Brenda Lord at Darrel's Salon
Brenda has been cutting and coloring hair for 4 women in my family for 15+ years. She is really sweet, funny, and definitely has some great experience. She has traveled internationally with a well known company, and has some really cool experiences that have made her the amazing stylist she is today. The salon where she rents a booth is fairly non-descript from the outside. It is the person inside that is amazing. She does have a great number of clientele, so I usually book a month or so in advance.
PROS: My haircut, Brenda's personality
CONS: Salon is average looking
Harpers Restaurant
When I visit Columbia, Harpers is always on my "must do" list. Their pimento cheese is beyond delicious, and can be ordered warm or cold. My mom loves their burger topped in pimento cheese, but I get it as an appetize and chow down. Second to the Pimento Cheese is the Spinach Dip. Scrumptious...I liked it better when they served it with toasted bread, but chips are okay too.
PROS: food
CONS: often a wait, and pricey
Groucho's Original Deli
I grew up near 5pts, and visited Groucho's often. Their sandwiches and chili dogs were favorites of most people I knew. I am all grown up, and Groucho's is still as good as ever. A new generation of customers has begun to flock to Groucho's! My 13 year old nephew loves their food now too!
PROS: Tasty Eating
CONS: A little pricey
The Melting Pot
Nothing beats the romantic atmosphere, fondue and sumptuous desserts offered by the melting pot. I love cooking our own food at the eye on the table. I am able to cook to my very own perfection. I always order the cheddar fondue, and find myself scraping the pot even though I know their gorgeous salad is coming up next. I always select the California salad with the most delicious raspberry dressing, followed by the veggie entree and then the divine white chocolate fondue for dessert (which I am only able to order on a rare occasion. I fill up too fast too early!). I keep planning to go just for cheese and chocolate, but love their Gorgonzola spinach ravioli too much to skip the entrees. Ahhh, temptaion.
PROS: Food, Atmosphere, Dining Experience
CONS: Not a cheap date!
Cat Care Clinic
Awesome vets- Attentive,interested and thorough. I love that this is a kitty only atmosphere, and that the vets are trained as such. I never worry about the treatment my babies will receive here.
PROS: Cats only
CONS: Prices are higher than some other vets.
Viridis A Green Salon
I admired a co-worker's hair, and she referred me to Carrie, who is the owner of Viridis Salon. My hair cut and color was amazing. Just the right tones, highlights, style... Not to mention that the price was $100 less than what I paid at my previous salon. She has great hair products, make up and great locally made jewelry to peruse while you wait (which is usally only a few short minutes). The location is also a plus, as it is in downtown Kirkland. I always take a stroll around the block after my appointments.
PROS: Price, Cut, Color, Stylists, Eco-Friendly
CONS: Parking in Kirkland is a ZOO sometimes
Susan Lemaire
I chose Susan as a real estate agent, and was sorry. I felt demeaned by her manner and comments, don't believe she understood local real estate, had to do a lot of work on my own- including finding my own house. She didn't tell us that our sale of our home almost fell through 2 days before I was to move into my new home (had already scheduled movers, my mother flew in from the east coast etc. In the midst of packing, the Realtor for my buyers dropped that bomb. When we questioned Susan about the secrecy, she literally yelled at us and asked us, "what did you want me to tell you!!!" She sold and purchased 2 homes with me, and her commission was 20K. Not bad for less than a month of less than optimal service. I am still considering contacting Coldwell-Banker Bain in Bellevue to report her behavior.
PROS: Not aware of any strong pros
CONS: Where do I begin?
Susan Gebhardt Realtor
Sue Gebhardt was my real estate agent for my first home 6 years ago. She was AMAZING. She quickly figured out the area that I would most like, and found a house within 24 hours that suited our needs. She told us to jump on it because it was a great investment opportunity. 6 years and my house was worth 3X what I paid for it.
PROS: Personal attention, experience, the works!
CONS: None to speak of.
Paule Attar Hair Salon & Spa
I was seeing one of their long term colorists, and had her do my hair cut and color a few days before my wedding. $250 later, I couldn't tell what had been done to my hair. Honestly, no one in my family could tell the color had changed even a little. Also, the stylist took a break in the midst of my appointment and obviously didn't wash her hands after (strong smell). The next visit I had was to take my mother and I to get massages. My 60 minute appointment was 45 minutes (they said they needed time to change the sheets for the next customer). My mother and I were to be done at the same time. She wasn't in the waiting room, so I asked for her whereabouts and was told she was still getting her spa services. I checked again about 10 times over the next ONE AND A HALF hours, and was told the same thing over and over- that she was still getting a spa procedure. When my mother finally walks out, I am absolutely annoyed that I had waited so long, and that we were now going to miss our dinner reservations in Seattle. I asked her WHAT IN THE WORLD she was doing for that length of time. It just so happens there was a second waiting room, and she was annoyed and waiting for me. She asked about me and was told... I was in the other room getting a spa service. I got a $25 gift card for my troubles, but I am not sure whether or not I want to go back to spend it!!
PROS: great location
CONS: service, service, service
Zimmer Harold L Md - Bellegrove Ob Gyn Inc Ps
I heard rave reviews about Bellegrove, and wanted a female gynecologist. I was scheduled an appointment with Laura Zaccari (pronounced like Zachary) who is not a doctor, but a nurse practitioner. Surprisingly enough, I like her as well if not more than any other gynecologist I have ever seen. She is extremely knowledgeable, and takes the time to explain the answers to all of my questions. She is very professional, and I have heard that she performs almost all of the same procedures the doctors do (cesarean sections etc). Recently I mentioned her to my endocrinologist, and he commented, oh, I really like her, she is a great health care provider
PROS: Professionalism and Knowledge
CONS: They dont do phone reminders the day before appointments.