Jacqueline "All About Food" T.'s Profile

Wow! I can't believe it's been so long since I have Yelp!. So here I go with my ever so candid review. Enjoy!

Anyone up for torture devices??? Yep, this is the new and improved version of the old school days where people were put on machines that put your body through hell....THIS bad baby is just the "modern" version. So step right up cause the classes get full real quick!

(Speaking of which I can't take credit  that I actually came up with the name "torture device". My dear friend Chas actually was the one who said to me, " Really? Pilates? Isn't that where they use those torture devices?" I of course nodded emphatically, "Yes, I guess that's one way of seeing it."

But seriously everyone, this studio with their wonderfully high energetic instructors has made this experience rewarding. The workout is intense to say the least, but what makes this a sweet victory for everyone who partakes in this adventure are the modifications that allows everyone a chance to work at their own ability. The instructors candidly respect the different levels and you can adjust the weight and intensity for your body. I enjoy that they watch your form as well and adjust as much as they can with the given amount of people in the class - 10.

I have only been at it for a month, and while my weight hasn't change I can see considerable differences in my legs looking fit and less "chunky" as well as a more firm and slimmer waistline. People at work have even commented on my "supposed" weight loss.

I am looking forward to seeing what month two will entail and can honestly say for someone who gets loss in the stagnant energy I created myself and the hectic moments of city life this place really has brought me back to a commitment for a healthier fitter body.

Side Note:

1. They have the classes online so it makes it so much easier to sign-up and see the schedules by the minute literally! Having something that internet savvy allows me to plan my days accordingly without making phone calls and what not.

2. If you happen to take a class, the spots near the wood pillars bite. If there isn't another opening then make do, but if the class has exercises that require the back platform you might find the pillar to be in your way. Sometimes it is and sometimes it isn't for me.

3. This is a PLUS studio so the workout is different from the standard pilates. But it does incorporate the basic principles, with resistance metal coil bands and a quick cardio.

Oh yeah I actually like the exercises btw and I have practiced floor/mat work for almost 2 years awhile back  :)

Hmm, I have to say that I was planning on making a run to my favorite cupcake place, "Dainties" because I haven't been there in ages. Then to my utter disappointment I found out the most tragic news. No more DAINTIES! You can imagine the horror and trauma I was feeling.

With the web and a good buddy we found Hotcakes. I really wasn't sure, but I was feeling this immense tragic loss...that I decided I needed to quickly replace with sugar.

The cupcakes weren't Dainties, BUT they were good. The brownie and pecan bar were tasty, but the true winner??? The Macaroons! They have an assortment of colors that pertain to their flavors and man those were just impossibly delicious! I had the pistachio (green) one and it was crunchy on the outside and soft and delicate on the inside....perfect for those texture snobs out there!

Eh. It's edible. But for a "nice" restaurant there just wasn't much to it. I can't even recall what I ordered, but bleh! there are better options in Citywalk!

I was introduced to this place (Encino one) about ten years ago by some local friends and all I can say is......Yummy! This place rocks when it comes to just good ole chicken. It's just perfect. Well, the roasted potatoes are too. The small garden salad with pita croutons. I even order the butternut squash! The latter takes a bit getting used to, but it just taste so healthy and tasty for something healthy....

Wow! This place knocks my socks off (if I were wearing them). I love how there's a wonderful variety to chose from AND that you don't have to grill the meat and smell like it. Not that I don't mind making my own food, but once in awhile it's nice to not have to smell like your food. Ham Hung grills the bbq meat in the kitchen making it that much more appealing.

LOVE IT!

Galbi
Hotstone Bibimbab
Deigee Bulgogi
Barley Iced Tea

It's worth the drive!

I know. I know. I love Pie 'N Burger....BUT...OMG, there's a but?? Yeah, I said it. See it's really simple...I was on the west side and was looking for some good ole food. My friend wanted a burger and someone mentioned Hinano's down the street...

It's a bar. I don't do bars. Or at least I didn't before HINANO.  It's actually a really nice place. Shoot some pool, listen to a live band once in awhile...grab some beer (or soda that's me) and sit back and enjoy the meal!

I LOVE THIS PLACE!!!! The BURGERS are downright sinful and delicious and cheap cheap cheap. I even went back to Pie...I had to. I had to know who was better. It was terrible of me to even consider the inevitable, but alas I can't help it...my loyalty changed without a second glance. I still go to Pie, but if on the Westside...well there's only one burger place for me.

BRING ID. It's a bar so you can't come in without it. Order takeout if you have young ones.

I hate the lines outside on the curb this place creates, but the menu items are decent and all.

Here are my top picks, try:

Chicken Medallions
Vegetable Salad
Banana Cream Cheesecake
Raspberry Mango Smoothie (non alcoholic)

Recently they have added a small bite list to their menu and it it has made all the difference!

I highly recommend the Tuna Tartare and Arugla Salad:)

Okay, just to start this off I only order some things on this menu and because I love these things so very VERY much...it makes me a fan. I probably would rate this at a five star if I tried everything else (including the beer that it is known for) and loved it as much. BUT....considering that I can only rate this on a few items, I don't feel like it's a fair assessment of the establishment.

ON with the commentaries....LOVE the Ahi Tuna Salad. It's the perfect combination of flavors that blend just like so on your taste buds. It's by far my favorite Tuna Salad. For those who don't eat raw fish or seared fish...ask for the tuna to be cooked through. It's worthwhile to still try the salad that way, even though I myself have not. I think that the rest of the ingredients in the salad will still give the punch that makes it so darn great!

Also take note to order those "YUMMY" GARLIC (yes! freshly chopped (not powered) garlic and cilantro???) FRIES. Ask for them to be well cooked so that the oil/garlic/cilantro doesn't make the fries too soggy. Not for Bram Stoker's Dracula, they put a decent amount of garlic on the fries...so bring some toothbrush and mouthwash if you HAVE to, but beware. Personally, I don't mind the extra flavor...I just take a buddy who loves garlic just as much.

I have to hand it to Sierra Madre. They have a jewel in the midst of their town. My experiences in deep tissue are about as slim to none..but with the pains and stress of being me..I had to eventually tough it out. I am a weakling, but have earned my stars and stripes as the main lady took to working out those years of toxic crap. That and some major injuries I have had in my knees and arms and who knows where else. (I have tried other places when she's booked, and they just don't have the hands to keep me there.)

Small, yet just right. This cozy gem has the right hands for a destressing any soul out there! If you need some serious action taken on your tired, achy body and can't seem to find someone strong enough with the right mind frame to make you feel better....THIS is the place.

The main massage therapist (also the owner of the joint) has been in the business for quite some time and before that was actually a physical therapist for more than a decade.

The other two ladies come with a strong background and have been trained by her for deep tissue.

BTW, when I mean deep.....D E E P....I do mean DEEP! Tissue that is. She can be gentle too.

I am going to rate this place based on asthetics. As an artist, this place had an amazing view! Tuesday evening with some drinks at hand, lounging along one of their nice chaises with a great conversationalist, I was on a high. Damnit for not bringing the camera. That will have to be on the next outing.

The pool was gorgeous in it's simple modernistic ways with some idiot splashing around...stay away from the pool if you don't want to get wet since the water runs across the deck when someone is in it.

Need some privacy in whatever whimsical sense? There are these strange onion like dwellings that can become quite cozy with a group of friends or just a one on one.