Matt S.

Flores Cleaning Services

They did a fantastic job with my incredibly dirty apartment. It's like new. Stuff I never thought would be clean again is clean again.

It's also a local business, not a chain. The proprietor is savvy and friendly. Prices are negotiable. I got what I think is a solid deal for such a hefty job (especially considering it was split among at least three people).

I'll definitely use them again the next chance I get.

Nijiya Market

It's like they shipped in a real Japanese market and plunked it down in the middle of California.

Their pre-made lunches range from bento boxes to sashimi and are inevitably good and a good deal. They have all the awesome Japanese snacks like gummis and Kasugai Green Peas, for cheap. And their meats and vegetables are a great deal. I only wish there was one closer to where I live.

If you're anywhere near by, and not afraid of a little raw fish and Japanese-style designs, I highly recommend checking it out.

PROS: Authentic Japanese grocery for pretty cheap
CONS: There's not more of them

Dona Rosa

I mean, Doa Rosa isn't that great. But the other reviews here make it sound like they're killing kittens in the back! It's not that bad. It's relatively authentic Mexican & Cuban food where the salsa is good and the breads are hand-made.

The big problem with the place is that the food varies wildly. And the more popular dishes at other restaurants are the worst ones here. Try the al-pastor or chorizo tortas, with the salsa quemada. (Warning: the tortas get a little sloppy.) Since they make their own bread, you should try some. But avoid the chicken, the ham, and the burritos.

Yeah, they ain't winning any awards for cheapness or for service, but, really, if you order the right thing, it's not that bad.

Dr. Maria Kim, DMD

She's very sensitive to any pain she causes, efficient, and thorough. Her hands seem really steady. She's also just a nice lady.

Angel, the nurse, was also really good. She was really sure I didn't choke on the water from the drill. I like that, because I tend to choke on the water.

I like the office. It's a converted house in the middle of a mostly residential area, with plenty of parking and good freeway access. The lobby is warmly but casually decorated -- something I really appreciate with dentists, since I'm usually a little anxious coming in.

Oh, and Dr. Kim's got this funny little habit of using the kiddie phrases ("open up like an alligator!") even if you're an adult. I think she sees a lot of kids. :^)

Samys Camera

It was bustling on a Saturday morning -- pros mixing with us amateurs. All the clerks were busy.

They've got excellent selection, a good set of services, and they're quick to help out in-person.

PROS: Plenty of parking, good selection
CONS: prices are a bit high

Clinton Edmond J MD

Dr. Clinton's a great doctor. He's a very experienced GP with a professional, dispassionate, and intelligent bedside manner. He gave me a physical for a trip I'm planning. He asked good incesive questions, followed up well, looked out for history, and even knew quite a bit about the rare diseases I needed shots for. The nurse is nice and gives shots well. Plus, the appointment book is pretty flexible.

The sole, tiny issue is that parking around his building can get tricky. Walk from the Lake St. Metro stop if you can. (Though it's a bit of a walk.)

PROS: Trustworthy, flexible, professional
CONS: Parking is a little tricky

Firestone Tire & Service Centers

The work, from what I can see, seems good.

But the overall service was spotty. They were an hour and fifteen late. They said they were going to try to get it early because I was waiting nearby, but by the time I got back the guy behind the desk had forgotten me. I was on time. Then they didn't warn me it was going to be another hour. (This let me discover how uncomfortable the waiting area chairs are.)

While I was waiting, I heard a lot of other people come in. The folks behind the desk were definitely into upselling. Beware of that. They tried to sell me on a radiator flush, which just shouldn't be necessary a month after I got a new radiator.

To their credit, they knocked a bit off the bill because they were late. (And they gave me a light-up pen -- lucky me.) But how come there was so much give in the bill to begin with? I get the feeling I was overcharged.

Huntington Library Art & Collections & Botanical Gardens

This is a terrific spot for a date -- beautiful peaceful gardens, a nice museum and library, and a nice brunch. It seems like there's a bubble around the spot protecting from the hustle of LA.

J & G Auto Service & Muffler

I got the muffler on my 96 Honda Civic replaced by J&G.

I am pretty happy with the results. They were courteous and professional over the phone, and to the point in person. They gave an accurate estimate, and stuck to their time schedule. They also diagnosed two other problems with my car, gratis, with no undue pressure to use their service to fix them. And all this for $75, which seems like a good price for a new muffler.

I'd use this father and son shop again.

Galcos Soda Pop Stop

Only in LA would you have the BevMo for old-time pop drinks. There are hundreds of obscure sodas, ades, juices, and root and ginger beers available, some straight out of the 50's, all in a beat up old supermarket. Be careful -- if you're the right type, you might sample one of everything.