
nf p.
Culver City, CA
Tony P's Dockside Grill
Until we were treated so horribly by the management staff (and ostensibly the owners, who never responded to both regular mail and email) that we've since vowed to never return.
There was something fantastic about this place, the portions were large, it was one of the only affordable waterside locations. But one Sunday I ordered the Tony P's special steak. We were told they were out. I then ordered another kind of steak. They were out. Our companions asked the manager if there was anything he could do. He said it wasn't his fault they ran out of steak. He pointed out the filet was available. When I said it was a little more than I wanted to spend, he snapped, "Why don't you order the hamburger, that's cheap!" It went downhill from there. He actually started to mock and harrass us (there were four of us at the table). Yes, it got worse. The waitress was very apologetic, but there was only so much she could do.
What was most disappointing was not to receive any kind of response from the owner, who's apparently active in the community, but doesn't respond to customers.
It was disconcerting, but it's hard to recommend this place when they obviously care so little for their customers. It's very much like, they have a great location so take it or leave it. Consider the Harbor House, which is just down the street on Admiralty -- it's a tiny bit more pricey, but it's actually better food and the staff are, unlike Tony P's professional.
PROS: View
CONS: Horrible, unprofessional staff, unresponsive owner, manager.
Swanya
Best deal in town for a Thai massage. All therapists are actually Thai and the massage is authentic, thorough. Thai massage has been described as passive yoga. There's plenty of stretching and pressure point massage, similar to Shiatsu. You're taken to a curtained area where there is a bed on a platform. You're given a tank top and specially designed wide-legged capri cotton pants (they have a sewing shop in the back). The entire massage is done clothed and is thorough and can be very theraputic. You should feel comfortable to tell a therapist when the pressure is too firm, because it seems like they're used to working on those accustomed to massage. It's a very elegant atmosphere with quiet music and extremely nice therapists. The only complaint I would issue is for them to put a sign that says "Please turn off cel phones, all who enter into this restful place" (the people who Nextel are the worst, but a cel phone going off in a massage venue is just obnoxious).
PROS: Kind, considerate therapists, thorough massage, authentic Thai
CONS: Can be intimidating to those not accustomed to the stretching, exercise
Marico Body Therapy
Very competent therapists, calm atmosphere, despite it's location at the top of a strip mall on busy Lincoln Blvd. You're immediately served hot tea in a restful atmosphere. The foot massage is given in the main area, where there are six chairs with ottomans. They do the foot bath first, then foot massage and then you're taken to a private room for the massage. A full body massage is $65 an hour. The owner Marico is one of the best massage therapists around, although her schedual is often full.
PROS: Very professional, yet calming, with Asian accents
CONS: Seems to go so quickly, it's so great.