Angella "Ang" S.'s Profile

Tremendous!

A must-see for so many reasons.  

*SMUIN is ballet with modern twists.  Yes, classical.  But also sexy, fun, sultry, awe-inspiring, warm-hearted, engaging, funny.  

*Dancers are super attractive :)  No skeleton-starved ballet dancers here.  Ladies with sinewy figures and men with very nice (back-side!) muscles will make you all-eyes, all night.

*You don't have to exchange an arm and a leg for tickets.

If you haven't already, then add SMUIN to your SF "Must do" list!

A class act.

Well beyond 5 stars in my book.  What a way to end 2011!

I chose the vegetarian tasting menu which blew me away.  Clearly, La Toque knows that the devil is in the details.  I mean, service service service says it all in my book.  Food is exquisite, no doubt.  Dessert, divine.

My only caveat:  It's a rather subdued establishment, so if you're planning a large group, then HUSHHHH.... keep your voices down :)

Not much to say when it's this good.   Get up to Napa and EAT!

Yes, decent food exists in the mall!

I will say that the environment far outshines the food, but overall the food is actually  pretty good.  You feel like you're walking into one of those hip restaurant in the Mission.  Dim lights, exposed pipes, cool atmosphere.  

I had vegetarian spring rolls, tofu dish, and lava chocolate cake.  Prices are a little steep (my bill was $50), but then again, you're talking about Westfield Mall here.

Now let me say, that Lava Chocolate cake is to die for!  I would highly recommend eating only half (or just ordering a second one to go!), letting it sit over night, then eating it the next day.  MMMMM HMMMM.  So good.

Their main downfall is that the service is a little half-assed.  It's slow and lacks the detail for the price you're paying....No one came to wipe my table between courses, no one really checked on me....ever.  

Other than that, I'll surely be back when Westfield calls :)

Trace = fresh and delicious Ingredients from traceable sources.  

Trace = a fine menu with MANY vegetarian-friendly options.

Trace = cool decor accents that come from sustainable sources.  
(example:  Candle holders repurposed from wine bottles.  Cool, huh?!)

Trace = privado seating if you want it.  Public seating if you don't.

Trace = a far improvement from XYZ's high prices, flashy lights, and low substance

Trace = my latest choice when I'm in the mood for great food (on a date or with friends) in a chic and sexy environment.

I'm officially outing Undercover Boutique to my NoCal peeps.

This place is GREAT!  

I was here for Labor Day Weekend (yes, I'm behind on my Yelping, but better late than never).  As I was strolling around the 3rd Street Promenade, I just happened to walk into Undercover.

As soon as I stepped inside, I was greeted by Adam, the owner.  I told him I was just browsing, and he immediately picked up some fabulous pieces he thought would look great on me.  Adam and his staff were so helpful and so creative.  I even told them how much I could spend, and they were so cool to grab pieces that didn't break my bank.  Super fashionable, amazing one-of-a kind finds.  For sure, I won't see anyone wearing these clothes when I go out.  The clothes are simply fabulous finds for reasonable prices.
 
Now, I'm not a shopper by any means.  In fact, I really don't care to shop for clothes--just way too stressful and things never fit!  But if every experience was like this, I would gladly make the effort.

Undercover, I dig ya.  Won't be long before the next time I'm in LA...

I'm sorry, but this place is weird.

I already have a gym membership in SF, but I went to Golds Fullerton as a guest during the Thanksgiving holiday.

Yes, the equipment is state-of-the-art.
Yes, it's brand new and clean.
Yes, watching a movie on the big screen while you work out is pretty freaking cool.  

But...

NO!  The staff gives out bad vibes.
-I considered purchasing the Golds membership before they enlisted their slimy, slick, mafia-esque manager to try to "convince" me to sign up NOW.

NO!  Don't expect anything from the staff behind the counter.
-A dude name Shane just stood back, stared at people, didn't try to help.  He wanted to keep my ID when I walked in (I always hate doing that), and didn't offer it back when I walked out.  He also wanted me to go out onto the workout floor to get my 7-day free pass--couldn't he just issue it to me?

NO!  This place attracts a freakish crowd--a lot of work-out weirdos.
-I hate to say this, but people watching is a little scerry.  Crazy buffed out women with mean looks and men who look like they're on steroids.  I almost peed myself when I turned around in the locker room.

I like a clean, friendly, cool type of gym where I can just get in and get out.  
No nazi-workout-weirdos on guard.  Know what I mean?

**I'm officially in LOVE**

Spa Villagio is so extraordinary, I don't think a Yelp review can articulate how sublime this experience was.  **YOU DON'T EVEN NEED TO READ MY CRAZY-LONG YELP REVIEW.  JUST BOOK IT AND THANK ME LATER!**

I was booked for a (superb) wellness massage with an added hour of relaxation time.  *Tip:  Make sure you arrive at least 30 minutes early for your appointment.  It's great to just relax, take in your surroundings, and use the facility*

Picture this scene:  I was led into a private room equipped with a jet-powered hot tub, a fireplace, a steamroom, and a quaint outside seating area.  The lovely attendant brought me a glass of champagne and a three-tiered sampling of the menu.  I savored every moment of being in this super bubbly, hot tub w/ jets, sipping on Domain Chandon champagne and munching on my amazing vegetarian lunch...That's called RELAXATION TIME!

I must add that the food prepared by Spa Villagio is culinary greatness.  I had a taste of the vegetarian panini and the ravioli.  Both so rich and flavorful that I couldn't finish!  If you know me, then that's a rare occurrence.

BTW, I'm not a huge spa-goer for several reasons.  First, I'm really picky in the spa environment.  I'm a germaphobe; I've literally walked out of "luxury" spa experiences with rashes and breakouts.  Secondly, I like privacy.  I don't want to know there's a person in the next room.  Lastly, and not leastly, I want to feel special.  Don't mind spending the moola on a spa, but if you make me feel like I'm nothing but a number, then sorry, I'm not coming back.

Spa Villagio rises above all of that.  The environment is so soothing with waterfalls and warm accents.  The staff is welcoming and friendly; they make you feel right at home. The Spa Villagio experience is so personal, so professional, so marvelous, I can't even imagine going anywhere else.  Even the locker room is really beautiful.  It's fully equipped with everything you need, includes a eucalypus-infused steam room, and a hot tub and quiet lounge area.  

If this is what superstar status feels like, then someone make me famous now!

Dosa, move ova!  

As my girl Jessica T. would say:  Udupi is what's up!!

I can't believe that I've passed by this spot so many times and never dropped in!!  Well, dropping in may prove to be somewhat difficult because the joint is packed.  And for good reason...

I think of Udupi as a smaller, moderately-priced, low-key version of Dosa.   No bar in the house, but who needs one when the food is this good?!  Udupi's menu is a funtastic culinary escapade with just as many choices as their nearby neighbor.  You wouldn't believe how reasonable prices are.  We ordered one dosa and one uttapam, which came up to $17 and change!!  Can you believe it!  Portions are very generous so two dishes will easily satisfy two peeps.

Vegetarian options galore.  Vegan options are also on the menu.

Now I know what's up when I need my South Indian fix.  Thanks JT!!!!

I was stuck on New Montgomery no-man's-land with an empty stomach on Wednesday night.  I looked to the left...NO, I was NOT eating at Chipotle!   Looked to the right...whaddya know...MELT!  

I remembered how much I liked this place from the Yelp Elite launch party.  So why not give it another go?!

I'm still feelin this place.  Why?  You can get a grilled cheese sandwich and soup for under $10.00.  Different combos, eat in or to go, mix and match--wheat breat, potato bread, whateva your pleasura.  You can even add tomato (or bacon--gasp!!) to any sandwich at no charge!  I always love a vegetarian-pocket-book-friendly kind of joint.

My only minor critique is that I think they can do better with flavors.  Take the salt in the soups down a notch, and maybe add a little something in the sandwiches to kick it up.

Other than that, I'll be back!

OK Yelp friends, the Bently Reserve is not on my normal Yelp beat; but, I've been living in San Francisco for too many years not to know about it.  
I attended an event here a few weeks ago and I was in awe of this grand space.  If you are in need of an impressive venue for a serious crowd, you should consider the Bently Reserve.

The Bently Reserve is an opulent space utilized for weddings, social events, conferences, etc.  It easily holds 500+ guests.  How should I describe the venue....Have you ever been to the NYC public library entrance hall?  What about San Francisco's City Hall?  

Bently Reserve is truly one of San Francisco's most iconic spaces.  It would be the #1 venue on my list if I should be so lucky to throw a grand event :)