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"Everything's going to be OK, or not. And if not, it will be."
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Review votes:
54 Useful, 38 Funny, and 52 Cool
Austin, TX
Yelping SinceOctober 2008
Things I Lovesending off surprises by mail, getting physical mail, transcendentalism, Rock Band, New age music, the new U2 album, socialist democracies, my dog cupcake, cupcakes, My husband, community organizing, babies, gardening, crafting, caramel corn, keeping my house, yoga, Tom Hardy, korea house bulgogi, flavored lip gloss
Find Me Ingenius jumpsuit, kelly green, run dmc style
My HometownShady Side, Maryland
My Blog Or Websitehttp://lagremlina.word... (& several others that I'm too ashamed to make public)
When I'm Not Yelping...writing plays poorly, sewing poorly, and wrecking my landscaping successfully
Why You Should Read My Reviewsmy folksy charm will make you forget that I have no idea what I'm talking about
My Second Favorite Website The Last Great Book I ReadCall of the Wild
My First ConcertBryan Adams
My Favorite MovieWings of Desire
My Last Meal On EarthWhatever the cook at the State Pen knows how to make
Don't Tell Anyone Else But...when i see a bumpersticker that says Believe in Angels...I do
Most Recent DiscoveryDame Curtsey's guides....Victorian lifestyle writer Ellye Howell Glover
Current CrushThe 13 year old boy who lives inside my husband
Date
I ordered their signature sandwich for lunch, a ruben. But to call that ruben a sandwich would be to just call Beethoven music. It was a sandwich among sandwiches. It was such a great sandwich that it was actually TWO sandwiches of grilled bread, perfectly melty cheese, lean meat, fresh saurkraut and something that they affectionately call 'awesome' sauce. The sandwich was accompanied by some hand sliced french fries which I couldn't finish because (as I might mention again) I had just eaten two sandwiches that were billed as one sandwich!
We washed down our lunches with delicious and authentic German beers. I had a Radler, which is a wheat beer with lemon lime soda. A refreshing treat that I grew to lurve when traveling in Bavaria. They also offered other michelada-style German beer drinks--ones that mixed beer with cider, ones that mixed beer with cola. I know you're intrigued, right? Really they're good.
Finally, as stuffed as I was from eating the two sandwiches that had been described as one sandwich, my husband could not resist getting dessert: Heisse Liebe. That's right my Germanophiles, HOT LOVE. It's also called Heisse Himber, but whatever you call it, it's warm salty sweet raspberry sauce that the diner drizzles from a gravy boat onto a boat of high quality vanilla ice cream. Oh man!
This place gets it right because it's run by a German family who retired from some kind of international business consulting, ran a German restaurant with another branch of their family, and then settled in the Finger Lakes. The early twenty something son of the family was our waiter, and he was as personable, attentive, and instructive as any server I've ever had. This is not fancy old world dining, this is down home, delicious food.
I can't wait until I'm back in the area to go again. I would drive a couple of hours just to sit in the cute biergarten they've set up in the alley next to the restaurant...and to get another ruben. Though I might have to share, because as you may have picked up, that sandwich was enough for two people
Chesapeake, VA 23320
(757) 549-0200
Daikichi Sushi Bistro
Categories: Japanese, Sushi Bars
And with this anticipation, I really would like to review the sushi here, but the order that we placed WAS NEVER GIVEN TO THE SUSHI CHEF!! The food that we did get was acceptable but not memorable. I was craving sushi, so I was let down by this customer service fail.
The waiter was hari-kari embarrassed that he forgot to give our order. I asked for a discount on our bill, and though he wasn't able to do that, he gave us a $5 gift certificate. Grandma will have to use it to give them a second chance. We're heading back to Austin, landlocked as it is, where we can get great Japanese food and the fundamentals of restaurant service.
Everything that is sold here is what I want!
Bento kits from Japan, artwork from local artists, handmade jewelry, recycled object housewares (bought a waste basket made from old olive oil cans), Dia de los Muertos--everything...Kimry goes to great lengths to stock the store with interesting, colorful, and useful things that she sources from all over the globe. Most things I found in the store, I had never seen anywhere before.
One item was so nice, I had to buy it twice--cute papel picado cut with words like 'love' and images of doves. It made a thoughtful, light, and cheap gift for two different engaged couples I visited later in my travels. Since I live in Austin, I wish I could buy stuff from Milagro all the time, especially for the holidays!
With 'gifting' in mind, let me address the other reviewer's tiny criticism of the store--costliness. First and foremost, I'll observe that I thought that items were fairly priced for the effort it takes to get them there. In fact, I was surprised at the array of items that were under $10. There's really something for every price point.
Also, let's keep in mind that this is an independent store--a small business owned by a woman. In fact, I would have bought a whole lot more if I had had ANY more room in my car that was stuffed to the gills for our 3 week road trip!
Now on to the ol' lady ranting part of this review:
Everyone who knows me has heard me say that everything should either cost $1, $25, or $100. And that includes mortgage payments, and engagement rings! However, my 'old man-like' stinginess MUST step aside when it comes to locally owned establishments.My father always used to say about the little grocery store where I grew up, 'you have to buy from stores you like, if you want them to be there when you need them.' So, with that in mind, I encourage my broke or stingy brethren to learn that we have get it out of our heads that wonderful things should also be cheap.
Though it can be thrilling to find low cost design at big box stores or tag sales, let's budget for those purchases we must make to keep our small, community stores alive. I borrowed a strategy from a friend of mine to work towards this gift budget goal: don't buy a gift for everyone at Christmas or Hannukah, but instead find something REALLY nice for them on their birthdays. Of course there are other budget conscious gifting strategies, but the point I'm trying to make is: we vote with our money. The world will become as we fund it.
For my part, I want to vote for locally owned stores like Milagro and awesome little enclaves like Hampden, hon.
Unfortunately, the 'fix' that Air Dynamics made was not actually the problem. Though they were indeed fast and responsive, they cleared the line twice and didn't look any deeper at the problem...which we found out was that our inner filter that surrounds the coil was so filthy, it was redirecting the condensation around and away from the drip pan, causing the system to leak. The condensation line was not just backed up, the whole inner system was impacted with crud.
However, we found this out because we had another company (McCullough) Come and give us a second opinion.
When I asked Air Dynamics about what should do to figure out what was wrong if it wasn't just the drain line, the discussion began to just replace the entire system. I looked in the laundry room, and then in the back pantry, but nowhere do I have $6000 LYING AROUND THE FRIGGING HOUSE!!!
Anyways, Air Dynamics was cool, but McCullough was ICE COLD.
1 Previous Review: Hide »
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5/6/2009
So, our condenser line was backed up with some sort and various kinds of gooks. Water backed up and flooded our laundry area, then seeped through the floor under the hardwoods. Boo! Now part of our floor looks like an old timey ship's deck. (frown-y face)
I called Mr. Cool yesterday, and he was EXTREMELY helpful in diagnosing the problem by phone. He also gave me some advice on how I might fix the problem myself, since he was really busy. I was too chicken to do what he said (pull my garden hose into my garage, then blow water through the line.)
So, this morning, I called Strand Brothers. They said they'd be able to have someone come out at some unspecific time tomorrow, and that the minimum charge for the service call would be $77.
Unenthusiastic about waiting all day, I called Luke at Austin Air Dynamics and left a message. Though I was expecting him to be a 'normal' repair person, and not call me back for several hours (if at all)...he actually called back within about 10 minutes.
Luke then asked me where I lived, and then he said he had a technician about 5 minutes away finishing up a job. He called the tech to confirm he could come, and then called me back to let me know the guy was coming. And, he actually showed up!! Really, about 10 minutes from the time that Luke called me back. So, I'm talking under 30 minutes from playing tha fool to keeping it cool!
Now, I know you're saying to yourself, that's a coincidence that someone would have been in my neighborhood already...and that I might be blessed by some sort of power to supernaturally summon helpful home repair experts to my aid...and I would tell you you might be right in thinking I had powers--but, having a really awesome technician was no magic trick.
The guy, Gabriel, came and got to work immediately. I nosed over his shoulder because I wanted to know how this stuff worked for next time. After the 5th or 6th question, he just started explaining stuff to me. He showed me what I SHOULD have been cleaning on my outdoor unit, and demonstrated exactly what I will need to have changed out in order for the system not to break in the future. He had a book that explained the different parts of the system that he referred to as he showed me what will go wrong if I don't do some maintenance. The cool thing too is that they have their repair prices set in that same book, so as he kept saying, I could budget for the maintenance.
My dad always used to remind me to change the oil in my car saying, 'oil's cheap, engine's ain't'. So, I understand the concept and practice of car maintenance. However, I'm still getting the hang of this homeowner thing. At least from talking with Austin Air Dynamics, I now at least know what to do to keep the house chill all summer long.
Enter Jimmy, a career service tech with 17 years of experience...
In about 5 minutes he had the front of the system apart and showed me that the inner filter was impacted with dirt and hair. (We have three dogs, and the owners before us had multiple cats.)
So, luckily he had time to actually do the cleaning today. He removed the inner filter/coil/drip pan apparatus, and let me tech pictures of the grody clogged nastiness.
He cleaned it all out and then called me back out so I could take 'after' pictures. Wow. Totally amazing how much shit was all up in there. I mean our dog passed away in January, but he is still with us. HIS HAIR was messing with us from the great beyond!
Anywhoo. Jimmy's putting the system back together now, and though it cost us a pretty penny to get the cleaning done, it looks like we're not going to have to replace the whole system immediately. Which would have cost us like $6000 before rebates.
Also, their dispatcher was really nice. I told her my last name was Harrison, and she said, "oh like the President!" Then gave me a short history on the battle of Tippa Canoe. This is a value add for me.
I would give them five stars, but I've been burned in this whole keeping cool enterprise. So, when the system is running and the house stays cool for a month, then I'll up the star factor.
Things seem fixed until they're broken, you know?
Well, let me tell you, they have a nice selection of cute outfits for us zaftig gals. I got a maxi dress in a fresh pattern, a flouncy print dress, and a couple of t-shirts...and nothing was over $22. Also, the material, fit and sturdiness of the clothing was better than I've seen at my other favorite cheapo plus size store, Rainbow.
The staff there are friendly too, greeting me when I arrived and checking on me to be sure I was finding what I wanted.
I did have to restrain myself from the accessories...though they had really cute DIFFERENT looking necklaces and earrings. I'll go back for the neon pink woven seed bead necklace soon.
EEEEERrrrrrttTTTTT. (Brakes) Turn around and go through the drive through.
Veggie burger combo with a sprite. And I say, "Thanks, have a great night." And the guy smiles widely and says, "You have a BETTER night!" I think I will, indeed I think I will.
Austin, TX 78753
(512) 977-8822
Fujian Grand China Buffet
Categories: Buffets, Asian Fusion
As my husband and I returned to our table through the maze of Hispanic children, tables, super size punk rock dudes, and blue black jello, we both dug deep for enthusiasm over the plates before us. I didn't realize it at the time, but my husband commented later that I would take one bite of a dish and then grimace. I didn't eat two bites of anything served there, except the sesame balls with bean paste (that I suspect were pre-made).
As we left, we were astonished at the cars circling the lot for parking. People seem to love this place, and that's good....because even restaurants with maze-like gaudy decor, and terrible food need someone to love them.
PS:
Kim-chi and other Korean salads were on the dessert bar.
Austin, TX 78751
(512) 452-7888
Yogurt Planet
Category: Ice Cream & Frozen Yogurt
Neighborhood: Rosedale
You guys, we've had a lot of good times--and some not so good times too. Chocolate Blackout Cake from Cheesecake Factory: you were there for me when work was really stressful--and man, I was so happy to celebrate my birthday with you. And then there's you, Amy'sDark Chocolate Ice Cream with Various Crush-In's--oh baby what can I say. We've been on so many dates together, and I'll always remember our jokes about tiny gelato spoons.
But, favorite desserts, I have to tell you that I need my own space for a while. I've met another dessert, and it's well--not just one dessert, but the promise of thousands of desserts in unceasingly novel combinations. Yogurt Planet is the new guy's name, and I think we're going to be very, very happy together. See, this dessert is basically fat free, and with like 10 varieties of yogurt and maybe 30 or more toppings, including ripe, fresh fruit--it's better for my health, and my mind. It really comes down to commitment, you know?
I just don't think I'm at a point in my life where I can say 'hey, I have one favorite dessert and it'll be my dessert for the rest of my life'. I need to play the field. I need Blueberry and Mango frozen yogurt topped with chocolate chips and strawberries. And sometimes I'm going to want to get a little crazy and have Green Tea frozen yogurt with lychees and crushed nuts. This is just part of my personal development. It's not you other desserts, it's me.
So, all other desserts that are not frozen yogurt from Yogurt Planet, I hope we can stay friends. And Lemon Rosemary Cake from Chez Zee, let's get together once in a while--have a couple drinks and who knows what might happen? But for now, I just have to explore this new relationship...I don't know if Yogurt Planet is the Mr. Right of desserts...but I know for sure Yogurt Planet is Mr. Right Now.
With All My Love,
Kristin
1 List
What I'm going to tell you is that I spent a month in a cabin in October, without hot water near lake Keuka, and this place was a warm inviting slice of nummy to me. I came in once by myself and had a glass of wine and some crab dip that my server, Marie suggested.
When I came back with my husband, Marie remembered me. Then remembered us again when we went a third time. Of course, I went in 'low' season, where there's some breathing room between tables, but there's something great about a place where at least somebody's glad you came.