Eltea International Trading Co
I could spend hours here. I recently stopped drinking coffee because of acidic stomach aches, but needed that caffeine! I went to eL Tea and they took care of me - excellent quality loose teas and I don't miss any of the caffeine and got some great flavor in return. The teas I bought were both about $7 per package, the smallest increment customers generally buy (I'm sure you can buy less though). They are lasting me longer than a pound of coffee so I feel I got my money's worth. I also received alot of great information from the proprietor on best brewing methods, which teas can be re-brewed, flavor compositions - hope you check 'em out : )
Gymnastics Beat Inc
My daughter has been to a cheerleading clinic and birthday party here and had loads of fun each time! They are serious about all forms of gymnastics and it shows. I'm not sure how much the party packages are, but I'm sure they're worth it - tons of space for play, qualified instructors, and action-packed party activities : )
Nee Nee Fruit Ice Cafe
OMG this ice is sooo wonderfully yummy! It's locally owned by a husband and wife team, they are very friendly. You can taste any flavor you are curious about, I have too many faves to list. they also blend their ice with their ice cream, which is beyond glorious. Prices are quite reasonable for the quality. You can try several flavors in a dish that's about $3.50, you get melon ball sizes of the flavors. We usually opt for several flavors in quart sizes for $5 each : )
Vineyard Farmer's Market
Ok, this market is actually located at the northwest corner of Shaw & Blackstone; the address I added is their office, not going to find any produce there. Anyway, my favorite vendors here are Thao Farms for green beans and squash and strawberries (lots of good berry vendors but he has the small, sweet ones I remember as a child); KMK Farms for unique veggies and herbs like Mexican avocadoes that are just peel 'n eat, she also carries nice lettuces in season; Vine Ripe for cucs, edamame, tomatoes and whatever else she has in season because she's got the cheapest of whatever she's got! I also like Il Giardino for herbs and lettuces, but she's a little pricey for me. I also adore Apkarians grapes and Koz Farms' nectarines and peaches - they're huge!
Central Fish Company
ok, this is really a market, where you'll find some super fresh fish; they even make up some fresh sushi trays for sale, but they sell out fast so I've only been lucky enough to nab one a handful of times, but there's also a take-out restaurant of sorts - there are lots of tables, but you may find it disconcerting to eat in lol although there's lots watch! Anyway, this is one of the cheapest places to get teriyaki salmon! My husband orders a "side" of it, so he just gets an average size piece of teriyaki salmon for only $5 or some outrageous price, for a little more you get rice, salad and a slightly smaller piece of salmon. Besides the teriyaki dishes, much of the other food is fried, and pretty yummy.
Sequoia Brewing Company
This is some yummy beer! My husband and I like to hang out here when we get the chance - good atmosphere and oftentimes, good music. We have tried many of their brews and they're always good. They also bottle their more popular, take some home, too! We've also eaten here, but it's mainly fried stuff - food is just ok, but if you are a beer connoiseur like we are, this is a must try.
Cosmetology School
You can't beat the prices here! Shampoo, cut and style is $8! Manicures are $5, so I'm taking my daughter and her friends for manicures for her birthday :) Be prepared to be there over an hour though - students do the services so their trainers check on their work constantly, making for lengthy service time, but still worth it.
Karsh's Catering
Our office has ordered Karsh's Catering several times for our 100 employees, usually ordering BBQ tri-tip and sides, it's good EVERY TIME. They're always on schedule, never forget anything - they're catering our company picnic in a few weeks - can't wait!
Joy Luck Chinese Cuisine
I've tried Joy Luck about 4 times and it's just ok. I think the prices are too high for the average food. Although the last time I went with co-workers, we ate family-style and someone ordered a tasty dish with spicy black beans in it. I wish I would have remembered the name of it!
Di Cicco's Italian Restaurants
We always get take-out here. I love to get the cheese pizza at this particular location - sooooo much ooey-gooey REAL cheese!! The salads, lasagne and calzones are great, too. Look out for DiCicco's coupons! : )
