Tuesday, 03 May 2011
The following list is my yelp "trophy shelf". Reviews selected by yelpers and featured on the Phoenix and Los Angeles home pages. ENJOY!
100 Santa Monica Pier
Santa Monica, CA 90401
(310) 458-8900
3/30/2008 ROTD 4/25/2008
Do I love rides? No. Do I love cotton candy? Hell no! Do I have the patience to play a carnival game in hopes of winning an enormous stuffed animal? Definitely not.
But do I love the pier? A big yes on that one yelpers! Admittedly, I can only take about an hour. Then I get childrenitus and am forced to break out the flask from my tubes socks. But how great is it to be on a wooden pier, jutting out into the sea, hanging with friends and people watching? I always have a great time here. I actually love how windy it is. Unbearable for some as they put the hoods up on their parkas and shiver as if this was the pier in the Bering Strait. Woosies. They never weathered a Minnesota blizzard obviously. Breathe in the ocean air. Stare off into the horizon. Regroup your thoughts. Maybe accidentally shove an unruly teenager. Fun. Fun. Fun.
People thought this was:
- Useful (24)
- Funny (41)
- Cool (33)
8350 S Kyrene Rd
Tempe, AZ 85284
(480) 661-3900
1/7/2009 ROTD 10/16/2009 First to Review
Spit or swallow? Has never really been question in my mind. Ever since that summer of love in 77 with a certain blond haired neighbor boy, a pack of my mom's Winston 100s and some Tang I brought along just in case we got thirsty.
And now even today, in my 40s, still swallowing. Only now it includes delicious wines from around the world. Oh. The sacrifices I make for my business!
Ryan is my rep and he is delightful! He'd finally gotten an aggressive sales pitch down for me and today I've added new wines due to his crafty salesmanship. I had a robust, cherry filled, with aromas of vanilla, Australian Syrah...it was outta this world and has the fabulous label to boot. I'm a sucker for good label. Marketing kids. It's all in the marketing.
If you're able to buy wine from Action wine, I say pull that cork out of your ass and give 'em a call.
Cheers!
People thought this was:
- Useful (31)
- Funny (40)
- Cool (33)
2814 N 16th St
Phoenix, AZ 85006
(602) 636-0240
9/19/2008 ROTD 7/28/2009
Scary things to me:
Paris Hilton has a career.
Sarah Palin. Really. She's like the new Anita Bryant.
My fathers' overgrown eyebrows. Trim, daddy, trim!
Droves of high schoolers leaving school just as I'm trying to find Barrio Cafe.
Seriously. Like thousands of them. And I couldn't find the damn restaurant. What was I gonna do? Roll down the window (well, not roll down, seriously, who rolls down windows anymore?) and holler out in my best lispy voice, "Hey, squeeze me fellas, I'm going to a wine tasting at the Barrio Cafe. Y'all know where that is?" Since all teenagers carry guns, yes, that scared me.
Finally. I found it. And entered.
Cute. Cozy. Middle of the day, so empty. Great, vibrant art. And a very attentive and friendly staff. Often times at this time of day, restaurants really drop the ball. No ball dropping here.
I had La Paloma margarita which is made with a grapefruit soda. Think Squirt and Patron! And after a couple of these babies I was in el bano squirting out that Patron. Dee lish however.
I ordered the Enchiladas Del Mar. Enchiladas of the Sea for my non Spanish speaking peeps. You know what? It was good. Not great. And the presentation was somewhat messy. I couldn't find the crab or the scallops (which were the size of the ends of q-tips by the way). They were lost in the sauce and the cheese. But I devoured it as the blue corn tortillas sang to me. My friend had a chickent torta. Big and rustic. Like Janet Reno. She loved it!
I will most definitely be back. Hopefully I will not have to navigate through the plethora of pubescent people and hopefullyl I will pick that Barrio menu item that will blow my calcentinas off.
Oh. That's blow my socks off. BTW. Adios for now mi yelpitas!
People thought this was:
- Useful (36)
- Funny (52)
- Cool (34)
4. Hotel Indigo Scottsdale Boutique Hotel
4415 N Civic Center Plz
Scottsdale, AZ 85251
(480) 941-9400
7/28/2008 ROTD 10/11/2008
My ode to Estelle Getty:
Picture this. Scottsdale. Hotel Indigo pool.
A middle aged gay man holding a glass of New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc runs to make a photo opp at Rickie's fashion show.
He didn't realize the three svelt female models with air bags for breasts were nude. Naked. Sin ropa! Nada lotta!
Except for their bikini-painted bodies. Yes. Body paint.
By the pool. Me. Them. Slippery floor. Slippery glass of wine.
As the photo is being snapped, I find myself losing my balance and I think, as I was going down with the wine, I should grab on to someone's clothing. To brace my fall. In front of hundreds.
Well. They're nude. There is nothing to grab onto. Me and the wine go down spilling wine on all three of the models.
Causing their body paint to start streaking! SNAP goes the photo.
Oh. Hotel Indigo? The services? Valet guy parked my car. Hostess greeted me. Bartender overserved me. The models hated me.
Good times...
People thought this was:
- Useful (25)
- Funny (51)
- Cool (34)
509 W McDowell Rd
Phoenix, AZ 85003
(602) 271-9146
9/20/2010 ROTD 4/7/2011
Need an Alvin and the Chipmunk get up? Easleys.
Need masks for a glamorous "Eyes Wide Shut" kinda party. Easley's.
Need a tail to complete a grown man dressed up as a kitty. Easley's.
Need a pink cowboy hat bedazzled with silver rhinestones. Easley's.
Need a vintage Hello Kitty brouche (spell check not working!) to attach to pink cowboy hat bedazzled with silver rhinestones so it can be worn to an upcoming yelp Elite Event at Rustler's Rooste. Not Easley's.
Thankfully I have a designer boyfriend with lots of goodies in his studio. So that was an easy fix.
What a fun place this would be to work. And it must be. Staff is always friendly and helpful. Easley's is a Phoenix institution.
Like Jan Brewer's speech coach.
Like Dan Harkins parking spot.
Like, well, like an early fall kick in the nuts heat wave from Mother Nature.
Easely's!
People thought this was:
- Useful (28)
- Funny (30)
- Cool (27)
12 W Camelback Rd
Phoenix, AZ 85013
(602) 248-9461
12/21/2008 ROTD 5/13/2009
Could this store BE any smaller (said in my best Chandler Bing voice)? I seriously walked in with Rickie, stayed 90 seconds, and said "Dude, I gotta git outta here!" Fortunately they had a guitarist/singer on the back patio with a coffee pot full of java and some cookies. How cool is that? Said musician was eventually joined by a little girl who played her clarinet. Played is being kind. Poor thing. That clarinet squeaked more than the brakes on my 95 ghetto beemer. More than Peter Brady's voice during puberty. But how cute it was. How very Bohemian. Rickie scored The Knife CD he's been looking for and the staff was VERY helpful and not all weird slacker don't bother me cuz I'm too cool to move from behind the counter cuz I just know you two queers are looking for Brittney Spears or Madonna crap and that is so lame...NO...not at all. Nicest of nice. And we were cool. Besides. I'd never heard of The Knife. That was always my nickname for OJ. And he WAS not there. Oh. Cuz he's in jail! HA HA! Anyway, I digress. Stinkweeds! Neither stinky. Nor weedy! Check it 08 my yelpitas. Love you!!!!!
People thought this was:
- Useful (37)
- Funny (35)
- Cool (35)
10600 E Crescent Moon Dr
Scottsdale, AZ 85262
(480) 513-5086
10/28/2009 ROTD 1/1/2010
Oh Ma Gawd! Samantha needs to get her sweet little ass to Talavera. Then she would have her best meal so far. This certainly ranks as one of the best dining experiences I've ever had. From the lobby of the masculine Four Seasons (like Ralph Lauren masculine, not Martina Navratilova masculine) to the bar to our own private dining room, everything was simply outstanding.
Chef Frank Robertson had prepared a special seven course meal for our party, we just had to select our own entree and the decision was agonizing. I went with lobster served with corn, baby squash and cabbage. Perfection! Preceding my entree we had three amuse bouche; Blue Fin Tuna Poke, Sesame, Avocado ; Heirloom Tomato and Burrata, Basil, Orange Olive Oil, Balsamic and I'll be darned if I don't remember the third.
Did I mention we had predinner cocktails? Belvedere and freshly squeezed grapefruit juice for me and a round of Absolut LA drinks for most of the others. And the wine. It was pouring like Morton salt. My favorite was a Carneros Pinot Noir. Like drinking liquid velvet! Other foodies raved about the filet, the scallops and the sea bass. Prices for entrees ran from high 20s to mid 40s. Worth every penny. Dessert for us were several plates of sweets...small pieces of various delights from truffles to cakes and pecan bites. I felt like Lucy on the chocolate factory line. Dare I say I stashed a few in my cleavage for the ride home?
Misc:
Service was five stars all the way. Thanks to all who made our party special.
The long fire "pit" outside is fabulous.
Views of the Valley....uh...maze...ing!
Cloth handtowels in the restrooms. Nice touch. Cotton is afterall the fabric of our lives.
Chocolate does tend to melt when nestled between your shirt and your chest.
Cheers my yelpitas. Here's to a fabulous winter in Arizona!
People thought this was:
- Useful (31)
- Funny (30)
- Cool (31)
5345 N 7th Ave
Phoenix, AZ 85013
(602) 274-3663
6/30/2010 ROTD 11/6/2010
OMG DD! OMG! I'm eating my roast beef sandwich now, typing this review and pounding my hands on the table like Meg Ryan in When Harry Met Sally...moaning, groaning and achieving culinary orgasms.
Now that's a pretty picture for ya!
House roasted roast beef with a blue cheese horseradish spread, red onion, tomato and my favorite green next to Brian Austin Green...arugula! All served on a yummy artisan roll.
Such a cute place with a case FULL of delicious looking temptations from crab cakes to mashed sweet potatoes to chocolates and cheeses and VINO!! Great staff...friendly and helpful. Why I'm even a proud card carrying member of their sandwich club. And I'm sure it won't take me long to earn that free heavenly sandwich!
DD! Fyi...I will return to you asap!
People thought this was:
- Useful (31)
- Funny (32)
- Cool (31)
3942 E Campbell Ave
Phoenix, AZ 85018
(602) 956-7299
6/10/2009 ROTD 4/2/2010
Yep. David B. Once again the wise sage atop Mount Yelp. I called another locksmith who never returned my call. I called Stagecoach and they said they could help me tomorrow. That's cool. I had a safe in my office and the batteries died and I was unable to open the safe. But you have to open the safe to put in new batteries. Suckky I know! Stagecoach called back and said they can be here in an hour. YEE HAW! Stagecoach to the rescue. I expected a horse and buggy with a rugged Michael Landon (post bed wetting problem, pre Little House on the Prairie...c'mon he was a hottie!) to pull into my parking lot and save the day. Well. That didn't happen. On accounta he's dead. But it was a man named Dean. Lean, mean Dean! No. Not mean at all. He fixed my safe. Installed new batteries at no charge. Yep. Free. Last time I got free batteries was at Castle Boutique when I bought a...oh...wait...my mom reads these reviews. Anyhoo. You got key issues. Lock is jammed. Or your office safe is on the fritz. Get out your ole rotary phone and give Stagecoach a holler!
People thought this was:
- Useful (27)
- Funny (28)
- Cool (27)
10. Philadelphia Sandwich Company
7158 E 5th Ave
Scottsdale, AZ 85251
(480) 970-1102
11/6/2007 ROTD 12/12/2007
Hot. Cheesey. Fresh. No, I'm not talking about the guests at the opening gala to Phoenix fashion week. We're talking 'bout the cheesesteaks and chicken cheesesteaks we chowed down on after the event. I got so hungry looking at those skinny models all night. I was this close to nibbling on one's boney thigh. The only thing better than eating these scrumptuous works of art, was having them delivered to the terrace at Hotel Indigo. Yes people. Delivered. Right to our drunken butts. On the terrace. At Hotel Indigo. And how fantastic it is that you choose Cheese Whiz, American or Provelone.? I'm all about the Whiz! How cool and funny and useful is that?
People thought this was:
- Useful (21)
- Funny (27)
- Cool (24)
4116 N 7th Ave
Phoenix, AZ 85013
(602) 254-7861
12/8/2008 ROTD 2/24/2009
Neiman Marcus meet Salvation Army. Salvation Army meet Neiman Marcus. Nice.
Wow. A vintage/thrift store that doesn't smell like my Aunt Helen's wig closet. No stench of mothballs, decaying bodies or stale smoke from an old pack of Capri Ultra Light Menthol 120s.
Organized. Well staffed. Well, staffed by people who are actually engaging and interested in you. Unlike SO many other similar shops in this area where you get a little bit of "OH, you are so lucky to peruse my crap" attitude.
Most importantly...great stuff. Vintage Italian dishware (think Fiesta with a Tuscan twist), Disney movie stills, framed, and selling for a mere Abraham and an entire case of well lit (much like myself at the time of shopping) Prada, Jimmy Choo and Minola Blanaks!! Just my luck! None in my size.
Flo. I love you! So glad you found another gig after Mel's. And for those who aren't a fan of Flo's.
KISS MY GRITS!
People thought this was:
- Useful (48)
- Funny (51)
- Cool (41)
3110 N Central Ave
Phoenix, AZ 85012
(602) 264-5307
2/13/2008 ROTD 7/28/2008
OK so the bf is a few years younger than I. Just a tad. OK. So, he's 17 years younger. Oh my god! I'm like, a gay male cougar. I'm a manther! Anyway. I digress. A bunch of his same aged buddies wanted to meet at Kobalt. Rickie and I arrived first and discovered a bright, well kept, no dartboards kinda bar. No smell of stale beer. No problem finding a parking spot. It was actually. Civilized. And it's a gay bar in Phoenix? Wow! After having a few rounds of drinks and perhaps forgetting that I was the elder of the group, one of them exclaims...."Yea. This place is pretty cool. Too bad there's so many guys over 40 here."
Wow. I was one of those guys. But, hey! What? just because some of the hair on my head has made its way into my ear canal and lower back. And just because I know Harvey Milk was a slain gay rights activist and not a type of dairy beverage. I can't have a place with a piano, a granite bar and a barstaff that truly knows how to make a Gibson. Thanks Kobalt. I'm blue no longer.
People thought this was:
- Useful (26)
- Funny (55)
- Cool (30)
13. Christopher's Restaurant/Crush Lounge
2502 E Camelback Rd
Phoenix, AZ 85016
(602) 522-2344
2/17/2010 ROTD 8/25/2010
Don't tell anyone Christopher. But I have a serious crush on you and your elegant eatery and your fabulous Crush Lounge. This could rival my Scott Baio crush in the 70s. Or my crush on arrugula, beet and goat cheese salad in the 80s. Or even my 90s crush, yep, again, Scott Baio.
We were greeted by a lovely host person who gave us the 411 on our dining options. We chose the restaurant kitchen bar which had happy hour prices on food and drink. No sooner had Rickie and I bucked up to the bar did we have our server take our drink order: two iced teas and a large flat water. Soon to follow was some delicious pillowy yet crunchy French bread with a ramekin of soft buttah!
While we waited for our food it was most entertaining watching the kitchen staff prepare for what was sure to be a very busy Valentine's weekend. And since I was already with my Valentine, I was most happy.
We had a delicious cheese plate with herbed chevre, Manchego, Pecorino Romano and a mild cheese I won't even try to spell. I had a crispy, creamy pizza with goat cheese, roasted garlic and oven dried tomatoes. Very good though I kept thinking of my favorite flat bread delight at St. Francis. Hmmm...Rickie had a burger he enjoyed though the top bun was very doughy and not pleasant to eat. Yam fries were tasty though a dipping sauce would have been fun. All that was only $36!
Now. Is it just me but does every new restaurant try to out do the next guy with the jazziest bathroom sinks? Well, I'd have to say, Christopher's takes home the gold. A huge communal sink with a wall in front of you that shoots out water below as you rub your hands over hundreds of little rocks. Enjoyable!
And now in the 2000s I have a new crush. And it's a sink. Sorry Scott.
OMG...I think I just finished my 400th review! Cheers my yelpitas!
People thought this was:
- Useful (30)
- Funny (28)
- Cool (26)
14. Mi Patio Mexican Restaurant
3347 N 7th Ave
Phoenix, AZ 85013
(602) 277-4831
6/29/2007 ROTD 7/22/2007
Mi Patio es su patio. While there actually is not a patio at Mi Patio there is standard Mexican fare (with a little Greek flare I might add) that is a step up from other local Mexican restaurants. My Chef took me there (I mean, he's a chef, the place is bound to rock my guacamole) and they seemed to know him. Lovin' the "Norm!" a la Cheers kinda thing when I go out with John. Interior was brightly lit, not a piece of black wraught iron in sight. Colorful parrots hang from the ceiling. Oh, did I say they're not real. Clay I believe. Anyway the food. That's why we're here. I had such a hankering for Huevos Rancheros I couldn't pass it up. Served with a chunky ranchera sauce over two corn tortillas along with some fantastic beans and passable rice, I was a happy Tomasito. Homemade flour tortillas are served along with the meal and they were dee lish. John had a combo plate with an enchilada in a savory and medium spiced red sauce with a serving a skirt steak. I thought that was cool. A combo plate where you can get a piece o meat. The guacamole, chips and salsa were all on my A list.
People thought this was:
- Useful (13)
- Funny (12)
- Cool (13)
7014-604 E Camelback Rd
Scottsdale, AZ 85251
(480) 645-1500
1/14/2008 ROTD 2/16/2008
When I was little and my parents would take me to a furniture store, I would ditch them, find a living room arrangement I fancied, and play house. Yea. You heard me. I would pretend I was Samantha from Bewitched. Sitting in my Queen Ann chair, waiting for Darren to come home from Tate Advertising, so I could smother him with my bewitching kisses. Then I would twitch my nose, move to the bedroom area, and well, the rest is a little PG 13 so I'll leave it up to your imagination. This Crate and Barrel, indeed, has a fabulous furniture selection. I love it more than Pottery Barn (too shabby chic), Restoration Hardware (more hardware than furniture) and more than Z Gallery (too much purple crap and Melrose meets a brothel type stuff). Not to mention all the other goodies from dishes to pillows to glassware. Crate and Barrel strikes the perfect balance between contemporary stying, fair prices and quality. So, if you ever see me, talking to myself, while lounging on a chaise here, you'll know what's up.
People thought this was:
- Useful (15)
- Funny (24)
- Cool (19)
2201 N 7th St
Phoenix, AZ 85006
(602) 258-5149
5/14/2007 ROTD 10/2/2007
Cozy, cute and yes, a little claustraphobic...Coronado Cafe. Perhaps the latter adjective is my own issue, but at 5 foot 9 inches I felt REALLY tall. An adorable little home, with creaky wooden floors transformed into a comfortable cafe with approachable American fare. After navigating the dicey, sandy, lumpy parking lot I accidentally entered the kitchen door. My bad. I was redirected to another door and entered through the rear. Yikes did I just say I entered through the rear? Anyway a lovely staff person told me to go to the front and check in. Meandering through the cafe I really did find it lovely. Very neat, old yet modern and strangely very loud. It was a booming lunch crowd on a Monday. Taking Mom and Dad out for a Mother's Day lunch. We waited a few minutes for a table and were constantly being said hello to and asked if we've been helped by a friendly, friendly staff. Shout out to the staff! The menu, while not especially inventive, seemed fresh and yummy. The soup of the day was a tortilla soup with its own stamp on it. No tortilla strips atop the cup, yet and especially flavorful soup, creamy with a twinge of tanginess to it. Mom and I both had the turkey sandwich with cranberrry sauce. HUGE mother of a sandwich. I always wonder about the big sandwich because you cannot possible bite into it without making a mess. Not a strike against them, cuz it was very good, bread was fresh and turkey seemed unprocessed. Dad ordered the ham and cheese, but stripped away all the interesting flavors, because, well, because he's a dad and likes the meat and potato type menu. Dessert was a wonderful and decedent brownie with ice cream, chocolate and caramel sauces. Very good. Brownie was more like a cake though. Again, no complaint, cuz it was dee-lish. Service was so great I have to say. Friendly, professional and fun. I like the idea of eating in an old house. The contrast of old Phoenix with striking photography of modern New York strewn about the rooms was quite cool. I recommend a visit. I'm craving the tortilla soup and would love to try other items on the menu. Most importantly it was a wonderful way to hang with mom and dad (who ventured in from Sun City in their mini van, navigating the Central Ave. mess, God Bless 'em) and we truly had a good experience. Coronado Cafe. Cute. Cozy. Comfortable. And in the end, not so claustraphobic.
People thought this was:
- Useful (15)
- Funny (12)
- Cool (13)
7901 E Thomas Rd
Scottsdale, AZ 85251
(480) 970-0633
Update - 4/28/2009
Imagine my horror when I dined at Tottie's recently and she quoted from my last update..."I'd like to roll her up in one of those lettuce leaves, garnish with mint and cilantro and dip her right into that amazing fish sauce.
Yep. That's what I said. It was preceded however by how delightful she is. And believe me, she is. Such a good sport. We had a good laugh.
We ate here Sunday afternoon after attending the ridiculous Warehouse Sale at Mojave Middle School in Scottsdale (think Ed Hardy vomiting in a gymnasium). So we were hungry and ready for Tottie's Rolls. We consumed THREE orders! Fabulous as always. Potstickers were perfection as was the Hot n Sour soup. Serve was spot on, friendly and playful even!
So Tottie. You rock my dim and my sum! Can't wait to go back!
People thought this was:
- Useful (20)
- Funny (24)
- Cool (20)
2 Previous Reviews: Show all »
9/2/2008
Tottie the Hottie. She is such a delight. I'd like to roll her up in one of those lettuce leaves,… Read more »
18. Two Hippies Beach House Outrageous Tacos and Burritos
501 E Camelback Rd
Phoenix, AZ 85012
(602) 277-0399
8/20/2009 ROTD 6/15/2010
Ok. So I've never actually been to Two Hippies BHOTAB...but I'm going to review it anyway. JUST KIDDING! I've had take out but someone else has always picked it up for me. You know. I have people for that. First off I must say for bong sake you have the longest restaurant name evah! Secondly I must say your pork tacos really hit the spot. Granted one side of the tortilla becomes a bit slimy by the time it reaches me (from my people) and the foil is unwrapped (again, my people) and I finally plunge that delicious hippie taco into my boca. The pork is moist (ewww, i don't usually say moist...OMG...I said it twice) and a little crunchy in parts. Perfection. Seasoned with love. Like a good hippie. A few beans, cabbage, cheese and tomatoes thrown in and I'm happier than a hippie at a Patchouli sale. Or happier than a hippie in a muraled van selling incense and bongs on Venice Beach. Or happier than....oh...you get the idea. All this love for under $2 a taco. Now I know why you are Outgrageous! I may tye dye a t shirt, get out the Nag Champa and pop in Dazed and Confused. Now. Damnit. Where is that bag of Doritos?
People thought this was:
- Useful (27)
- Funny (33)
- Cool (26)
1326 E Thistle Landing Dr
Phoenix, AZ 85048
(480) 460-2566
1/13/2010 ROTD 1/22/2011 First to Review
Let's just say these people are sharp. I mean they really know how to cut to the chase and get the job done. I'll even take a stab at it and say they are the best in Phoenix.
Serrated. Pairing. Steak. Filet. You name the knife, Pro Edge will sharpen and shine it for you.
But don't. Really. Don't. Don't do your Anthony Perkins impersonation for them. Apparently they've seen it before. Thousands of times.
Well. So, I've heard.
People thought this was:
- Useful (30)
- Funny (29)
- Cool (29)
