Pacific Sports Resort Redwood Shores

My family joined the PAC in Jan of 2010 and have really loved it. We put it off for so long because we thought the amount we'd use it wouldn't justify the expense of membership. But we've found we use it way more than we anticipated. In the summer the pools are great with the kids. The Kid Zone and younger kids space is great (our kids love going to it), so that means Mom and Dad can actually get a work out in. You feel like your treating yourself when you go here, it's not like forcing yourself to go to 24 Fitness. I'm a big fan of the Basic Training class with John Walker on M, W, and F mornings at 7:30. Totally kicks my butt but it's a good thing.

Headlines-A Cut Above

I had my hair cut at Headlines by a very nice woman named Irina. She did a great job updating my hair style to something a bit more hip than my cut of the past 30 years - while keeping it suitable for a professional / business setting. (I'll have to update my user photo!) I really like the cut and - more important - my wife does. Irina was really personable and confident - she's got lots of experience. She's stylish herself. Setting was clean and comfortable. I'll be going back to her from now on.

Knox Trail Inn

Tried out Knox trail inn on a Sunday night in august around 6:30. They were slammed but we had reservations so we were seated on time. The dining room off the bar was really noisey. Even when the crowd thinned out in the dining room the noise from the bar really carried. That said we noticed veteran customers requesting to be seated in the adjoining banquet hall where it was quiet. Food was really quite good. They had a lobster special which was solid, the scallops were great, and they also make a great pizza which you can do carry out as well. As far as I can tell it is one of about 3 restaurants in Otis and I'd definitely recommend it.

MandaLoun

My wife and I had dinner here over the July 4th weekend and thought it was quite nice. The space is huge and beautifully decorated in faux mediterranean style. The have a nice back patio but it was a little hot to sit out there so we sat up front near the windows. Service was excellent - friendly, told us what they really liked on the menu, attentive. When they noticed we weren't drinking one of our cocktails they inquired about it and then didn't charge us for it. Started with the tuna tartare which hit the spot. Shared a wonderful fish special - a Mediterranean sea bass done in their wood fired grill. Nice cocktails and easy to catch a movie afterwards. We noticed families were there too. Fine to bring kids. I'd go back.

Wasiiki Restaurant

Went here on a Thursday night at around 6:30. We were the only 2 people in the restaurant for the next two hours so not quite sure how they stay in business (unless they really cater to the lunch crowd). Had the standard Peruvian meat plates (didn't try the ceviche). Meat was tender and tasty. Service was fine. Flan for dessert was fine. Feels like it would be a more fun place if it were full.

Amin Urmi Dds

My three year old daughter had to have 2 cavities filled today (bad father who didn't floss daughter's teeth). I sat in and watched in awe as Dr. Urmi totally put my little girl at ease, and actually had her quite intrigued by her story of getting out the "sugar bugs" - while simultaneously drilling and filling two cavities. The nitrous certainly helped (she doesn't start with that but I encouraged her to go for it so that it would be easier on my daughter), but even before that started my daughter was totally at ease. Dr. Urmi and her staff have a great touch with kids and clearly love working with kids. Normal cleanings are a cakewalk with no objections from the kids. It also helps that Dr. Urmi gives out nice little prizes after each visit. Nice new, very clean office with ample parking in the back. I would definitely recommend Dr. Urmi.

Laurie A. Rubenstein, MD

We've brought both our children to KidKare since they were born and have seen Dr. Laurie on numerous occasions. Like all the staff at KidKare she's got a great touch with the kids and manages to get them to cooperate with an exam. She happily listens to and answers all of our questions. I'd definitely recommend Dr. Rubinstein and KidKare.

Frederic P. Whinery, MD

Dr. Whinery has a really nice casual and caring manner. He sits down, listens to your questions and speaks with you conversationally - not using lots of medical jargon. I went to him several times over a few years for routine stuff like cough/cold symptoms and once for a skin tag that needed to be removed. I really appreciated how he took care of that on the spot and didn't refer me to a dermatologist which would have taken a bunch more time. Only a few things that would give me pause on recommending to friends and family. When I figured out I was lactose intolerant I asked him about other sources of calcium and what I should be doing on that front to augment my diet. He suggested meats and vegetables like broccoli would be sufficient and kind of brushed off the concern. That seemed a bit odd to me. Also a very old school practice with shelves and shelves of paper files. Got the vibe he wasn't doing anything cutting edge. Certainly fine for the basics though.

Spruce

My wife and I celebrated her birthday with dinner at Spruce and had a very nice time. Loved the atmosphere, food and service. Definitely surprised by how many patrons showed up in coats and even ties (a bit unusual for SF) - but it was totally fine if you were a bit more elegantly casual as we were, and the environment and service didn't feel stuffy. Our server was totally unpretentious but super knowledgeable on everything from the massive wine list to the menu. She gave us really great advice on both. Started with the caesar salad, followed by sweetbreads (which were really tasty & savory mixed with tagliatelle, mushroom and brown butter). For entrees I had the Halibut which was superb and my wife had the Berkshire Pork Tenderloin. Can't go wrong. We loved the overstuffed brown couches and sat side by side at our table looking out across the dining room, through the cool glass partition separating it from the bar.

All in all a very nice evening. I'd definitely recommend Spruce for a special occassion.

Mack's Smoked Barbecue

I went to Mack's when they first opened and just tried them again this weekend. Love Mack's pulled pork sandwich. Totally delicious and reasonably priced.