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Member Since: April 20, 2008Reviews
The Massage Therapy Boutique
I have been to many massage therapists over the years and Sally is by far the best. This tiny woman has the strength of a man twice her size, the energy of the Energizer bunny and the heart of an angel. I don't mean to sound corny but no joke - she... +
I have been to many massage therapists over the years and Sally is by far the best. This tiny woman has the strength of a man twice her size, the energy of the Energizer bunny and the heart of an angel. I don't mean to sound corny but no joke - she is the best. It is rare to encounter someone who genuinely loves doing what she's doing so much that it practically oozes from her aura. And you feel it the moment you walk in - the atmosphere at The Massage Therapy Boutique has Sally's personality written all over it.
I guess that is the product of being a self-employed practitioner/new owner...Sally is an inspiration because she embodies the gratitude that she obviously feels for her fulfilling her dreams and continues to work hard to maintain it.
Simply being around that kind of energy is uplifting in itself!
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The Witches' Table
I walked by this restaurant and was caught by the funky name and cool urban decor. I wasn't even sure what kind of food it was but I was compelled to check it out. When I discovered that it was Korean-Japanese, I was more than pleased (I love Asian... +
I walked by this restaurant and was caught by the funky name and cool urban decor. I wasn't even sure what kind of food it was but I was compelled to check it out. When I discovered that it was Korean-Japanese, I was more than pleased (I love Asian food).
Obviously a brand new restaurant, it wasn't too busy when I got in - but the atmosphere was inviting enough - comfortable, trendy yet accessible. I liked the way the Grand Opening bulletin suggested to bring your sister - very tongue in cheek - but my sister is currently out of town and I was hungry so I decided to dine alone. The waitresses were nice but obviously new - it was a bit awkward being seated at first but eventually I got settled and was attentively served by 3 different waitresses (not sure if this will be standard but oh well). The food was decent - standard Korean/Jap menu - although the tea was definitely fancier. The latter is not complimentary because it is more teahouse style - came with its own teapot/loose leaf variety on a candle-heater. I ordered the Honey Oolong (and asked for easy on the sweetness - just out of habit because tea houses tend to make anything sweet overly so) - it was very yummy!
For dinner I ordered the Jap Chae (Korean bean noodles) appetizer and the Mush Mush maki roll (3 different kinds of mushroom - white, shittake and enoki). The portions were fairly decent (esp the appetizer) and then they even gave me a couple of pan-fried gyozas on the house. I ended up having to pack half my Mush Mush maki home.
Overall, I just love the vibe at The Witches' Table. It made me think of what the cool urban bistros in New York or LA would be like (even tho I haven't been to either). There's just something really cool about the place. With all the businesses closing and drab looking areas on Yonge, this is definitely refreshing and a sign of hope that Toronto might retain some class yet. I'm definitely going to be back...and I'll probably bring my sister next time too! ^_^
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Evoke Hair Salon
I can't sleep. Every time I think of or notice my hair, I want to cry. I'm surprised at myself for how much I'm reacting to this - but I'm afraid that this is this worst haircut I've received in a long time. =( I have long since avoided cheaper... +
I can't sleep. Every time I think of or notice my hair, I want to cry. I'm surprised at myself for how much I'm reacting to this - but I'm afraid that this is this worst haircut I've received in a long time. =(
I have long since avoided cheaper salons (i.e. First Choice, under $20 deals). But I have been more satisfied at such salons because at least one can justify - you get what you pay for. My friend had recommended this particular stylist at Evoke because he's supposed to be more "senior". I should've double-checked his credentials because the cut I received was far from professional.
There is no question that the superficial services - friendliness of staff, atmosphere, etc - were all impressive. I was actually feeling pretty positive even after I left the salon, ignoring a small nagging feeling that something was not quite right about having a wash, cut and dry all within less than half an hour of wash, cut and dry despite the length of my hair (mid-back). I'm not one to argue with efficiency. But efficiency does not necessarily translate into effectiveness as I discovered when I got home: once my hair was completely dry, the layers were inconsolably choppy and unfinished. Nonetheless, I thought I'd give it a day. The real test of a good cut comes after you wash it yourself and let it dry naturally...
To be honest I was really hoping to be wrong (perhaps I was being over-sensitive). Unfortunately, when the final "shape" (or lack thereof) emerged, I was devastated - the cut is officially awful! Even one of my guy friends (who normally shaves his head) was able to comment that I could've had it cut by a student hairdresser.
So I called and left a message with the salon and am hoping to have it fixed...although now I'm scared because I don't even know how capable they are of doing so. I would be more tempted to get it fixed elsewhere had I not already spent $75 on this nightmare. I hope they will give me a refund.
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