Sargon B.'s Profile

What a brilliant idea!  A european style cafe coupled with a clean workout & locker room.  Everyone working here is friendly and personable - I get the same kind of vibe from the customers.
I heard about third door through Emeric, the guru instructor for 3rd Door's Club Row.  His Wednesday evening classes on the land rowing machine are as intense as it gets!

I work in the personal finance group at a major corporation, where we're firm believers in the motto that your money matters and financial health come second to your personal health and well being.

Did I mention that my employer is the brand behind the amazingly easy to use TurboTax software? Oh and I must have forgotten to mention one other little piece of information - though I love using TurboTax to 'test' my taxes and even to help out friends with their taxes, I come to Xpress Tax Solutions to get my taxes done.

Lina takes ownership of your tax situation as if it were her very own personal situation.  She guides me through all options, walked me through the filings necessary for a home purchase, and is just a pleasant person to work with.  She even amended an old return I had incorrectly filed myself - BAM!  Thats extra moola back in my wallet.

All I want in a tax accountant is someone who can get the job done.  Well, Xpress Tax gives me that and I also get the pleasure of working with someone with a keen eye for detail, a meticulous understanding of current regulations, and an awareness of the sensitivity that comes to dealing with personal finances.

If you want to pay $20 for a full size Snicker's bar, then you've found the right place...

Folks, this place is a visual delight but thats about all.  Its a mirage.  All the toppings you could ever wish for.  Well, there's a reason for all those Willy Wonka like toppings - its to mask the poor quality of the yogurt.    

For good quality yogurt, go to Fraiche in Palo Alto.
For good tasting yogurt, go to Yumi Yogurt in Santa Clara / San Jose.

Oh, and so you can technically get free samples, but I've questioned this.  The free sample mini-cup is given to you by an older somber looking man.  His shirts never have sleeves and he's just not the friendliest person.  His kindness wears off after you ask for a 2nd or 3rd mini sample cup.  I'm sorry, but if I'm eating yogurt, I want to think of happy bubbly thoughts like cartoons, disney movies, and boison berries, not the big bad wolf.

This review is more about the nearby trails than the fish hatchery itself.  Writing a yelp review about nature makes as much sense as transcribing a visual and sensory dream.  I'll try...

Itinerary: Park your car at the fish hatchery and make your way across the bridge and onto the other side of the water.  It is here that the beautiful trails begin.  The views atop the hillside are majestic, and more often than not, you'll be witness to the trance-like unison movements of the crew teams practicing on the water.

If you want solitude, then familiarize yourself with the horse trails.  Otherwise, the bike path will be fun enough - just adhere to bike path etiquette. Be creative and spontaneous but be safe too...

I've run up the hill many times and can't get enough of it.  

Things to do:
- nothing - just enjoy it!
- hiking
- walking , jogging, running
- biking
- fishing
- check out the fish hatchery and exhibits

Why go: Well, some times you just need to unwind and this is the place.

The PLACE for middle eastern food!  We were even greeted by Guy, the owner.  He's friendly and has got a really gentle smile.
I liked the chicken plate - it comes with tender chicken tikka pieces, steamed rice, charbroiled tomatoes, greens, etc...  The portions can be large so come hungry.  Next time, I'll try the kakob.  I saw someone order the kabob plate and I was envious.
No need to worry, vegetarians can also feast here.  I also saw a sign that said the restaurant would respect the requests of patrons who order 'halal' so they have that taken care of too.
Will definitely come here again ;)

Great food. Great music.  This family run gem in the heart of Auburn has got the feel of a charming cantina.  I recommend everything including the drinks - just don't pig out on the chips / salsa too much, as you may not be able to finish the rest of your meal.

The only reason this place isn't getting 5 stars is because of the minimum charge per person.  Last time I went it was $25 for outdoor seating and more if you wanted to sit indoors.
I'd recommend going on a weekend night to check out the live entertainment.  The singer is great - he'll get you dancing in no time. Even folks who don't dance will wiggle waggle in their chairs or clap their hands together off beat.

DO: Go with friends, share food, get drinks, and get hookah, DANCE

Why 4 stars?
+ awesome entertainment and its fun watching older middle easterners have fun - they really know how to party
+ hookah, wine, and decent food
Why not 5 stars?
- minimum charge
- food is good, sometimes really good, but not great and there are better values elsewhere

A cave, a wedding hill that overlooks the beautiful scenery, and delicious bread sticks to snack on in between the wine tasting.  They have great wine as well!
I'd ask for Lewis  (maybe Louis) or Skyla. Both are great!
NOTE: Pack a picnic - there's a ton of outdoor seating.
WARNING: Make sure to have a designated driver since you'll want to enjoy the entire scenic windy drive up/down the hill.

Everybody loves Davood at the Bolani (East West Bolani) stand. Go there and he'll let you sample just about every combination of bolani (spinach, potato, lentil), hummus (sun dried tomato, garlic, traditional), garlic mint cheese, lentil curry, eggplant dip, cilantro mint pesto, and more to your heart's delight.  You'll feel so full afterwards that you won't feel like buying anything ;)
We come for the bolani and then get suckered into the lovely organic fruits / veggies.  I feel so good about myself afterwards - this must be what a granola feels like.  
DON'T PARK in the caltrain parking lot unless you want to wait 20 min for a spot.  Also, don't wait for a local to exit their parking space even if they're just about to leave - it's a Sunday morning and folks seem to take their time.  
This gets 5 stars because of the quality vendors, the caltrain convenience, the proximity to castro street, and ofcourse - EAST WEST BOLANI!!!

Lentil curry + spinach bolani + cilantro mint pesto is the way to any man's heart...atleast an ethnic heart.

We go to the Mt. View farmer's market on Sundays just for the bolani - the stuff is awesome toasted and can be used as a bread substitute for just about any meal.

If you're at the mt view market, then talk to Davood.  He's the tall guy with the curly hair - he's the friendliest vendor you'll meet.  The bolani and sauce family is lucky to have him.