Cynthia "Free Spirit" S.'s Profile

I have been to this restaurant twice.  The first experience was definitely a 5 star experience.  The second time I went was during restaurant week.  Although more crowded than the first time, it still was a very good experience  In addition to the awesome food, I like the decor, service, and ambiance.  

Finally, if you are not a fan of beets you might want to try the beet salad, it will make you see beets in a new light.  That's what happened to my dining companion, who said she was not a fan of beets but enjoyed the beet salad GB.

The mixing and melding of flavors were great.  This will definitely be on my list of regular places to visit.

5 stars for cut, 5 stars for style, 1 star for time.

After 14 years of having my hair natural, I decided on a different look.  AJES is fabulous but they are not quick.  So, when my schedule is tight, it is very difficult for me to be there three (3) or four (4) hours at a time.  In fact, it is getting increasingly difficult to do.  

The reviewers Trena H. and Jillian K. are dead on in their assessments of AJES salon (except for the end trimming.  My cuts have been nothing but fabulous) .  However, you have to decide how valuable your time is.  

Every has to decide if the money you are spending is worth the services provided based on what is important to you.  My time is important to me. So if I can find someone who provides the same quality of service in a shorter time frame, then it is likely I will go to the place that saves me time.

In terms of parking, there is a parking lot on the northwest corner of Washington and DesPlaines, which is one block away from the salon.  The night rate (after 2pm) is $6,  Then, you would not have to worry about meters.  

Finally, the choice is always yours. AJES Salon really is a fabulous place with fabulous, fun, talented, and good looking people.

Nikki may be an excellent stylist but I would not know as she never showed up to the appointment.  It was today (Saturday, Jan 8 at 8:00 a.m.).  I kept getting reminder notices via email about the appointment so I was a bit disappointed that she was a no show, a no call, and no apology.    I left a message about 8:10 a.m. and left the area around 8:20 a.m.

The shop is at North & Ashland  and parking is terrible in that area.

NOTE:  This was orignially posted at http://www.food4talk.com on August 1, 2009.

Last Wednesday (July 29, 2009), I attended a meeting on the rooftop of theWIT.  It was a beautiful Chicago day and I enjoyed a nice glass of wine as I waited for my meeting.  When the meeting assembled, we decided to go to the second floor because it was too noisy and crowded on the rooftop.  After the meeting was over a friend of mine met me at theWIT.  We decided to go up to the Rooftop for dinner.  However, this time, we were stopped by a "keeper of the gate."  We were asked if we were staying at the hotel, if we had reservation, or  if we were meeting someone.  Finally, I said I was up there earlier and that I didn't seem to have a problem.  Is there a problem?  The woman moved aside and let us go in.  Unfortunately it was so crowded that we decided we should go to the second floor and have dinner.  By the time we got down there my friend and I decided that we would eat somewhere else.  I am not sure why my friend came to the same conclusion about staying there but I did not get a good vibe.  

Food4Talk is about the whole dining experience and theWIT never made it to first base.

NOTE: Originally posted at http://www.food4talk.com on July 26, 2009.

I have been to Tapas Valencia several times.  I think it is a great find.  I love the food, the wine, the service, and the price of valet parking ($5).  Now I have another reason to like this place: $2.00 appetizers between 4:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m.  I think it is Friday only

NOTE: Originally posted at http://www.food4talk.com on  Feb 1, 2009

On Friday, January 30, 2009, Reva, Charlie and I went to Opera Restaurant to Celebrate the Year of the Ox.   Reva had the soup of the day, which was Oxtail soup.  For her entree, she had a noodle dish but I cannot remember the name at the moment.  Charlie and I shared the Beijing Five Spiced Short Ribs and we both ordered the salmon.

Although, it was a very good dining experience,  I am not sure I would have called it a Chinese restaurant but a Chinese-inspired restaurant.  There also was something missing that I cannot put my finger on.  It's like a dance movement or a piece of music that is technically very good and the artist does everything right but it doesn't move or inspire me.  That's what I felt about Opera.   Seeing the decor, which is exquiste, was worth the trip.

On Monday evening, July 27, 2009, a friend (JD) and I dined at The Chicago Firehouse Restaurant, which is located at 14th and Michigan.  It's been several years since I've been here but the food and wine are as delightful as I remember.
 
I arrived almost a half hour early and "chilled" at the bar with a glass of  a  Wildhurst, Reserve Sauvignon Blanc. Once my dining companion arrived, we opted to eat indoors and was seated promptly.  I ordered the pear salad as an appetizer and the bass for my entree.  JD ordered the CFH Hot Seafood Sampler.
You know you are satisfied with your dish when the first 30 seconds to 1 minute after the arrival of your food, no words are spoken.  You are savoring the first bites of a wonderful meal.  That's what happened to us.  

The food, service, ambience, and company were just what I needed on a Monday evening after work.


The Chicago Firehouse Restaurant is definitely worth multipe visits.

At different stages in one's life, people have different expectations about care from one's doctors.  These days I see my doctors as partners in my healthcare and I expect to leave their offices feeling good about my care.  That was not the case with Dr. Bonner or her staff.  

They were cool to say the least.  Efficiency, not care, seem to be their major concern.  I had a 9:00 a.m. appointment.  After being late more than a half-hour, Dr. Bonner's apology was half hearted.  This is not a terrible offense but when she got there and talked to me she did not seem to be listening.  She appeared as if she had something on her mind.  After speaking with me she left me so that I could get undressed.  I waited for what seemed like a long time ( I am sure it wasn't as long as I imagine but after waiting already...)that I made a few phone calls.  Dr. Bonner came in while I was on the phone and seemed a bit put out (kind of funny really).  When she gave me the exam it was very quick. In fact, she barely touched my breast. All of this seemed odd to me because all of my previous doctors have spent time getting to know me and my body.

I asked her about the results and she said that if nothing was wrong I would not hear from her but if there was a problem she or someone from her staff would contact me in two weeks.  Again, that seemed odd to me.  What if someone one her staff forgot to call.  At any rate, after 2.5 weeks, I followed up for my peace of mind.

When I left Dr. Bonner's office I felt more stressed.  In addition, there were a number of questions, I asked her that she seem to dismiss them.  I also brought up my accupuncturist and her expression spoke volumes of displeasure.  For me, that's not what I believe I should feel after leaving a doctor's office.

Technically, Dr. Bonner is very good and someone who wants to get in an out, she is probably great.  However, her bedside manner from my point of view leaves something to be desired.

My goal is to forge a partnership with my doctor.   Dr. Bonner is not bad just not right for me.