Larissa "The Infamous" Y.'s Profile

Okay, look.  

I don't even *like* ribs, they don't sit well with me.  I don't enjoy coleslaw either, and generally when people get all excited about "OMGWTFBBQ", well, I just sort of sit there.

This was before today.

Whatever these people do, they're doing it RIGHT.  They don't win those awards for nothin'!  

Had a piece of chicken (!!!!!!!!!), a rack of ribs (!!!!!!!) , the slaw (!!!!!!!!!!!!) and the onion rings.  Whatever they batter the onion rings with is tasty also, a bit greasy but tasty, but it's the sauce that really tops it all off.  It's got this honey-tangy-molasses-y goodness that you just want to pretty much rub your face in.  There's a nice kick that starts up around your last couple bites, and lasts until you wash it down with soda or beer or something that's not water.

The meat was done pretty well, it had a nice burnt crispiness to the edges that is just what you'd want when  you think about that particular kind of food.  It wasn't heavy.  It was all very filling, of course, but it wasn't that cloying sticky 'ugh' that makes you sort of over BBQ for awhile.  Quite the contrary, my friends.  I'd eat somebody's arm if it was covered in that sauce.

It made me wonder what bacon would be like if they BBQ'd it.

*nom nom nom nom nom*

All said, definite kudos to the Phil's crew!  You'll be seeing me again.  :)

I........love this place. I love it!!!  I don't, however, love the parking situation, which is a crowded crazy mess, but accept it because this place is fantastic.  $20 gets me enough stuff for lunch for a week?  YES PLEASE!

Um ALSO "the store van will give you a ride home free with minimum Northgate purchase", which is probably fantastic if you're just getting dropped off there or don't have your own transportation (i.e. you need groceries but don't have a way to get home or had to bike over).

Bonus round - they're open until 10pm!

After several months of Karaoke Thursdays and many beers later, I now proclaim this to be My Favorite Bar Ever.  It's the only bar I have ever not wanted to leave, and have shut the place down quite a few times.

Thanks for getting me hooked! :)  I love you guys!!!  

[ps: if only you could do something about the bar/cat pee smell, you would get that fifth star, but that's the only downfall. besides, it fades after you've been there more than 20 minutes.

I just had the pleasure of lunching at the Red Marlin for a work function, and I must say it made for a very nice midday break.

The restaurant is a little difficult to find if you're not familiar with the layout, but there's no shortage of great atmosphere on the way to it.  You wander through beautiful little groves and walkways and are treated to waterfront views, palms, lush greenery, little cabanas - this place is gorgeous.

Once we made it across the bridge, we were greeted promptly and with genuine smiles.  The staff was pleasant and attentive, plus they brought out appetizers quickly (after seeing that we'd all been settled, introduced, and served drinks).  

The crabcakes, people.  THE CRABCAKES!  The only thing that could have possibly made these more perfect would have been a little drizzle of melted butter over them - not that they were lacking in flavor or really anything, that's just my personal preference.  It was like someone took the really good crab that just melts in your mouth, lumped it into a little biscuit form, and added some Mega Flavor.  It was the chef's personal recipe so whatever it was worked out well and I want it.  Add a side of greens and you have a winner!

Then it was on to the entrées - other folks chose ahi and burgers, I went with the recommended cobb salad.  The food was presented well, in a portion large enough to have leftovers, and it did not disappoint.  I asked for ranch dressing on the side but didn't need it, the salad was tinged with a light lemony glaze that complimented everything - especially the crispy bacon - perfectly.  It might have been smoked apple bacon, not sure, but it was wonderful.  This was without a doubt the best cobb salad my tastebuds have yet experienced - and it even gave Brian's (on Washington Street) a run for their money.

In between things, the staff made sure we were doing well and kept our drinks refilled properly. Meeting the chef and various other staff members was a nice touch; everyone was friendly and definitely knew their way around a restaurant.  We all had just enough room for dessert, which turned out to be single-serving cheesecakes and chocolate mousses.  The cheesecake was good, the mousses were lovely, and I was completely stuffed.  High five on the summer menu, Red Marlin!

Sitting around to chat (and digest) allowed us to take in the view: waterfront outside and California modern inside without being stuffy or over the top.  Just a nice place, y'know?  Overall this was a successful lunch and I will definitely return.

One of the interesting things about being in the hospitality industry is getting to attend various mixers and networking events.  Last Tuesday the Schmooze (http://www.theschmooze...) hosted a get-together over at Tower23's JRDN. (http://www.jrdn.com/se...) - close enough to my work and home to where I couldn't say no.  I often bike past this venue and have wanted to check it out for quite awhile, so this was the perfect opportunity to see what they had to offer.  

The appetizers were delectable, the only two I can remember were the tiny pulled-pork sandwiches and shrimp cocktail, but I could probably live off both of those forever.  SO good.  The wine was nice, the valet was validated, the fire pits were going strong, and the view was just as ocean-fabulous as you'd expect.  Five stars all around, except for a strange fishy smell when we got our car back.

A friend had mentioned that it was Michael Jordan's restaurant, which would have made it my first "celebrity" restaurant attendance, however I did some research and found out that was not the case.  Didn't hurt the experience any, that's for sure!  Victor Jimenez opened Tower23 in July 2005, and served as executive chef. He has since moved on to a locale in San Diego's East Village.

Pulled a couple items from various spots online, and they seem to sum things up nicely.
"For basketball fans the #23 reigns synonymous with legendary hoops master Michael Jordan. Although your chances of seeing one of the greatest basketball player of all time are slim - the steak and seafood choices are delish. As you dine and sip back a few soothing drinks the ambiance is enhanced with a mesmerizing 75 foot "wave wall" that illuminates in a variety of different colors throughout the evening."

"Also listed in its 'SMS-esque' abbreviated form JRDN, Jordan Restaurant has a great view on offer along with a delectable meal. The dining experience is further enhanced by the cuisine served. Those who love meat and abhor veggies will find themselves visiting this place again. American steakhouse favorites are readily available off the menu with a special contribution by the chef. The decor is very modern and asks for a semi formal kind of dressing. Tables available are family friendly or can also be set up for quiet dinners."

Overall, the ambiance was wonderful, the edibles were good enough for me to take seconds - and thirds - without even knowing what they were, and I look forward to returning for a more personal experience.

Mmmmmm, Ranchos'.  Your "secret" parking lot sealed the deal here, as if the taste of your chips and guacamole weren't enough.  

I've been going to the Ranchos' in North Park for five years at least - though the origins of my first visit are too vague to recall.  Just writing this review is making my thoughts turn to your tasty, overly large carne asada burrito with red sauce (and a side of chips and guac, yes pleez!).  

[Side note: the Ranchos' in Ocean Beach is similar in décor and food quality, but it seems like the service takes MUCH longer, and that's saying something.]

I do recall a portion of my first visit; it consisted of wandering blindly through the attached grocery store in search of an ordering counter, intrigued by the sights and smells around me.  An employee must have been amused by the lost look on my face, since he asked if he could help me, and my bewildered response was to order a carne asada burrito.

Sigh.

He was nice enough to direct me next door, and thank goodness for that, because it was HEAVEN.  The fans and haters of this place are equally die-hard; my personal experiences have been 95% total epic win, and even the off days were still great.  I always wait for an inside seat, usually up in the front, surrounded by plants and feeling nicely secluded.  There are lots of little religious icons/crosses, photos, and various stuff to look at, plus the people-watching can be interesting.  

The staff keeps the OMNOMNOM that is their chips/salsa/guac flowing, and they keep the drinks refilled, though you don't go for a sit-down meal here if you don't have a lot of time on your hands.  Give yourself a good solid hour if you're alone, two if you're with friends and nobody knows what they want.  

SIDE NOTE:  The staff at the OB location should hang out up here for a second and learn some things.

The dark-haired guy who always wears the bandana is quick with a smile and gets your food out the way you want it - hot, delicious, correctly.  I've never had them screw up an order yet, and if you get a chance to sample the mango ice cream, don't pass it up.  It's just a relaxed, good eatin' place.  Even take-out orders are simple and quick, and the staff is friendly even though you can tell they're really swamped.  

Ranchos' has definitely been a tasty source of many a nice afternoon/evening chat, and it will be a place of my patronage for many visits to come.

The three stars are there because I fully agree with the review below on "Four star food, one star service".

I love the food (it's got that comfort-food-appeal for me), but I'd much rather order it to go.  

The sit-down service in here is alarmingly bad.  If a server can't at least be pleasant enough to give you the basic smile and bring your drinks out in under 15 minutes after you are seated, that's ridiculous.  The North Park staff should come down here and give lessons (see my review on that place).

/tangent
I can only imagine - because this is the image they put out - that the staff loathes their job and wants to die.  I mean, are people blackmailing folks into working here?  Are they forced to work for free?  Are they just hanging out in the back?  Please move just a LITTLE faster.  Also, I understand it's not a "downtown snobby establishment", but it definitely says "Hello, I'm a sit-down restaurant", not a "taco shop" like any of the 'bertos, which means you get a server too.  I don't think the basics are too much to ask - the customers don't care if there are no assigned tables, because it's set up as a restaurant, so we expect the basics as such.  If there's something wrong with thinking we get a server, make sure to explain that to your customers.
/tangent

Come on guys.  I'm not saying you need to be In-&-Out cheerful, or even chatty.  I'm just saying that your job as a server is to greet the customer, take the orders, bring the drinks, bring the food, check on us at least once, and bring the check.  I'm aware that it does get busy in there, but guess what?  Restaurants get busy.  Even Denny's is faster than Ocean Beach's Rancho's.  I've waited tables, done fast food, and this is just unacceptable.

The food is the only reason I'll ever pick up an order from this place; I'll never have a sit-down meal here EVER AGAIN.  

Overall:
Food: Not bad, not bad at all.
Parking: It's on the corner of Sunset Cliffs Blvd, take a guess.
Service: Absolutely horrific.  Please retrain your employees or hire new ones - I'm pretty sure you can find some qualified folks out there if these guys won't suffice.

First, the only bad part - parking.  It's not fun, but be patient and you can find something close.  Or just walk a bit.  You know where the Rock Gym and Buffalo Breath Costumes are off Hancock Street?  Yeah, it's over there.  Drive by during the daytime for an idea of where to park.

It's pricey, but not TOO pricey, there are packages if you want something a little more affordable.  Check the website for pricing.  

The building is kind of neat, there's a Bikram studio upstairs so it can get a little warm near there, but it's not any hotter than your average dance studio.

I've only attended Sabrina Fox's bellydance classes (tribal), but I've watched some of the other classes begin & end.  They look fun for sure and it makes me want to try everything they offer!  :)  As far as Sabrina's classes go, they are GOOD TIMES.  Beginners can go, but you should have at least a little knowledge of bellydance vocabulary and basics to make it easier.  Sabrina is sweet, intelligent, talented, beautiful, spiritual, and makes you really strive for that next step.  She truly believes in the art of bellydance and all yoga-related things, if I had the money I'd go to every class and workshop she teaches.  

Steven Eggers is also a great instructor and a total sweetheart, he's so fluid when he dances that it's ridiculous.  Haven't taken any of Raine's classes but she's good as well, and nice too.  :)

GO.  Just do it, even one class, you'll be hooked!!!  

http://myspace.com/ata... for more details on Sabrina/Steven/Raine, as well as videos.

Gas stations are pretty much my least favorite thing ever; add in a bad experience and I don't want to give the Midway Chevron ANY stars - plus this is kind of a duel review.  So...... one star it is.

A coworker surprised me with a $25 gas card for Chevron, and this was the closest station to my work, so it was a necessary travel on my lunchtime errand-running.  I go in, tell the cashier to put 25 on Pump # Whatever, and she instructs me to swipe my card on the reader.  

I do.  It fails.  

We try again.  It fails.

I let her know it's a brand new card and ask if I should call the number on it, or if she had a way to type in the numbers on the register to take payment.  She said no, that it just didn't work, sorry.

At this point I was pretty low on gas, so I got my debit card from the car and said, "This is my debit card, I'll just use this."  (Total let-down when you're expecting free gas and don't get it.)

I swipe my card, wait to put in my pin, and the cashier said, "It was declined."  Que?  I say, "But... I need to put in my pin.", to which she responds, "Well it just was declined, so it doesn't work. Sorry."

Right.  Considering I had JUST gotten paid and was fully aware that there was more than enough there for a tank of gas, it's more like your card reader doesn't work.  This made me cranky because I only get half an hour for lunch and don't have time for wasting time.

My other errand was in Mission Valley, so I decided to try my luck at the Chevron on Camino Del Rio North.  Success!  

Handed the guy my gift card, he rings it up, and I pump my gas.  Plus their entrance/exit situation is really easy, and much less of a hassle than the one on Midway.  So... in conclusion, five stars to the Camino Del Rio Norte Chevron, zero to the Midway Chevron.

Oh Wine Steals, I love you.

You know those times when you want to go someplace that's got a coffeehouse atmosphere, but imbibe in something less foofy-foo than a soy triple vanilla chai heavy foam no whip latte?  Welcome to Wine Steals.  This place is like somebody started out having wine nights in an apartment and it took off from there.  Random furniture, nice wine, tasty snacks - I dig it!  A forewarning: if you don't like crowded places, you might want to skip this place, but go on a Sunday night and it's not too bad.

I've been to Wine Steals about five times, and at least four of those times were very good.  Once it was just too loud to hear what was going on, but the noise seemed to fade after my second or third glass of red.  I do clearly remember trying to hold up the lamppost outside afterwards, so it couldn't have been that bad.

Their "Everything" board is phenomenal, albeit pricey, like the experience in general.  They have a comfy back room that you can rent out that requires a $250 food/beverage tab, so get some friends together and pool your resources for a quieter space.  I love going here so much for a flight of wine and some nibbles, it's my favorite spot ever.

Service is what you'd expect for a super-crowded place, but they manage to be nice when you can catch somebody.  Considering they have to deal with drunks, wine snobs, and potentially lethal combinations of both, I commend the staff on not going completely insane.  The female bartender during my first visit won me over with friendliness/great personality, and I lucked out because (excluding my companion), there couldn't have been more than ten people in the place at the time.  The bartender didn't treat me like a wine n00b, and made both of us feel welcome.  We sat at the bar, split an "Everything" and some $14 glasses of wine, and I was hooked.

In conclusion: it has the tendency to get crowded, loud, and tough on your wallet, but it's got enough panache to overlook the negatives.  Go give this place your money!