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Alameda - My Town
Places I go and things to do while I am in this tiny, but lively, community.
225 Places
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Carol’s 4-star review: Today is Mexican Independence Day. Before heading to Crown Bay Nursing and Rehab Center, I decided to stop in at Calafia. The sandwich board's special (right outside the entrance) listed 3 tamales for $9.95. Okay, I can go for that deal. It has been many years since I had their pork tamales. It used to cost 3 for $6.00. That was when they first opened about 20 years ago. I always enjoy their fish tacos, but at $5.25 each, I decided to forgo the fish tacos at this time. I do miss the barrels of the agua frescas. Yet they still have the Jamaica and horchata in the refrigerator. The salsa bar is still there, which is a good thing. My husband always order the carne asada super burrito, which is enough to feed the both of us. Most of the time we order the food to go since we don't live too far from Calafia. Today they were busy taking care of customers who arrived before I did. The wait wasn't that long. I got my order about a minute before the #20 AC bus arrived. Perfect timing. Calafia is one of the Mexican restaurants I patronize in town. -
Carol’s 5-star review: Never thought I would make it to the 50th review on yelp, yet here it is and this is a special shout out to Doggy-Style Hot Dogs...hey, hey!!! Ahhh, it's more like..."why must I be like that", why I ain't chasin' the cat, cuz this is the place to be and i'm doin' some dog catchin...pant, pant, pant...for that dirty south (chili, cheese and onion)...a downright "nasty dog" in a good way...definitely the bomb and quite delish. Hubby is with me and I am thinking he is gonna get the Chicago (since he's from the funky, windy southside of Chi-town)...nope he went for the dirty south, too, he "woofed" it down and said "yum". But me, I am a slow eater as I like to savor the flavor of a great tasting hot dog...ain't no shame to my game to sit outside of the place and lick the sauce of the chili off my "paws" and think to myself...mmm...finger lickin' good. Doggy-style Hot Dogs (unique in its own way) has not only the classics but also a variety for the adventuresome who are bold and daring to sample the different styles of how hot dog is served...from Asian (dogzilla, banh mi, kimchi) to Latin (fiesta) to the All American (coleslaw, bbq sauce and bacon). I did offer an opinion to the owners who were very nice and accommodating that I wouldn't mind if they combined some of the ingredients of the Chicago and Dirty South...call it "The Works", (a hot dog in a warm toasted bun, light on the mustard, sliced tomatoes, chopped onion, pickle relish...topped with chili and cheese and pepperoncini is optional - a "throwdown" of a hot dog...lol.) The classics are $4; and the "fancy gourmet deluxe" are $5.95. (Yeah, my imagination is that all them "dogs" on that illustrated menu are saying "woo, woo...pick me, pick me...ya gonna love me...lol.) Next up on the sampling of their hot dogs is gonna be tough...dogzilla looks hella good (wasabi mayo, teriyaki sauce and seaweed) and it's probably gonna make me howl or better yet yelp "bow wow wow, yippy yo, yippy yay"...more panting...or hmmm, do I go with the banh mi...or even the fiesta. There are so many choices and that's what I love...as some would say, "variety is a spice of life". I can hardly wait for the next go round. Finally, all them other hot dog places around ain't got nothin' on Doggy-Style Hot Dogs...check it out...show yo face in the place...hey, hey, don't be shy...stop on by. Now that's what I'm talkin' about...sho nuf right. -
Carol’s 5-star review: I am not a native Alamedan. Instead I am a native Oaklander who with hubby and daughter moved here in September 1988. About three months ago I had a yelper from San Francisco who said, "Alameda is a snooze fest; end of story". I wasn't going to stoop to his level of mentality, feed into his statement and get into a "pissing" contest with him. Instead I took the higher road and thanked him for his nice compliment. There is a saying, "kindness kills". There's also "to each, his/her own". Alameda is an island surrounded by water and in close proximity to Oakland and San Francisco. I have family in Oakland and I work in San Francisco; thus, what little wealth I have is spreaded throughout these three cities. I believe what I have on hand is the best of all three cities - urban mixed with a little suburban. Can't get any better than that, can it. On occasion, my money is spent in Emeryville (Bay Street Shopping, Target) and San Leandro (Target). Hint, hint - I would like to see a Target here in Alameda on my end of town - the west end. Even though Alameda is not as "dynamic" as Oakland (another yelper's opinion), I like the quietness, the quaintness and the small town feel of this community. Yes, it is a bedtime community - so it seems as people are in bed by 9:00 PM. and there is not much going on in the later evening. The schools are dynamic and it's a great place to raise a family. Picnic in the summer? Check out Littlejohn Park and Washington Park. Don't want to shop in a huge shopping mall? Come on down to Southshore Shopping Center - there's Safeway, Trader Joe's, Kohl's, Old Navy, Ross, Walgreen's, Office Max, Beverly's, Post Office, several banks, eateries (Pearl's Burger, Panera Bread, Chipotle, Loard's, Starbuck's, See's Candies, etc.). Ooh, almost forgot...Beverly's, Bed, Bath & Beyond and Sushi House. Other places to shop and dine at - Marina Village, Webster Street, Park Street, Nob Hill Foods with all other businesses by the Fruitvale Bridge, even Bay Farm Island. For those of you who are unaware, last Saturday evening there was a representative from Washington, DC, who appeared at the City of Alameda Christmas tree lighting ceremony, proclaiming this city for the second year in a row was selected as a community for young people to grow up in - what an honor. I was glad that I was there for the first time being at the Christmas lighting ceremony. I enjoyed myself and nobody stopped the group of carolers singing "We wish you a Merry Christmas" among other Christmas songs. There was a band (Mistletones) who performed on the stage and of course, who could forget the Christmas tree dancers and the children having fun, waiting for Santa Claus. Also, a group of people was selling refreshments (hot cocoa, hot apple cider, popcorn, etc.) for a fundraiser and I finally got a bag of Peter's Kettle Corn, which I read on this website, had raved reviews from many yelpers. They were not lying. They were definitely the best kettle corn I have ever had - way better than the ones being sold at the farmer's markets. Aahhh, childhood memories - so sweet and so charming. Charming enough to knock some socks off..LOL. For all the "spunk" this community has, I am staying - this is my home and I am very comfortable here. Alameda - dynamic and unique in its own way - love it. -
Carol’s 4-star review: Cafe Jolie has 1/2 off on their day old danish pastries in a basket on the front counter close to the cash register. I bought ten of them last week for consumption in a different form. One might ask who would even want some hard and dry leftover pastries. Don't knock it when it is baked as a bread pudding. I was fortunate enough to get a recipe for bread pudding and vanilla sauce from Chef Truong at another business, Terrace Cafe at the old State Compensation Insurance Fund building in SF, which has been closed since 9-23-2011. All I can say is Cafe Jolie, thank you very much (merci beaucoup) for selling me them day old danish pastries. The bread pudding and vanilla sauce came out perfect. There is a saying..."want not, waste not". -
Carol’s 4-star review: For Mother's Day, my daughter and husband brought me here for lunch - mmm, it's Italiano and what a treat on this special day. Reservations at 12:45 pm - check. Seated immediately - check. Bread basket filled with bread and croissant served without the long wait - check. Fresh little mound of mozzarella, basil and cherry tomato with light virgin olive oil and balsamic vinegar whetted the appetite - delizioso. Husband also ordered a bottle of Prosecco for the occasion and it was my first time having an Italian sparkling wine - dry, but went well with the filet of salmon, pasta and vegetable medley. The salmon was absolutely perfect - fresh, moist and with the squeeze of lemon, it's buon appetito all the way around. The fresh vegetable medley of green beans, baby carrots and brussel sprouts were great (not overcooked and had its crunchiness). I finished my veggies like a good little girl, so I could have dessert. However, the pasta was a tad too spicy (the pepperoncinos) for me, my mouth was slightly on fire and I knew the result would be "heartburn city". I had to pass on the spicy pasta. Maybe I should have asked for the pasta with the mushroom sauce. Daughter and husband suggested drinking the sparkling wine or water to cool me off. Finally, to conclude my meal and customarily in an Italian restaurant, I have to indulge in a piece of my favorite dessert, tiramisu. Cera Una Volta certainly holds it own with this dessert in presentation and taste - 5 stars!!! Because it is such a sinfully rich dessert, I shared it with my daughter and I know one thing - I don't want to hear her tell me..."awww, you holdin' out on me. Now why you wanna be like that...naw, naw, naw that ain't even right to be holdin' out...LOL. Besides sharing is caring. The waitstaff was very attentive...filling our water glasses and asking if the food was fine. The ambience was nice, and hearing Santa Lucia being sung brought to my mind the three tenors...Spaniards Placido Domingo and Jose Carreras, and Italian (the late) Luciano Pavarotti. Next I heard La Donna e Mobile and O Sole Mio playing in the background (not loud), but so serene and subtle - lending to a perfect Mother's Day lunch and an enjoyable afternoon. Second day at the Park Street Spring Festival...here I come to walk off the food. Next stop will be the Motown Revue at the Alameda Elks Lodge - 5:00 PM. -
Carol’s 5-star review: The Alameda Fourth of July Parade started in 1976. I did not live in this town yet, but I read about it in the Alameda Journal at least two decades ago. Back then it was called the Alameda Mayor's Fourth of July Parade and Chuck Corica was the mayor who started this "whole ball of whack". Chuck is no longer with us Alamedans (myself, a former Oaklander), but I am quite sure each year the city and the community do him proud by continuing this fine tradition. Some of the memorable moments from a blast in the past were meeting and shaking hands with the late Bob McKenzie of Channel 2 News, seeing several female impersonators in the parade (not everyone was pleased with that because they won the Mayor's trophy that year - hey, it's diversity), the equestrian groups and all our military forces, the pep squads and jazz bands of Alameda Hornets and my beloved Encinal Jets, and of course, the Encinal's ROTC drill team and squad without arms. As usual the politicians and dignitaries make their appearances, too. I have shaken the hands of Barbara Lee, Audie Bock, Wilma Chan, Sandre Swanson (all my representatives of the Assembly District 16 - which is now the 18th Assembly District), Carol Ward Allen and Alice Lai-Bitker. This is also the day that I somewhat get to "hobnob" with the movers and shakers. Although I don't always attend the parade and I have missed several in the past, this year I decided to take a walk from home and stand there on Webster & Taylor across from Santos Liquors to watch the parade. I have already missed about 1/4 of the parade participants and all those classic vehicles rolling along. However, at the spot where I was standing, Nestle Quik's representatives were handing out little bottles of chocolate milk. They were very popular with the younger generation of teens and children. There was also plenty of ice cream vendors. One can hear the clinging of the bells on their carts, as they were peddling their wares (assorted frozen treats on a stick). One of the vendors had a cart filled with potato chips in plastic bags and snacks that are found in a Mexican store. I am not sure what the bottled red sauce was that the vendor's son was squeezing on the chips. I can only guess it must have been some sort of hot sauce (possibly muy caliente?). Fresh corn on the cob was also sold by the vendor. They sure looked yummy and tasty. There were so many different groups from various cultural and ethnic backgrounds participating in the parade. Even OFD (Oakland Fire Dept) was representing here in Alameda and the Alameda County NRA (National Rifle Association) drove on by without too much fanfare. Darn when I snapped a picture of an oinker (a black hog) who was in the parade on a leash, I got his back side. He didn't "squeal" with delight and definitely he was the cutest animal out there on the parade route; well, besides the horses and the dogs. Finally, today was definitely a good day - weather wise - and it "did not rain on my parade"...hurray and whoop, whoop. -
Carol’s 4-star review: No longer call Alameda Towne Centre, I am so glad the name of this shopping mall reverted back to its original name, Southshore Shopping Center. I love my Safeway, Trader Joe's, Beverly's, Bed Bath & Beyond, See's Candies, Jamba Juice, etc. How I wish they would put a Barnes & Noble where Borders used to be. Waldenbooks used to be here in this mall, but that was back in the days. Enough with the shops and businesses of this mall, I am writing this review to express what sheer enjoyment that my husband and I had in the courtyard with John Lee Hooker, Jr., appearing in a free concert from 5 PM to 7:15 PM. Talking about the blues being played, there was the down home blues, the handclappin' and tappin' yo feet blues, the get up and get down blues...as in "shake yo money maker"...and it was no wonder I did not hear "why ya wanna sing the blues", but hey, hey it is what it is and it kinda made me thought about the movie, The Blues Brothers...yeah, going "back to sweet home Chicago". I'm not from Chi-town, but my husband is...southside. One of the highlights of the free concert was this nice little old lady in red (almost 80 years old) - a sistah at that, comin' from way back of the courtyard to the front. She got called out by John Jr to come on up and show us what she got. Hey, sistah was just movin' and groovin' to the blues, gettin' on down, bustin' a move. I have to say she sho' enough put a whole lotta of young folks like me to shame. Anyone can guess what the last song was - none other than his dad's "Boom, boom, boom, boom". It was definitely a nice ending to the concert. Because this is a concert series on some of the Saturdays, I have my calendar marked for September 1, when Pure Ecstasy will be performing the Motown classics. -
Carol’s 5-star review: Updated review. I did not know Dandelion had moved from Park Street to this location on Webster Street, which is closer to my home. This business is still wonderful with the flowers, plants, bath and beauty products. What I have mentioned in the previous review still stands. Having a florist shop on the west end is a nice addition to this community. There will be returned visits. -
Carol’s 4-star review: I found a book that belonged to the Mastick Senior Center on the AC #20 last Saturday, heading from Alameda to Oakland. I returned the book this past Wednesday and the lady at the reception desk right away asked if I were over 50 years of age. (Yes, I am...and I will be 61 in November; husband turned 66 in June.) The lady handed me two forms to fill out (for husband and me) to become members. Thereafter, she gave me the newsletter, information sheet of all their daily activities and classes that they offer - so many fun activities to keep one's mind sharp. She also mentioned that they accept donations (books, gently used clothes, etc.) for the thrift shop. Proceeds from what is sold in the thrift shop support the center and its activities. This is indeed good timing for me to join up as I will be leaning toward retirement next year (end of Sept. 2013) after 40 years of civil service in state government. Perhaps I can become a little more domesticated, learning how to knit and sew; brush up on my French, learn Italian and/or Spanish; watch movies Thursdays afternoon (1 PM); go on some of their excursions; learn how to play mah jong; volunteer at their Thrift Shop; and who knows - a few trips to the Oakland A's game. They even have a class in writing. I love to write, and there is always a need for improvement in my writing skills. Just because my husband and I are senior citizens, the fun does not stop and life is not that boring after all. -
Carol’s 4-star review: Just out of curiosity of "surfing" on yelp, I came across Alameda Webster Street Pharmacy. I am somewhat surprised that yelp.com has not stated that this pharmacy is closed. It has been closed for more than a year. There is even a filtered review dated on or about 9/22/2011 indicating so. I remember at least 10 years ago going in there to get a remedy or some form of OTC medication for the loss of my voice. I was upset with myself and crying because I could not talk. Ed Clark, the owner, was very helpful, calmed me down and recommended fisherman's cough drops (them suckers were terrible tasting and they were the nastiest cough drops I have ever had) and Cepacol (liquid). After taking the Cepacol, I was slowly/gradually regaining my voice and I started sounding like Kermit the Frog when talking. Since I finally met Mr. Clark at the time, I told him in an inaudible voice of all the experiences I had when his customers were calling my home to find out if their prescriptions were ready and could they come by to pick them up. Most of the callers were elderly women and I was not upset with them because my landline number was almost similar to his pharmacy. I treated all of the women callers with the same amount of respect that I have for my mom - an elderly woman, too. Mr. Clark retired from his business quite some time ago and the last I heard he went to work at the Safeway pharmacy at Southshore Center. I don't know if he is still employed there. There's another business (Red Wagon Collectibles) occupying the space that once was Alameda Webster Street Pharmacy. Before that, it was an empty space used a few years back (2009) as a Democratic Party Campaign office when Jerry Brown was running for governor. Yep, I was "occupying" a chair and doing some phone banking for the "Guv"...LOL. Hey, Yelp, send the "yelp police" to check it out and mark this business as closed...heh, heh, heh. -
Carol’s 4-star review: Books, Inc., is an indy bookstore with pretty cool employees and I stopped in about 2:45 pm to purchase the book, "One Last Strike" by Tony LaRussa. I thought the book signing would be held at 7:00 PM, but I'm glad I did not have to wait long. His scheduled appearance was changed earlier in the afternoon to 3:00 PM...much, much better - a 15 minutes wait. The line was slightly long, and that is to be expected. All of us who stood in line were patiently waiting; nobody went totally ballistic and there was no drama. I used to get a newsletter of their upcoming events. I will have to do better and visit the bookstore more often, along with the other small businesses on Park Street. -
Carol’s 4-star review: A high school classmate of mine picked out this restaurant for dinner after meeting at another location (aka Lum's place) for a get together/reunion. I was hoping to see somebody there to say hello and give him a hug. However, unfortunately he left before I arrived at 6:40 PM. I guess it will be another day and time for the hello and conversation vis-a-vis. It has been too many years since my family has eaten at East Ocean, and I have forgotten how delicious their food was. About 20 of us gathered there for dinner. Thanks to Mr. Yee, that he did most of the talking and ordered the wor choy menu ($268x2) for our group. He specifically asked that no MSG was to be added and cut back on the salt. The restaurant staff was very accommodating with our request. We started with the cold appetizer plate to whet our appetites, followed by a piping hot delicious soup (no MSG). The vanilla honey walnut prawns had just the right amount of sweetness and I had about three pieces of prawn. The steamed fish was de-boned before being served...excellent. Longevity noodles were served, too...always good to have this item for dinner and share the many wonderful memories of yesteryears, growing up in Oakland Chinatown and attending the same high school - Oakland Tech and/or Oakland High. We concluded our meal with the red bean soup (dessert), which was okay. I'm not a big fan of that type of dessert, but overall the dining experience was great and I will be back to try their dim sum later. (Some of my fellow yelpers have raved about the dim sum. Okay, it has been bookmarked.) -
Carol’s 4-star review: It has been a little over a year since I have been to OTG: Alameda at South Shore Center. I usually get my OTG fix in San Francisco at Civic Center on some of the Fridays in the afternoon. Since I am on vacay/staycay and my husband has never been to any OTG (regardless the venues), he wanted to see what all the rave was about...these various gourmet food trucks and their food offerings. I already knew what I wanted the moment I saw the Chairman truck - two steamed tofu buns with the garlic mayo and baby bok choy...yum. The choices were: Fins on the Hoof Curry Up Now Mayo&Mustard Hapa SF Pacific Puffs (dessert) An the Go Shrimp Shack Koja(?) It took my husband a little while to decide what he wanted to try first. We walked around twice and had to do a process of elimination number. Okay, for him, it was Fins on the Hoof - crispy chicken wings and a bottle of Perrier. Cupkates Truck wasn't here today, but I will catch them the next time...I miss my tiramisu cupcakes. -
Carol’s 4-star review: Nob Hill has offered Something Extra membership for (I believe) about a year or so. They signed me up immediately so I can enjoy the benefits. For most of the purchases I have made (excluding alcohol beverages and other items), I earn 1 point for each dollar spent and there are SE Extra Points on some of their advertised items, ranging from 10 to 30 points. A few days ago I received by mail a voucher for $11.00 along with 9 coupons for various items. The $11.00 voucher was used to purchase a pack of ribeye steak, priced at $19.31 and final cost was $8.31. Four of the nine coupons were used and I ended up saving a total of almost $17.00 on my groceries...woo hoo. I have just started drinking Crystal Geyser lemon-flavored sparkling mineral water and Nob Hill is about the only supermarket in town that sells it (1.25 liter) at $1.39 a bottle. Occasionally, they will have a special on this item - 10 bottles for $10.00. Nob Hill also has their $5.00 specials on Mondays (similar to another supermarket which has its $5.00 specials on Fridays). -
Carol’s 4-star review: It has been over a year, almost two years, since I dined at Otaez. One of my classmates wanted to try the food here. Okay, it's close to my home and here's another chance to see if there is any improvement in the quality of the food. The hostess gave us the okay to sit anywhere. Since there weren't too many people in the front, and we wanted to sit closer to the back of the restaurant, that was not possible. There was a party with a group of about 15 people. So, back to the front of the restaurant we went. No sooner had we sat down, we received instant service, which is a good thing. Jose was our waiter and I knew exactly what flavor agua fresca I wanted - the strawberry mango combo - 4.5 stars. We didn't wait too long for our drinks and food. It was very noticeable that there was improvement in customer service. Not only was Jose very attentive but also his co-workers. They were friendly and made sure we were satisfied with the food and service. I ordered one of their combo meals (#2) - taco dorado, tamale and enchilada with refried beans and rice. I opted for the soup instead of the salad. It was vegetable soup with cabbage and slice zucchini...very flavorful and I added a small portion of my chicken tamale, some tortilla chips and voila...I almost had pozole...yummy. The portions were generous and the price very reasonable - $9.50. I couldn't finish what I had, but as leftover it was very tasty...the seasonings settled in and I enjoyed it even that much better. Yes, significant improvement has been made and I will definitely return to Otaez again. Total for my early dinner with tax and tip: $15 (Much better than the total at Los Moles in Emeryville - $35) -
Carol’s 4-star review: I had a $25 Panera gift card sitting in one of my compartments of my purse. My husband and I were hungry after our visit in Walnut Creek at the Pacific Plaza Building yesterday afternoon. This was a freebie lunch. We didn't do too bad...total price was 90 cents over the value of the gift card. Since I am a member of Panera Bread, I also was getting a free pastry for my birthday last month. I forgot to ask if they have a senior discount...my bad. Husband's lunch was a smokehouse turkey panini and low-fat strawberry fruit smoothie. My lunch was the rigatoni San Marzano, mushroom soup and tropical hibiscus iced tea. According to him, the smokehouse turkey panini was slightly better than okay and the strawberry fruit smoothie had a little zing from the ginseng. Rating: 3.5 stars. The rigatoni San Marzano is a new item on their menu. I enjoyed it, along with my mushroom soup. However, the hibiscus iced tea was a disappointment. It tasted artificial and bottom line - weak in hibiscus flavor, nothing like the Hibiscus breeze from Peet's, the Hibiscus Superflower Tea of The Republic of Tea (sold at World Market/Cost Plus) or Sugar Plum Spice Tea manufactured by Celestial Seasonings. Rating: 3.5 stars. I'm keeping the rating at 4 stars because it was a free lunch and I got a freebie M&M cookie. -
Carol’s 4-star review: Well, another year of the Park Street Art & Wine Faire and the weather was beautiful. I did not see any "idiots and pit bulls" this year, as mentioned by another yelper last year, whose one star reviews are so funny, that I have to laugh at each and every one of his less than 3 star reviews. I don't take them one star reviews seriously and I ain't about to one up his reviews...they're a joke!!! Nope, I ain't a hot Asian chick, but a "cool a** Asian sistah. To each his/her own. Ha, ha, ha...ooh, make that a bwa, ha, ha, ha. Hubby and I got on the Agnes & Charlie (AC) #20 bus to Southshore and then it was a walk up Park Street to the faire. Of course, there was more walking of several blocks from Park & Encinal to Park & Buena Vista. We decided not to buy any of the foods (corn dogs, Lockeford sausage sandwich, funnel cakes, tacos, tamales, fries, etc.) from the various vendors. Prices are a factor on these items. Instead I opted to get what I really like and supported a fundraiser from the Alameda Frisbee club. This was a group of young adults selling an assortment of homemade baked goods (cookies, cupcakes, carrot cake, brownies) - cookies for 50 cents each, carrot cake for 75 cents each and cupcakes for $1.00 each and of course a giant cookie (about 6 inches in diameter) for $3.00. Two cupcakes and a giant cookie, please and thank you. The chocolate cupcake was slightly dense, but I'll tell you what - it tasted better than the cupcakes from a business in City Center - and I won't mention the name of it. Carved Stone Signs - $40 for a niners and raiders signs. Hubby is SF 49ers fan; me, an Oakland Raiders fan. Toy Safari had two cute dogs (stuffed animals) in front, along with toys for the little ones to play with. Female vendor with some unique glasses - eyeball glasses, not hi-ball glasses...sorry no 7 Up and Scotch in these glasses...lol. Lady gave me two green glass eyeballs...must have known I'm an Oakland A's fan. The Killer Baking Company - $15 for 4 brownies. Yes, I sampled different ones...all excellent. Got butterscotch blondie, triple chocolate heaven, peanut butter chip and mint chip. Nope, I am not eating all these brownies, but I believe in sharing them with my co-workers. Living Ambiance, Creating Living Works of Art by Alycia Moy - beautifully custom made terrariums...soothing for any home decor. Character from Brave kept the children entertained. Even Captain America was there. Uncle Miles' Giant Bad Ass Sausage (mild or spicy) going for $7.00...pass up on that bad ass sausage. I did not take a Prilosec. Cheryl's Ice Cream - nostalgic set up...really a cute booth...taking me back to the 50's...my childhood. Democratic Party Table...saw a couple whom I have known and worked with on political campaigns for democratic candidates...$5 for 3 campaign buttons. Visit with the APD...picked up two of their ink pens...a freebie. I never have enough pens...always nice to have a few in my desk drawer and in my purse...lol. Stop by the SF Chronicle booth...picked up two pink buttons (guy jumping out of his chair)...critic of pink section of the Chron. Oliver's Almonds - $6.50 for the cinnamon roasted almonds (8 oz. bag)...great snack food, especially watching the A's or Giants on TV. Scottish Highlander - complimentary sports magazine - The Ultimate Sports Guide. I do not pass up on freebies. Hubby and I are sports fans. Picked up a flyer for the Park Street Restaurant Crawl - Saturday, August 4 at 1:00 PM. Possible restaurants to visit: Scobies & Looney's BBQ, Monkey King Pub & Grub, Bowsers Pizza, C'era Una Volta, Linguini's, Habanas Cuban Cuisine and Dragon Rouge. Half hour visit to each restaurant to sample appetizers and purchase drinks. Bring friends and make new ones. Cost is $30. Register online at www.AppeteasersUSA.com (search for event on 8/4). Another freebie - map of City of Alameda from Gallagher & Lindsey Realtors. Representatives from Shen Yun Performing Arts were there to inform people about the upcoming performances in San Jose and San Francisco. Complimentary Alameda Magazine (November 2011 issue) from Oakland/Alameda Magazine representative and three pieces of one of my fav candies - strawberry wrapped candy. Already a subscriber to the Oakland Magazine and it doesn't hurt to pay a visit to the representative. Alameda Chamber of Commerce - complimentary 2012-2013 Business Directory and Visitors' Guide and two Localize It! membership cards with information brochure of certain businesses offering discounts in Alameda - 20% discount from Red Onion Restaurant, 25% off second entree from Looney's BBQ (in Scobies), 10 to 50% off on selected items from Dan's Fresh Produce, etc. Habanas Cuban Cuisine - $10 gift certificate - must purchase $25 or more. Raiders Nation - football schedule and stickers. Fun while it lasted. Peace out. -
Carol’s 5-star review: October 12, 2013, 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM. What event was happening on Park Street? It was none other but the 20th Annual Park Street Classic Car Show. I even bought a souvenir pin to commemorate the event. This is a fun event for the family and the admission is free. I did not forget my cellphone. Old MacChong was at it again and took plenty of photos of the antiques, classics, hot rods, muscle cars and even an Oakland Raiders open-air truck...click, click here and click, click there. Yep, I took over 100 photos (they're all on my FB page) and I had my burger, fries and strawberry shake afterwards just to reminisce that long gone era when things were simpler. Just as what I described last year, the hoods were up and the tops down on them convertibles. Man, oh, man...the engines were happenin' all right and the interiors of some of the vehicles...so comfy and hella clean that I would have taken a nap in one of them after taking a stroll down Park Street. -
Carol’s 4-star review: After Books, Inc., it was a pit stop at Peet's before I start heading home. I am glad they still have the Hibiscus breeze, but the season is winding down on this flavorful beverage. I had $1.80 left on an old gift card and it was a good time to put it to use. One large Hibiscus breeze please and I would like to get this bag of pumpkin spice caramel, too. Total for both items: $7.70. Even though Starbucks is across the street from Peet's, I find the ambiance is much better and the employees friendlier in Peet's. The atmosphere is more mellow, inviting, relaxing and comfy to my being. It just doesn't seem as stuffy and/or smug like Starbucks. -
Carol’s 4-star review: When I am at the deli section of Safeway, I make sure I see all the customers who are standing there, waiting to be served by the employees before I order anything. Common courtesy is to allow other customers to be served without cutting in no matter how long the customers take to order something and/or sample their ware. Yesterday I wanted mac 'n cheese as a side dish for my dinner. There was only one employee behind the counter helping the customers; thus, he was not sure who was there first. He approached me, but I gestured that there were two other customers before me. He helped them first. The second customer and I wanted the same thing - mac 'n cheese. I got the last of it...yay!!! They have a great deli section, but one thing they don't serve here - fried gizzards! While he was helping the second customer, it gave me an opportunity to take a few photos of the items in the refrigerated display case (photos attached). If I had plenty of funds in my wallet, I would have bought all those items and had me a big Super Bowl party...lol...alas only in my dreams!
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Carol’s 1-star review: This liquor store is permanently closed. It has been vacant for several months. Good! I did not like the jerk who had the business. Besides he was cheap, as the beers in his refrigerator were not even cold. -
Carol’s 4-star review: SF Chronicle had an insert from See's Candies...$2.00 off coupon on a purchase of $20 or more, which expires on Easter Sunday. Time to take advantage and head down to See's. I did not get the scotchmallow candy, but I wanted to try a seasonal flavored lollypop...orange cream. Eight of them for $5.75. Of course, I had to get my favorite...a bag of 30 butterscotch lollypops for $16.75. I didn't get my free candy sample and that's okay. The ladies were pretty busy with other customers. -
Carol’s 4-star review: I came into this Supercuts over a year ago on a drop in appointment because the women employees in the hair salon next to Arco (Kenz) were too busy to wash, condition, cut and blowdry my hair. Neither were they friendly nor helpful, and it's sad because the owner is a relative of mine. They just kinda blew me off. I thanked them and walked up the street to this hair salon. I did not have to wait long and a young Asian woman escorted me to the back to get my hair washed and conditioned. I told her what I wanted done - how many inches of hair needed to be cut off and to do a two layer cut. It was a job well done. I was totally satisfied with not only the haircut, but also the customer service. About three months ago I went back in for my second haircut. Again, I had them to wash and condition my hair. Since my hair was thinning at the top and I had a "cowlick" on the back, I asked them to layer the top and fix the "cowlick". The stylist assured me that she could take care of my needs. She was efficient and quick (done in about 1/2 hour). She did a great job with my hair and again I was satisfied. In another 2-1/2 months, guess where I am going to get my haircut - Supercuts, of course. -
Carol’s 2-star review: The few times that I have been here the efficient service has diminished. There is one postal clerk serving the public and one functioning computer. The lines are longer, which means the wait is longer. Why? Thanks to the government bureaucracy that things are moving slow compared to over two years ago. I can't say which is worse - waiting in line at the DMV or at USPS. Here I am in line typing this review. I am not even at the window being served. That's all I have to say now. SMH!!! No bueno!!! -
Carol’s 3-star review: I'm lowering the rating to three stars. There have been several times in the past, and including this evening (March 1, 2022), that no shopping carts and baskets on wheels were available for my shopping needs. I asked an employee what happened to the carts and baskets; to which he replied there were none. What?!? Okay, I purchased what I needed, but the load was getting heavy in my hands. I told another employee I was putting the items in my tote bag and I don't want management of the store to think that I have come in to shoplift. That's not my style to do a five finger discount. My mama taught me better. When I got to the checkout stand, I had to pull everything out of the bag for scanning, only to place the items back in my bag after I have paid. Walgreen's needs to do better and have the carts and baskets available for us senior citizens to do our shopping. I thought I was going to get some vitamins. They have their vitamins locked in their cabinets. Nix it on those vitamins until another time. I am also noticing more items are under lock and key, air fresheners and Prilosec. I know why. This Walgreen's has been hit several times by shoplifters, targeting cosmetics and hair products. -
Carol’s 2-star review: Date: 5/10/2015 Time: 6:05 PM 62° Intermittent clouds Twenty-five years ago, Applebee's was a decent place to dine. Well, this place has gone downhill in quality and service. It's Mother's Day and my daughter wanted to take me out to dinner for the occasion. I chose Applebee's, taking into consideration her financial budget, and I did not want her to go beyond her means. The waitress was friendly, but somewhat unattentive. I can only speculate that she really did not want to be there. She brought us two glasses of water, but did not ask if we wanted any type of cocktail beverages. After a little while, I went ahead and ordered the salmon platter, which came with steamed red potatoes and sauteed spinach. The salmon was fresh and tasty, but not enough of a redeeming factor to keep my rating at three stars. The steamed red potatoes were just that...plain and lacked seasoning. I mean it had no butter, parsley or garlic. A wild rice pilaf would have been a better side accompaniment. We had bread plates, but no dinner rolls or warm sourdough bread. The chocolate mousse was overloaded with crumbled Oreo cookies. My daughter had a shrimp pasta dish with broccoli. She said her meal was also meh. Has Applebee's gotten so cheap that they are not replacing their place settings? The first knife that I used to cut the salmon had a broken wooden handle (see photo) and part of the blade was exposed...no bueno. One of the screws on the second knife was somewhat loose, and there was a small gap between the handle and blade. Again, no bueno. Suggestion: Applebee's needs to toss those broken knives out. I was at this Applebee's in July 2014. The food and service were okay back then. Unfortunately, Applebee's ain't what it used to be and they need a major overhaul. One final thought: At least I am not heaving and/or having Hershey squirts from what I have eaten. However, I will not return to Applebee's for another meal. -
Carol’s 3-star review: I don't buy much from Discount City, except for party supplies such as crepe streamers, gift bags, the cellophane goodie bags, wrapping paper, party themed paper plates and cups, and sheets of tissue paper (and I ain't talkin' about the ones you get in a roll). The prices are reasonable on these items. It's okay to browse around and look at what they have, but I just stop in for the convenience, as the place is close to my home. -
Carol’s 3-star review: Cute and nostalgic little old candy store with bins of assorted salt water taffies and one of my favorite childhood candy - Atkinson's peanut butter bar. Sodas were in glass bottles and on the sound system: The Tokens, The Lion Sleeps Tonight, then it was Why must I be a Teenager in Love? No prices are displayed in and/or near the bins. As a kid growing up, these candies were going about a penny each. Sodas were 10 cents a bottle. Those were the simpler times of the 50's and 60's. I bought about a dozen of salt water taffies and 1/2 dozen of the peanut butter bar. The price is by weight. Yep, I put that bag of candy on the scale and it was a "whopping" $2.80...okay, I'm cheap and I walked out of there muttering "gum gwai" under my breath. Price of candy: 2 stars Three stars only for the nostalgic set up, the jukebox music and friendly man with his kid helping out. -
Carol’s 4-star review: It has been over 10 years since I did a review of Lucky. Lately I have been shopping here more often than the past. Why? It's their deli section where they have the prepared sandwiches and salads in front of the deli department, and there is this one employee who is pleasant, funny and engaging in conversation. I even ordered items from the deli department for a meet 'n greet with my high school classmates last year. Everybody enjoyed the sandwiches, the fruit tray and the cookies. Lucky did not disappoint. Since the weather has been quite warm, it is a mad dash to get two Italian Classic Sandwiches and/or the tossed green salads (lettuce, grape tomatoes, diced ham and turkey, cheese, olives and artichoke hearts with balsamic salad dressing). Even the chicken salad on three mini croissants are delicious. If I have a taste for neckbones, they occasionally have them in the freezer compartment. That one employee who has me laughing is the black gentleman handling the duty of a cashier. I remember one incident when about five of us customers were at his checkout line. We all heard him say, "thank you for shopping at Safe..." Ooh, did he hear a mouthful from us. The comments were funny. "Ooh, I know you didn't...", "Oh, hell to the naw, naw, naw...", "What did you say...", "Ya getting clowned". Nobody was mad. We were all laughing. Thank goodness for his sense of humor. Besides, Lucky is not too far from my home. It is convenient. In this warm weather, too bad I can't stay in the air conditioned store, especially in the frozen ice cream aisle. LOL.
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Carol’s 3-star review: There's no such thing as 3-1/2 stars. 3 stars: for the hamburger...recommend grilled onion instead of raw. I wish they wouldn't overwhelm the bun with so much mayo. I don't need three slices of tomatoes...too much acidity...one slice is enough. I am picky and I prefer shredded romaine lettuce over big pieces of iceberg lettuce. Yep, I am picky, picky, picky and need to tell them to lighten up on the mayo and slices of tomato. 4 stars: for the shakes...they're thick and ice creamy good. 4 stars: for the pies...my favorites are the coconut and banana cream, and lemon meringue. Egg custard pie is pretty good. Too bad they don't have key lime pies for a sourpuss like me.
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