Fleur de Lys, San Francisco, CA

* * * * * (5 of 5 stars) reviewed today on April 20, 2012

My husband and I dined at Fleur de Lys on March 23, 2012. I loved it. It was the best meal I've had so far on this continent. I went all out with the five course wine pairing menu. You can't go wrong with anything from their menu. I wish I could describe in greater detail the bliss after each bite, but my mind goes blank as it did that night. Our reservation was around 6pm, but soon the restaurant was filled. We had made our reservation about 2 weeks before, and it was either early or 9pm. I wouldn't try going there without a reservation anyday of the week.

The food is incredible, innovative, creative, thoughtful and just so good. The wine was just awesome. I liked how the maî·tre d' was polite to the busboy/server when we overheard him excuse himself by addressing the server with "Sir." I thought that was classy. The whole place is classy. I don't know if I get the inspiration behind the decor, but all I care is that it's clean, comfortable, pleasant etc... and it was beyond that. The whole staff was pleasant and respectful to each other. The noise level was ok because there was a private party, and we were kind of near it, but it was better than your average chain place on a weekend. I didn't have to raise my voice to talk to my husband who was sitting across from me. I don't enjoy those places much.  

Poma's Italian Deli in Ocean Beach, CA (San Diego)

* * * * *  (5 of 5 stars) Reviewed today on Yelp.com 4/19/2012


Best Subs in San Diego! My husband introduced me to many of the cool spots in Ocean Beach as it was his vacation home before he moved here from Germany almost ten years ago. Being a baker (not working professionally as one now) I can tell you the best part of a good sub is the bread and Poma's has it! I have a favorite sub and I always get it unless I need to follow my low-carb diet (then I go for the antipasti which is fine): It is the roast beef with double mayo, provolone and all the veggies. It gets toasted in their pizza oven. I give my husband those peppers that come on the side. They'll make it however you like it. It's not a fancy place, but a local favorite. It is best to just take it and go home so no one will see you make a mess of yourself while eating these big sandwiches. The bread is the best and the rest is just a bonus. It's awesome because you don't ever have to wait for a long time, but there's a steady stream of customers. Two cons: Cash only and parking. Parking is street only, free (no meters). They do pastas and pizzas and one day I'd like to try one of their pizzas because they do look pretty good. I should add that I see them (the pizzas) only when they come out of the oven and into a box as they are made to order, like the sandwiches. 

Mini Of San Diego, San Diego, CA

Update 4/30/2012: Today, I had to change it to 5 stars. They really do go out of their way to make a lot of Mini owners happy.  

 * * * * *  

* * * * (4 of 5 Stars) Reviewed on Yelp.com on 4/18/2012

First of all, my husband and I each have an 07 Mini Cooper.
Secondly, this review is related to service/repairs only.
They are expensive to repair wherever you go unless you "have a guy you trust."  So, do get the extended warranty and the extended maintenance plans. They are worth it. My guy is Aaron and his team. We didn't buy our Minis there (cause we got them in Santa Ana (Crevier) in 07. So, this really is only based on the year and half + of service we've had.
So, the dealership itself is always nice and clean. They offer a shuttle service and they will try to get you a loaner if you need it. They will test drive the cars they repair and they use geniune Mini parts. It is a Penske dealership - the first Mini has allowed and perhaps this is what makes them strive harder to do the best they can.
Aaron puts up well with my insufficient knowledge of cars. We've had so many numerous jobs done their with both of cars - the most recent was last week when I took my husband's Mini in for what I thought would be to replace the rear shocks. The car squeaked and made a lot of noise going over EVERY bump. Aaron told me that all it was that the heat shield was bent and the rear sway bar (which is a thicker, non-Mini stock sway bar installed 4 years ago) needed lubricating. And that fixed it! I couldn't believe it! So, I know I can trust Aaron and really that is what a good dealership needs - honest service advisors that won't get you to replace parts that are working just so they can make more money. Besides, they are so busy that I don't think they'd waste their time.
I want to give five stars - they are so darn close to it, but there was just one incident in October of 2011 when a repairman who had given his quit notice had mentally checked out had not noticed problems with our car (slight accident with a moving small boulder on the road during a  bad rainstorm and rock slide) that the insurance person has noticed. It was such a mess that my husband's Mini was there for about four weeks. We had a loaner, fortunately, and it stayed with us for so long that we gave it two nicknames (Pumpkin and Tangerine, it was an 2011 Countryman - just like the last shuttle I was in). But I want to make this clear, my insurance company was dragging their feet  - so many delays - they messed up the coverage initially as well.
Fortunately, I don't have to check the oil cap to make sure it is on after an oil change. Yes, I've done that once before I got onto the freeway.
I can't imagine having to drive up to Santa Ana (140 miles round trip) again (did  for 3 years) to have our Minis repaired because we both love our Minis. I'm keeping mine forever or until I can't get it insured in California.
I happily can recommend Mini of San Diego. I'm so glad they are here.
Would I buy from them? Honestly, It depends on which of the two dealers offer the better deal. It would be between Crevier (if Dana Eastman is still there) and Mini of SD. Most likely, that won't happen for another 10 years (sorry, hon) and it would be a custom order anyway.

Home Depot, Poway, CA

* * * * (4 of 5 stars) Reviewed on Yelp.com on 4/18/2012

I was really happy with two guys from the Poway Home Depot (Tech Rd by Costco). They went out of their way to get a specific item I had researched. The Poway store was one of 3 stores to have this item. I didn't see on the shelf so not only did one guy help, but two and it wasn't even their department. I gave four stars because a 5 star review just means it blew my mind and usually that happens with restaurants and hotels. They did a great job, no doubt and I'd come back here if I lived near Poway. It wasn't very busy which I thought was strange, even for a rainy day.

Sally Loo's Wholesome Cafe, San Luis Obispo, CA

* * * * * (5 of o5 stars) Reviewed on Yelp.com on 4/14/2012

I love this cafe. My husband and I are were on a vacation for our ninth anniversary. I had the best scone in the world here and  I used to hate scones, so I'm picky. It was a cumequat scone with a maple glaze. I also had a bowl of oatmeal and some darn good coffee. It was just the sort of perfect high-carb comfort food I wanted to have that morning. It's a really cool independent place that I'd go to all the time if I lived in SLO.  I don't get this crap about microfoam on someone's espresso. It must be a local thing. You order at the counter, they bring it to you at your table.  They have the usual thing with the coffee- they give you the cup of coffee and you put in your sugar and cream, at the side bar. We sat on the side where there were these old theater chairs. I don't think they looked very comfortable. Maybe that was the only downside.

Ten Inverness Way Bed & Breakfast, Inverness, CA

* * * * * (5 of 5 stars) Reviewed on Yelp.com on 4/14/12

My husband and I have stayed at Ten Inverness way 3 times together, him at least 4 times. I really like Terri and the house and I LOVE the town. Terri always serves an excellent breakfast and I've never have had the same meal there. The rooms are always clean, comfortable, (as is the house) and charming. I love the garden (best in the spring). I love this whole area! It is just my favorite place to stay in northern California. This visit was nice as we got to chat with some of the other guests in the living room where Terri serves cheese, wine and home made cookies in the afternoon. I highly recommend calling ahead for reservations (or email/online). Though you have to park on the street, it is residential and there's two or three spaces in front of the house, it is never been a problem - It's Inverness - there's no parking meters or annoying signs hidden by trees. Lots of great walking around and Point Reyes is just a five minute drive away. It's my favorite small town in the country. Our most recent visit was for our ninth anniversary (March 20-22, 2012).

Petrossian Restaurant & Boutique in West Hollywood, CA

* * * * * (5 stars of 5) Reviewed on Yelp.com on 11/8/2011

My husband and I spent last weekend in LA and we visited The Petrossian on Saturday night.
I had a starter that's not on the menu, but I wanted a classical preparation of foie gras, and they had it! It was served with a nice balsamic glaze, jam, and crustless white toast. My husband had the foie gras with truffle and he enjoyed it as I had non-truffle.
I ordered the ricotta gnudi and it was perfect. The serrano ham that came with it was so flavorful and fresh. My husband enjoyed his beet salad with the goat cheese truffle fondue (which is like a goat cheese sauce the server poured over the dish at service). My entree was the chicken - I've never had such a perfect chicken before. It was crazy moist in the center, and the skin on the outside was just perfectly crispy and golden - seriously perfect. The brussel sprouts that came with it could have gone another minute in my opinion, but that's ok cause it came with a bacon vinaigrette! Yum! I always try to cook my sprouts with bacon! I LOVED the cranberry and apple chutney that came with the chicken. I would have had a whole bowl of that. My husband ordered the special - the veal. He said it was really good.
He ordered desert, which I tried. It was a panna cotta with espresso caviar. That was pretty darn yummy too.
It was one of those rare, culinary divine dining experiences worth remembering. Service is very friendly and attentive.

Five Guys Burgers, San Diego, CA (UTC location)

* * * * (4 of 5 stars) Updated review on Yelp.com on 8/9/2011

Went into our local Five Guys last Sunday (Aug. 7), and the great news is that I don't have to yell to the cashier. The music is set at a reasonable level. Thank you! Sheesh. I wrote down my order because 1. It was very complex, and 2. The previous visits forced me (or us) outside to wait because it was ridiculously loud. They have also removed the center divider which creates a better feeling in general. Since a lot of students are on summer break, the place isn't that crowded or busy, but a steady flow. Also, another note: If you ask for a bun-less burger, don't expect them to automatically wrap it in lettuce. You get exactly what you order. So, I've learned (and this is the only place I've had to ask them to wrap my burger in lettuce).

* * * * (4 of 5 stars) Reviewed on Yelp.com on 6/9/2011

I love their burgers. I've had the "Lil" and the regular (single patty and double patty respectively). I prefer the regular because I think it's juicier. I haven't tried their buns as I do a  low carb diet. I do like them a bit more than In & Out.
However, the place is INSANELY NOISY. I don't mind the staff yelling out orders, but I have to pretty much shout out my order to the person one foot in front of me because of how loud the music is. I don't see the need to have it on so freakin' loud. Apparently, it's a company standard. I hate being in there pretty much because it is so loud. We order and then we go outside. Unfortunately, you have to go in there to check on your order (to know what numbers they have called). I don't think they have a speaker/microphone system for the outside patio area. We've been there three or four times and they are always busy. Burgers are made to order and are so good! A bit expensive especially compared to In & Out.

Garcias, Encinitas, CA

* (1 of 5 stars) Reviewed on Yelp.com on 6/7/2011

The food is reheated in a microwave. My husband and I could tell because there is no way that it should have been delivered within 5-10 minutes of our order being placed, especially with the restaurant being a quarter filled. Also, another microwave clue is that the center had a different temperature than the outer edges. The food is boring  (not flavored/seasoned well) and unappetizing. The chips on the table were the only barely edible thing there. And they were a bit stale. I can't believe people eat here, and I'm sure this review will get filtered, but just don't eat there. There are 100 better Mexican places in San Diego to eat at.  Garcia's is amongst some of the worst Mexican food I've ever had. Definitely amongst the worst I've had on the western side of this country.

Ker Fresh, San Diego, CA

* * (2 of  5 stars) Reviewed on Yelp.com on 6/8/2011

I've gone here for a couple of years, and I'm disappointed.  It's been a few months since I've been there. They were open this afternoon, and I wasn't the only customer inside. The selection is not at all what it used to be. No coriander chutney. Also, when I asked the lady (who was quite busy with her phone call(s), where the curry leaves were, she pointed me in the direction of what I discovered as cilantro (aka fresh coriander). Also, my recipe calls for besan flour (ok I forgot to check and at this point I didn't bother). They didn't have another ingredient I needed. Their selection of fresh (what was in the fridge) paratha/naan (flat breads) were also not what it used to be. I think I saw two. Seriously disappointing. I probably won't bother going back. So, if you need like a five pound bag of garam masala or rice or a boatload of mango chutney... well you're in luck.

Punjabi Tandoor, San Diego, CA

* * * * * (5 of 5 stars) Reviewed on Yelp.com on 3/2/2011

I gave Punjabi Tandoor 5 stars only for the food. My husband and I have had their food at least four or five times. It is worth the wait (they are busy all the time). It is the best Indian food I have had in San Diego so far. Anything with sauce is just awesome. We found this place through yelp not too long ago, and we are hooked. I would say the decor is purely functional, so it is just as easy for us to get it all takeout.

Update: June 18, 2011. Last night, we went there about 5:30 (hey, good time to get there we discovered as they are closed from 3-5). They have added (new) more patio dining out front, as well as new tables and chairs inside. It does make a difference. I feel more comfortable about sitting there now. Of course the food is just as good as always.
There's one photo where you can a few people and their new tables/chairs.

Victoria's Secret in UTC

* * * * * (5 stars of 5) Reviewed on Yelp.com on 3/2/2011

I had lost some weight since my last bra fitting, and I have always had trouble figuring it out for myself. Since I had received a birthday coupon, and a coupon for free underwear (who can turn that down?!?), I decided to go into after work. I really like the staff there. They are friendly, helpful, and attentive. They have a well organized system, communicate well with each other, and seem genuinely interested in what they do. They gave me a sample box of different bras to try on in my size (which is different than the one I had been wearing). I really like the variety of bras, even though the sizes don't normally go beyond 38DD in the stores. I think that's why I had not purchased from them in years (I was well beyond 38DD then). I think they give you just the right amount of attention, and I noticed they were doing this for all of the customers that were there when I was there. They are not pushy at all. Granted, it has been a while since I've done more than browse their selections, but today I needed help and they were very helpful. The prices are a bit high, (maybe they aren't really. I just shop so much at Target, so that's what I am used to), as most people know, but you are getting good quality and great service. It is important to have the right fitting bra (as my back muscles have reminded me lately).

____
Update / Notes from 4/19/2012:  (* * * * 4 of 5 stars)  At the checkout, there's always a line and for some reason, it annoys me more than a line at Target. I think it has to do with the coupons and the promotions the employees are expected to share with their customers. Like many retailers, they seem to be on a stiff budget regarding staffing.

Bill Howe Plumbing

* * * * * (5 of 5 stars) Reviewed on Yelp.com 3/2/2011

Yesterday, we had our leak (in ceiling of our first floor) repaired in about an hour and a half. Julio did a great job in quickly assessing the problem and fixing it. Almost 24 hours later, I can tell that he did a great job. We are grateful that he came out in the time frame that was quoted because it could have been worse had it gone on longer. What I also like is that someone from the office called us a half hour before Julio was to arrive. Also, I had called very early and spoke with the emergency response person who told me that the regular hours staff would call me back when they "opened" after 7:30. Even though I had to run off to work at 7:40, I had called again and made the appointment. I came home later to find that they had left a message stating that they received my original message and called me back by 8am.