Anita "mad hungry woman" L.'s Profile
Date
Tustin, CA 92780
(714) 838-8855
Zov's Cafe & Bakery
Categories:
Bakeries,
Mediterranean
The smoked salmon crostini with capers were very tasty especially when the bread was fresh. I got a couple of pieces which were a bit stale.
The penne pasta was lovely -- sauce had a slight kick to it.
Chicken skewers were also moist and tender with great flavors when I snagged a couple as soon as they came out.
The best part was our lovely server Thomas who made sure our water glasses were refilled and the empty plates and wine glasses were promptly removed. What a joy he was and I don't often say that about servers! The extra star is for him and him alone!
Laguna Beach, CA 92651
(949) 494-8686
Three Seventy Common
Categories:
American (New),
Desserts
Now that he's owner of 370 Common, those creative juices have no boundaries, and I love the hearty, comfort foods he offers on the menu but when they are served small plate style, it means you can try a lot more without filling up so quickly. However, I still recommend going with a bunch of friends so you can totally indulge in everything the restaurant has to offer.
Your meal will start with a complimentary starter which replaces the traditional bread basket ranging from housemade potato chips to bacon maple popcorn to snack on while you peruse the menu.
My favorites here are the Broccolini -- it is topped with a soft fried egg and when you break open the yolk it just oozes onto the stalks of vegetables which are flavored with the saltiness of crispy prosciutto.
Bone marrow is another thing I come back for -- it is gooey and richly decadent with a wonderfully fresh parsley sauce.
Poutine is also delicious but very rich so make sure you share it with friends!
Their cocktails are also delicious. If you can't choose anything from their cocktail menu, then the bartender will be more than happy to create a special one for you.
If you only try out one new restaurant this month, it will definitely have to be 370 Common!
Venice Beach, CA 90291
(510) 783-3464
Schulzies Bread Pudding
Categories:
Desserts,
Coffee & Tea,
Bakeries,
Farmers Market,
Caterers
Well I can't argue with that because I bought a bunch to take home and I tasted them both cold and hot and it is true -- the cold bread puddings definitely had a better flavor burst than the hot. However, having said that, I still preferred mine warm.
I don't like my desserts super sweet and the sweetness level of the bread puddings were perfect for me. On top of that, the size was perfect -- the one scoop was $3.50 and just enough for me to satiate.
The texture is definitely a bit mushy but remember this isn't made from a kitchen to be served almost immediately after it comes out of the oven. It is pre-made.
We had the apple pie, blueberry and lemon ricotta raspberry. All were great. I would definitely stop by again if I am in the area but I would have to take it home because I just can't stomach eating cold bread pudding. I have to warm it up just a tad.
After looking through the menu I couldn't understand why they charged extra for your dish to be spicier yet they supply you with chili powder on the table. It makes absolutely NO sense.
We both got the chicken katsu curry with extras such as boiled egg and corn. The portions are pretty big, that's not the problem. The problem is the curry sauce itself, there is a lack of flavor and a lack of consistency. The curry tastes flat and if you want to eat it alone without the chicken, it's pretty dismal.
If you've been to Curry House in Irvine, you'll know that this is horribly subpar in comparison, even though Curry House isn't the best either.
Make your own curry at home, it'll probably turn out better. One extra star for the service -- they were pretty on top of it with water refills etc.
Tustin, CA 92780
(714) 730-3400
David Douglas Salon and Spa
Categories:
Hair Salons,
Day Spas
If you want to make an appointment with Rita, you can call her directly at 949-262-0102.
She's awesome!
Manhattan Beach, CA 90266
(310) 545-5405
Manhattan Beach Post
Category:
American (New)
Neighborhood: Manhattan Beach
The restaurant is housed in an old post office and the vibe and pulsating energy is addicting. The kitchen is open to view although encased with glass.
Start with Grilled Flatbread, a soft puffy bread served with harissa yogurt sauce or the Fleur de Sel pretzel, a salty, warm and soft bread served with a horseradish mustard. However, my absolute favorite of the three was definitely Bacon Cheddar Buttermilk Biscuits ($5). Everything is better with bacon but for someone who doesn't like biscuits, I certainly found myself unable to stop after one bite. The accompanying maple butter added a touch of sweetness making it a salty-sweet delight. More please!
Along with the delicious carbs, order some charcuterie such as La Quercia Organic Prosciutto from Kathy & Herb Eckhouse, Iowa, Picante Salami from Christiano Creminelli, Utah. Cheeses such as Mycella Blue a cow's cheese from Michael Staub Holm, Denmark was so delish.
Accoutrements like Assorted Pickles is perfect to go with your charcuterie. Cauliflower, carrots, pickle, cippolini, with thyme and bay leaf to add an aromatic finish arrives in a glass jar.
Apart from the pickles, there are Mustards as well as Fruit Spreads.
Marinated Cucumbers are seeded and arranged like towers with a bed comprising Kalamata olives, peppadew peppers, chick peas, avocado, assorted cherry and grape tomatoes halves, pickled onions, and three types of chickpeas in a red wine vinaigrette all around them.
Japanese Hamachi, a refreshing mouthful with thin slices of yellowtail served raw with yuzu koshu and avocado is topped with puffed forbidden rice crisps.
I was really excited to try Asparagus and Poached Jidori Egg with mushrooms but it was underseasoned and wasn't as exciting as it looked on paper.
One of the specials of the evening was Hawaiian Walo. Grilled over white oak with basil, Kalamata olive in a squash vinaigrette, this was our absolute favorite of the night. The fish was so moist and tender and the salty tart flavors of the dressing was so addicting we were very sad when it was all over.
Carnivore can revel in the Meyer Farm "Never Ever" Skirt Steak or BBQ Moroccan Lamb Belly.
Starting 2012 they will open for brunch on weekends.
Irvine, CA 92618
(949) 551-6200
Heaven Spa & Salon
Categories:
Skin Care,
Hair Salons,
Nail Salons
Listed in: I Love Myself ......
4 Previous Reviews:
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4/17/2010
It's been a while since I updated my review for Rita, the facialist here at Heaven Spa & Salon. I haven't visited Rita since last year and last week, I noticed that my face was so dry and flaky and so I made an appointment to go see Rita.
As usual, Rita was on time and we got off to a quick start. Rita knows me well by now seeing I've been coming here for the last few years. Usually we chat and if I'm not tired, we end up chatting a lot, however, the majority of the time, Rita's facials put me straight to sleep, and I mean the snoring kind of sleep. Yes, she relaxes me so much I usually fall asleep and start snoring and it can get so loud that I wake myself up with my own snores.
I love Rita's facials. I always feel so soothed and pampered when I walk out of there. This time was no different. And when she was done, my face felt rejuvenated and smooth and I also had a wonderful sleep while I was there.
If you need a facial anytime soon, and don't know where to go, give Rita a try! She's really awesome! -
7/8/2008
This review is only for Rita, the therapist and I've only used Rita for facials. I've been going to Rita now for a year and a half now usually anywhere between once every 6 weeks to once every 8-10 weeks and no one gives facials like she does. Rita always goes the extra mile. Whenever I've had a facial, I've always fallen asleep, often waking myself from my own snores. To me, that's a sign of a seriously relaxing facial.
Rita customizes each facial according to what your skin requires on your particular visit. I've always been happy each time I've left Heaven Spa. My face feels so refreshed and clean. Rita also massages your arms, chest, shoulders, upper back and feet. It's like getting a facial AND mini massage all rolled into one.
I've had facials elsewhere but ultimately, I will return to Rita every single time. Give her a call on 949-262-0102 (not the salon) to make an appointment. -
1/6/2008
I go to Heaven Spa Salon for my facials with Rita so when I mentioned I needed a massage the last time I went for a treatment with Rita, she suggested I try Susan.
Since I hadn't had a massage for well over a year now, I decided to do a 90 minute Swedish massage. Susan asked me what areas bothered me the most and that's where she will focus more attention on.
The massage was very very relaxing. I found myself dozing off on several occasions because I was drifting off yet could hear myself snoring. Often, I'd snore that one snore just a tad too loudly and would wake myself up -- I'm sure you know what I'm talking about!!
Even though it was 90 minutes I could've stayed there another 90 minutes when Susan told me our session was over.
The therapists at Heaven Spa are all independents so they prefer you paying by cash or check. Be nice and bring either cash or check.
4.5 stars! -
11/15/2006
A one stop shop for all your beauty needs. Although the spa and salon has many services, all of their staff operate individually as they are independant contractors.
Because the location is small and houses a salon, make up and nail service as well as massage and facials it can get noisy in there.
They are closed Sunday and Mondays. Call or stop by for appointments.
Please check other reviews of Heaven Spa & Salon under the individual stylist/aesthetician /therapist's names. I had many fabulous facials with Rita.
My favorite items were:
Pastrami
Turkey BLT
Bruxie Salad
Lemon Raspberry Meringue
They also have new items such as:
Pulled Pork
Chocolate stuffed Liege
various seasonal items
The staff at Bruxie is always on point -- friendly and so helpful to the max.
If you've never tried Bruxie at their original Orange location, get yourself to this location and grab one of these babys immediately! They are best consumed on site so that the waffles are still crispy.
Long Beach, CA 90804
Yelp's Very Vampy Xmas Elite Event at Alex's Bar
Category:
Local Flavor
But seriously -- it was pretty chill for a Yelp Christmas Party -- much better than last year's 500+ people event. I've never been to Alex's Bar and from the outside it looked pretty divey, but on the inside it was perfect for the "vampy" party. I don't watch True Blood (which is often shot here) so I had no point of reference for anything really.
Was awesome to see everyone as usual -- the photobooth was insane but fun. Who says "say cheese" AFTER the picture's been taking??? Dude! I was NEVER ready for my photos!!
The hotdogs were good -- bacon-wrapped Mexican style hot dogs -- they ran out of veggies by the time I got to the front of the line but oh well, they were still rather good.
My only gripe was that it got so hot inside, but otherwise, great party as usual!!
Thanks Hazel -- looking forward to the first Yelp Elite Party of 2012!
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Irvine, CA
Yelping SinceApril 2005
Things I LoveMy Son, my parents, my BFF, time spent alone, spending time with good friends, massages, writing, cooking, facebooking, blogging, yelping, bunnies, angels, Honu turtles, feeling re-newed again
Find Me Inthe salt aisle at any store
My HometownBrisbane, Australia
My Blog Or Websitehttp://madhungrywoman.com http://twitter.com/Mad...
When I'm Not Yelping...I'm picking up after others, blogging, Facebooking or tweeting
Why You Should Read My Reviews The Last Great Book I ReadMao's Last Dancer
My First ConcertDavid Bowie
My Favorite Movieanything by Pedro Almodovar
My Last Meal On EarthSinful and decadent
Don't Tell Anyone Else But...stupidity makes me wanna hurt someone
Most Recent DiscoveryI love tequila
Current CrushA tour guide on the Appalachian Trails
I guess we were too ambitious in our ordering and didn't anticipate QUITE so much food to arrive at our table.
I've been back many times now and have stuck to my favorites. Chile Relleno is one of them! There is not much batter and the cheese is melty, oozy and good.
The other thing I love here are the enchiladads -- and generally I hate enchiladas. The red sauce is killer and usually what they put on there isn't enough. I always ask for more.
The shrimp tacos are also delicious as are the al pastor ones. In fact, anything with the al pastor is really good! The al pastor quesadilla is my son's favorite!
They don't have anything fancy. No mojarra or shrimp cocktail or anything like that. But if you want a burrito, taco or simple things like enchiladas etc, it's pretty damn good! Everything is always tasty and you can munch on tortilla chips and help yourself to the items on the salsa bar while you wait for your food to be ready.
My only complaint is, depending on who you get at the counter will determine if you get a smile, a frown, the extra roja sauce I requested when I put in my order or will I have to remind them again -- and also, the amount of sauce I'll get.
Ahhh, but the food's good so I tolerate :)