Dee W.

Berkeley Public Library

Berkeley's main library is amazing-- definitely rivaling all public libraries, and probably even university libraries. With multiple floors of resources that cross all media, a knowledgeable staff and a slew of accessible computers, this place is what all other libraries wish they were. Add the extensive online system (including a complete, easily searchable catalog and the ability to renew items online) and the South branch's tool lending library (what other library has one of those?), and Berkeleyites should be proud.

PROS: Everything you ever wanted in a library
CONS: Expect to wait in line... especially if computers are down

Flower Power

When I was looking for blue (!) roses, many florists I called acted like I was crazy. The people at Parsha's however, not only knew what I was talking about-- they went out of their way to get them... in just a couple of days and at a very reasonable price. When I was in there, I couldn't resist buying a few more things for myself, too-- their selection of flowers is impressive, and the quality is top-notch.

YMCA

Clean, modern and inexpensive-- the YMCA is everything every other gym is not. (And I thought YMCAs were supposed to be disgusting?!) There are three--count them--pools, co-ed gyms and even women's only workout rooms, a children's facility and even saunas. The staff is friendly, the towels are clean, and don't even get me started on the swimsuit drying centrifuge...

Cortese Joseph L Dds

Unbelievable but true: You can have fun at the dentist. The people who work at Dr. Cortese's office (not to mention the doc himself) are a riot-- and you can't help but get sucked into the humor brigade. Of course, it's not all funny business; these people seriously know what they're doing and have oodles of longstanding patients. And there's a reason people stick with Dr. Cortese: he's honest. He won't try to sell you or rook your insurance. And that's enough to keep me smiling.

PROS: Hilarious, honest, hardworking
CONS: Hard-to-get-in

Wiley Patti

This is a touchy subject--and if it weren't for the fact that Dr. Wiley were SO good, I'd rather "save face," not admit to needing therapy and not post a review! :) Of course, I recognize that people seeking a therapist must find someone they "click" with. But truly, I can't see anyone not clicking with Dr. Wiley. She's personable yet professional, intelligent yet humble... and when you leave her office, you leave feeling better.

Khana Peena

I didn't think it was possible to eat at one place so many times-- but trust my husband and me: this place is addictive. (He didn't even LIKE Indian food before coming here, and now we go at *least* once a week... and that's unprecedented for people like us who like to try a bunch of different things.) The chicken tikka masala? Fantastic. The tandoori chicken? Delicious. The spinach with potatoes? Superb. And when you can get all of these things and more for under $10? It just can't get any better.

Yammy

Yay for Yammy; they know how to do sushi. Not only are you instantly greeted and welcomed here, you're given generous portions of super fresh fish. Try the sushi or the rolls-- both are delicious. Prices are reasonable, service is fast, and hey-- you even get a delicious orange at the end for dessert.

Party Sushi

Unfortunately, Party Sushi isn't a cause for celebration. While they have some variety in their menu (yay!), their sushi portions leave a lot to be desired (boo) -- and it's not as if the prices are cheap enough to make up for it. Now add in the goofy, dusty inflatables that "decorate" the place (circa "college dorm room"). Put plainly: the food is stingy; the environment is dingy-- so seek sushi ecstasy elsewhere.

PROS: Friendly service, variety in menu
CONS: Small portions, dingy environment