Eli A.

Honda Of El Cerrito

I waited as long as I could to buy a car (mine is 18 years old and having issues). My previous new car buying experience was not pleasant (very aggressive sales guy, too pushy, too many extras they wanted to sell, etc) so I was prepared for another difficult transaction. The main difference between my buying experience this time from 18 years ago is (drum roll, please) the Internet. I did my homework to get pricing, what people have paid in this area for the car I was looking for and read reviews of the local dealers as well. Once I narrowed down what I thought I wanted I sent out via edmunds.com for dealer quotes. One dealership was extremely slow in their responses. One was too pushy right away and defensive of their pricing (Berkeley Honda). One guy (Jong Paek at El Cerrito Honda) sent a clearly explained quote, what the final price would include and availability. Simple, clean, easy. After a few messages back and forth we set a meeting time, I went in, did a testdrive and bought it. I felt that he was respectful, knowledgeable and helpful. The finance person (Mike Bushel) was also much nicer than I expected (the finance guy in my experience is usually the hard-sell one who is trying to sell you everything and the kitchen sink without regard to what you might need or want). He presented the options with a great sense of humor that made it almost fun. I already knew what I was willing to pay and what features I wanted/needed so it wasn't too difficult to sit through the presentation, sign all the papers and be on my way. I am pleased so far with this buying experience and would recommend this dealership to anyone who is looking to buy a Honda. El Cerrito Honda was recommended to me by a friend who bought her car there several years ago and still goes there for service.

Shampooches

Service is great. I take my elderly dog there for nail clipping, which he absolutely hates but will tolerate the friendly and careful manner of the fabulous Jim, who can even use the Dremel on my dog's nails to get a nice, smooth finish on the trim. It's a bit chaotic inside the shop but never in a bad way. I feel like the pets are treated with respect and much kindness. Would be pleased to recommend Shampooches to any pet companion who wants their pet to look and feel their best.

Courtesy Towing

My VERY reliable but older car broke down and although insurance will hopefully cover the expense, I have to pay out of pocket and find a towing service myself. Called Courtesy Towing and described the problem since I was unsure if I should have it towed to a repair shop or to my residence but I knew I couldn't leave it where it was.Both the dispatcher and the driver were patient and professional. The truck arrived almost 30 min. earlier than promised, which was great. I would most enthusiastically recommend this company in the future and will use them if needed again as well.

Casino San Pablo

I have driven by Casino San Pablo many times but never ventured inside until last month. I met a friend in the bar for a drink - seemed like a fun way to see what was going on inside the casino. Although the exterior is sort of glitzy and casinolike (in my mind, anyway), once you are inside it's rather disappointing overall. I didn't realize that smoking was allowed in the casino, which didn't please me (all I could think of was the secondhand smoke and how the stale smell would permeate my clothing and hair - ick!). Drinks were the going rate, not even at casino-rockbottom prices. Food didn't seem to be a bargain either. There is a dining area and a snack bar. Clientele appeared to consist of folks who shouldn't be spending what money they had on gambling. There is apparently no dress code. The interior is a little rundown and felt grubby overall.

East Bay Express Publishing

I have read East Bay Express for over 12 years. This once a week free paper is a great resource for local business listings, sporadic coupons and timely articles about topics important to the East Bay. I loved the article a few months back about the regular fans in the bleachers at Oakland A's games.

Movie and book reviews are usually reasonable (not totally slanted one way or the other) and worth a glance. The racks for this paper are all over town. New issues are published on Wednesdays.

West County Optometry

The staff here is very friendly and helpful. The service is prompt and efficient. I tend to be hard on my glasses (dropping, bending, popping out lenses, etc) and can rely on West County staff to resolve my optical problems every time. I can usually get adjustments on a walk-in basis with very little waiting time. Parking lot is busy during lunch but it's not usually a problem to find parking.

Stuart Cellars

I have loved this varietal for many many years now - more fruity and rounded than Cab Sauvignon, not as flinty as many Pinot Noirs are to my palate. Stuart Cellars Cab Franc is the best I have had to date - it's rich and fragrant, great on its own or with most meals (except maybe breakfast). Their website offers some delicious recipes with wine pairing suggestions. Orders that are shipped are carefully packed and arrived in perfect condition.

Navarro Vineyards & Winery

Navarro has been one of my favorite wineries for many years now. You will not find their wines in the mass market shops - sometimes they are only found in restaurants with discerning wine lists. They publish a very tasteful catalog a few times annually that match the tasteful, elegant nature of their wines. The winery's tasting room is in a pretty location just off the main road in Phlo. Specialty wines are mostly white - Gewurts and Chards are knockouts every vintage. The catalog describes various vintages effectively so it's easy to choose even if you don't make it to the Tasting Room. You may order online or via catalog. It's worth the drive to visit Navarro and discover how great they are for yourself.

Mendocino Jams & Preserves

I love the simple packaging of Mendocino Jams products. The ollalieberry preserves are a treat not to be missed. Shelves are packed with almost every kind of jam and preserve you can imagine. The quality of the products are evident in the wonderful, fruit-filled items that harken back to more simple days. I can't visit Mendocino area without stopping in and indulging in a jar or six of my favorites.

Jonathan Noble & Assoc

Although it has been a number of years since I encountered this office, my sense of it was often that it all came down to the money, particularly if the patient had good healthcare insurance. Dr Noble is not unpleasant or anything close to it, but for what I went to see him for, I felt there were alternative treatments tthat would have been more beneficial for me than the treatment offered.