Cool Hand Lu Says: Be forewarned... A seemingly endless supply of chocolate and plenty of flavors of gelato to choose from can be murder on the waistline.

I came across Venchi after starting a walk to enjoy the rest of the Memorial Day weekend. Knowing full well I didn't need to go in there, I lost the battle to the tempting giant ice cream cones flanking both sides of the doors and succumbed to the power of my sweet tooth.

Walking into Venchi made me think Willy Wonka and Studio 54 had a love child. A wall of full chocolate bars lines the right side of the store followed by individual pieces of chocolates. Knowing the chocolate would be priced by the 1/4 pound kept me in check.

The back of the store is as Instagram ready if there ever was a place. This section is triangular with the seats narrowing into a point at the back of the space. It definitely helps to focus the attention on whomever is sitting there as was planned I'm sure. The walls move, giving the impression of liquid chocolate, adding to the club-like experience.

The gelato was excellent. Plenty of flavors to choose from and to my surprise, taste tests were allowed. I knew whatever I got would have been tasty but I was glad to see that as an option allowed again. I got the lemon gelato. A safe choice, but delicious nonetheless. I'll have to go back for a bigger size.

All in all, a great find with friendly staff and great chocolate and gelato. I will have to restrain myself on my next visit. Cheers!

Cool Hand Lu says: friendly staff and reasonable prices at the 8th St. UBreakIFix make for a great business model.

I passed this location on my way home and doubled back to price a repair to my phone that would have been $200+ through Apple.

I was greeted by Andrew to whom I explained that the charging port was damaged (at least I thought it was damaged...) and wouldn't securely hold a cable.

I was quoted (to my best recollection) $64 to replace the port and $34 for a cleaning. Andrew also offered to put the phone under their microscope and check it out for free, to which I graciously accepted.
I was told it would take about 5 minutes but he came out way sooner. To my surprise Andrew did me a solid and produced a fairly large dust bunny he pulled out of the port.

All in all, this UBreakIFix location turned out to be a good end to my night. A quick peek saved me a decent bill. Many thanks to Andrew for helping me out. Would have nice if Apple would have been that thorough, but sometimes things work out the way they should. If you have some repairs needed I'm sure Andrew will be the rep who will do right by you.

Cool Hand Lu says: Definitely put this spot on your sushi rotation list.

Came here for Sunday lunch and to satisfy my need to get out the house for a brief outing... (Socially distanced with masks of course!)

Location:
The seating is all outside at the moment with two tables on 5th Ave. and one table on Lincoln Pl. that I could see from my seat. The seats are also under an awning, which is reassuring for not having anything unexpectedly falling into your food. There is a clear path to the bathroom, and there is furniture separating customers from the chefs.

Staff:
All the staff were seen wearing masks. Our waitress was very nice and attentive and checked to make sure we had everything we needed.

Food:
This was my second time eating here and I stuck to the same rolls with some additions.

For my rolls, I ordered the Kiku roll and the spicy tuna roll, which is what I ordered to the first time. Both were still awesome rolls. The spicy tuna roll wasn't spicy at all for me though... Still tasted good however. My friend ordered the rockstar roll. Like always I have to order at least one piece of unagi sushi. Everything was delicious.

Edamame was ordered for the table and I ordered the duck buns as an appetizer. The edamame had less salt than I would have liked but that probably was a good thing... lol. The duck buns were sweet and savory. Was glad to see that I got two with an order.

Beer was a must and a Kirin Ichiban went perfectly.

All in all, I had a great meal and this is definitely a spot for me to regularly visit. Just too bad it's too far to deliver... :/. Check them out!

Cool Hand Lu says: Pizza is my weakness and it's just not fair...

Met up with a friend to wrap up August and a beautiful Sunday to indulge in some cheesy goodness... The outside section was spacious enough to be seated and socially distant from the other patrons. I was also glad to see that the waiter had on both a mask and gloves.

We first ordered a simple Margherita pizza first. It took no time at all for the pizza to get to us. I imagine mostly because of this new normal, but still a pleasure when it was unexpected. It was a great pie and didn't last too long at all. The second pie was the vodka pie with mushrooms, anchovies and fresh garlic. Definitely a salt bomb! Was an excellent pie though... I paired my slices with a Peroni and my friend had a Chianti...(I think...). Both were thoroughly enjoyed.

Service was great throughout the entire meal and never felt like we were being ignored or forgotten. My friend unfortunately dropped her leftovers and was able to get a mini pie to make up for it. Definitely appreciate the accommodation for that.

All in all, I definitely felt like a glutton when done, but it was worth it. lol. If in the area definitely check it out.