Sep 29, 2009

Great American Ball Park, Cincinnati OH - September 29

Rating - 9.984

Excellent place to watch a ball game....I think it is a Top 5 park. We bought a ticket on the street for $5 (that right 5 bucks-section 525, row A, seat 9) and sat where ever we wanted. Granted it is a Tuesday night and 60 degrees, but the Central Champs are in town - Cardinals, not the Scrubs (ha, ha) - with Pujols and the rest of their great line up.

Customers told us the obstructed view seats were $5, and we sat in front row of both sides of the bleachers, a few rows behind third base/first base lines. I would guess they had 10,000 in attendance. Bought a jumbo bag of nuts on the street for $4.

Had a brat which was EXCELLENT, and a $7.50 12 ounce beer from the concession stand which came in a bottle (no draft - tapers where there but not in use).

Wide concourses, lots of concessions and bathrooms, and really cool areas to stand and watch the game with great vantages and beer stands.

Excellent place to return and bring the kids!

2 Tickets 10.00
2 Bud lights 15.00
Pretzel 4.50
2 Brats 10.50
2 Miller lt 15.00

Total - $55.00

Hyatt, Cincinnati OH - September 29

Rating - .73 and that is only because they get me in early

I arrived from the airport early in the morning (9 am) and stopped at the front desk to see if I could leave my bag. Ben was working and he was very friendly and helpful. My room was not ready, but he offered to take my bag and checked my in.

I returned after 2 hours and went to see if it was ready. It was not, but he put me in 1902 - a nice corner room, and I appreciated getting in early before lunch. Great customer service from Ben, and the valet guys were GREAT.

However, the carpet in the main lobby is being replaced and it was a mess. Nothing on the web site about that. Good thing they are replacing it, but the place is VERY dated and in need of a good make-over.

YIKES!! A few notes I made about what REALLY BOTHERS me about this property: Its OLD, no Regency Club (yeah, I got breakfast coupons but I like grabbing a juice, bagel, the paper and getting the day started in addition to grabbing some waters), crummy desk chair, a lamp that rattles on the desk as I type (and is so old I can tighten), HORRIBLE TV (no flat screen), and OLD wall paper that is peeling and has red marks on it, and there is NO digital thermostat - looks like a 1950s Holiday Inn (although a Holiday Inn may be more up to date).

Fitness center is ok for cardio - 3 treadmills, 3 ellipticals, 3 bikes........but that is it. No free weights or weight machines. And its small.....not Hyatt style.

Lobby is also strange tonight, they tore out all the carpet, put down 1 swath, but didn't vacuum it, it looks disgusting.

The room is pretty good size but very dated. Bathroom is ok, low level of lights.

Bad experience with breakfast. As mentioned there is no Regency Club so I went to their restaurant on the second floor. We were seated right away, and told the buffet included cooked to order pancakes, omlets, waffles. I ordered the waffles and we walked up to the buffet. It had a decent selection, but after getting back to the table the eggs were cold. Waitress said my "pancakes" would be up soon....but it took so long I had to leave for the airport.

I would not return to this property, and I am pretty sure the Westin down the street is in better shape.

Total - $159.00 per night***

***WAY TOO MUCH, $99 would be in the ball park.

Mccormick & Schmick's Seafood, Cincinnati OH - September 29

Rating -2.3

Headed over at 11:30 for an early lunch, were asked if we had a lunch reservation (we did not), and sat in the bar by the window. Rena was our server and was right over with a drink and some bread.

The decor is traditional, very nice and classy, and they had stained glass lights with Cincinnati team logos on the bottom.

We ordered arnold palmers for drinks, but were served decaf coffee instead of tea, and the horrible taste is still in mouth. Rena apologized and brought over fresh glasses. I HATE that they charge for Arnold's by the glass, we were never told that, but saw it on the bill. TOTAL BS - that is why I will never return to Harry Carry's in Chicago.

We each ordered a clam chowder and I thought it was awful, but Brian really liked it. Be AWARE that it is a very SMALL cup for $4.75. The rolls were not warm, and were marginal at best.

They did have 10 specials for under $10, but I went the bacon cheddar burger route. It was pretty bad, overcooked and with out much flavor. Fries were soggy, cold, and not good.

Brian loved his Fish Tacos.

When we left at 12:30 they had a pretty good crowd in there.

I would never return and they should kick them out of the chain!

2 Cup Chowder 9.90
Fish tacos 9.95
Cheeseburger, bacon 10.95
3 Arnold Palmer 8.85

Total - $42.23

Sep 27, 2009

Hyatt Harborside, Boston MA - September 23

Rating - 10.00

They make you feel special when you stay here - the staff is so friendly, and polite, that it is almost a dream. And the view of the city it spectacular.

Fitness center is decent, there is an indoor pool, and round trip on the water taxi is $17 (a cab from the city is at least $25 one way - beware I think they had a fare increase). They have a free shuttle to/from the airport and its only a 5 minute ride.

This is a great property and I love staying here!!

Total - $299.00 for the night (before taxes)

PF Chang's Boylston St, Boston MA - September 23

Rating - 4.6

SLOW SERVICE. Jessica was very nice and pleasant....but the food service was HORRIBLE.....so slow it made you want to drink more and wish you had dinner prior to arrival.

We arrived with a party of 6 around 6:30 pm on a Wednesday night. Most of the tables were full, but it was not packed. We were seated and Jessica was fairly quick with a drink. It was my nieces birthday and they really wanted to go here so we did.

Slow, Slow, Slow (get the idea). When it arrived the food was hot and quite good. But it had to have been at least 3o minutes from the time the apps arrived to the main course. As mentioned Jessica was friendly and said she was going to check, but it was SLOW.

I did really enjoy the Mongolian beef and the cheesecake, but there is NO WAY I would ever return. Nor could I imagine bringing a customer here. SLOW.

Pre-dinner
2 Sam Lager 10.00
2 Bombay Sapphire 14.00

Total - 25.52

Dinner
3 Stella Artois 16.50
Kendall Jackson Chard 18.00
Egg Roll 9.90
Kids Lo Mein 3.95
Honey Chicken 12.95
Lo Mein 8.95
Fried Rice 7.95
Ginger Chicken 12.75
Lemon Pepper Shrimp 14.95
Mongolian Beef 14.95
Bombay Sapphire 7.00
NY Cheesecake 5.95
2 MD- Great Wall 4.00
MD-Straw Chz Cake 2.00
MD-Carrot Cake 2.00
Coffee 2.25

B-Day -4.00

Total - 165.70

The Boss, Chicago IL - September 20

Rating - 10.00+++

The show started without any warm up at 8:20 pm (start time on the ticket was 7:30). The crowd was interesting, I would guess the average age was 50......I actually felt younger. The UC was looked sold out from the front of the stage forward (there were seats behind but they would be awful). There had to be at least a thousand in the general admission area in front of the stage.

To say the show was AWESOME would be an understatement. Bruce was in full motion from the opening on...and the energy and excitement was really amazing. He was smiling and full of energy the entire show.

They played Born to Run from start to finish and we knew most of the songs. I would say the audience stood for at least 1/2 of the show, but you could sit or stand as you wanted (I had to stand a lot as the seats were horrible---really tight---no legroom at all). Katie danced for most of it, and the 50ish guy next to me sang EVERY song.

At the end they took a quick bow, and then launched into a 7 song encore.

I am writing this a week later, and as I look back it really was an incredible experience!!!

United Center, Chicago IL - September 20 - Springsteen

Rating - 6.3

Ok, so our seats were in Section 314, second row from the top, for $99 a seat I thought we might have something better. The seats up there are BRUTAL, so tight with the seats in front that my knee ached, and there is no elbow room at all.

Its a good thing they had 3 giant big screen tvs to see the show, or it would have been rough to see "The Boss".

The sound system was pretty good, and we were surprised when we headed upstairs and they had a regular bar set up. Drinks were expensive, but pretty stiff.

Always forget that they check tickets and you cant get in the lower (100 section) seats without the proper ticket.

Bathrooms were pretty empty, but everyone was watching the show at all times.

12 oz Premium (Vodka soda) $10.00
12 oz Regular (Bombay tonic) 9.00

Total - $19.00

Parking

DO NOT try and park on the street....I have a favorite spot where I usually do...and there were $60 tickets on all the cars.....for $20 in the lot it is worth it.

Total - $60.00

Bella Note, Chicago IL - September 20

Rating - 9.66

We arrived just after 5:30 pm on a rainy Sunday and found parking on the street (valet is $8). We were seated, and I scored the best spot in the place because I could see the tv and the end of the Bears game. They had a good crowd due to the Springstein show, and over time the place filled.

What I like best is the "feel" of the place, its cozy and intimate, but very relaxed. The crowd was a bit of everything - people in after the game, concert goers, those from the neighborhood.

Service was excellent, right over to the table to take a drink order and deliver some excellent bread. I had a cup of the Pastina and it was EXCELLENT, Katie had a salad she really enjoyed.

For the entrees I had the Meat Ravioli (it was FABULOUS - I ate every bite) and Katie had the Zuppa de Pesce - she did not really enjoy it all that much, thought that Capri's was better. Be warned - the portion sizes are HUGE (Katie got the 1/2 order, I got the full and was stuffed at the end).

We ended with a Cannoli that was very good, and then retired to the bar so Katie could have a "warm up" Chocolate Martini for the concert. Perfect spot for dinner before an event at the United Center!

Service was great, ambiance was perfect, pace of the meal was right, and its a great value......I shall return!!

1 Moretti 5.00
1 Glass Sfer P Noit 15.00
1 Pastini Cup 3.25
1 House Salad 3.95
1/2 Zuppa de Pesce 18.95
1 Meat Ravioli 14.95
1 Moretti 5.00
1 Glass GFer P Noir 15.00
1 Cannoli 3.95
1 Moretti 5.00

Total - 99.17

1374 W Grand Ave
(312) 733-5136

Sep 16, 2009

Grand Hyatt Grand Central Station, New York NY - September 16

Rating - 9.984

I arrived at 7 pm and was immediately checked-in by Melissa----she was GREAT, friendly, gave me a hard time for using my Hilton Am Ex, and made my day with her smile and kindness.

Thanks to Jeff Monson for hooking me up with a FABULOUS room!!

Cab ride in from LGA was 36.56 (including tip) and took about 1/2 hour.

LOVE the fitness center here.....lots of treads and ellipticals, a rack of free weights, tri machine and several weight machines.

Bed was excellent, very comfortable, and the room was quiet. A GREAT stay!!

Total - $459.00** before taxes

**Good bye recession, when NYC hotel rooms are this much!!

Homewood Suites, Clearwater FL - September 16

Rating - 9.0

This is a GREAT VALUE for a business traveler. Arrived around 7 pm last night and while dinner and breakfast are included in the room cost, there was no chicken left. However, the keg was still operational and we had a few (maybe 4 or 5) beers while watching ESPN. Everyone there for "happy hour" was enjoying themselves and it was great atmosphere.

My biggest complaint had been the outdated equipment in the exercise room, and after having a few beers to wind down I looked in just to check it out....and was blown away because all of the equipment was NEW----and had the tvs built in to each. No real free weights, but 2 treadmills and 2 ellipticals do the trick.

I had a great room, 241, at the end of the hall and quiet. Bathroom is dated, but bed and sitting area are nice. Only complaint would be a small table that served as a desk right by the door -- not a good spot for doing business.

Breakfast in the morning was EXCELLENT - bagels, sausage patties, egg patties, cheese (nice sandwich), cereal, and biscuits and gravy -- I definitely didn't need that but it was awesome.

The people who work here are very warm and friendly and it was a GREAT STAY!!!!

Total - $116.10 for the room + 13.94 tax = $130.04**

**unbelievable value since dinner/beers and breakfast are included

Courtside Grille (Lunch), Clearwater FL - September 16

Rating - 9.87

We arrived with our business guest around 11:30 and were immediately seated. There were some people there, but it was not crowded. It was very comfortable for lunch, enough people there so you didn't feel like others could listen to your conversation - but not so loud you couldn't hear across the table.

Jamie was our server and she was EXCELLENT.....came right over after we sat down to get drink orders (and was right back with them), made good recommendations on what to have, and was very pleasant. She gets a "gold star".

The food was much better than the night before. I tried the salmon (excellent, perfectly cooked) with mashed potatoes (lovely), Alex had the Thai pasta and ate every noodle, and our guest Andy had the french dip (he loved it) with the onion straws.

The food arrived quickly and was served hot, and Jamie kept our drinks fresh. She was quick with the bill and ringing us up so we could get our.

Great lunch spot!

Iced Tea (2 @ 2.50) 5.00
Lemonade 2.50
French dip 10.95
Onion straws 1.00
Grilled Salmon 11.95
Thai Pasta 8.95

Total - 43.18**

**this was an excellent value

Sep 15, 2009

Courtside Grille, Feathersound (Tampa) FL - 9/15

Rating - 8.1

We arrived around 8 pm after driving from Orlando (2 hours) tired and in need of drink and food. We choose to sit inside at the bar for the air (there are four tables outside). There were two bartenders, but I thought the service was "slow".

We ordered drinks and it was like being in Seattle, everything was "Happy Hour", 2 for 1 drinks for beers and drinks. We ordered the wings as apps, and they were almost too hot. Also had the quessadilla (excellent - get it). After a few cocktails we ordered some dinner.

Tom had the turkey wrap (large and looked good), Alex had the Ruben (again it was big and he finished it all), while I had the French Dip (very good, good roll, roast beef was marginal, dip was great).

It was a decent sports bar with two large HD tvs, and went from crowded to empty over time. As I mentioned earlier the service was not very good for a light Tuesday night. We are returning tomorrow with a customer for lunch so I will update.

Would I return? Probably for the food, but not the service or atmosphere.

10 wings 8.45
(2) Shock Top Draft 7.00
(2) Tanqueray 14.00
Ketel (3 @ 7.75) 23.25
Amstel Light (2 @ 4.50) 9.00
French Dip 10.95
Turkey Blt 8.95
Ruben 9.45
Heineken Lt 4.50

Total = $111.28

Sep 14, 2009

Gold Coast Dogs, 159 N Wabash Chicago IL, September 14

Rating 6.3

The guys behind the counter are fast, friendly and efficient. The food is another story. The temperature in the store was WAY too HOT on a cool day in Chicago.

I had the beef "special" and was not happy with the beef that arrived. It was served on a small bun, was very plain (I had it without peppers or onions) and dry, and is just a plain small sandwich. I sometimes grab dinner at the Gold Coast stand at Union Station and the beef's are much larger and better ("juicier").

The fries were served unsalted in a large brown bag, and were hot and excellent in flavor and texture, the only issue is there were just not very many of them.

The drink was small, and not enough for the dry sandwich that I had.

There are tons of lunch spots around the location, and I wont be back to this one.

Total - Beef special $7.09 + .92 tax = $7.91

PS. I think I forgot to mention the homeless guy sleeping at one of the four outside tables.

Sep 13, 2009

Villa Verone, Geneva IL - September 12

Rating - 9.4

We headed over after the "Festival of the Vine" (wine and chocolate tasting - although I had beers and wings with my buddy Andy at Stockholm's, and wanted to stay there) at around 8:30 pm on Friday night. We had a reservation for 14, and were told they were setting the table so we headed upstairs for a drink.........and had a BLAST!!!!

It was really funny because they were having a wedding rehearsal dinner, and the wedding party was still there, but they seated at us a few tables on the dance floor (the server saw the potential for a BIG tip and headed downstairs to cancel our reservation). There was a great band that was playing primarily "oldies", but songs that the girls really enjoyed dancing to (a lot of wine also helped).

Service was good and drinks were flowing. Food was served pretty fast and it was mediocre at best. In fact, Katie said tonight that Capri was much better.

However, you can not beat the atmosphere upstairs when the place is hopping. This is the second year in a row we came after the Festival. We have been here some other times when it was pretty dead.

Food is usually decent, although I feel there are much better restaurants in the area. But Villa Verone RULES on this night.

Cocktails (before we were seated)-

1 red wine
1 5 River Pinot noir 10.00
2 Heiniken 8.00

Total - $25.00

Dinner - Its kind of hard to say

2 apps
6 dinners
lots of drinks

Total - $75.66 (split between 3 couples)

PS. Solid move that night Pietro (the owner)!!

River's Euro American Bistro - Happy Hour, Chicago IL - September 11

Rating - 9.3

Had a few Friday afternoon cocktails before getting on the train with a co-worker. We arrived around 3:45 and got a seat on the terrace overlooking the river (in the shade) with no problem. The place was rocking, happy hour must have started EARLY on that day, and it was a beautiful day. The patio gets very crowded, but there always seems like there is plenty of room.

Sara was our server and she was excellent. Even though she had a bunch of tables we always had a cold drink and she got the bill for me in a hurray (I had already missed one train).

Only complaint was that drinks are premium priced (small draft beer about $5, and wine is $9) and are served in plastic cups (I cant really argue with that).

Fun spot for a beer before the train.

4 Goose 312 19.80
4 Gl Bonterra Sauv Blanc

Total - $64.45

Sep 11, 2009

Roxbury Cafe, Beverly Hills CA - September 1

Rating - 9.2

After a morning meeting in Beverly Hills we stopped at this neat little sidewalk cafe for a quick lunch. Elena provided great service (it should have been we were the only ones there at 11 am) and the food is exceptional.

I had the bagel sandwhich (awesome) and Alex had the california wrap (that he loved).

Stop by for an inexpensive solid meal!

Located at 459 Roxbury Dr.

1 calif wrap 8.95
1 bagel sand 7.50
bacon 1.50
Arnold Palmer 2.25
ice tea 2.25

Total - $24.58

Sep 10, 2009

Milwaukee Ale House, Milwaukee WI - September 10

Rating - 9.89

Arrived for lunch around noon on Wednesday and got a seat out on the patio. Awesome service from Dana N and a nice view of the river. The inside bar/restaurant looked very nice.

Food is awesome, we had the pretzels to start with (I LOVE Wisco) and they were sooo good. I had the bacon cheeseburger (very good) and Brian had the tuna burger (very good).

I would return for sure and would love to see it at dinner time! Only downside is the metered parking - have lots of quarters with you.

(2) lemonade 5.50
Pretzel 5.99
cheeseburger, bacon 9.99
Yellowfin tuna 9.50

Total - $31.89

Miller Park, Milwaukee WI - September 9

Rating - 9.82

This is easily a "Top 5" ball park.....wide concourses, no lines at bathrooms, tons of food (an no real lines at any concession stands)........and the park is awesome to watch a game in. We went the day after Labor Day to see the Brewers/Cards and the sight lines are fantastic!!

We sat in section 122, seat 19, just behind the cards dugout for $48 a seat. Loved it.

Only knock is the $7.50 beers (they were $6.75 in Comiskey), but it a great venue!

Zim's, Milwaukee WI - September 9

Rating - 9.99999

We met some customers here before the Brewers game and it excellent. Great apps and exceptional service, always had buckets of beer in front of us......best of all they run a free shuttle to the game, and you can DRINK BEER on the bus that drops you off right in front of the stadium.

After the game they pick up in front of the stadium and have a cooler of beer on the bus!!!

We then had a bunch more beers after the game back at Zims. It was empty, but it was also the Tuesday night after Labor Day.

Great/friendly place that I will return to for sure!

Total - $0.00 (for once I did not have to pick up the tab)

Brat Stop, Just over the Wisco Border - September 9

Rating - 12.0

Located right over the Wisconsin border off 94 this is MUST STOP for lunch or beers. Excellent old school Wisco bar/restaurant with a stage for a band and a HUGE bar. We stopped for lunch around 12:30 and the food was exceptional.

We sat at the bar with Odie the bartender, always had a fresh drink, and had awesome brats. Also, the cheese fries were so good (due to the cheese) that I wanted to stay forever.

Excellent!!

soda large 1.60
iced tea 1.75
bratwust 5.35
cajun brat 5.45
cheddar fries 3.75

Total - $18.88

Sep 8, 2009

Hyatt Regency, Milwaukee WI - September 8

Rating - 8.51

First Impressions
- tight parking by check in, 2 polite ladies working check in (but there was a line of 4 people), dated decor, room is ok but not real clean - bobby pin on the floor along with a hair tie -- grosses me out! Also, none of the "service" buttons (ie. front desk) worked on the phone, so you have to dial "0" to get the operator to talk to front desk/valet.

I actually called the general manager (got his vm) and "guest services" - which was security, to let them know about how disgusting the carpet was. I headed to the gym and by the time I returned the floor was clean.

As for the gym, it was small but ok. I would not want to try and workout here if the property was full.

The room was quiet and the bed is nice. The Regency club is beautiful and was stocked all the time (I was there in off hours, but the fridge was always full). Also the bellman, Bobby, is great for directions or tips on local things to do.

As I ponder my stay a day after I left, I do like the property. Everyone who worked there was friendly and the location is good. I would stay here again.

Total - $104 room rate, $23 for valet parking = $141.82

Original Pizzeria Uno, Chicago - September 7

Rating - 10.00

This is the original Uno's and you can tell, the ovens are perfect for EXCEPTIONL pies. We went after a Sox day game and arrived around 4:30 pm. There was no wait - I have to repeat there was NO WAIT - the first time that has ever happened. In fact, there we two tables by us that were never full, guess it helps to go the labor day.


1 lrg deep dish, sausage 24.99
1 small deep dish, cheese 12.99
1 veggie dip 5.29
1 cheese stix 6.49
1 soda 2.49
1 vodka (absolut) lemonade 6.59
2 hess cabrnt gls 17.98
2 goose I pil 11.58

Total - 113.58

Sep 1, 2009

Koi, W Hollywood, CA - August 31

Rating - 7.44

We could not get into the Belmont across the street because Alex was wearing a pair of open toe sandals....so the Anadez recommended Koi to us.

We arrived around 8 pm and the hostesses asked if we had a reservation (we did not) and if we wanted to sit inside/outside. We asked for outside, and were seated. There couldn't have been more than 7 tables full.

Paul was our waiter and he was just great, good recommendations, and always there with a drink. Well done.

Started with a California roll and salmon cut role - they were just ok. The crispy rice tuna was a house special and it was EXCELLENT. I had the kobe beef toban for an entree (it was soooo goood) and Alex had the salmon (excellent). Drinks were small, but good.

Best of all when we left we saw a photographer outside on the sidewalk....we asked who he was waiting for and he said a teenage girl....we let him know there were a few. As we chatted him up, he said Koi had been hot once, but was not anymore, and they were know for the worst valets in the city (he was right). He did say all the restaurants in the area were good and that there were many.

Would I return to Koi? NO WAY --- overpriced. The LA "scene" makes me laugh anyway!

California roll 9.00
Salmon cut roll 9.00
Crispy rice 16.00
Roasted Salmon 28.00
Kobe Beef Toban 48.00
2 Ketel One 24.00
3 Tanqueray 36.00
Sapporo 9.00

Total - $196.46