Tara "T$" L.'s Profile

The Hamilton is kind of what I need in my life. An upscale, late night spot where I can get my sushi fix as well as my bacon, choco-chip pancake fix? Amazing.

Just the diversity of the menu itself was a sell for me, since well...I'm random.

Plus, I crave sushi late at night ALL OF THE TIME.

When I dropped by after 2am on a weeknight, I was greeted by the host who assured me someone would be with us shortly to escort us to  our table and within about 7 minutes someone had come for us, headset and all.

We sat for about 10 minutes, with no waiter in sight. I had to catch a flight in a bit, so I asked the young woman that seated us if it was realistic that I would be served and out of here by 3am and she said she would put a rush on things and get the waiter over immediately. A few minutes later he was at our table, apologetically taking our order. Bread to promptly follow.

Oh the bread. Shit. As if it were not bad enough to be eating late night, they just have to throw in amazing, warm, sourdough bread with salt crusted butter for starters.

Our food came out quickly, but my bill did not until I asked to put a rush on it. As for the food itself, I was pleasantly surprised!

I was especially wary of the sushi. Lots of places that do sushi but do not feature sushi as their main offering can get a little sketchy. And no one wants sketchy raw fish. Good thing the late night sushi menu features zilch, zero, nada raw rolls. I ordered the Fire Cracker Roll: spicy jumbo lump crab, fried shrimp w/tempura flakes ($12) which surprisingly pretty tasting and more filling than expected.

And we just *had* to try the bacon chocolate chip pancakes. There is nothing wrong with anything about that, it and it would have been really hard to go wrong here. I will warn you that the portion is psychotically huge. I mean, 3 wildebeests could have dined just fine on these with leftovers for the scavengers. Plus, I was surprised  to see full strips of bacon cooked right in. Amazing AND so incredibly filling...and I could only eat 1/4 of the serving.

I can see myself becoming very intimate with this place and find it to be a welcomed addition to the DC social and restaurant scene.

Warning: This is a late night review. (Double entendre.)

At the actual time of consumption, I was standing on the corner hailing a cab. I guess you could call it a pit stop between drinking destinations and there was no time to spare. The smell of greasy goodness, mixed with our mild sobriety was so mind numbing that it quickly became clear to us both that:

1) We would *not* eat an entire cheesesteak each for a "snack"
2) We would not hault our roller coaster of fun by sitting down to eat
3) Our first bite of the cheesesteak would not and could not wait

I typically don't opt for super heavy, greasy foods for my go to meal so I can't imagine this being a likely pick for me any time other than during social adventures, more than likely lubed with a few spirits. However, I must say that the cheesesteak was surprisingly delicious.

We opted for The Monument, which I definitely recommend if you're going to indulge anyway. Thinly sliced rib eye steak, white American cheese, whiz and bacon builds up the foundation of this sandwich, but then its topped with fries and ketchup. Amazing.

The bread was was soft, but still supported the weight of the steak and toppings well and everything tasted fresh. Additionally, considering it was peak hour on a weekend night, we were served pretty promptly by the friendly staff.

I wish I had never tried JJs because it was perfectly sinful, and I've tried to put it to the back of my mind since. But I can't front - this is some pretty good ish.

I've been coming here since I was a kid. In fact, I'm not sure if I've ever been in another fish store so comparatively speaking you'll have to forgive me as this is pretty much all I know.

When I walked into Showcase of Tropical Fish a few weeks ago, it seemed as though nothing had changed since childhood. It's still dark and narrow with the same smell. I guess there was the illusion of wonderment as a child that no longer existed now as an adult.

My visit here was purely spontaneous.  I really just want a dog. All of my friends and family know that. But with all of my travel, it's just not the best idea right now and I've begrudgingly accepted that. So what's a girl to do for a little companionship?

Well, it's a sad day when I girl needs to look for comfort and warmth from a creature with gills, but a girl's got to do what a girl's gotta do.

So I marched right in there, stilettos and all, went to the the cashier desk and said "Umm, excuse me? I need a fish ...for my nephew."

Now I have no reason why a ridiculous lie popped out of my mouth. I don't have turrets, so no medical excuse to claim. Just my random denial of my need for a pet. I felt *so* bad for lying, but then how weird would it have been if I just said "Just kidding!" That would be a bit bipolar, wouldn't it?

Anyway, I checked out the price tags on some of these fish, many of which lacked razzle and dazzle. I knew I didn't want to invest a ton of money in a huge tank and all the bells and whistles that come with that, so the nice gentleman here lead me to the betta fish, a modest sized tank, a heater for it, some food and drops to dechlorinate the water. Before I knew it, I was $80 bucks in and decided it was time to gets-a-steppin'.

I was so grateful for the patience and guidance from the staff here. They were able to assess my needs, show me some options, and assure me that the fish I bought could withstand a few days on their own while I was out on my travels.

And guess what? I've finally bonded with those suckers. And they have finally gotten over the fact that I named them Sushi and Sashimi.

The Viva Las Vegas room at the Pelican Hotel is a drag queen's dream! Well, maybe a drag queen on a budget.

Not a slight by any means, but a true diva-licious drag queen might demand a bit more luxury out of her hotel room. However for lil ol' me, it was just fine.

Each room at The Pelican Hotel has it's own distinctive, fun theme. I can only imagine what some of the other rooms were like. Although my room was modest in size, it was playful and full of color and flamboyant chachkis.

Just don't dive onto the bed with all of your weight. It's not as soft as it looks.

I also will mention for you claustrophobes, the room felt a bit snifling shaped in a fairly small square with just one small window. However, if you've come to South Beach to live it up, this shouldn't really matter since this will probably become just a place to shower and rest your head. For this, it's all goodies.

Plus, it's right in the mix of everything. Step out anytime after 9pm and there will be tons of action just a few steps past the entry of the hotel.

Definitely a great deal for the dollar!

I don't know how they do it, but the lobby here smells absolutely delish!

Although I spent very little time in my room during my stay here, I was completely content with the digs.  Fresh, white linens, fluffy white robes and a spacious bathroom with separate stand up shower and tub greeted me after long days in the A.

The lobby is lounge-like and huge and the staff, down to earth and incredibly helpful. Plus, the hotel is pet friendly. Not that I have any pets other than my fighter fish, but if I did have a furry companion, I'd definitely bring them along!

It may be a problem if you're in South Beach but your hotel is so nice that you just can't wait to get back to it. Even the topless sun bathers could barely lure me away. That's how lovely my stay was at Z Ocean.

Not only did it offer refuge and comfort, but a nice dose of luxury at a reasonable price as well.

With entrances to the hotel on Collins and Ocean Drive, the location is a prime spot to be in the mix. At the same time, it wasn't too crazy at night with foot traffic, so the surrounding area manages to remain peaceful during the later hours.

Even in the daytime, the lounge areas felt modern and sexy, but even more so when the sun set. Lots of cozy little places to lounge by the bar.

My room was magnificent, especially for the rate. The suite was spacious, with a beautiful wood grain entertainment system, central to the suite with televisions on both sides, a mini kitchen area sink, coffee machine, microwave and mini-bar, a sweeping , spacious bathroom divided into thirds that was sectioned off by two sinks, a toilet area and spa like shower with built in shower bench (not that I would dare) and multiple shower settings, attacking from every angle.

Additionally the king sized bed was delightfully dosed in down and provided one of the best night's sleep I've had in quite some time. Oh, and did I mention the private balcony? Ahh, if only it was ocean view.

Service was flawless and the staff was always helpful and pleasant. It was always also super easy to hail a cab out front with the help of the doorman.

Although I love switching up and trying new hotels, I might be stuck on Z Ocean after my stay here. It was just that lovely.

I recommend taking a look at the scene from The Labyrinth "As The World Falls Down," mute it, and then crank Salt N Pepa's "Push It" simultaneously to best recreate my experience at Cat Club.

It was a lovely Thursday eve in San Francisco, when Yelp's very own Ruggy J so gallantly escorted us here, after numerous requests to kick our last night in town up a notch and maybe bust out a little boogie in our butts. (That was an Eddie Murphy reference, ya'll.)

When we arrived it was kind of like walking through a dimly lit carnival of madness, full of animated characters. The music of my birth decade was cranking, and although it was early, this crowd showed no shyness towards the dance floor. Definitely not the kind of place where people just stand around to look cool. People here mean business, and their business is to let loose.

We made friends with a lovely bartender from the East Coast that proceeded to allow us to guzzle Jameson. She even introduced us to the owner, who then proceeded to guzzle with us upon learning that my Dad was into tai-chi.

So here I am, in a bar, drinking whiskey, dancing to 80s music and talking tai-chi.

It doesn't get much better than that!

Is this a place to come when you're rocking your brand new designer dress with freshly styled hair. Probably not. But if you're in the mood to dance without judgment for a small cover of $6, then this might just be your place to go on a Thursday night.

(Although, I would suggest that your first drink of the night does not begin here. You might need a bit of a warm-up first!)

'Twas the night before Thanksgiving
And all through the 'hood
The bars were last calling
But it was all good

My sister declared without worry or shame
"It's the night before Thanksgiving - I'm stepping up my eating game!"

We circled the block for signs full of glow
But only vegan friendly
Would be the way that we'd go

I made a quick call from my Yelp app with ease
To find that Amsterdam was ready to please!

One white, one wheat pita
(Since we're a mixed bunch)
And load up those toppings
I'm ready to munch!

Things got a little messy
This I'll admit
But besides the indulgence
The food was legit!

Although it was not my first time at Amsterdam, it had been some time since my last, late night falafel adventure. As always it did not disappoint. I think the falafels are great (albeit not my favorite of all time) and the unlimited, fresh toppings are a bonus although I'd advise to keep it simple.

And if you're not into falafels, the fries are bangin' and served up as a huge portion. The fries alone are worth a late night romp.

You remember that little game where everyone yells "penis" to see who has the biggest balls (pardon) to yell the word the loudest?

Well, that game manifested into a bar. Welcome to the penis jungle.

After dinner, the crew was up for a quick drink elsewhere before heading back to the hotel. Now where would one turn to when in need of a suggestion of somewhere to go, within certain geographical and financial constraints? Well, Yelp of course.

While the rest of the block was a bit dead on a week night, we moved forward, past the reefer scented doorway. What we experienced next was definitely moving. And memorable.

Sure, many boast about having a large penis. But, Hole In The Wall has one of the biggest penises I have ever seen. And it was green! It was as if the Jolly Green Giant got snipped and mounted, all for the glory of the bar.

Why, hello there.

A quick look around lead to the discovery of more penises. (I wish the plural of penis was peni, don't you?!) Penis, penis everywhere. Penises with faces, penises exploding, penises on bears that prevent forest fires...you name it!

I know a great drinking game that we could have played. I spy the penis. That would have been great fun.

So, maybe we didn't quite fit in here. (I was without my leather chaps.) But, no one in there cared. Sure, maybe we cared that they may have cared...but they didn't.

We made sure to get a quick drink and a round of shots was every bit worth the $21 dollars shelled out for five of them. Say woooord!

If you like peni (it's my review so I can make up words) you may want to give Hole In The Wall a poke. Think of it as a penis museum if you will - you must approach it with great respect.

Oh, and make sure to tip your bartender. I would hate for the big green penis hanging above to get mad at you.

A treadmill *in* my room? Definitely a first and definitely a glaring reminder not to be a lazy ass.

This hotel is beautiful, modern and serene, located just a few miles from Richmond's Staples Mill train station. If you're looking to stay somewhere in the middle of all the action, this ain't it. However, if you're traveling for business or for a little rest and relaxation, this is the perfect fit.

Staff is prompt, courteous and accommodating and will be sure to greet you immediately upon arrival. The lobby is lovely, with high ceiling and plenty of space, but without regality and fuss.

My room was incredibly spacious (hence treadmill that I could literally roll out of my bed onto) and so was the bathroom...and boy do I love a little space in there!

What I liked most about this entirely smoke-free hotel, is their subtle yet consistent emphasis on health and wellness. From the superfood infused menu items from the Crosswinds Restaurant downstairs to the high count sheets, spa offerings and in room fitness accents, you can actually make some healthy choices while traveling.

Other than the location being a bit removed from the downtown action, it was hard to find flaws here. Overall, a great stay.