sueann "skinny fat" s.'s Profile

Fantastic soup dumplings (xaio long bao) - probably the best dish I had the chance to taste here - would definitely come back for the dumplings!! Otherwise, wasn't that impressed with the steamed fish with ginger & scallions (usually one of my favorites) and the pan fried noodle was good but there was nothing crazy outstanding about it. I heard pretty good reviews around the table regarding some other dishes (Zha Jiang Mein and Ma Po Tofu to name two) so definitely a spot I wouldn't mind coming back to - especially for those delicious soupy dumplings! Think I said that twice in this review..

Selection is pretty decent and though prices at first glance are nothing to get excited about, I have definitely scored some good deals here. Most recently left with a pair of Columbia sport sandals (water resistant!) for $29.99 made even cheaper with some stacked coupons.

Came here alone for dinner one night because the hubs had plans and I needed a quick bite to eat. I had bookmarked this place because I love porridge and was so excited that eating alone didn't damper my enthusiasm...

I was waved to the back counter where all the side dishes are displayed. Overwhelmed, I started reaching for a menu but was told that the menu was unneccessary and to simply point to the items I wanted. The server mentioned some general pricing and asked me what I wanted to order. I pointed to 2 items that looked familiar: some ground pork dish and a side of pickled cucumbers. I sat down and I was quickly presented with my choices alongside a big pot of porridge with some yams. It all was very delicious and completely hit the spot fulfilling my search for some comfort food. The meal was pretty cheap, I think I was only charged $1 for the porridge itself but next time I'll bring a friend so that we can share/taste more of the dishes.

Deducting one star only because it's not clear what the dishes are or how much they cost. It would be great if ordering was not so mysterious for newbies like me.

The food may not necessarily blow you away but I love the convenience, the selection and the fact that it's so easy to gather a large group of people together for a meal without having to deal with reservations, people showing up at different times, having to split the bill, etc. I think the food is pretty fair and there are a couple of good desserts spots including Snow Ice and Paris Baguette.

I normally would not review a McDonald's because really are they not all the same? Same lovely cheeseburger and fries plus a set of nuggets with a diet coke (my favorite McD combo).. But I had to just call this particular establishment out. I heard that McDonald's was trying to go a bit more upscale in their decor but this is the first I've stumbled across in the Bay. Very clean, nice decor - felt like a nice place to stick around for a bit without worrying about sticky plastic chairs and the like. Can't wait to see more like it!

A cozy theater with a lot of personality. Though parking can get crazy, I like that it's at the end of Santana Row for easy access to some before or after-movie drinks/snacks/shopping. Haven't had a bad experience yet. There are limited screens so it might not carry the movie you're looking for but I like that it feels less crowded and more civilized than the average multiplex.

We bring all our cars here for tune-ups and minor fixes. The owner is always thorough, prompt and attentive. It's a small shop but I think in return you get better service. Also, prices cannot be beat!

Had a fantastic time catching up with a good friend here tonight. We met up a little before 6:00 on a Tuesday night and there was no wait. I was excited to try everything on the menu and settled upon the Tonkatsu Ramen with gyoza and a side of pork fried to share. The meal was pretty good and my friend was happy with it but I think I am spoiled by my recent experience with Orenchi Ramen which will forever be the place I measure all ramen places by. This did not quite measure up but in all was a satisfying meal. I'm still full 2 hours later while writing up this review. Also, the kimchi was a nice touch.

If I could I would give this place 5+++ stars, an extra + for the things that went above and beyond our expectations:

+: We were brought to a table that was a bit small and was quickly upgraded to a roomier spot since we had little 9 month old Emma with us.

+: We were given a cocktail suggestion that tasted like cough syrup and mentioned that it wasn't to our liking. We were not charged.

+: Stellar service by our waiter: Josh - lots of fun energy and very attentive. He even convinced us to eat less of the salad so we had more of a chance to make it to the extra slice of prime rib.

Besides the BEST PRIME RIB EVER, the sides are good, the appetizer snacks are tasty (Asian cracker mix from Costco), free sparkling water, good cocktails (besides the one bomb we tried) and a great atmosphere. I was impressed by how cozy it felt though the restaurant is much larger than you first think.

Definitely make reservations, although if you have to wait the large lounge area is not a bad place to hang out for a while. Grab a cocktail and some of those snacks and prepare for a great meal.

Great place for basics and the occasional gem (found some Calvin Klein heels for less than $50 not too long ago).

Also not a bad place for:
a. workout gear
b. track jackets
c. housewares
d. blankets and sheets

And every now and again I'll stumble upon a bag I can't bear to leave behind.

Cons: A bit unorganized and overall there are more duds than dazzlers.