Ebonina "Empress" E.'s Profile

I absolutely love eating here!  I could eat here every day of the week...There was actually one week I ate there 3 times!

The decor is very sleek & modern and always seems to have a hipster crowd when I've gone in.  I think if you are wanting to give this location a try on a reasonable expense going at lunch is the best time.  You get to 2 items for less than what one of the items would normally cost you.  So, if you want to experiment, you should definitely go at the lunch hour.  Disclamer: It's not the whole menu that is discounted.  Just some of the more popular items.

I would love to say I've tried something exotic, but I've pretty much stayed to the basics (chicken satay, Kai Himaparn , Kang Karee, and Thai ice tea).  Every single one of those items were delightful & delicious!  One of these days I am going to give the frog, rabbit, or alligator a try...When I do, I'll definitely update this review.

Why ONLY four stars if I like it so much?  The noise level in here can get so darn loud, just hearing the person sitting across from you can be challenging.  Another reason is because it is really a place that comfortably fits you and one other person.  If there are more than 2 of you, you are going to have to spread out awkwardly and there is a high possibility you won't even be seated together.

I l-o-v-e her :-)  I am a dance-a-holic and danced professionally for quite some time, so in order for me to happy you have to "bring it" as the saying goes!  Stef's energy is 100% and you feel it, from her charismatic personality to her ending her own class drenched in sweat because that's how much she gives.  She is very personable with her students and I think that's a bonus.

Those in her class run the gamut from college aged to seniors and everything in between.  I have gone to all days & times her classes are offered and there is tons of variety not only with age but dance level also, so no one should feel out of place.  There are those who do more of a low impact version to those like myself who give high energy.

I've had a very bad flu for the past 3 wks, and I am having major Stef & Zumba withdrawels:-(

Make sure you get there early if you are someone who likes to be in front as her classes are normally quite full...the Wednesday evening class is the only one that is not as packed.  The great thing is although some classes are packed that doesn't stop you from getting the full effect!

So, "Why only 4 out of 5," you may wonder. It would be great if her classes were offered more days during the week, like Friday.  *hint, hint* :-)

After writing my previous poor review on http://Sonic.net's install practices I received a phone call from a http://Sonic.net representative.  He stated they were attempting to work out the kinks between http://Sonic.net and At & t installation process and that was his job.  He also stated he would put me on some list that allowed for me to slide into the spot of a customer who cancelled at the last minute who was in my neighborhood.

I spoke with him on the phone regarding the frustration I felt not only the fact that I took a day off from work for nothing and now I would have to take an ADDITIONAL day off work to give the http://Sonic.net guy access to my home.  I also was disappointed on how the customer service dealt with my complaint.

As I was put on the list to take someone's spot I was called midday 5 days later to ask if I could get home as they had a cancellation close to my neighborhood and could put me in that spot.  Once the http://Sonic.net guy was there he was extremely pleasant and got to work right away!

http://Sonic.net should have some system or person set in place that verifies the day of a potential customer's appointment with At &t.  If At &t is NOT able to fulfill the scheduled time, they should alert the client as not everyone can afford to take numerous days off work.  They then should AUTOMATICALLY put the customer on the list that allows for them to take the spot of a customer that cancels or reschedules their appointment.  I (the customer) should NOT have to come on Yelp and post a negative review in order to be given the proper attention and service I deserve.

Regarding the internet service itself, it's great.  I am able to stream Netflix through my TV with no problems at all.  I can watch a movie via Netflix on my TV, be on my desktop computer, and have my cell on wifi to play a game with no buffering or slow internet connection.  That is great!  Which is the only reason I gave them 3 stars...BUT, the lost 1.5 days of work and having to point out http://Sonic.net cons in order for me to get proper service SUCKS!

This is a review of the spa...I try to once a month come here to get a facial and massage.  Yes, I live in San Francisco and I come all the way out to Lafayette Park Hotel & Spa for these services because they are that great!  I have tried numerous places in Marin County, San Francisco, and the East Bay because I am quite picky...either the masseuses were too chatty.  Hello, I am trying to relax, not make a new friend!  Or, I have come across esthetician who use products too strong for my skin type or I left with my skin feeling like what it did when I came in.  This is not the case at Lafayette Park Hotel & Spa.

If you get their early enough you can use the pool & hot tub to relax before your treatment.  Or do like myself and take advantage of the overhead showerhead and let all your stress rinse away down the drain.  You are initially usually greeted by a woman (whose name escapes me, sorry) who has a lovely accent, and is ever so warm and friendly.  She will show you how the spa works if it is your first time.  You wait for your services in the "Relaxation Room" which is filled with magazines to read, comfy places to relax, tranquil music, a great tea selection, and an amazing basket of a variety of fruits to eat.  They are constantly checking to make sure that as soon as the fruit runs low or anything like that they are there to replenish.  Last time I had the most delicious grapes while I waited.  Yummers!

I have experienced quite a great deal of their services and one of the services that is a must try (outside of your normal massage & facial treatments) is the "Hair & Scalp Treatment".  First, it is a special blend of different herbs & oils that are a great deep conditioner for your hair & scalp.  Secondly, because if you have not felt the heaven of having solely your head rubbed & massaged you are definitely missing out.  It was the first time I understood why when I rub my lil doggie on that special place behind her ear her leg involuntarily starts moving!

Lastly, I want to speak about Aurea Fonseca-Geen, who is not only an esthetician, but the spa coordinator.  She is absolutely an amazing esthetician and an delight to have an appointment with.  She is beyond knowledgeable of her field and helps you better understand your skin, and honestly answers the question "Of the products you used today, what do I really need?"  She doesn't push products on you and if you are unsure about anything she will give you a sample so you are able to test it yourself and come to an informed conclusion.  If at all you are looking for a new esthetician or even just a one time thing to get you started on the path to healthy & clear skin setup an appointment with Aurea.

If they had a steam room or sauna they would get 5 stars, as that is the only thing that is missing from this great place.

You know the saying "Leaves a bad taste in my mouth," or "Leave them wanting more"?  Well both of those two phrases is how I would describe Dolce.

I was staying at Cottonwoods Resort & Suites (which I am writing a  review for as well) and they recommended Dolce.  Since, I was in need of a manicure and had a headache for about 2 weeks straight & was in need of a massage...I thought, "Why not?!"

When I first called to setup an appointment I asked about the differences between a couple of massages and the lady was very obliging in setting me up with someone who was well skilled in both the types I was interested in.
I setup a manicure first with the understanding there would be a 30 minute wait time in between that and the massage to allow for my nails to dry.  It was more like 10 minutes...

The manicure by the lovely, pleasant to chat with Monique was great.  April rid me of my headache nicely and was a great energy reader.  Although, her asking mid-session if I wanted to extend my time was quite distracting and kind-of threw off my mellow vibe.  It made me conscious of the time passing instead of just relaxing into the moment.

Now, in putting my jeans back on I bumped my nail and thought "No worries, they'll fix it."  I have been in many different nail salons from the most expensive to the cheap corner spots and if you mess it up before you leave they will fix it.  Basic customer service in making sure the client leaves happy.  Also, I wanted the tip to be divided a certain way off of my credit card.  When I asked this, you thought with the look of exasperation on the front desk lady's face I asked her to pay for my services out of her own pocket.  I then said how I messed up my nail could someone in between client's fix my nail.  I was told no one would be available until 2.5 hours from now.  Uhhh, I didn't need an entire appointment spot just 2-3 minutes.  Nope, no, nada, zilch, not going to happen.  So, I left needing a manicure.  I don't know who answered the phone who was so pleasant but the ladies I got face-to-face did not leave me wanting to come back or recommending this place to anyone.  The face of your company is the front desk...Dolce should make sure those who are they put there aren't just pretty but actually up to the task of positively representing.

Service was good, but not worth the front desk attitude.

P.S. I included a pic of my nail

So, I have a shallow goal in my life and that is to visit and purchase an item from as many T & Co's from all over the world.  Why?  Holly Golightly put it best when she said, "I'm just CRAZY about Tiffany's!" LOL:)
I went to the Tiffany's across from my hotel in Phipps Plaza.  I told the very friendly salesperson my new life goal, what I was looking for, and she said she would do her best to help me attain that goal.
Everyone was super friendly, helpful, and I left out of there with a new necklace & earrings.  Now, I can check Atlanta off the list!

I was meeting up with a girlfriend of mine and realized that I had yet to eat in the Castro.  So, after some research we ended up here on Tuesday night, ladies night.  There were $4 bubbly specials, and believe me we loaded up.  We had the calamari and tuna appetizers which were both good nosh foods to accommodate the chatty mood we were both in.  The layout is a clean white décor and there was fun mix of music being played.  The dj walked around and took song request which I thought was cute, especially in a time when dj's seem to more be playing what they like versus what the crowd is feeling like movin' & groovin' to, but I digress.  I had a fun time catchin' up with my friend and we discussed possibly going back.  Apparently, they have a great Sunday brunch.  Until then...

I met a friend up for lunch and as Chez Panisse was booked for lunch.  We ended up going next door to Cesar's.  A tapas place that had an open café feel to it.  We had a yummy salad, shrimp dish, and halibut w/ rice dish.  All the dishes were great!  The halibut was tender, the rice added to the flavoring w/ a squeeze of lemon.  MMMMmmmm!  The shrimp were grilled, delightful, & big.  The salad I cannot really comment on as my friend who is on a diet really was the one who partook in that.  Overall, I say a great place to read a book/magazine for a solo bite or meet up w/ a friend or two.

This is a great tapas place in the Mission.  They have a fondue dish that is delightful, and ahi tuna tacos w/ mango salsa that are yummy, as well.  It's a great place to people watch.  I have been here numerous times for after work gatherings, and to meet w/ friends and family.  It's a place you can go for any occasion, as the food lends itself to great conversation.  Plus there is always interesting art on the walls.  The only down sound is sometimes they have the music so loud it feels like you are in a dance club.

I went out of town and had to leave my precious Shi-Shi somewhere, and there was no one around I trusted to leave her with.  Enter my savior WAG Hotel.  I have only left my dog w/ two friends who have a dog she has socialized w/, but couldn't this time.  Because I heart my dog so much I got her the whole she-bang package.  She was in a suite w/ a camera, so I could watch her; she had morning & evening play groups and strolls.  I dropped her off late at night.  The first night was rough for her, as I watched her stand by the door to her suite waiting for me to return.  The next morning when she got to socialize she was in doggy heaven.  I did call once to request something in her room, and w/in 15 minutes I could see on the camera they filled my request.
If I had to go out of town again, couldn't take Shi w/ me and/or no friend was able to watch her...I would definitely leave her in the capable hands of the WAG hotel staff.