I was in Bakersfield for a Yelp Elite Event and NEEDED a gel mani. Now, if you've never had a gel mani, maybe you don't understand how embarrassing it would be to go to a Yelp Elite Event with the badly chipped one I was sporting at the time. But, trust me, there was a great NEED. Luckily, I spotted Luxury Nails and Spa across the street from where I was lunching, and gave them a call. The woman on the phone was so friendly, she said to come right over and so that is just what I did.

It was a Monday afternoon and I was the only person in the place. This is a bit shocking for me, because in my area it feels like the nail salons are literally ALWAYS busy. In fact, it turned out I was the only person in there for my entire visit!

I was greeted warmly by the woman who (I think) had answered my call; soon a nail tech, Tracy, was seated in front of me removing the old and applying the new. But first, she gave me one of the BEST and most thorough manicures I've ever had. She took exquisite care and attention with my nails and cuticles before applying my chosen blush pink color.

My only regret is that this place is 800 miles from home. But if and when I'm in Bakersfield again, I'll definitely stop by.

Things I love, and have always loved, about the Wallingford Dick's:

- Near the U and open late (which was kinda dangerous back in my Greek Row days)
- Affordable prices (not as affordable as in my U days but still)
- Consistent, delicious burgers; mushy-but-tasty fries; best root beer float in town
- It's so easy to get to on my way home in the northerly regions; great stop on the way home from a late night flight into SEA
- Friendly staff and almost always lots of parking
- Always a small opportunity for a local sealebrity sighting!

Add to that the fact they finally take credit cards, and are slowly adding new items to their menu (while still keeping that tight rein on their offerings), means I'm a loyal customer for life. Don't ever change (too much) Dick's!

Months ago, I overheard a conversation in the Ham: someone was opening a new nacho bar in town! Of course, you never know if it's just the rumor mill or an actual bona fide future restaurant alert. Much to my delight, it was true! In the spot formerly occupied by the Local Annex (one of my fave bars when I lived Bham) was now Nacho Problems.

The vibe is not tons different than the Annex was - kinda dark, a couple of video games, a shuffleboard table that rarely worked (and still doesn't), some dart boards, a tiny bar in the back...definitely brought on some nostalgia for me. The ambiance here was never "dive bar" but it is definitely casual and unpretentious.

Ordering is at the counter, where we grabbed an order of their street taco nachos and a couple of beers. They even had Pacifico beer on tap, which I'm pretty sure I've never seen (not even in Mexico). It was served cold, with a slice of lime. The perfect accompaniment to its light, lager style. The dude got a Bodhizafa, which is even harder to find on tap (especially in the Ham).

Soon our heaping plate of nachos arrived. They were DELICIOUS! The carne asada tasted like it came right off of a taco truck. There were also generous toppings, including jalapeno peppers, onions, cilantro, and just the right amount of (but not too much) cheese. I did find myself wishing the nachos had come with some pico de gallo or something to dip them into. You can order sour cream or guacamole, but the 'chos don't come with salsa or anything. We did end up ordering a side of sour cream after they arrived. Maybe it's just habit to want something to dip the ol' chip into?

I also got to meet the owner, as he was re-stocking the restrooms. You know, especially in a new restaurant, that the guy putting in the new rolls of TP has a good chance of being the owner. He also owns the nearby Admiralty Lounge and the new pizza spot next door to Nacho Problems. Which, yes, is 100% on my list of places to check out next!

Looking forward to heading back to NP soon and trying another plate of tastiness (and, of course, another Pacifico).

Wow... what an amazing dinner we had here tonight. I've been wanting to check out Isarn for quite awhile, so when we were hanging out in Seattle and the dude suggested Thai for dinner, I knew right where to go.

We started with extra cold beers on tap. I had a Singha and the man had a IPA. For food we ordered the stir fried veggies and That beef salad. The flavors were amazing. The salad was full of crisp veggies, a sublime dressing featuring the four classic Thai flavors (sweet, salty, spicy, and sour, and topped with tenderly seared beef. The veggie entree was cooked to perfection, and the side it came with was equally delicious.

We were so full from these two dishes, that we got the ginger chicken to go for lunch tomorrow. Can't wait to try it!

I must say... the service here was some of the best I've experienced in recent memory. Friendly, helpful, and fast. Loved the eclectic decor too!