting next to an Asian family sitting next to a black family.  (Welcome to SoCal!)  What's odd, though, is that they're all sitting against the backdrop of 1950s/60s America.  I guess that's my one complaint:  I'm there for Japanese ramen, so what are Marilyn Monroe and Jimmy Dean doing posted on the walls all around me?  A little bit odd, but not odd enough to keep me from going back....

There's something a little off about Aysya--kinda like a little girl dressing up in Mommy's clothing.  It's trying to be something it just ain't, which is an upscale, chi-chi dining establishment to rival the ones you might see in Hollywood or West Hollywood.  Aysya boasts "Euro-Asian Cuisine," but I've generally fared better when I've gone straight for the Vietnamese selections.  Try, for example, the Red Snapper Hot Pot (Lau Ca Hong) or the Rock & Roll Filet Mignon (Bo Luc Lac).  Now that's some good stuff!!

The problem is that even when the food is good, the lighting casts this shadow on the table that makes it look less than appetizing.  And as far as the wait staff is concerned, let's not even go there.  Can we say S-L-O-W??  I am especially peeved by the fact that it takes them ages to get back to your table in between dishes, but the moment you look like you're ready for the check, then BAM!... there it is on your table....

I have gone back just for the Red Snapper Hot Pot alone.  There's easy parking in the lot, and plenty of tables inside (although it can get pretty crowded in the evenings).  The private room also looks like a good call.  You won't necessarily impress a hot date by bringing them to this restaurant, but if you're looking for a decent place with decent food--particularly for big gatherings with family--then this is as good a place as any.  But if you want to bring those standards up just a notch, I'd actually drive about 10-15 minutes north to Brodard Chateau, right by the 22.

There is a lot that I love about Celadon--from the Shoji sliding doors, to the subtle waterfall as you enter, to the flickering lights that line the wall and make me feel like you're in a modern Buddhist sanctuary.  I love that art and design are in everything you see and touch, from the layout of the restaurant to the plating of the food.  I also love the type of crowd that Celadon attracts and the young, cute wait staff that makes you feel like a million bucks.  

Celadon's food is a bit more of a mixed bag:

Tuna Tartar Lollipops:  Pretty darn good.  The soft texture of the tuna tartar plays beautifully against the crunch of the tempura'd nori.

Vietnamese Sesame Shrimp Toasts:  Wonderful presentation; hits the palate in all the right spots--and I say this even though I'm usually extra hard to please when it comes to Vietnamese cuisine.

Grilled Shortrib dressed with Creamed Leek-Shiitake:  That shortrib was so tender, it practically melted on my tongue, and I practically melted off and away into the food heavens.

Our Roast Halibut and the sizzling udon plate that we ordered were both a bit on the salty, heavy side.  And the desserts definitely needed refining.  The creme brulee was tasty, but they garnished it with popcorn of all things!!  Great to look at, but kinda weird, doncha think?  And there are many, many other restaurants that do a much better chocolate souffle.

I was surprised that the place was so quiet on a Wednesday night, but then again, parking seems nearly impossible after hours.  We lucked out and found a metered spot down the block, but only because we were in the neighborhood by 5:30pm.  I would definitely go back again--next time, to enjoy the loungey bar area and the "courtyard" that our waiter told us to check out.  Seems like a cool place either for food or drink, on those nights when you want to feel good about yourself and everything around you without too much noise or pretension.

Chez Nous is like Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde--a total charmer, scaling the heights to nearly four/five-star status one moment, then revealing its ugly side to you the very next.  

The restaurant is located in this huge space on Riverside Drive.  On the outside, it looks like someone's quaint little house in the French countryside: white-washed walls, french windows, lots of little shrubs and flowers, garden chairs and tables for two.  On the inside, it basically looks like a diner that hasn't been upgraded in years.

Service was great when we went for lunch on a weekday.  Our waiter was young, considerate, and went out of his way to get us exactly what we wanted.  Then, when we returned on a Saturday morning, we got the rough-around-the-edges old lady with an attitude.  My father asked for just a coffee and croissant.  "A croissant?" she asked us, total disdain in her voice.  (Pause.)  She then repeated it a second time: "A croissant."  Yes, but it was obviously a mistake on our part!  When the bill came, that sad little croissant was assigned a $4 price tag.  $4??  Maybe her reaction to that order was her way of warning us....  Somehow, I doubt it.

There are a number of items on the menu that are absolutely fantastic.  The eggs florentine, for example, are perfectly poached and go well on a croissant rather than an English muffin.  And the charcuterie platter is one of the best I've had Stateside.  The cheeses are excellent, they provide four types of meat (including two types of pate), and the side finishes (like the cornichons and the FANTASTIC BREAD) are a perfect touch.  But if they're going to provide fine dining, then they really need to provide it in a better environment and with some better service; otherwise, the food at Chez Nous is just cheapened by the experience.  

Right now, it looks like they're relying heavily on the goodwill of long-time patrons: every other customer leaving breakfast seemed to know the wait staff by name.  But hey, I guess that's nothing to complain about!  All those old-timers have kept the restaurant in business for a long time; this month, they celebrate their 25th anniversary.  So to hell with all the new blood!  Bah humbug!

We were in the neighborhood, searching for baked goods earlier in the week--and immediately thought of Boulangerie.  It had been a while since I'd been there, but there was a time when I was their biggest fan.  These guys make a solid, strong cup of coffee which complements their pastries well.  The chocolate-covered eclairs are spectacular; the coffee-covered ones my favorite!

Unfortunately, the space is tiny and doesn't really bring in that much traffic.  That's not automatically a bad thing, but for some reason, the absence of warm bodies and coffee shop chatter just leaves Boulangerie feeling somewhat sterile.  (It didn't help that the place reeked of chlorine or some other sort of cleaner when we walked in the other night!)  There are a handful of tables that run the length of the baked goods counter (which basically runs the length of the whole shop).  But on more than one occasion, we've been the only ones to actually sit down.  The staff behind the counter is young and friendly, but I guess I just expect the place to feel homier than it actually is.  Too bad, cuz this is the only place that comes close to that tiny taste of Paris in Little Saigon.

My friend loves this place, but aside from the fantastic bread that they bring out to get you started and the spectacular, must-eat souffle, their food is pretty unimpressive overall.  We got a crabcakes special to split, and I went for just the Ahi Poki Tartar as a follow-up (to save some room for that dessert).  The crabcakes were mediocre; the tartar a bit too salty and oily.

City Grille's strong point is its ambience.  Roomy, bright, airy, and yes, very Californian.   For that reason alone, it's a great place to go if you're in or around Orange--or you want to meet up in Orange with a friend.  Just stay focused on the conversation, and not so much the food, and you'll walk away happy.

A girlfriend and I dropped by on a whim, and we haven't looked back since.  Come carrying whatever pressures you have in life, your bodyaches, and your baggage.  Go feeling like you own the world.

Burke Williams is not for those who wanna skimp or look for that next great bargain.  At $125 for your typical 50-minute message and $105 for a lot of their 50-minute facials, you pay a pretty penny.  But for any services over $55, you do get access to their spa amenities.  That access alone is worth the shirt off my back!

I've been to Burke Williams twice now, but my experience at the one in Orange is freshest, so I'll speak about that:

RECEPTION AREA:  
Small, cute, with all their products on display and for sale.  The woman who helped us out was young, friendly, and all smiles, but NOT SO SHARP.  She kept forgetting things and getting things confused.  But she did her job and booked us for 11am even though we were dropping by at 10:30 without a reservation.  It did get crowded, but they set aside a separate counter for those purchasing gift certificates only.  That helps.

WAITING AREA:
Burke Williams proves that you don't have to go for that "Zen" look to be an upscale spa.  The decor at their location in Orange is really quite classic, and they've got these big, overstuffed couches set up by a nice fireplace.  Water and tea along the wall; some products right to the side.  Your masseuse or esthetician will come out when the time comes and walk you through a maze of hallways, to your room.

SPA SERVICES:
- If you go for a facial, ask for Reina.  
- My friend says to ask for Terrill if you're getting a massage.  
- Try one of the body wraps if you're feeling adventurous.  I got the Calming-Detox Wrap.  The linens were a bit too hot at the beginning, and I was left feeling a bit too cold at the end.  (Placing my robe on a warmer would have been a nice touch.)  But in the transition between peeling off the hot linens and applying this cool, menthol lotion for the shoulder rub, I did get a brief glimpse of heaven on earth.  It was fantastic.  And I felt fantastic at the end of it all.

SPA AMENITIES:
Clean and well laid-out.  As you walk in, you'll see the jacuzzi first, then pass by the showers and vanity/bathroom areas.  Finally, you'll hit the steam room and sauna.  I like that they have placed the lockers right across form the steam room and sauna.  I also like that they've placed water coolers everywhere, as well as dry towels for your body and iced, wet towels for your face.

Go at least once, and you will sleep well that night.  Very, very well.

The Red Door itself comes as a two- or three-star package, but getting a massage from Luba is a four- (maybe even five-) star experience.  Luba rocks.  It doesn't matter whether you want the Elemental Balancing Massage (get lavender!) or the Deep Tissue Massage, 50 minutes or 80 minutes.  Whatever it is, putting yourself in Luba's hands is well worth the (steep) price.

The same cannot be said for others.  I've only ever had my massage with Luba.  But when it comes to facials, I've bounced around from Gudi to Sede to Thao.  Gudi is the worst.  I do find myself annoyed by her constant pushing of the products and nonstop chatter.  Once, when they randomly assigned me to Gudi after I tacked on an extra (waxing) service at the end of my massage, I was kept waiting for over half an hour beyond our appointment time.  When I finally decided to screw it and leave, Gudi suddenly came rushing out, explained that there had been a mix-up and she wasn't aware that I was waiting, and offered to make herself available at that very moment.  Thanks, but no thanks!

Red Door's waxing service is pretty painless and good.  I haven't had any of the other services.  Their water and iced tea while you wait is a nice touch, but their misc. snacks and waiting area in general could benefit from a bit of an upgrade.  So could their shower and dressing area.  The bathroom is sometimes dirty, and I've seen busted lockers on a number of occasions.  To be honest, if it weren't for the fact that I used to live just blocks from the place, and travel and work so much that I'm always in need of that extra massage, I would never have gone as many times as I did.  After moving this past year, I've only gone back once or twice--and only for the waxing and massage.

Take one tired and worn-out body.  Add a conscientious masseuse, some soothing music, and lots of oil.  Get pure bliss.

The only problem is that I was at the Valley Day Spa for nearly an hour and a half, and that bliss lasted only 40, 45 minutes.  The rest of my time there, I was completely disappointed by the service, the ambience, and even the cleanliness of the place.  

For starters, Valley Day Spa's decor is just tacky.  Everything is in drab yellows, browns, or oranges, and they've painted these huge, ugly bamboo shoots all over the walls.  I have now learned that decorating with bamboo does not automatically make a place look and feel "Zen."

There is little to no privacy in the spa or dressing area, and as I was changing into my robe, they even kept the door to the women's spa (which is right to the side of the main door) propped open.  Um, hello!   My robe, by the way, was thin and smelled a bit like mildew.  Even worse, I had to walk around barefoot the whole time since the spa didn't provide any slippers in the women's area (although I understand that there are a ton of slippers for the men).

10 minutes into my massage, I was ready to write off the experience entirely (and give this place just one star).  Every muscle in my back tensed against the force--and pain--of my masseuse's (Hanna's) merciless hands.  When I tried to ask her whether she could go softer or we could change the style of massage I was getting (from deep tissue to Swedish, maybe?), I found that she didn't speak enough English to understand.  It was frustrating.  Really frustrating.  

But then, by some crazy stroke of luck and good fortune, the oil came out and the music came on--and everything changed from torture to bliss.  I finally, FINALLY sunk into complete relaxation.  Unfortunately, Hanna ended my massage a good 10-15 minutes early, and with all that blood flowing and me feeling a bit dehydrated, there was still no bottled water (or even a drinking fountain) to be found.  Nonetheless, those 40 minutes of bliss were enough to elevate Valley Day Spa from an abysmal one star to a whopping two!  Two stars means it served its purpose and did its job, but even given the bargain prices, I doubt I'd go back.

Finally, fine dining has come to Northridge!  You don't know how happy this makes me.  By the time Pinkberry (two doors down) opens up for business, I will have my very own snapshot of Santa Monica Blvd./Beverly Drive right there on Tampa.

Please, please pray that these guys make it!  Numerous others have fallen on this very stretch of Tampa, unable to compete with King In-N-Out (down the block) and Queen Marie Callender's (across the street).  But then again, those places were all pretty mediocre.  

I have typically been wary of places that attempt to mix cuisines (Maroo does both Korean bbq and sushi/rolls), but this place does so without sacrificing selection or flavor.  Everything that we had was tasty, from the little Korean dishes that are meant to whet your appetite before the main meal, to the bulgogi lunch box (which came with a fantastic soup of the day) and seared albacore salad.  That albacore wasn't the freshest I've had, but combined with all the other great flavors in that salad, left me completely satisfied.  Yummers!

As for aesthetics, Maroo is pleasing to the eye both in terms of its food presentation and its restaurant decor.  The bold colors of the cuisine are often set against the backdrop of very simple (typically white) plating.  The decor itself is a dark, espresso-stained wood.  Very minimalist-chic, but perhaps a bit too chic and dark during the day.  The strengths of the decor likely come out best at night.  Maroo opens until 10pm during the week and 11pm on weekends.  Those are not typical Northridge hours, but if you happen to be in the Valley late and are looking for a somewhat-upscale place to eat, I would pick Maroo.  As long as you do, they've got a chance of surviving (even if they fail to dethrone the king) past these first couple weeks as the new kid on the block.