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4710 E 5th St
Austin, TX 78702
(512) 385-2900

Justine's  

Category: French
Neighborhood: East Austin

4.0 star rating
10/24/2011
I'm not supposed to like Justine's. I'm supposed to call it overrated, I'm supposed to call it 'meh'. I'm supposed to be turned off by how pretentious it's supposed to be and I'm supposed to be disappointed in the biggest way. Somehow, I'm not any of these things. In fact, Justine's surprised and delighted me in every way possible. From the dishes that I savored every bite of right down to the sultry decor, Justine's simply charmed me.

Server: Helpful, honest, easy-going, and playful.

Eats: Simple perfection. No surprises, but satisfying and elegant. Escargots, steak frites, porkchop, and haricots verts were all exactly what I wanted and a bit more.

Surroundings: Sexy haunted mansion in Paris, 1936. Flickering, Bates Hotel-like neon sign out front. Hearing a pop or scratch from the vinyl on the turntable was comforting and sweet to my ears. Everything from the Rolling Stones to Bill Withers. Cacophonous, once the place started to fill up, but I was in a romantic bubble for two at that point.

I was there on a Sunday night around 6:30 PM, and there was no wait for a table at all, either for inside or outside. No idea if this is the norm, but it was the case for us.

It will of course take a second outing to Justine's to determine whether or not we were in a perfect storm the night we dined there, but I will be back, no question about that.

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1104 E 11th St
Austin, TX 78702
(512) 291-6211

The Historic Victory Grill  

Categories: Southern, Soul Food
Neighborhood: East Austin

2.0 star rating
9/29/2011
It very much saddens me to write this, but I'm also very much frustrated. I have enjoyed many a show at Victory Grill, and even attended a dear friend's 5th wedding anniversary party here some years back. When I was trying to think of the one place I'd love to hold my 30th birthday party, this is the first place that came to mind.

I sent in an email to the general booking inbox provided on their website around mid May. I received a response almost immediately from a 'Clifford Gillard' (I only know this from the Gmail address that responded to me, he never introduced himself), stating that if I could write him back 'at the end of the summer' he would have a better idea of what the fall booking would look like, since they were going to be undergoing some renovations.

I waited...and waited...until August. I wrote back. And I have been continuing to write back. With no response. It's the last week in September now. My birthday is in mid October.

Needless to say, this birthday girl is taking her cash and her party elsewhere.

If you're thinking of booking a party or an event at Victory Grill, go ahead-- email away. Just don't expect a response.

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Austin, TX 78704
(512) 318-2790

Austin Home Contractor  

Category: Contractors
Neighborhood: 78704 (South Austin)

5.0 star rating
7/26/2011
I am a DIY-er, for the most part. I actually like sweating and working hard to make improvements in and around my home. However, painting the trim around the outside of my entire house, including the gutters AND a 20-foot-high eave over my garage is NOT something I'm willing to take on. I'm notoriously klutzy and there is no doubt that I would nearly kill myself attempting a job like this.

I sent in a quote request through Tex's website, then was contacted via phone by Scott, the owner. He came out a few days later and consulted with my boyfriend and I as to what exactly needed to be done. He even helped me choose a shade based upon the current color of my front door, since I didn't want that to change at all.

Tex's contracted workers showed up on time and were completely finished at 5 PM when I was arriving home from work. They left a ton of spare paint in the color I chose so that I could go back and do spot-work later on, should I need to do so.

It really doesn't get any easier than that. And the work looks great.

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8620 Burnet Rd
Austin, TX 78757
(512) 968-2835

Avenue Five Institute  

Categories: Hair Salons, Day Spas, Cosmetology Schools

4.0 star rating
Update - 6/28/2011 1 photo 4 Check-ins Here ROTD 9/20/2011
This is my 200th review, and yes, it is an update. In thinking of all the wonderful discoveries I have come across since beginning with Yelp, Avenue Five stands out as the clear front runner. I love telling people that I get my hair cut and colored at a beauty school, AND that they use Wella and Kevin Murphy products on my hair.

My latest find at Avenue Five is Justine, an intuitive student who rolls with the changes I want to make each time I come in and seems to understand my aesthetic better than any student I've encountered at the school. I never want her to graduate.

Still only four stars because the music in there has gotten almost unbearable. As I said when I was in last appointment, "there is absolutely nothing edgy or hip about John Secada followed by a two-year-old P!nk song." Just give me some gay bar dance music and we're good.

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4 Previous Reviews: Hide »

  • 4.0 star rating
    11/16/2010

    Shoooooot, I have a new 'do and a new favorite student! Ember colored my hair on Saturday and did an amazing job. She was extremely quick (I was in and out in under two hours), and styled my hair just the way I like it, but better. I've never immediately booked a follow up after an appointment at Avenue Five, but I did this time!

    I'm leaving my rating to four stars for now because I haven't received a cut from Ember yet. I have very high hopes, though.

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  • 4.0 star rating
    4/9/2010 ROTD 6/14/2010

    One of the owners of Avenue Five asked that I come back in after my abrupt appointment cancellation, so I did, happily. Once again, I am thoroughly pleased with the experience I had, and adored my stylist, Jaclyn. I knew we were going to hit it off right from the get go. I'm a redhead, and it can be very difficult, and sometimes a little scary trying to select a red/copper/violet shade combination that is going to work and match the previous one. It was a collaborative effort between Jaclyn, her instructor, and myself, and I like that they listened to my concerns and addressed them before beginning.

    I only have a few critiques: the color was not completely removed from my scalp around my face (not sure if any protector was used) and my blowout could have been a little more artful, but I'm still happy. What I have today is a bright, shiny new shade on my head, and Jaclyn has another notch in her belt towards becoming a pro. Well done.

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  • 2.0 star rating
    2/18/2010

    My appointment was canceled the day-of.

    I used to work at a local massage school in the internship clinic, so I do understand that sometimes students get sick, or they have personal emergencies, but we always did everything possible to replace the appointment slot with someone who could come in instead. I was notified at 10 AM that there was no possible way for my 6 PM appointment to be covered.

    I guess that's just one of the downfalls to booking with a school.

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  • 4.0 star rating
    9/16/2009

    After my last experience at Avenue 5 I Tweeted, "I never thought a beauty school could make me so happy!"

    I've been twice now, both times for a single-process dye job and the first time I got a cut as well. I don't think I'd be as brave to try this place is what I needed done was highlights. But since I am now a redhead, I decided to go for it. I'm so happy I did! The students are very closely monitored by their instructors, and are very cautious about the decisions they make. Everything is discussed with you throughout the process.

    One thing to mention: make sure you have plenty of time set aside. Both times I was at Avenue 5 for nearly 3 hours, and as I said earlier, the second time was only for dye, not even a cut. 3 hours. That said, my color looks AMAZING, and I'd always prefer a stylist to take their time than to rush through an appointment. The first time, when I received a cut as well, I thought it looked awesome, and I even learned a new way of blowing out my bangs!

    For $25 plus tip, I think I look pretty damn hot (please see my attached picture). Plus, I have the peace of mind that I'm still putting quality products on my hair rather than horrible, harsh box dye. I highly recommend giving these ambitious students a shot.

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Queen Street
Cardiff CF10 2BE
UK
+44 29 2053 7600

Zara  

Category: Fashion

4.0 star rating
4/4/2011
Fabulous, two-story Zara in the heart of Queens street! Hooray! The Clearance section was actually quite large, and I found lots of options for work as well as just for fun.

I'm having major regrets about not buying more when I was in last, as the selection and lines are different at the American Zaras than the European ones.

Listed in: A Texan in the UK

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5 Bridge St
Cardiff CF10 2DS
UK
+44 29 2060 2174

Yo! Sushi  

Categories: Sushi Bars, Japanese

2.0 star rating
4/4/2011
Blech, no way. I choked down a few plates of this bad, conveyor belt sushi because I was starving and didn't think I could walk any further to get something else.

It's a shame, because the decor is fun and bright, and the service was attentive. I guess I should've know better than to try to eat pre-cut sushi rolls and less than fresh pieces of nigiri.

Just say No.

Listed in: A Texan in the UK

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Cardiff Castle Grounds
Cardiff CF10 3RB
UK
+44 29 2023 7997

Cardiff Castle  

Category: Landmarks & Historical Buildings

4.0 star rating
4/4/2011 3 photos
A must-see if you're in Cardiff for the day. The audio guide was great, and included in the cost of admission. The grounds are so expansive and peaceful, even with groups of school children running about.

The castle apartments are really beautiful, and I was also impressed with the artistry on the clock tower.

My fear of heights was tested in walking up the somewhat rickety staircase that lead to the lookout tower on the castle itself, but the view was a fantastic pay-off.

Lots to see, lots to hear and read about. Lovely on a clear day.

Listed in: A Texan in the UK

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50 Earlham Street
London WC2H 9LJ
UK
+44 20 7813 2233

Belgo Centraal  

Category: Belgian
Neighborhood: Covent Garden

4.0 star rating
4/4/2011
Loved it. You Yelpers were spot-on.

From the weird, sunken underground trail to the dining rooms to the massive beer selection, to the waitrons in Belgian costume, we had a delicious meal.

Bonus: healthy and tasty children's menu plates.

Listed in: A Texan in the UK

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1-3 Talbot Square
London W2 1TR
UK
+44 20 7723 8671

Rose Court Hotel  

Categories: Hotels, Bed & Breakfast
Neighborhood: Paddington

3.0 star rating
4/4/2011 3 photos First to Review
Please take the 3-star rating with a grain of perspective. I'm sure that amongst all of the places to stay in London, the Rose Court Hotel is not the chicest, nor is it the most modern, nor the most hip. But for about 70 pounds, we got a quiet night's stay and very friendly front desk service from the staff.

The hotel is very convenient to Paddington Station (three blocks at the most) and there is free wi-fi in the downstairs lobby/sitting room area. The wi-fi did not reach up to our room, unfortunately.

Our room was on the small side, but the ceilings were nearly 12 feet tall, and our balcony doors opened up onto a charming garden square.

Maybe the smallest hotel bathroom known to man, but it was fine and workable.

Would I spend an entire week here? Probably not. Would I spend one night here again in a pinch? Absolutely.

Listed in: A Texan in the UK

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14 The Piazza
London WC2E 8HD
UK
+44 20 7836 3327

Fred Perry  

Category: Men's Clothing
Neighborhood: Strand

5.0 star rating
4/4/2011 First to Review
I must have stopped in a at a good time of the night, because I was one of only a few shoppers. The staff were very friendly and helpful. This store carries what looked like all of the latest Amy Winehouse collection, but I didn't purchase anything from that range.

I found a simple, black and white polo shirt in my size, and the salesclerk went into the back and brought out a brand new, never worn shirt in my size for me to purchase and take home with me.

Once the salesperson saw my Texas driver's license, we chatted a bit about SXSW and Austin.

I couldn't have had a better experience. Well done!

Listed in: A Texan in the UK

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"Qu'est-ce que c'est?"

Review votes:
1295 Useful, 725 Funny, and 969 Cool

Location

Austin, TX

Yelping Since

June 2008

Things I Love

my kitties, The Pixies, limes, cowboy boots

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Houston, TX

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My opinion means more than yours.

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http://dlisted.com

My Last Meal On Earth

Truffle Mac and Cheese

Current Crush

Alexander Skarsgard / Christina Hendricks