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"Just another foodie"
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- 235 Reviews
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Review votes:
250 Useful, 73 Funny, and 161 Cool
Uxbridge, London
Yelping SinceJanuary 2007
Things I Loverock climbing, the ocean, sushi, music, being outdoors
My HometownHouston, TX
When I'm Not Yelping...I climb a lot of rocks
Why You Should Read My Reviews'cause I had my own food column
My Second Favorite Website The Last Great Book I ReadDali Lama's Art of Happiness
My Favorite MovieUnder the Tuscan Sun
My Last Meal On EarthSanta Rosa de Puerco
Don't Tell Anyone Else But...I eat butter straight up
Current Crushyelp
DateWestlake Village, CA 91361
USA
+1-805-777-7578
Tomodachi Restaurant
Category: Sushi Bars
People thought this was:
- Useful (1)
- Cool (1)
San Diego, CA 92103
USA
+1-619-296-4119
Jimmy Wong's Golden Dragon Asian Bistro
Categories: Thai, Asian Fusion, Beer, Wine & Spirits
Neighbourhood: Hillcrest
Honey BBQ Chicken, Pork Shanks... perfection.
People thought this was:
- Useful (1)
- Cool (1)
San Francisco, CA 94122
USA
+1-415-824-4652
Cafe Gratitude - CLOSED
Categories: Vegan, Live/Raw Food, Gluten-Free
Neighbourhood: Inner Sunset
Charlie: where are we going?
Patricia: Cafe Gratitude
Charlie: okay, what kinda food is it?
Patricia: local, organic... vegan... raw.
Charlie: what?
Patricia: local, organic, vegan, raw.
Charlie: [unable to comprehend, but recognize that my hearing is fine]
Charlie: um, does it taste good?
Patricia: of course!
Charlie: uh, okay, I trust you... you are a foodie.
So off we go... and I was pleasantly surprised by the strawberry lasse, which tasted more like a fruit shake, and quite enjoyed the spicy stuffed avocado, and the "cream" of mushroom soup. All very hearty and surprisingly delicious... but.... somehow lacking. I had a lot of food, but I felt incredibly unfulfilled. It kinda feels like that really bad sex you finally got to have with that boy you've been dating for 6 months... it's more than you expected, but definitely missing something.
I gave it a four star, 'cause they did manage to make raw vegan food rather tasty (it's all relative). But I'm just too much of a carnivore to stray from my omnivore ways. Plus the place is just a little too new-age-fluffy-flower-power-find- your-inner-light for me.... especially on an empty stomach. Seriously people... how about giving us the self enlightenment question of the day AFTER we're fed?
Worth a try... glad I went there... once. And now I can call it a day (or a year... or a lifetime).
People thought this was:
- Useful (1)
- Funny (2)
- Cool (1)
San Francisco, CA 94103
USA
Yelp Elite Food, Inc. Screening @ The Metreon
Category: Local Flavour
Neighbourhood: SOMA
It has made me more aware and will likely make me more careful about what I eat and where I buy my food.
Two thumbs up... two snaps up in a circle... rock on!
People thought this was:
- Cool (1)
San Francisco, CA 94133
USA
+1-415-986-8612
The House
Categories: Asian Fusion, American (New)
Neighbourhood: North Beach/Telegraph Hill
I saw the 4.5 star average over hundreds of review, and I thought I couldn't go wrong, and it was spot on... totally awesome... in fact, out of this world awesome.
The location at first seemed a bit of a dive, but the interior is clean though a bit cramped.
We started with the calamari, which is the best seasoned I've had in recent memory. For the entrees, we family styled the steak, the salmon, the tuna, and the shrimp, Whoa... whoa... whoa... WHOA. Each were perfectly seasoned, balanced... just all around good... including the gorgeous presentation.
Service was good, but I was a bit underwhelmed. But the food more than makes up for everything else lacking... it's one of my new favorites... wish I lived closer.
San Diego, CA 92101
USA
+1-619-233-5979
Cafe Sevilla
Categories: Spanish, Tapas Bars
Neighbourhoods: Gaslamp, East Village
Having heard it was a great food place (as well as a great salsa place)... we decided to give it a whirl. Totally not what either of us thought we'd be eating tonight, but it turned out to be an fantastic food experience.
Before I begin, I just want to note to the readers that the tapas there are actually quite generous in portions. Even their small tapas was about the size of half an entree.
We had a total of eight menu items (in the order of preference)...
seafood crepe (super fantabulous)
beef brocheta (wowsers)
tuna tower (amazing)
beef empanada (spicy)
cheese stuffed date (surprisingly good)
lobster seafood bisque (the puff pastry top was out of this world)
totilla empanola (okay, but I would pass)
Jamon Iberico (flavorful, but dripped in fat and not worth the $23 price tag)
After taking our order, the waiter actually asked, "Are you girls hungry?" That should have tipped us off... but we made a heroic effort and nearly finished everything.
The atmosphere was warm and ecclectic... all together awesome whilea the foods hit the spot... a place definitely befitting of the occasion.
Love it.
People thought this was:
- Useful (1)
London W9 2HU
020 7266 0066
Pars
Category: Persian/Iranian
Neighbourhood: Westbourne Green
The extensive menu features chicken and lamb as the predominant protein variety. We had to sample as much as possible by ordering the Pars Special Mixed Grill, with an assortment of meat and accompaniments that easily fed three big eaters. Lamb is rumored to be Par's specialty, but the chicken is equally delicious. The fish is also very good, but be aware that fish of all varieties are seasoned and pan fried whole.
Pars does not serve alcohol due to London's expensive liquor license, but they do allow you to bring your own for consumption.
If you rather not tote your own beverage, I highly recommend Pars's Persian tea, served in traditional tea pots and delicate painted glasses. The tea was so divine that I broke my "no caffeine" rule and had a total of six glasses, completely ruining all hopes of adjusting to my jet lag. In addition to indoor seating on benches decorated with Persian rugs and mats, Pars also have an outdoor patio. There was a private party on the patio the evening we dined there, so we were unable to take advantage of the outdoor seating.
Nevertheless, we enjoy the merry-making and traditional dancing along with our jolly good meal. Pars's patrons appear to frequent the restaurant since the proprietor knows a large number of customers.
The hospitality is first rate for London standards, although a bit lacking when compared to the United States. Either way, worth a visit.
People thought this was:
- Useful (1)
- Cool (1)
San Diego, CA 92109
USA
+1-858-488-7573
Boulevard Automotive
Category: Car Repair
Neighbourhood: La Jolla
I took Daisy in for her check up and regular services... and Boulevard (once again) took fantastic care of me and my rig. They were thorough with the inspections, detailed every finding, answered my questions, returned my calls promptly, and accommodated my weird travel schedule (since I work in San Fran)... not to mention I am always greeted with bear hugs and offering of food.
Having lived in a dozen or so cities, and quizzing dozens of mechanics, I have to say that Boulevard isn't just the best in San Diego, but the best in the country I've experienced so far.
Man, I love these guys. HIGHLY HIGHLY recommended.
People thought this was:
- Useful (1)
- Cool (1)
1 Previous Review: Hide »
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27/8/2007
Having gone through a lot with Boulevard, I feel like they are family now. I know everyone by name, and they know me by my name, my car and lots of other random bits of information.
I LOVE Boulevard... can I count the ways? Don't get me wrong, I've always found mechanics I liked in the near dozen cities I've lived in, but never have I had the remotest inkling to profess my love for them.
For starters, customer service is SPECTACULAR. Aside from the free car washes, the many occassions they feed me (food, very important), and various other little personal touches, they keep track of my scheduled maintenance, write me notes to check in with me, and remind my space-cadet self to do things for Daisy (my car) that I often forget.
When I got into a car accident in Utah in March (2008), they were the first people I called. I didn't want to trust Daisy to just anyone, especially in Utah, so I called Boulevard to let them know what happened. Ed (the owner) ran down a check list over the phone before giving his blessing, crossed his fingers and made sure I made it home okay.
After my insurance company looked at the car, Richard (the service manager) walked me through all the assessment (eventhough it's all body damage and Boulevard doesn't do body work). Throughout the process, I'd stop in to ask advice about what to do, where to go, who to talk to. Every person from Ed the owner to Saad the accountant (and everyone in between) was genuinely concerned about what's going on and I got fantastic advice from everyone. Richard was there every step of the way for both technical and emotional support. Like I said, they're like family.
In the past, I having been really screwed over by auto mechanics, so I've become very very picky about who I trust my car to. When I first moved to San Diego, I did some extensive research, even called a few shops to talked to their mechanics. I settled on Boulevard eventhough it was further from my house than I'd like. But they always gave me a ride home, which I totally appreciate 'cause it's kinda out of the way for them.
Boulevard turned out to be such a great pick. I feel so lucky to have found them. Every manager and mechanic is incredibly well trained, well rounded, and knowledgeable. The team always seem happy to be working together even under the roughest schedule. Each manager is genuine, friendly, courteous, and to top it all off (oh, can it get better?): have a great sense of humor.
They never try to sell me something I didn't need, and very clearly and thoroughly documented everything. For example, the first time I brought my car in was for squeaky breaks, but after an inspection, they realized that there was nothing wrong (the squeaking was a material issue that would resolve over time). They even documented the thickness of my break pads, letting me know the remaining lifetime of the breaks. A less honest shop could have easily said "oh, you need new breaks" which could have cost hundreds of dollars.
I have had thousands of dollars worth of service with Boulevard. Each was done with the utmost care and professionalism. The folks at Boulevard are down-right good people, such a rarity in this industry. They may not be the cheapest, but they do an incredible job, and that's worth more than anything I can think of... 'cause I'm betting my life on my car working correctly every time I get behind the wheel.
I tell everyone I know to go to Boulevard, and would highly recommend this shop if you are looking for car service in San Diego. Heck, I'd recommend this shop to anyone needing car service within the 50 mile radius. I actually think it's worth the drive.People thought this was:
- Useful (3)
- Funny (1)
- Cool (2)
The owner-chef is Cajun, so the gumbo is pretty darn good too. It's made with real seafood... in fact, there's probably a whole crab in the bowl. Really pretty rockin' 'cause I've only had better gumbo back home.
Five stars despite the mediocre hush puppies, slightly dry corn bread, and soggy fries.... 'cause the BBQ is JUST THAT GOOD.
San Francisco, CA 94108
USA
Imperial Palace Restaurant
Category: Chinese
Neighbourhoods: Nob Hill, Chinatown
I attended a Sierra Club dinner there with buffet style appetizers. You think they'd want to showcase the food since it's an opportunity to introduce the place to potential new patrons, but alas you would be wrong.
Nothing, I mean, nothing is good on the entire selection. Everything is either greasy or INSANELY salty.
That alone wouldn't earn it a single star rating, it's the wait staff that got me... during the speech, the two waiters chattered betwixt each other, making it impossible to hear anything (eventhough I was sitting literally infront of the speakers).
When I asked the wait staff to stop talking, they gave me a look and only ceased for about a minute. They never stopped talking the whole time, despite EVERYONE shooting them dirty looks. AND get this --- one of them started to walk around the speakers to get to the different tables to clear te plates. SERIOUSLY?
WRONG!
Not to mention the place is dumpy!
There's nothing that would make me want to come back to this place!
People thought this was:
- Funny (1)
- Cool (1)
8 Lists
Okay, I will say a few more words... I've been to a lot of sushi restaurants in my days... and recently went to Nobu, which is an insanely expensive world famous sushi place, and I have to say that Tomodachi's sushi is on par with Nobu and about half to a third as expensive.
The facilities are not swanky and if you are looking for that, you're SOL, but if what you're after is good food, then be prepared to be knocked out of this world. My default sushi chef is ironically named Nobu, and I just sit down and I don't even have to tell him anything and he gives me the best sushi I've ever had... everything from great simple flavors to complex mixtures of fruits and spices. Nobu ranks up there with Yas (from Sushi on the Rock in La Jolla) in my book.
I highly highly recommend eating sushi at the bar for this reason. It's much more interactive and your meal gets tailored for you. The good chefs learn your tastes over time, and it gets better as you go.
Love it.