Russell P.

Palo Alto Bimmer

Palo Alto Bimmer has proven to be a good place for repairs on my BMW. It is conveniently located near downtown Palo Alto. A key aspect to their "service" to me has been their ability to get my car in for service on very short notice (when it breaks, you need it fixed NOW, not next week).

I have found that the focus on BMW's allows the staff to be develop a great expertise. They can often diagnose a problem over the phone (and you certainly get the sense that everyone knows the technical aspects of the car...at some dealerships, it seems that the Customer Service folks aren't nearly as knowledgeable as the mechanics). I have not ever had any problems after a service was completed which required a follow-up visit.

Prices seem a little high, but perhaps that is just because it is a BMW! I would like it if Palo Alto Bimmer would develop a more clear program for regular maintenance, rather than what feels like a more haphazard approach.

Counts toward Palo Alto Soccer Club fundraiser!

Michael's Gelato & Cafe

My family was very sad to see Swensons leave downtown Palo Alto. We've been thrilled with the replacement. We love the wide variety of gelato flavors, very attractively displayed. Samples freely given, for multiple flavors. It is all very exotic and tempting!

Swensons always suffered from inadequate seating and a dark interior. This has been remedied, and the upstairs balcony is still a wonderful place to do a bit of people watching.

The gelato is pricey, but worth it as a special treat.

Counts toward Palo Alto Soccer Club fundraiser!

K & L Wine Merchants

K&L is certainly one of the best wine merchants on the Peninsula, particularly for the wine enthusiast. The selection is generally very good. The prices are reasonable. The staff is extremely knowledgeable and helpful...even with "beginners"!

I particularly like the store's website, which has a regularly updated inventory. I can see if they have what I want before I make the trip to the store. Great!

Counts toward Palo Alto Soccer Club fundraiser!

Prolific Oven

Is there a better place for adult birthday cakes? We don't think so (the Chocolate Mocha is extraordinary). In fact, our kids demand their cakes from Prolific Oven, too. And then we all fight over the leftovers!

This is generally a very good bakery, too. Yeah, they have other cake flavors, pastries, cookies, etc. It is a wonderful place to stop for a snack, an espresso drink, a quiet moment.

Cash only, and it is certainly best to pre-order that birthday cake. Parking can be a challenge in downtown PA.

Counts toward Palo Alto Soccer Club fundraiser!

Goetz Brothers

This is a great store...nothing fancy, just lots of product and lots of experience. We've purchased new mitts, bats, balls, training aids, scorebooks, etc. throughout the years. It's also a good source for team gear, uniforms, and the like. The selection is really quite extraordinary.

I particularly like the fact that it doesn't feel like particular products (especially the expensive ones) are being pushed on me. The staff knows their stuff, and they start the process by asking lots of questions. Where do you play? What positions? What level? Then they make a variety of recommendations, with good explanations of why certain products might be most appropriate (and often why the more expensive product simply isn't worth it).

The store is often very crowded on Saturdays, especially during baseball season. The store is closed on Sundays.

Counts toward Palo Alto Soccer Club fundraiser!

R & M Properties

Northwall Builders built our new home in Palo Alto...and it was a wonderful experience. Really!

All aspects of the project went smoothly. We had the normal jousting over costs, particularly early in the process. After that, smooth sailing. Northwall uses a fixed maximum pricing structure, so their weren't any surprises at the end. The project finished on-time, without drama. We had weekly meetings in the last few months, greatly reducing possible communication issues.

We've been told by other building and real estate professionals that the work that was done was of the highest quality. The great job didn't end when we moved in, either. Northwall has continued to provide excellent after-project support on any problems that have cropped up.

Northwall is a local business, another plus when doing a project like ours. They were able to navigate the tricky waters of the Palo Alto building process without a hitch.

We really can't recommend them highly enough. I'd hire them again this very moment.

Counts toward Palo Alto Soccer Club fundraiser!

Easton David Architect

Count us among the lucky few who have had a great experience with their architect. David designed our new home, and helped manage the building process. We love the design he developed, and it truly was a pleasure working with him.

Several aspects of working with David stand out. He has great design ideas, but willingly incorporates his clients' ideas into the plans (he doesn't have an oversized ego about his projects). He is local and knows the ins/outs of the Palo Alto building process. He works on his own and is involved in all aspects of making the project a success. He is reasonably priced and uses a reasonable pricing format (hourly fees rather than a percentage of building costs). He is very friendly.

We valued David's continued involvement to the very end of our project...he insisted that we have weekly meetings, on-site, with the contractor during the final months of the project. These meetings ensured that communications issues were minimized.

We really can't recommend his services highly enough. Get him if you can!

Counts toward Palo Alto Soccer Club fundraiser!

R A Kirtley & Assoc

Bob Kirtley and his team provide top notch landscape services. We initially chose a different company to do landscape contract work at our new home...what a mistake. Two years later, we've called in RA Kirtley to fix the problems and keep our landscaping looking great. Oh, what a relief it has been!

We've had Bob's company provide some one-time services (replanting, clean-up, etc.) and they also now provide regular weekly maintenance. We have been very impressed with Bob Kirtley, his supervisor Jose, and several members of the work crew. In particular, their knowledge of plants has allowed them to make recommendations for changes in our landscaping that better fit our needs/wants than what has already been implemented.

We've also found them to be very accommodating in designing a maintenance plan and schedule that meets our budget...without compromising the look of our landscaping.

They are a little more expensive than a sole proprietor working out of the back of a truck...but we've noticed a difference, and we think it's worth it!

Counts toward Palo Alto Soccer Club fundraiser!

Rick's Ice Cream

What a great ice cream store! I've been a fan of this store for 20 years, and my fascination hasn't diminished. The ice creams are decadent, flavorful...so good! Many "exotic" flavors too (my favorite is Computer Chip).

The cones require quick work, because of the natural ingredients. Otherwise, they melt all over you. Oh, what a problem to have on a hot day.

Only downside of this shop is the limited seating. I've found that a good alternative is a stroll with my cone over to Cubberley Community Center. In fact, it's proximity to the playing fields makes this a great place to bring sports teams for post-game celebrations.

Counts toward Palo Alto Soccer Club fundraiser!

Metrosport

The main reason that I like this store is because the staff is very knowledgeable. I have consistently received better advice and real world recommendations regarding running shoes, clothing, problems, etc. than at other similar stores. Many of the staff members are top-notch athletes themselves.

Prices are competitive (I'd actually pay a little more just for the good advice), and I've had good experiences when I've needed to return product, even running shoes, that didn't work the way I expected.

The store also has a good database that includes my purchase history. I don't need to keep track of how long I've had a pair of shoes, or what brand. They can tell me at the store.

Counts toward Palo Alto Soccer Club fundraiser!