curlysue10
Member Since: November 5, 2008Reviews
Dos Amigos Mexican Restaurant
Last Friday night my girlfriends and I went out for what was supposed to be a fun get together to celebrate the holidays. We LOVE Mexican food but one of our favourite Mexican bars recently closed down and we've had a hard time finding good... +
Last Friday night my girlfriends and I went out for what was supposed to be a fun get together to celebrate the holidays. We LOVE Mexican food but one of our favourite Mexican bars recently closed down and we've had a hard time finding good Mexican ever since. It is my opinion that there is a sad lack of good Mexican in Toronto (but that's another rant). You know how sometimes you have such a fantastic food/service experience somewhere that you just have to tell everyone you know to go there? But then there are those horrible times when the food, service and overall experience are so appallingly bad that you need to make sure no one you know goes there ... ever? Sadly Dos Amigos falls into the latter category.
WARNING: This will be a lengthy review. But I feel that I owe it to the people of Toronto to chronicle each and every one of Dos Amigos' faults in excruciating detail. I should preface this review by saying that I don't consider my standards to be TOO high, but for the amount of money and time spent at that restaurant I expect good food, service and an exceptional overall experience, none of which we received.
For those of you who don't want the nitty gritty details, here is a summary of our experience:
Likes:
-Fresh Guacamole
-Delicious (strong) drinks
-Clean restaurant and washrooms with charming decor throughout
Dislikes:
-SERVICE (servers were rude, did not go out of their way to accommodate our most basic requests; drinks -- both alcoholic and water -- were left empty and not refilled; there was a lot of time between each course of the meal as if the staff were trying to encourage us to leave and clear the table for the next party)
-Food (much of it was salty, some of it was good but almost nothing was better than mediocre)
-Food and drinks were both quite expensive considering we were all still hungry afterwards
-General awkward atmosphere (we felt like we were outsiders in a crowd of regulars who were inconveniencing the staff with our mere presence)
There were five of us going out for dinner and drinks. We work in the financial district so choosing a restaurant about 10 minutes walking distance from Christie station is a bit of a trek for us (one we would have been happy to make for great food a service mind you). Three of our friends got there early only to discover that the restaurant closes between lunch and dinner, so they had to wait outside until past 5 PM. This wouldn't have been so bad if it wasn't winter and there was something in the neighbourhood for them to occupy their time. Regardless, when they were let in they ordered drinks and guacamole. Although their drinks came in a timely manner the staff did not return to ask them for refills or more snacks while they waited, instead they acted annoyed that their other guests had not arrived yet and they could not clear the table. The staff stood and starred at them awkwardly despite the fact that the rest of the restaurant was empty at that time. They did all liked their drinks though and the guacamole tasted very fresh.
When we finally did arrive we ordered our drinks (a lime margarita for me which was strong but delicious -- probably the best thing I had that night, but expensive at 11 bucks a pop; and a pitcher of sangria for my friend, also delicious but expensive at 30 bucks a pitcher). Our waitress took our order with some hesitation over the fact that my friend asked for no mole on her enchilada (she later returned to tell us that the chef had refused to cater to that request and we were forced to have it with mole). Three of us ordered the Pollo Asado "A combination of grilled chicken breast, stuffed chicken mole enchilada and cheese quesadilla, served with black beans, rice and guacamole." The chicken was juicy and tender but not particularly flavourful and the other two dishes were mushy and mediocre. We got some of their homemade hot sauce which was good but tasted mostly like tomato and wasn't particularly spicy. I also got beef tacos to share with my friend; they were salty and did not have any toppings which we found disappointing. I was annoyed that nothing came with sour cream. When one of my friends asked for sour cream they gave her a TINY dish of it (it amounted to about a tablespoon, pitiful), and charged her for it! Lastly one of my friends got the Tostadas (her favourite) which are "A choice of chicken, beef, vegetable or pork stew on two crispy tortillas with a spread of black beans, lettuce, “pico de gallo”, sour cream and “queso fresco". She hated them. They looked amazing and were piled with toppings but we way too salty, to the point that she could only take a few bites. When the waitress cleared away the plates she asked if anything was wrong with her food and she told her they were too salty but the waitress just nodded. She offered no apology, alternative dish or compensation at all. Even acknowledging her displeasure would have been better than that.
Our plates were cleared for more than 20 minutes before we were so much as asked if we wanted to see a dessert menu. We had all planned on eating dessert but were pretty disgruntled at this point. Not only had their ignored us for an unacceptable amount of time, they hadn't asked us if any of us wanted more drinks and all of our water glasses were empty (and they remained this way for the duration of the meal! I think it is worth mentioning though that ONLY the tall gorgeous blonde in our group had her water refilled while the rest of us looked on in shock and disgust. Just an observation.) Against our better judgment we accepted the dessert menus and each chose something off the list. One friend had the Platanos con cajeta "Plantain sliced into coins sautéed with goat's milk caramel sauce" which she seemed to like. Another had churros which she said were too hard and crispy on the outside yet uncooked and doughy on the inside, and two of us had flan which was not right at all. The consistency was more like a cheesecake than a custard and the caramel tasted burnt and bitter.
Finally (and this is my favourite part) the bill came and despite the terrible service we received, the manager (who brought the bill over himself) had the nerve to tell us that "gratuity is NOT included" as he put the bill down on the table. Furthermore, as if we didn't hear him, it was also hand-written with exclamation points at the bottom of our bill. UNBELIEVABLE. In the end we decided to tip them but did so not because they deserved it, but because we knew they would never see our money again, nor would they make money of anyone we know if we can help it.
Other small points to mention: the decor was cute and fun, the music was festive but generic and mediocre and the atmosphere was terrible. It is a very small place and as we sat it because busy to the point that people had to wait in the small entryway for a table. It seems like the kind of place where there are regulars because you could tell that the servers knew some people's names and many people came in to pick up take-out while we sat there. Another note, the bathrooms are downstairs and the door to the women's washroom is impossibly small (I felt like Alice in Wonderland ... I seriously contemplated holding it because I'm so claustrophobic) but inside it's a decent size and very clean. (Our taller friends did struggle with the low ceilings though).
Overall the food is mediocre if not bad, and overpriced. The drinks are good but expensive. The atmosphere is passable but more of a quiet restaurant than an ideal location for a drink night and the service is shockingly terrible. On our way out two different waitresses and the manager each thanked us and wished us a Happy Holidays. They must have sensed our distaste and were trying to save face. Happy Holidays sir but we shall not be back to this establishment, ever.
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Blo Dry Bar
I literally just came back from my appointment at the Blo Bar in Toronto (The King West location, in the PATH) and I wanted to let you all know how happy I was with my experience. A girl named Areti did my hair and she was so sweet and attentive... +
I literally just came back from my appointment at the Blo Bar in Toronto (The King West location, in the PATH) and I wanted to let you all know how happy I was with my experience. A girl named Areti did my hair and she was so sweet and attentive. It was SUPER busy in there (it's lunch time in a busy office building, and it's Friday AND it's the Christmas season) so there were women coming in and out the whole time, and people in every chair. She could have rushed my appointment and hurried me out (indeed a girl who was clearly her next appointment came while my hair was still only about half done. I know this because she asked another stylist if she could wash her hair for her...) but I didn't feel rushed at all! She took her time and did an excellent job. My hair is pretty long and thick so it took a little bit longer than what I assume your average appointment would take so I appreciate her not rushing me.
I won't say that this place is relaxing because it's quite loud and busy, but I think people in the downtown core are generally going for fast and efficient service rather than a spa-like atmosphere so this place gets a thumbs up from me in terms of atmosphere. It's all pink and white and cute on the inside and they handed me some gossip magazines while I got my hair done. I don't LOVE the scent of one of the many products she used in my hair but that's a very minor complaint.
Overall she was attentive (asking me throughout about the temperature of the water she used to wash my hair, the temperature of the blow dryer, the pressure she used to brush my hair, if it was ok to use hair spray ... etc.) and did a great job. I am very happy with the results. A regular wash and blow out costs 35 bucks, and with tax and tip I paid a little less than $50 for everything. Money well spent in my opinion and I will definitely be going back.
**Interesting note, Areti mentioned that if you get your hair done there Monday to Thursday you can get a FREE touch-up on Friday in time for the weekend which I think is fabulous. Also they do your hair on Saturday too but by appointment only.**
blo the path
Exchange Tower - 130 King Street West
Toronto, ON M5X 1E2
E-mail: [email protected]
Phone: 416.777.BLO9 (2569)
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Aveda Rosemary Mint Shampoo
I am not blown away by this shampoo. I had pretty high expectations given that it is such a cult favourite and I have to say that I feel it is pretty mediocre. Aveda advertises it as being "good for all hair types" which should have been my clue... +
I am not blown away by this shampoo. I had pretty high expectations given that it is such a cult favourite and I have to say that I feel it is pretty mediocre. Aveda advertises it as being "good for all hair types" which should have been my clue that it wouldn't be anything special. I have curly hair that tends to be more on the wavy side when it gets long (as it is right now). I have been using this for more than a month and I have had pretty average results. I'm not saying it is a bad shampoo, it is just nothing spectacular.
It does the job of cleaning my hair, detangling it and making it soft and shiny. It does not do anything that great it terms of volume or frizz and as my mother pointed out, my hair was pretty shiny and soft to begin with. As many other reviewers have mentioned I did enjoy the invigorating sensation of the mint on my scalp, especially when you rinse the shampoo out. It feels tingly, clean and refreshing. Plus the scent is amazing, though it doesn't stick in your hair after you leave the shower. Also, it's a small bottle and I would have thought you would only need a small amount to create a decent lather but the opposite is true. I feel like I use a large chunk of the bottle every time which makes it really not seem like a good value for the price.
Overall I will probably not repurchase this, nor would I recommend it to a friend but again it's not because I didn't like it, I just wasn't "wow-ed" by it.
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Garnier Moisture Rescue Refreshing Gel-Cream (Normal to Combination)
A friend of mine recommended this lotion to me so I decided to stray from my go-to face lotion and try it out. I agree with the others that the gel cream texture is quite pleasant and the cooling sensation is soothing. It does have a stronger... +
A friend of mine recommended this lotion to me so I decided to stray from my go-to face lotion and try it out. I agree with the others that the gel cream texture is quite pleasant and the cooling sensation is soothing. It does have a stronger scent than most facial lotions but I liked it (I can see it bothering some people though). I did not find that it was particularly moisturizing, though I did like the smoothness of my skin after using it and agree with shiorim that it makes for a good make-up base.
My complaint is that I have somewhat sensitive skin and it reacted to this lotion over time. I used it for several weeks before I started to develop miniscule red bumps on my forehead and elsewhere in my t-zone. Not attractive. I discontinued use and the bumps went away so I am sure it was this lotion that did it.
Overall I think it is quite mediocre and wouldn't really recommend it. There are other (better) gel creams on the market with lighter scents that do a better job of moisturizing, though they might be a tad more expensive
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Zucker's Bagels & Smoked Fish
On a recent trip to New York my friends and I ate at this place for breakfast several times. The bagels are fresh, huge and delicious and the staff are so friendly and welcoming. The place has a lot of charm and I was interested to see that... +
On a recent trip to New York my friends and I ate at this place for breakfast several times. The bagels are fresh, huge and delicious and the staff are so friendly and welcoming. The place has a lot of charm and I was interested to see that it's a Zagat rated restaurant as well! The food was great, the coffee I hate to say was terrible though. Super strong and bitter (although isn't the the reputation of small coffee shops in NYC?) Regardless we went back more than once for a yummy and relatively cheap breakfast. We just stumbled upon it because it was close to our hotel but it's the kind of place that I feel like if I were a real New Yorker I would eat all the time! Definitely check it out!
146 Chambers Street
New York, NY
10007-1245
(212) 608-5844
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Sally Hansen Insta-Dri Anti-Chip Top Coat
I am very happy with this product, it does everything is claims it's going to do. According to the website "After applying your favorite Sally Hansen Nail Color, wait two minutes, then apply one coat of Insta-Dri Anti-Chip Top Coat. Manicure... +
I am very happy with this product, it does everything is claims it's going to do. According to the website "After applying your favorite Sally Hansen Nail Color, wait two minutes, then apply one coat of Insta-Dri Anti-Chip Top Coat. Manicure will be dry to the touch in 30 seconds." And they're not lying, it really is dry to the touch in about 30 seconds. Plus it's super shiny and fairly durable. I apply another top coat about two days after my manicure and was very happy with the results. -
Sally Hansen Crackle Overcoat
So SO unimpressed with this polish. I was looking for a cheaper alternative to OPI's Shatter polish and I was so disappointed in this. You get what you pay for honestly. I got this in Antiqued Gold and was excited to use it over a variety of... +
So SO unimpressed with this polish. I was looking for a cheaper alternative to OPI's Shatter polish and I was so disappointed in this. You get what you pay for honestly. I got this in Antiqued Gold and was excited to use it over a variety of different colours. My problem with it is that it just doesn't "crackle" enough ... you can hardly see the colour underneath! It honestly looks just like plain gold from a distance. It's also very dull and definitely needs a top coat. If you are going for the shatter trend, just buy shatter. It's so popular now that it's really come down in price anyway and the competitors like this one are only a couple of dollars cheaper. -
COVERGIRL LashBlast Length Mascara
I am a huge fan of the original orange lash blast (and usually get volumizing mascaras) but I really wanted to try lash blast length to see if I could pair the two together to make a super combo, length and volume (yes, I know lash blast fusion is... +
I am a huge fan of the original orange lash blast (and usually get volumizing mascaras) but I really wanted to try lash blast length to see if I could pair the two together to make a super combo, length and volume (yes, I know lash blast fusion is supposed to do this itself but according to reviews here it sucks lol). I am incredibly happy with lash blast length. As numerous other reviewers have mentioned it makes for a fantastic daytime mascara because it lengthens but also looks super natural. When used under the lash blast volumizing mascara it works wonders ... my lashes look almost fake! I think I will continue to stock both of these lovely tubes in my make-up bag full time. Huge thumbs up! -
Gyan Yoga
I have done yoga before but this was my first time doing hot yoga and I was really nervous. I got 20 classes to Gyan Yoga through jabr deals (for 30 bucks! 20 classes is actually $199). It seems that a lot of people get vouchers to this place... +
I have done yoga before but this was my first time doing hot yoga and I was really nervous. I got 20 classes to Gyan Yoga through jabr deals (for 30 bucks! 20 classes is actually $199). It seems that a lot of people get vouchers to this place through deal websites because I hear people coming in all the time and talking about the deal online when the sign up. The only drawback of this coupon is that I needed to use the 20 classes in 60 days (and I don't think I'm going to be able to do it!)
Overall the place is really nice. It is a relatively small place in Liberty Village (on Jefferson Street just south of King) with one studio. There are 3 guys who work there and lead the classes. It seems to me that there are regulars who must live in the area because the guys know them by name. Initially I was intimidated because the guys seemed a little bit abrupt but now that I have been several times I have come to realize that they're not really rude, they just talk to the people they know and I assume they warm up to the others. At a place where they have drop in classes and deal vouchers I can imagine they see a lot of people who only come one time and then quit. Regardless they are nice and very welcoming and understanding when it comes to beginners.
The classes themselves are an hour long and vary in difficulty depending on which one you choose. I have tried almost all of them by now and I have enjoyed them all. Predictably Gyan Core is a bit more strenuous than the others because it focuses on strengthening core muscles. There are 5 different hot yoga options and one regular yoga class. My only minor complaint is that the shape of the room is a little bit irregular and depending on where you position yourself, you may not be able to see the instructor. This is a problem in many classes though (not just at this studio) and luckily they recognize this and move around the class. In addition you can always watch some of the regulars for help and there are mirrors on one wall which help you to see what everyone else is doing.
Overall the studio is pretty and clean and they are very organized. The classes are great and very welcoming to beginners. I would recommend Gyan Yoga to anyone.
Gyan Yoga
Phone 647-341-4926
Fax
Address 107 Jefferson Avenue
TORONTO - ON
M6K 3E4
Website http://www.gyanyoga.ca
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COVERGIRL NatureLuxe Mousse Mascara
I did not like this mascara at all. I was eager to try it because I have heard that the chemicals in mascara are pretty bad for your eyes so I was excited by the idea of a less synthetic, chemical-filled mascara. I have tried the natureluxe lip... +
I did not like this mascara at all. I was eager to try it because I have heard that the chemicals in mascara are pretty bad for your eyes so I was excited by the idea of a less synthetic, chemical-filled mascara. I have tried the natureluxe lip gloss/balm in this line and LOVE it so I was hopeful about this product. I am pretty faithful to my CoverGirl Lash Blast mascara so I know that I generally like Cover Girl mascaras.
Unfortunately it just did not deliver for me. I used the black/brown one (I am not sure if they're having trouble keeping them in stock or if a darker colour just does not exist but I could not find blackest black anywhere which is my staple mascara shade). Anyway, it found it to be too lightweight (if that's possible). It made my lashes appear sparse and because it was black/brown they were not even overly defined colour wise.
In addition my eyes reacted badly to this mascara. It must have been an allergic reaction or something because they were itchy and my eyelids became puffy and red. I couldn't wear any eye make-up for almost a week after using this mascara for a few days because my eyes were so painful and irritated.
Lastly, my sister also tried the same product in the same shade and somehow the mascara made her eyelashes look like a bluish-gray. NO idea how that happened but she was not impressed either. Her eyes did not react as mine did but she still didn't like the mascara itself. It lengthened (which is her requirement for a mascara) but it made her lashes look more sparse than they actually are which she was not a fan of).
So overall it's a big thumbs down for this product from me. Too bad because it's a good idea and I really wanted to like it; I'll just have to stick with my Last Blast.
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