Shelly "is no longer from the O" C.'s Profile

Very, very impressed. Upon first glance, most will peer in & see yet another open kitchen concept restaurant & think, "This place looks too average to serve great food." That thought crossed my mind the few times that I've walked past Momed.  It wasn't until my Mediterranean food craving struck when I decided to mosey on inside & check out the goods...( well it was also because I've tried every non-fast food restaurant on that street already & this was the only place left to try).

I was a bit hungry & in the mood for a mouthwatering adventure so I ordered the grilled lamb pita, the grilled chicken pita & a side of avocado hummus.  I was actually surprised that the lady didn't assume that this food was for two people & then continue to supply me with two place settings! The grilled lamb pita was amazing!! The warm, juicy roasted cherry tomatoes paired nicely with the grilled lamb. The marinade wasn't overpowering & the tzatziki sauce did not flood the pita either. The same can be said for the grilled chicken pita.  This is certainly at the top of my list when it comes to great Mediterranean food. If I wasn't on this mission to find the 'Best of the Best' foods out there, this would easily sit at number 1.

I wasn't able to try the avocado hummus.  Now this isn't because I was stuffed from the two pitas (btw, I ate half of each & saved the rest for the next day)... it's because the lady gave me regular hummus. It's funny because while I was waiting for my meal to be prepared, I was thinking "I wonder if she's going to accidentally give me regular hummus instead of the avocado".  Low & behold... regular hummus was given unto me! I checked my receipt & figured that I probably hadn't been too clear because it had regular hummus on there. No, I don't blame you, Momed... it was my fault. I will be back though & this time I will put the emphasis on 'avocado' when I order the avocado hummus.

I stopped by after work for happy hour with my co-workers on a Thursday night and the place was packed! I wasn't so much surprised by the inability to walk about without getting in other people's personal space.... Instead I was surprised by how incredibly normal the crowd looked.  The exterior has a late 70s/early 80s eau-du-Hell's Angels vibe that carries on into the inside of the bar.  Needless to say, I assumed the same with the crowd and folks, I was wrong *gasp* ...dun, dun, duuuun!!

The atmosphere was very causal and typical of a happening bar.  Tables packed, single "leaners" against the bar checking out the scene, groups of girlfriends celebrating something, groups of woo girls 1 shot short of acting out why they're referred to as woo girls & potential American Idol contestants singing their hearts out.  Now this is how all happy hours should be!

One irritating incident was with the bartender.  My coworker and I had 10 minutes until the happy hour menu closed BUT she kept insisting that it was already over.  I politely asked that she check the time on her register that clearly displayed the time and she apologized and then walked away.  By the time she came back, we had a minute left to rush order our drinks and then happy hour was over.  I didn't appreciate that too much but since I was willing to spend more.  Despite the bartender incident, I would definitely come back here again!

Before I begin  I just have to say that driving ALL the way down the 110 feels like eternity! It's as if I was a nomad travelling across Africa towards Eqypt ....while riding in a car-shaped camel, of course.  Okay fine... I may be exaggerating just a bit but it's this exaggeration that lead to what I like to call the mecca of chiliburger greatness.  

James Earl Jones must have been referring to Toms when he said, "If you build it, they will come". I'm not alluding to anything sexual....(unless you're into that & in this case, it's still applicable)... but the chiliburgers are absolutely mouthwatering.  I was referred to Tom's by a friend when I sadly divulged my longing for a delicious chiliburger after my Tommy burger fiasco, in which a curly black hair was found on my burger! I shudder at the thought and still have nightmares about it.  Gladly, Tom's came to the rescue and goodness is restored.  

The mango smoothies are pretty amazing as well.  The combination of a chiliburger & mango smoothie sounds a bit odd but I didn't mind it too much because I ate everything as if there was no tomorrow.  

The prices are also pretty reasonable for the quality and portions that they serve.  I just checked out their website & there are other locations so I plan on giving those a try too!

Oh Piaggio On Wheels...I can only think of one word that best describes the gourmet food you serve daily. That word is: AMAZING.  Coincidentally, it also describes the wonderful owners that greet me as "c_shells" (my twitter handle) whenever I stop by.

From the delectable tilapia tacos to the crisp empanadas to the heaping goodness of the tres amigos burrito to the....well obviously this list can go on & on & on but I think you get the picture.  There isn't one thing there that makes me upchuck or dish out a 'no thank you' when I see the menu. I especially love their daily specials that one can only discover by following them on Twitter (i.e. the peppercorn steak fries, shelly special, etc)  Also, keep in mind that chimichurri (aka parsley/olive oil/garlic/cilantro orgy) is smothered on just about everything so if you're into that then I'm sure your tastebuds will sing it's praises after your first bite.  

The prices are also very reasonable so you won't have to worry about your 401k suffering from all the money you're spending on Argentine delights.

**UPDATE BELOW**

I've got nothing but kind words to share about this place!  From their outstanding customer service to their diligent attention to detail, this place has definitely set the bar in the car wash world! As a noob to a new facility, I always feel like I have to be on my toes to ward off evil upselling by the money grubbing folks that ring me up but I certainly did not feel that way here.  As I drove up, my car door was opened for me & I was greeted & welcomed to Checkered Flag Car Wash.  I then presented my coupon & without asking, I was advised of what items were included in the package I had selected.  I agreed & was on my way.  It was definitely a nice feeling not to be hassled about any necessary add-ons.  

There a nice indoor waiting room complete with wi-fi, as well as an outdoor patio.  I didn't wait too long until my name was called so I was a bit worried that the work wasn't worth the $11.99 I paid but I was happy to see that they far exceeded my expectations.  

Now, whether or not this was a fluke will be determined by my next visit in about a month.  Stay tuned....

UPDATE: I had to remove a star because I noticed obvious stains still on my car! My bike rack had left black scuff marks that could easily be wiped off (I know this I tried to wipe it off when I first spotted it & it came off easily!) Anyway...the checkered flag employee that wiped down my car failed to give it a good wipe in those spots so I had to finish it off when I got home. tsk tsk, checkered flag!!

Looks like Ms. Candice B. beat me to the punch on the FTR=) Her review is quite accurate so to refrain from redundancy....(because that doesn't happen on Yelp, does it? lol) I'll keep this short.

I enjoyed the cupcakes as did my thighs...

Since they were wiped clean of the strawberry kiss cupcakes, I sampled the Hazelnut cupcake.  I honestly should have purchased a few more to facilitate this review a bit but my third chin kept me from indulgence...until I get back on my P90X regimen.  Anyhow, the first bite didn't wow me until I reached the Nutella filled core.  At that very moment...from out of nowhere, I heard a Gospel choir rejoice, birds chirping, & a rainbow appeared from out of no where at 8:49pm on a Wednesday night!! Hard to believe, I know.  I think this can all be attributed to the Sweets God bestowing great cupcake fortune unto me.  A bit well deserved, I might add...

The Hazelnut cupcakes were topped off w/ a soft chocolate buttercream that was the perfect consistency.  It wasn't heavy like Sprinkles, which I loved.

A whopping $3 is what you'll have to shell out for this bad boy, which your wallet will soon recover from after your first bite.

I'll be updating my review after I've sampled the Strawberry Kiss cupcake! Will they remain at 3 stars or obtain the coveted 5 star rating? Stay tuned yelpers...

The Chicken Di Giorgio definitely made a fan out of me! 'nuff said...right?! Well here's the thing...while I enjoyed the delectable, Goliath-sized sandwich immensely, I feel that I need to devour...err... try the Ribeye sandwich as well just to be sure. Now, whether or not that's just an excuse I tell my personal trainer because he still thinks my occupation is a food critic for a major publication remains to be known.

Alas, I must continue my review about this adorable mom and pop shop but I will be back to update it with additional comments once I sample the other infamous Harry's Deli sandwich.  

As some have described before, the sandwich is as simple as an episode of LOST.  A contradiction? Perhaps, but that's the beauty of it. Simple ingredients like chicken, tomatoes, mozzarella, garlic, & basil are married together beautifully in between two heaping slices of focaccia bread. Sounds like something a non-cook/chef like me can clone at home right? I'm not so sure about that. There just seems to be so much more to it than that. Ryan M.'s theory about Cannabis butter is a possibility but it could also be overactive receptive cells on my tongue that mediate my sense of taste. Whatever the case may be, the end result is clear...Harry's Deli is a hit!

One thing to note for the price conscious is that the signature sandwiches are slightly higher than one would think. Including tax, my total came out to $7.25. If this is too high for you, my advice is...start saving. Show owner comment »

I have to agree w/ Christina on the fabulous name & amazing staff but unfortunately...that's about it.  

I've made it a point to give the ubiquitous,fair priced, low overhead, meals on wheels trucks a fighting chance in the OC by driving out to their locations, sampling their food, giving them the best critique IF it's worth it.  In this case I was unsatisfied by the quality & quantity of food from Taste My Taco that I don't think I'll be returning.  My friend & I ordered carne asada tacos, avocado taco, & bean/cheese mama taco.  The traditional carne asada taco was just very plain.  While it tasted like a carne asada taco should, it was missing that wow factor that I needed to help make my viral message a positive one.  My avocado taco was also lacking in that it only contained 2 small slices of avocado.  For a $1, I could buy my own avocado & fill a tortilla a bit more.  We were kindly given a small plate of tortilla chips while we waited for our food but it tasted like cheap, store bought, bulk size tortilla chips.  Call me spoiled but I've grown accustomed to freshly made tortilla chips that take only seconds to fry.  

I feel awful for my horrible review seeing as they are only a few weeks old in OC & are extremely friendly. If they're reading this, I hope my feedback helps a bit. Also, the painted paper signs have got to go.  I suggest spray-on chalkboard on the side of the truck for your menu, pink costumes/uniforms to match your theme, & perhaps a truck paint job (pink like your flyers) because the exterior reminds me too much of a roach coach.

Is it really necessary to contribute to an already overwhelming list of reviews? You be the judge....

My original visit here left me with a bad taste in my mouth...literally. I sampled a few of the beautifully assembled treats behind the glass & it fell short. In my old age, I unfortunately can't recall what the names were but it was a chocolate mousse type of dessert & something that resembled a strawberry shortcake tart.  Suffice it to say I chose not to return. Ever.

Until today.  

I ventured there after hearing about the sea salt coffee they served there &....WOW...it was quite the flavor explosion. It's definitely not as disgusting as the name sounds, although I could do without the extra cream.  Nonetheless, the sea salt coffee alone has made an addict out of me. Eat your heart out S***bucks Tall Iced Skinny Vanilla Latte!

Yes, it's finally open and it completely lived up to the hype!

Let's get right down to business...the food. The menu's comprised of tapas style hot & cold plates if you're not looking for large portions BUT if you ate minimally throughout the day just to save your appetite for a delicious meal at the newest OC restaurant...then skip straight to the last page of the menu because that's where its at!!

My friends & I each ordered different items so we can get a sampling of the top 4 entrees that lept off the page.  We ordered the Garlic Rock Shrimp noodles, Pan Seared Lobster noodles, Wild Salmon, and....*drumroll please*.....the Caramelized Rack of Lamb with sweet potato! All were wonderful but my favorite was the Rack of Lamb but not just because it was the dish I ordered but because it was just an amazing meal!  Let's just say it was so delicious that even Mary would be eyeing her little lamb with a knife in one hand, a fork in another, and  a big pool of drool hanging out of the side of her mouth.  I can do without the pineapple garnish but I ended up eating most of it only because the sweet potatoes on the dish were all over it and I really wanted to eat all of the pureed sweet potatoes.

The house special drinks were incredible! I highly recommend the Pink Martini or the Peartini because both were mind-blowingly pleasing to the palate.  The Pink martini begins with a glass filled with cotton candy & then the server pours your drink over it and into the glass. The cotton candy acts as the simple syrup but doesn't overpower the drink with sweetness like I had thought when the server prepared it tableside.  

The overall ambiance is also very pleasing. Everything from the amazing decor, sufficient yet alluring lighting, precise cutlery, & well dressed staff left me with a colossal smile on my face.

Don't judge me  but I already made reservations to go back. HA!