bayani p.'s Profile

Very nondescript location, kitty cornered on 22nd and Broadway.  The appetizers were so-so, I'd give the popcorn, croquette's and chicharon 2 stars, 4 for effort.  The entrees were small and although that was not a problem, I was expecting to be wowed if they were to put an emphasis on small tapas style portions.  One of the soups, with oyster and cauliflower was one of the best things I've eaten all year.  That was the highlight of the experience.  Everything else was about average.  The service was good.

Down in LA for the weekend.  Needed a spot to work remotely with access to WiFi.  I got on the google/yelp train and found this gem of a cigar spot.  The week that  I found this place they were doing construction on the front, but other than that this place is a cigar lovers paradise.  One of the best selections of  quality name brands that I've been around.  In fact they have a lot of limited edition stuff too (the Boris Tatuaje, La Aroma de Cuba's pepin blend with the special wrapper, Fuente Queen B's, etc).  The posters on the wall hang crooked and I think that kind of adds to the flavor of this joint.  Lots of enthusiasts in here, so a great place for any cigar lover.

I'd give this place an additional 1/2 star if I could.  Really, its a 4.5 stars, with the hours being the only downside.  I mean - hey sometimes a guy gets off work and needs a proper stogey.  Other than that this place is really perfect.  Great selection, great staff.  I was in there for my 2nd time the other day, talking with the shop owners.  The lady told me about their locker service (recommend that you ask about that about it if you live local and are an avid toker).  I told the guy what kind of cigars I liked and he told me to try the "Zino".  It was excellent, possibly one of the best cigars I've ever had.  Exactly the combination of spice, mildness and medium drag that I had been looking for.  Honestly, this place gets an auto 3 stars just for being the only place in the valley with a respectable (and properly humidified/seasoned.  You might buy the same cigar at Bev-mo, but its not going to smoke as good as the one from here) selection.  I give'm another 1.5 stars for service and top of the line product.  So, 4.5 stars it is.  Just  wish they stayed open later!

The lobster tacos were probably the most whimsical, brilliant, west coast culinary delight that I've ever tasted.  Sounds simple, but I dare any high end Mexican eatery to execute as well as the chefs at Nobu.

The Salmon tartare with caviar was different than anything I've ever put in my mouth.  Top 5 meals of my life.

Went there with a sore neck, left with an extra pep in my step.  I dare someone to find me a lady with stronger hands.  She kept asking "too much pressure?" and I was too stuck between a hard hand and a pressure point to say anything in response.  Other reviews are correct when they mention that this place helps you step out of the busy city streets and into some serious relaxation.  I will going back again.

Well executed healthy choices.  Thats how I'd describe this place.  Everything is made fresh, including their soups.  They have a daily and fixed menu that covers mostly any sandwich or salad fix.  Loving the reggae station they have playing during lunch, not to mention that that corridor of SOMA is a pretty interesting place.

This gym does the job, for now.  The staff is great.  The juice bar is wonderful!  Parking is easy.  Its a really spacious gym with pretty much all the amenities that you could ask for, minus a swimming pool.  What prevents this place from being a 5 star gym, like my former Bay Club?  Well, I think its because the sweaty male count is a little to high for me.  

I prefer a diverse gym.  And this place is certainly diverse... in a lgbt / gender-bending kind of way.  But at the same time, I like family gyms with old and young, men and women, semi-pro athletes, handicapped and those rehabilitating alike.  This place is not that.  Don't get me wrong, I have no problem that this place has a reputation as a gay gym.  I don't mind that I've seen more men kiss at the squat rack than all of the gyms that I've been a member of - combined.  I'm not against the openly gay atmosphere at this gym, really, it'd just be nice to mix it up with some old folks, maybe some local high school athletes, some soccer moms, I dunno.  Something other than sweaty dudes?

Anyhow, people are friendly here.  As long as you're open minded then you should be able to handle a membership here.  Check out the juice bar - killer smoothies!

I agree, this IS the best dentist office ever.  I was welcomed (by name) from Heidi the friendly office manager.  She kept my paperwork simple for me and after my cleaning she even helped provide an estimate for getting my wisdom teeth pulled (yikes).  Once I walked through the office doors I could tell that this was going to be a different experience than anything I'd been to before.  Once you walk in, you realize all of the extra perks that makes this place so unique.  There are personal jukeboxes, this month's magazines on the coffee table and a flat screen TV playing the latest movies - sitting in front of the couches.

Once inside, I was once again awed at the ease of the x-ray machine - which pulls right out of the wall, in the same room that you get your cleaning.  They put me in a reclining chair that massaged my back!  Better yet, they flipped on the flat screen and asked me which movie I wanted to watch.  HUH?  Dentist offices have flat screen TVs perched above your dental chair?  YES, this one does!  I watched The Guardian with Kevin Costner and Ashton K.  It was great, my cleaning was so gentle I wanted to stay in the massaging chair and finish the end of the movie... seriously I could have fallen asleep it was so relaxing.

But onto the important part, which is the technique and professionalism of the staff.  Dr. Wong was gentle, and took the time to explain everything he was going to be doing.  He went over the equipment before he went to work.  He communicated throughout the process and really it was the best and easiest cleaning I've ever had.  I highly recommend this place... especially to families.  Seriously, bring the kids, they will not be turned off by dentist trips at this place.

As good as a taqueria gets.  The Chronicle was on the money when they wrote that the meat is the star at this restaurant.  It's true, perfectly seasoned, tender yet slightly charred carne asada.  Does it get better than that?  

The crispy tacos are made of one crispy taco shell blanketed inside of a soft taco.  This does two things; it creates a non greasy shell and it provides for one of the best textures that I've ever enjoyed when eating a crispy taco.  Guacamole, cheese and sour cream can leave you with a $4-$5 taco.  Not sure where you're from, but I order tacos by the couple... which can lead to a $10-$12 dollar taqueria outing (including drinks).

The prices are steep, the parking sucks, and the line that forms during busy hours is some what dysfunctional (line does a kind of L shape around the counter, the same place where people pick up their food).  However, all of this is well worth the food and a small price to pay if you really want to enjoy the one of the best taqueria's that the Mission has to offer.