Alex V.'s Profile

Cheap Mexican, nothing more nothing less.  However this is cheap Mexican that tastes better than you average joint.  It also has the added benefit of costing less than most, about a dollar per dish according to my nonscientific guessing.  Their salsa is great but with a little more heat it would be close to perfect.  The chips are ok, nothing great but not bad either.  The red sauce is a tad too sweet for me but still good.  My main complaint is the overwhelming cleaning chemical smell.  I have only been late at night so that might not be a problem during lunch or at more traditional dinner times.  In summary if you like cheap Mexican (and if you don't, that's just unamerican :) you'll enjoy El Mexicano.  If you want something fancy stick to your Holy Tacos and the like.

While attending the 2009 Indian Springs Native American Festival, my roommate and I decided to check out Indian Springs State Park.  Seeing that it was literally across the street this only made sense.  First we stopped at the spring house which dispenses a never ending story, I mean stream of water that you are free to take advantage of.  The water has a strong sulfur smell and taste, it was too intense for me but my roommate didn't mind it.  I do have a strong sense of smell so your mileage may vary.  My roommate also brought some water back and stated he couldn't taste it after refrigeration.  Following the spring house we located the 3/4 mile trail and after a few wrong turns ended up hiking at least 2-3 miles.  Some highlights of the hike were, running into a deer, finding a turtle shell, coming across a creek and seeing multiple types of mushrooms (none magic unfortunately).  The lowlights included, the heat, the mosquitoes and frustration on the lack of trail markers.  By the trail entrance is a large field spotted with trees, barbecues and picnic tables.  A great hang out area and some locals were doing just that.  At the front of the park you could walk down to the springs and hang out on the rocks.  Lots of families were there and it seemed to be a regular activity for them.  Other features of the park include a museum, miniature golf course, lake, cabins and campsites.  I did not partake in any of aforementioned attractions so I will refrain from commenting on them.  Overall I enjoyed the park and would gladly visit again in the future.

"A yuppie bar trying to be a dive."  These were the first words I said to my friend after taking a seat at the bar.  The place grew on me after a little while but I still stand by my first impression.  Not that it's necessarily a bad thing, just not my particular scene.  I decided to order a roast beef sandwich and potato salad since I was famished and wouldn't be coming here on a regular basis.  The prices were a bit high to me $8 and $2.25 respectively.  Granted it was a damn good sandwich and possibly the best potato salad I've ever had however not $10.25 good (call me a cheap bastard if you feel the need).  The beer selection was decent with reasonable prices and the bartenders were pleasant enough.  I could see myself stopping back here when in the neighborhood but it's not a place I would go out of my way to visit.

Just your average hotel.  The staff is friendly and helpful, as are the maids.  The standard rooms do not have refrigerators or microwaves.  The TV is a flat-screen though the channels are lacking.  Wireless and wired Internet are free, and they have a free continental breakfast every morning.  Parking is free, there is an indoor pool, exercise room (two treadmills and an elliptical) and coin operated laundry.  The carpet is slightly garish but adds a nice effect while walking the halls alone in the middle of the night.  The hotel is all nonsmoking but ash trays are provided at the exits.  They have a business center that allows you to check email, stocks, etc and print.  Overall it's a pleasant stay, nothing spectacular but nothing bad either.

After driving through a gauntlet of pot holes and walking along a short and pleasant path lined with hardwoods and a grass filled clearing you arrive at a somewhat disappointing sight.  A strip of brown rocky sand littered with tree corpses and great views of industrial equipment.  You can see Mt. Hood when it is not obstructed by container cranes or remnants of old piers.  Normally being by the water is relaxing but the waves here are too rapid and erratic due to the boats speeding by.  The fishing is probably good judging by the number of poles on shore and out in the water.   Since I was there in the early afternoon I did not experience the mosquito problem commented on by previous reviewers.  I was going to check out the hiking trails but hunger and boredom got the best of me.  Overall it was fairly lack luster to me but if I lived nearby I would probably visit from time to time.

Since I go here at least once a week, I figured it's about time I reviewed it.  The Dish is my favorite brunch place in Seattle to date.  If you're wanting a cheap meal or something healthy don't come here.  However if you want really good tasting food that's not too expensive this is your place.  The specials are usually excellent which include different soups.  The regular menu is also excellent with my only exception, the corned beef hash.  I don't agree with their take on it.  The waitresses are the best in Seattle, extremely friendly and if you know them they're not above messing with you.  (They're also attractive which doesn't hurt).  Cash or check only which can be annoying but it's a small inconvenience for the experience.  I always go late so I can't speak to how it is during the rush.  

To sum up, go there.  You won't be disappointed.

I hate getting haircuts, really hate it.  Because of this I put it off as long as possible.  I finally hit my limit today and decided to deal with the dreaded scissors.  Since I've been in Seattle I have had three haircuts, one at Hair Company which was ok, one from Supercuts (don't ask) and one from my ex (really don't ask).  I just moved up the street from Babalouise and since I patronize the Tin Hat (http://www.yelp.com/bi...) and Slave to the Needle (http://www.yelp.com/bi...) I figured I would give it a try.  They squeezed me in with Donna even though I didn't have an appointment.  She was very personable and explained why she was doing everything.  I also enjoyed her conversation which is unusual for me at a salon.  I let her have free reign and am very satisfied.  Another plus it was only $23 sans tip.

Pretty cool hobby store, good selection of models, puzzles, board games, miniatures and other stuff.  Had to check my laptop bag at the counter and they had "candid camera" signs posted so that made me a little uncomfortable.  I can understand it though because I'm sure a bunch of kids go in there and the have lots of high priced small items.  They also have Simulacrum RPG Play every Thursday and Advanced Squad Leader with Puget Sound ASLers on alternate Saturdays.  I have no idea what those things are but I'm sure someone does.  The prices also seemed ok from what I saw.

Laid back hard drinking Irish pub.  Guinness on tap of course, not quite my scene but I stop in here from time to time when I'm tired of the Hat.

Friendly staff, cheap classes of a variety of things and within walking distance of my house.  A great neighborhood resource.