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Review votes:
1028 Useful, 729 Funny, and 947 Cool
Garden Grove, CA
Yelping SinceNovember 2006
Find Me Inhibernation
My Blog Or Website Current Crushloves my nerdy glasses
Chula Vista, CA 91910
(619) 691-8848
Tacos El Gordo
Category: Mexican
Neighborhood: Chula Vista
While deciding on a venue for girls' night out, I suggested the Melting Pot because a) I've never been to Melting Pot and b) I've never had fondue. Fueled by a few rounds of vodka drinks, my girls and I popped my Melting Pot cherry in grand fashion.
Here's what we had:
- Fiesta Fondue: cheese fondue w/ salsa and bits of jalapeno. It's a fancier version of nachos and oh so good. We dumped the whole side of jalapenos in it, but it wasn't Asian-spicy.
- The French Quarter: shrimp, chicken, beef, and sausage w/ "cajun spices." I was saving room for dessert so I didn't really eat any of this. My friend really enjoyed it though.
- Pure Dark Chocolate Fondue: the MVP of the night. Because our bellies were full, the three of us split a small fondue. Combined with the plate of fruit, mini-cheesecake, pound cake bites, and marshmellows, this was more than enough. You can see the damage here: http://www.yelp.com/bi...
Our server was awesome! I'm blanking on her name (stupid vodka!) but I know she mentioned she was half Filipino. Anyway she rocked. I read some of the other reviews beforehand, and I expected it to be uber-expensive. Actually the damage wasn't too bad, and we left feeling full and satisfied.
Food was awesome, and the company was even better. I noticed the website said they have a location coming soon to Torrance. I can't wait to take the boyfriend.
Los Angeles, CA 90046
(323) 936-3696
Enzo's Pizzeria
Category: Italian
Neighborhoods: West Hollywood, Mid-City West
We see the line at Pink's and think, "Maybe it's not too bad." We get to the end of the line, and it's bad. Really bad. We don't even pause. We just keep walking down Melrose. We're getting hangry, and we don't have a Plan B. When it comes to food outings, always have a back-up plan!
We walk down Melrose and pass by a small pizza joint. We note that it smells great, and that will be our Plan B. We keep walking for another few blocks, and then we walk back. I'm too hangry and can't continue any further.
Enzo's is a casual place where you order at the counter and they bring out your food. We order two slices of pepperoni, garlic-cheese bread, 12 wings, and a side of sausage. Everything was simple but good. The garlic-cheese bread was covered with chopped garlic and lots of cheese. The pizza was greasy-goodness, and the sausage was tender. The boyfriend is not a fan of fried wings, but we both enjoyed their wings.
We both enjoyed our meal at Enzo's. It's not fancy-pants Italian food; it's just good food. I would go back the next time we're in Melrose.
During their grand opening phase, I expected more sale prices. A few items were cheaper than other places, but I can still get better deals at any of the other Korean markets. I was really annoyed when I saw the price of Shirakiku rice: $19.99 for 20 lbs. We all know there is a rice shortage, and all of the rice companies have raised prices. However, I know I can get the same brand at another Garden Grove market for $14.99.
I think the big appeal will be their food court. Kyochon Chicken is open, and you can choose from Japanese, Korean/Chinese, katsu, and soon tofu. The Korean/Chinese place wasn't very good. I didn't expect too much from a food court, but their jjia jiang myun was inedible and lukewarm. I really don't see a reason to come back here. Just because it's new, it doesn't mean it's better.
Since then, I've tried a variety of their products, and overall I've been happy with everything. I was stoked when I found whole wheat roti bread nex to the selection of naan. It is more flavorful than pita bread and goes great with the F & E hummus. It's not the best hummus I've ever had, but it's pretty good. I was also happy with their deli products like sliced cheese and salami.
Their produce is a bit iffy. I bought 4 apples in a pre-packaged bundle. They tasted good, but they were all bruised on the bottom. Of course you can't see the bruises because of the packaging. I'm not saying that nice-looking fruit tastes better, but sometimes they do. Their spring salad mixes are decent and serve the purpose.
The self-service check out is usually a piece of cake, and there is someone hovering around the area in case you make a mistake. I heard that if you spend more than $20, they automatically give you a $5 coupon. I'm not sure if that's true because I already have a coupon when I visit. No, it's not lame or fuddy duddy to use coupons.
Garden Grove, CA 92844
(714) 539-2702
Arirang Supermarket
Categories: Grocery, Fruits & Veggies, Ethnic Food, Meat Shops, Seafood Markets
Now that Freshia Market is open in Garden Grove, that means one thing - sale prices at Arirang. Take advantage of the supermarket competition while you still can.
1 Previous Review: Hide »
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11/27/2006
There are 3 Korean markets along Garden Grove Blvd. Arirang is newer and cleaner than the others. I've heard that their marinated kalbi is excellent. I haven't tried it yet, because there's usually a long line near the meat department. It gets really crazy around holidays and on weekends.
Regarding quality and prices, Arirang is similar to the other two markets. I like their food court for a cheap, quick meal. The Japanese food place is so-so, but the boonshik (Korean casual) place offers decent food. Try the "whang mandoo" (big meat dumplings).
At the end of the food court, there is a Korean bakery with yummy treats. I like their cakes better than the ones at Manmi Bakery. If you need a cake for a special occasion, get the one with fruit on top.
Right now they're doing construction next to the market, so parking can be a pain on the weekends. Go on Sunday mornings. Since a lot of people go to church, the korean part of GG is usually quiet.
Gardena, CA 90247
(310) 329-1335
Hakata Ramen Shinsengumi
Category: Japanese
The last few times here have been hit-or-miss. I miss the slightly older chef that they used to have. The new guy is good but sometimes he's inconsistent.
The very last time we were here, something awful happened. The rice in the spam musubi was undercooked. Really undercooked. It's not the first that's happened. What's going on, Hakata Ramen? Why can't things be like the way it used to be? Let's get that old magic back, ok?
1 Previous Review: Hide »
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10/22/2007
Say it with me: D-Set! D-Set!
Hakata's D-set is the only reason I'd wake up before noon on the weekend. It's the perfect food marriage: Hakata ramen and spam musubi. Unfortunately, they only serve it during lunch hours. If you arrive later than 1:30 on a Saturday or Sunday, they might be out of it. Yes, that's happened to me before. If you want D-set on the weekends, get there early, preferably when they open.
Hakata Ramen is the best ramen ever. I come here so often that I just say Hard - Light - Light with a side of spicy miso when I order my ramen. It never changes. It's so good that I don't mind the wait. On busy nights, you will have to wait. If there's a crowd of people outside, head straight to the clipboard and write your name down. Once in a while I'll see someone walk right by the crowd and head straight inside. Hello...you think we're all standing out here for no reason? Don't be that idiot.
The best thing about this location - the servers. They're all extremely friendly, and they range from super-cute to smokin'-hot. So I get the best ramen ever with a side of eye candy. You can't go wrong with that. When you order Orion, they pour it for you with the perfect amount of head. It's scientific, son. Oh, and I love that they play everything from Japanese hip hop to Japanese dancehall.
I can't say enough about my love for Hakata ramen. I've decided that if you don't love Hakata ramen, we can't be friends. Well, I guess we can be friends, but we can't be foodie friends. Because there will always be a small part of me that thinks you're crazy. And I don't mess with crazy people.
Huntington Beach, CA…
(714) 895-3548
Dj Culture
Category: Musical Instruments & Teachers
I like this place because it's one-stop shopping for:
1. vinyl junkies - mostly house, techno/trance, breaks, drum n' bass, some hip hop
2. designer toy enthusiasts - their current selection includes Fatcaps, Ningyo Goshos, Dunnys, and more
3. "ravers" - they sell Insomniac Event tickets (EDC, Nocturnal, Monster Massive, etc) and only add a $2 fee
4. dj's/aspiring dj's - they sell dj equipment and the staff mixes great music
Until today, I would have given them 4 stars. Most of their staff are very cool and friendly. They have one huge blemish who works there. You'll know him when you see him. He has an attitude problem that you can spot from a mile away. I don't know if he's related to the owner or not, but I don't know why they keep someone who is SO PISSED OFF all the time.
With the exception of that guy, DJ Culture is a solid 4 stars. After today's visit, I have to reconsider. I don't even want to bring my friends here just in case Mr. Crankypants is there. I understand that everyone has an off day, but geez...what's so awful that you're cussing under your breath and slamming doors. Really, buddy, go smoke out, get laid, or something.
Los Angeles, CA 90027
(323) 665-5857
Greek Theatre
Categories: Performing Arts, Venues & Event Spaces, Music Venues
Neighborhood: Griffith Park/Los Feliz
The Greek is one of my favorite concert venues ever. I popped my Beastie Boys cherry here, and I watched the electronica band Air on a rainy night. A review for a concert venue really depends on your experience. I had magical nights at the Greek so I love this place.
Stacked parking is for the birds. Wear comfortable shoes and park on Los Feliz or Vermont. The walk uphill isn't too difficult, and the walk downhill is a breeze. A little exercise never hurt anybody. Ladies - leave your heels at home. You're going to a concert; you don't need those fancy shoes anyway.
What everyone says is true. There isn't a bad seat in the house. I love their sound, and I hear *angel choir* when I walk into the ladies' restroom. Sure, drinks are expensive, but who cares? If you want to get smashed, go to bar. If you want to experience a night of music under the stars (they're there...you just can't see them), then visit the Greek. You have to come here at least once.
Mike the owner is really cool, and he knows his stuff. If you're overwhelmed, ask him for recommendations. Otherwise you can't go wrong with a title from Vertigo.
Edit: I know this review isn't funny, but you should give me some Funny votes anyway. My U/f/C seems so un-balanced. Just sayin'











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That's really all you need to order. You can also get an adobada tostada which is everything I described between two crispy taco shells. Throw the top shell away because you don't really need it. The carne asada is good, but it's not "oh my god" good. Just this weekend, I ate a tostada, a quesadilla, and about 10-12 tacos. I lost track at some point.
One of the other reviews said something about authenticity? Please. I've been to Tacos El Gordo in Tijuana as well as the taco stands right by the TJ border entrance. These tacos are just as good. I won't say they're better because you can't get that Mexican Coke. However, these are a religious experience.
A taco doesn't have to be made on a taco truck to be authentic. Authenticity is overrated anyway. Just tell me if it's mediocre, good, or fucking awesome. These tacos are fucking awesome. Chula Vista is just a short drive from San Diego. If you're anywhere near this area, go get some tacos.