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10937 Venice Blvd
Los Angeles, CA 90034
(310) 842-7776

Game Play  

Category: Videos and Video Game Rental

3.0 star rating
1/27/2012 1 Check-in Here
OK, so you may think it's GAMESTOP, and that's no accident. Same font style, same genre of products, but this is different.

If you're looking for games (especially used), this place has a lot to offer. Staff was friendly and helpful. There's much I don't know about whole categories of games, and I got steered in a helpful direction. They knocked a couple bucks off the price of an old game I was considering, so that was nice.

It's not a shiny new place but it's well kept, and Game Play seems to have found its own niche. A decent alternative.

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1700 E Sahara Ave
Las Vegas, NV 89104
(702) 570-0282

Desert Honda  

Category: Car Dealers
Neighborhood: Downtown

3.0 star rating
1/27/2012 1 Check-in Here
Leased with Desert Honda last fall and have enough of a feel now to give a review. Overall, things went well, and have continued to go fine. The deal we hammered out was pretty damn good, and frankly, it pays to do your homework and to shop around. Timing and all sorts of other intangibles might be at play, too, but for me, things worked out to something I was, and am very comfortable with.

Things were a bit more complicated as Nevada and California have some different regulations so be aware, but that's nothing against the Dealer. I suppose it would have been simpler to just to make this deal back in California, but given my commuting situation, it was just as convenient to do it in Vegas.

Sales team was fine, and the paperwork worked out pretty well. And when I did have a clerical snafu, we were able to smooth it out with a minimum of hassle.

OK, so this is not a sexy review. But hey, it's positive, sensible and fairly attractive, like a new Honda should be. Do your homework, and you'll do fine.

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7916 W Sunset Blvd
Los Angeles, CA 90046
(323) 874-0377

Griddle Cafe  

Category: Breakfast & Brunch
Neighborhoods: Hollywood, West Hollywood

4.0 star rating
1/26/2012 1 Check-in Here
My Lord, there are some attractive people here, gently shoving crazy amounts of food in their faces. But it's a friendly vibe, with a good degree of noise and action.

Portions, of course, are huge.  I tried the banana specialty pancakes of the house.  (Be sure to clearly tell your server if you don't want the gloppy butter puck and powdered sugar bath on your pancakes.) The pancakes are firm and tasty, not too sweet, and way more than you can handle. More good news: they travel well.

Also tried the Mom's French Toast; very tasty. Not too sweet.

The coffee is French Press, which three varieties. It was a bit weaker than I prefer, but it could've been just an issue with timing. Wanted more flavor, and I ordered the medium blend.

Parking at the Rite Aid in back. Get validated.

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301 S Western Avenue
Los Angeles, CA 90020
(213) 388-1004

Radio Home Shopping Korea  

Neighborhood: Koreatown

4.0 star rating
1/25/2012 1 Check-in Here First to Review
I don't know really know Koreatown, nor do I really get the culture. So, it was an adventure searching for a specific toy that got me in the Rodeo Mall on Western. I completely failed in my search, but slowly learned more about (maybe) the toy I'm looking for.

Along the way, I stumbled into what I perceived to be a Korean version of Brookstone, though not as expensive. Also, this store has a serious focus on health. Be it ginseng, or hair care products, they have much to offer. I found myself drawn to a massager. No, not THAT type of massager. One obviously for the back and neck. It worked great, but I still wasn't sure. I did some quick checking online -- read some good reviews and the price was in line, too. So, I took the plunge and got this back/neck/body massager for $100. And a few days later, no buyer's remorse. Plus, the owner said if we absolutely didn't want it, to return it. I feel this is a good store, and seems like they back up their stuff.

About the name: Well, I didn't know, of course, but they have their own TV show. They are like a HSN channel. OK, good to know!

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5433 Beethoven St
Los Angeles, CA 90066
(310) 302-0035

Broadway Gymnastics School  

Category: Gyms

4.0 star rating
1/25/2012 2 Check-ins Here
Been coming here for years now, and it's a great facility. Cannot speak to the School itself, since the organization we work with (Leaps n Boundz) is a separate entity.

Big, comfortable, yes sometimes loud from various classes and/or birthdays colliding. Still, it's one of a handful of places where kids can get a chance to really let loose in a controlled place.

I have shot many videos of our classes here. But be aware that recently they've asked people to ask permission prior to shooting. Just use good judgment, and you'll be fine.

Definitely recommend Broadway Gymnastics.

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20 City Blvd W
Orange, CA 92868
(714) 939-8410

Corner Bakery Cafe  

Categories: Bakeries, Sandwiches

2.0 star rating
1/22/2012 1 Check-in Here
Maybe it was an aberration, and at least I got a refund, but when you order The Chopped Salad, it is supposed to come with chicken. And not just a few small curds of chicken at the bottom of an otherwise very nice salad.

Romaine lettuce, avocado, blue cheese, bacon, --- whoops.

The salad was almost good enough for me to forget about the chicken. I found ZERO chicken til I was 3/4 done with the salad. By that time, I had kind of forgotten chicken even came with the salad as I was caught up in discussion with a friend.

To their credit, Corner Bakery offered to redo the salad or give a refund.  I'm rarely at CB, but in my experience, their customer service is unfailingly good at any location.

The pumpkin muffins, however artificially flavored, are tasty, too.  

I will give the salad another shot somewhere down the line. I'm just too surprised at the chicken incident to rate them A-OK.

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460 N Robertson Blvd
West Hollywood, CA 90048
(310) 659-8625

Ed's Coffee Shop  

Categories: Restaurants, Coffee & Tea
Neighborhood: West Hollywood

4.0 star rating
Update - 1/21/2012 1 Check-in Here
So it's been almost five years since I first reviewed Ed's!? Whoa!

Well, happily, nothing's changed. Same good people (Dan, Junior, Ada, et al), and same tasty food. I'm still partial to breakfast dishes, but they of course have much more than that. It's a delight to stop by and have a laidback meal. Recently had the Jesus scramble -- and per their suggestion, swapped the beef for a turkey patty, and went for the egg whites, too. All mixed with a nice selection of veggies. Plus toast that arrives on time, properly toasted. It's the little things that add up to a great experience.

The awning might change every few years, but not much else. And for some places, that's the perfect thing.

Listed in: Ten Great Breakfasts, Some Firsts

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  • 4.0 star rating
    3/1/2007 First to Review

    Great, inexpensive breakfast and lunch nook. Tasty omelettes, specially the spinach/mushroom/jac k. And, when I take it to go, which is at least half the time cause I work nearby, the fresh fruit is always huge and fresh. Have had some decent sandwiches, too. Nice place to read a section of the paper, or catch up with a bud. Occasionally have seen the low-key power meetings with recognizable types. It's a fun mix of people that fill this joint up. A couple tables spill onto the street. This place is cheap and mellow, and a total pioneer in the hood which now is chock full o' galleries and pricey boutiques.

    There's often some interesting art or photos on the walls for sale that rotates pretty often. The waiters and the owners are very nice, even if you're a newbie.  There're only open til 3pm, in classic coffeeshop fashion. They've been around at this location for decades. Fun find. Even romantic.

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1714 N Vermont Ave
Los Angeles, CA 90027
(323) 669-1550

Rockwell VT  

Category: Lounges
Neighborhood: Griffith Park/Los Feliz

4.0 star rating
1/21/2012 1 Check-in Here
Have been here twice for parties: A friend's birthday shared with another birthday party, and now a Yelp Elite shindig. In both cases, access to the bar is my least favorite thing here. On the first floor, if you're a basketball player, or perhaps a model, you may somehow bypass the chaos that is the horizontal crowd line of death. (Eye contact?  EYE CONTACT..?) Once served, things are good.

Now, the food sampled was mostly great. The star was the baby lamb chops - tender moist and juicy. The mini burgers were also tasty. When the cinnamon grilled cheese with pear(?) came around, I'm sure I moaned in a socially inappropriate manner. Nom nom uh huh.

The only other challenge is the perennial: What to wear? I am not talking fashion, but rather practicality. Technically, you are inside, but you're also outside. Yes, heat lamps help. And sometimes you don't need a big coat. But, hey, if it's January, and you've lived in Southern California longer than a year, you will get cold outside at night. So, go with your gut, and bring something you think will work for you.

It's a fun venue for a group or a date. Do valet for $6, or get your parking karma working and find something on the street. Oh, and enter through the large, well-lighted alley parallel to Vermont Ave (and the restaurant itself.)

DJ and sound were a welcome accompaniment, and not overpowering for conversation. Muy importante!

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10597 W Pico Blvd
Los Angeles, CA 90064
(310) 470-6003

Century World News  

Categories: Print Media, Newspapers & Magazines
Neighborhood: West Los Angeles

4.0 star rating
1/20/2012 1 Check-in Here
With B&N closed at the nearby Westside Pavilion, the options for a news kiosk has narrowed. While I can't profess to be an expert on the area, this news-stand certainly does a thorough job of keeping the hard copy periodical alive and available.

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337 E 1st St
Los Angeles, CA 90012
(213) 626-9132

Suehiro Cafe  

Category: Japanese
Neighborhoods: Downtown, Little Tokyo

4.0 star rating
Update - 1/20/2012 2 Check-ins Here
Still casual, comfortable food. Tried the lunch special and while an amazing deal, I wish I loved the choice of entrees more. A pork flavored ramen didn't appeal, but tried the pike. Whole fish, narrow and related to the whitefish in taste. However: spiny, tons of bones, flavorful, but yeah, too much work.

What comes with, though, is practically worth the price of the special. ($4.25). Rice, miso soup, cabbage side salad, and a tofu and greens starter.

Asked for the green tea. They asked, 'Iced?' Hmmm, sure, why not. YES, the way to go.  (Hey, I'm not doing sake for lunch.)

So, lunch or dinner, you can still find a good meal, reasonably priced. Just, beware the pike.

Listed in: My Little Tokyo

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  • 4.0 star rating
    5/24/2011

    Love Suehiro. I'd give it 5 stars, but it's just not a 5 star place. Except: the various dishes and combinations are always fun to try. Hearty fare -- I'm not thinking just sushi when I come here. The ground steak plate, for instance, is a good bet. (Often on the special card).

    I also just like hanging out, sipping saki (nice dry bottle for $7), and collecting my thoughts. The ladies are all friendly and never impatient. I enjoy coming here because it's comfortable and unassuming. And yes, the food is pretty good, too. What can I say?  Come with a group, come with family, come with a date, or just bring yourself. It all works here.

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1 Event

"I'll have what she's having."

Review votes:
475 Useful, 207 Funny, and 331 Cool

Location

Los Angeles, CA

Yelping Since

March 2007

Things I Love

oysters, hockey, tennis, zingers (not from Hostess), movies with proper sound, multi-hyphenates, food not overly buttered, pen and ink, coffeehouses, teahouses, doghouses

Find Me In

L.A.

My Hometown

Chi

My Blog Or Website

http://www.jamesschnei...

When I'm Not Yelping...

Uh, I'm actually getting some work done !

Why You Should Read My Reviews

Nice variety, surprising range.

My Second Favorite Website

http://facebook.com/ja...

The Last Great Book I Read

Old Tippecanoe

My First Concert

I had a few butterflies.

My Favorite Movie

A Better Life

My Last Meal On Earth

I will send it back....whatever it is... to prolong the inevitable.

Don't Tell Anyone Else But...

I try not to look like myself in my pictures to keep some Yelp-nonymity.

Most Recent Discovery

Don't judge a book by its EPK.

Current Crush

Fanta Mexicano