So we ate at Abo's Pizza this weekend- it had been awhile. I remember when i lived in Boulder County, I was completely enthralled with Abo's. After trying other places in the metro area, I am not sure why I Was.
The pizza is your typical NEW YORK STYLE SLICE but comes at approx. $2.90 a slice (cheese only) with 0.60 per extra topping. A lunch special is approx. $7.30 for 2 1-topping slices and a soda. The better deal is the pizza slice, salad, and soda for the same price. In any case, compared to places in Lakewood, Broomfield, and Wheat Ridge that I have tried slices at, I have to say, Abo's seems a bit pricey. It is good pizza but I do not think worth the premium. Sorry, Abo's.... I am moving on :-(
Sunday, April 25, 2010
Thursday, April 22, 2010
A review of Hyatt Regency - Downtown Albuquerque
During my first trip to Albuquerque, New Mexico, I stayed in the Hyatt Regency in downtown ABQ. I gotta say, what a nice hotel but without the frills - meaning, there is no mini bar in the rooms, or coffee maker (you gotta ask for it), and there are no robes or fun things but the hotel was just nice. From the lobby to the noise levels in the room, it is a well designed hotel. I had a decent room but no view which was fine- I was only there 2 nights. In any case, the meeting spaces are nice, and the temperature is great. The hotel catered our food and I have to say, it was a great taste of New Mexico. I think I was not used to eating so much and got sick from eating way too much good spicy food.
All in all, it was a good trip and I would recommend the Hyatt in Albuquerque. Some warnings though: Everything in downtown including the Starbucks in the hotel itself shuts down by 430-5pm so be prepared for that and to get anywhere you definitely need a car. I was lucky that my colleagues had a rental car. Otherwise, I would have been stuck at the hotel - there are worst things than being stuck in a hotel though.
Happy Trails!
All in all, it was a good trip and I would recommend the Hyatt in Albuquerque. Some warnings though: Everything in downtown including the Starbucks in the hotel itself shuts down by 430-5pm so be prepared for that and to get anywhere you definitely need a car. I was lucky that my colleagues had a rental car. Otherwise, I would have been stuck at the hotel - there are worst things than being stuck in a hotel though.
Happy Trails!
Review of Sears Carpet and Air Duct Cleaning
After we had our basement finished, we knew it was time to clean the ducts and the carpet --- all that dry wall and construction debris can wreak havoc on one's sinus and allergies. So, we took the plunge. I went with a company I knew and could trust and that I could complain to if things went wrong - after all, AAA is cheap but then again, who are they?
I have great things to say about the duct cleaning- it went a little quick though which made me wonder what he did but he explained everything very thoroughly and hopefully, I start to see a difference.
The carpet cleaning was even better- the job was very professionally done, although on a rainy humid day in Colorado, I wish they had a dryer they could have run through the house. The carpets are still wet and I only hope to keep the girls off of it til it dries which may be another 12 hours or so. If you do your carpets too, make sure to schedule that after the air duct. It is easy to set up at sears.com and all the employees were very professional. All in all, it was good to do but it is a lot of money so you want to do it when you can get the most out of it.
I have great things to say about the duct cleaning- it went a little quick though which made me wonder what he did but he explained everything very thoroughly and hopefully, I start to see a difference.
The carpet cleaning was even better- the job was very professionally done, although on a rainy humid day in Colorado, I wish they had a dryer they could have run through the house. The carpets are still wet and I only hope to keep the girls off of it til it dries which may be another 12 hours or so. If you do your carpets too, make sure to schedule that after the air duct. It is easy to set up at sears.com and all the employees were very professional. All in all, it was good to do but it is a lot of money so you want to do it when you can get the most out of it.
Sunday, April 18, 2010
Review of Cici's Pizza, Westminster, Colorado
Since we were with the kids and near Cici's, we decided to stop in and have something to eat. Kids under 3 eat free which is a great thing especially if your kid is not 3 yet. In any case, this place is a haven for lil ones but can be equally good for adults. This is not a glamorous joint and if you want a better eating experience in the pizza arena, go to Old Chicago's lunch buffet which is amazing but is $8.99.
In any case, the variety of pizza at Cici's is decent and more geared towards kids. There is a mac 'n cheese pizza but the best was the thin crust veggie. The salad is okay and the soup I hear was not that good. The garlic bread sticks and the cinnamon rolls for dessert are very good and the pasta is okay but perfect for kids. Like I said, this is a great place for kids and they can run around without feeling like they are in a china shop as well.
In any case, the variety of pizza at Cici's is decent and more geared towards kids. There is a mac 'n cheese pizza but the best was the thin crust veggie. The salad is okay and the soup I hear was not that good. The garlic bread sticks and the cinnamon rolls for dessert are very good and the pasta is okay but perfect for kids. Like I said, this is a great place for kids and they can run around without feeling like they are in a china shop as well.
Saturday, April 17, 2010
Best Iphone Apps and Most addictive - PART TWO
In my previous post I wrote about the top 15 apps after three weeks of owning the iPhone. As promised, after 6 weeks of owning the iphone, it is time to write another installation of the most useful apps. I am also going to factor in the most addictive. Here goes:
1. Words with friends- this one is free or for 99 cents you can get it ad free. This app is addictive. It is essentially scrabble with friends and/or strangers. You can have a billion games going at once which is fine since it can take days or weeks to finish a game. The game has some flaws because words can be spelled that are not words and yet dome words that are in the dictionary are rejected so be prepared for that. WARNING: If you get this App, you will not be able to put it down and the world around you will become almost non-existent so be prepared!
2. Shazam - this us a cool app to help you find out song you're hearing but do not know the name or artist. It let's you download it and even gives you a tour schedule. Pretty cool.
3. Camera One is an app and turns your iPhone camera into a more functional tool but I do not know what all the buttons do so need an instruction manual. Hopefully I can find it through the App store or google - that is the only flaw of this thing but the features appear cool. There is even a timer on this camera!
4. Irelax- is an app that is a sound machine, lullaby-maker, and alarm clock all wrapped up in one. When I travelled to D.C. a few weeks ago, I had to download a sleep machine. It is Free and called SLEEP MACHINE. There are tons of white noise makers on the app market and they all work great but I gotta say, a friend got me turned onto IRelax and it really is the best out there. The options are endless and it is easier to use than most of the other white noise or sound machine apps out there.
5. Urbanspoon- I really like this over yelp and the SHAKE feature lets you turn your Iphone into a "restaurant" slot machine... be careful what you land on. If you are not in the mood for Polish food.
There are tons more apps that are useful. I like Mapquest and google maps and really love having GOOGLE CALENDAR right there as my home page Application to quickly check the calendar, and I love dictionary.com and Wikipedia. All in all, I have had a great 30 days with the Iphone. I was even to shop online and quickly find what I needed on a HOME DEPOT App. Amazon.com is available on line but the features are a bit limited. I wish I could stream daily episodes of "The Daily Show" and other shows on the iphone like I can on my laptop or PC but for some reason, I cannot do that yet - I think Apple does not let you run Adobe Flash Player because they'd rather I pay 99 cents on Itunes and purchase the episode rather than watch it for free. This upsets me a bit but I am not surprised that Apple does that. In any case, I will just have to Tivo my episodes and do my best to convert them for the iphone.
As far as service goes, AT&T is an okay 3G network. I wrote a blog on that. But, did you know AT&T rolls your minutes? This is a bonus for me since my usage varies with how much I travel in a month. Stay tuned for more App-reviews to come...
1. Words with friends- this one is free or for 99 cents you can get it ad free. This app is addictive. It is essentially scrabble with friends and/or strangers. You can have a billion games going at once which is fine since it can take days or weeks to finish a game. The game has some flaws because words can be spelled that are not words and yet dome words that are in the dictionary are rejected so be prepared for that. WARNING: If you get this App, you will not be able to put it down and the world around you will become almost non-existent so be prepared!
2. Shazam - this us a cool app to help you find out song you're hearing but do not know the name or artist. It let's you download it and even gives you a tour schedule. Pretty cool.
3. Camera One is an app and turns your iPhone camera into a more functional tool but I do not know what all the buttons do so need an instruction manual. Hopefully I can find it through the App store or google - that is the only flaw of this thing but the features appear cool. There is even a timer on this camera!
4. Irelax- is an app that is a sound machine, lullaby-maker, and alarm clock all wrapped up in one. When I travelled to D.C. a few weeks ago, I had to download a sleep machine. It is Free and called SLEEP MACHINE. There are tons of white noise makers on the app market and they all work great but I gotta say, a friend got me turned onto IRelax and it really is the best out there. The options are endless and it is easier to use than most of the other white noise or sound machine apps out there.
5. Urbanspoon- I really like this over yelp and the SHAKE feature lets you turn your Iphone into a "restaurant" slot machine... be careful what you land on. If you are not in the mood for Polish food.
There are tons more apps that are useful. I like Mapquest and google maps and really love having GOOGLE CALENDAR right there as my home page Application to quickly check the calendar, and I love dictionary.com and Wikipedia. All in all, I have had a great 30 days with the Iphone. I was even to shop online and quickly find what I needed on a HOME DEPOT App. Amazon.com is available on line but the features are a bit limited. I wish I could stream daily episodes of "The Daily Show" and other shows on the iphone like I can on my laptop or PC but for some reason, I cannot do that yet - I think Apple does not let you run Adobe Flash Player because they'd rather I pay 99 cents on Itunes and purchase the episode rather than watch it for free. This upsets me a bit but I am not surprised that Apple does that. In any case, I will just have to Tivo my episodes and do my best to convert them for the iphone.
As far as service goes, AT&T is an okay 3G network. I wrote a blog on that. But, did you know AT&T rolls your minutes? This is a bonus for me since my usage varies with how much I travel in a month. Stay tuned for more App-reviews to come...
The Garlic Knot in Lakewood, Colorado - Best Fast Food Italian I have had!
Some of my co-workers and I went to eat at The Garlic Knot in Lakewood, Colorado, for lunch and I have to say, it was some damn good Italian fast food. They offer a lunch special which includes garlic knots (their signature bread) with marinara sauce, a slice of pizza (toppings are extra), and a drink for $4.99. I just went with a slice and it was delish! There are coupons on their website, and in circulars if you live in that area and I gotta say, it was better and more reasonably priced than places in the area that compete with like Virgilio's. The people are nicer too.
The Garlic Knot is located off of Alameda in the Safeway Shopping Center and if you have not tried this gem of a place, I recommend lunch or dinner today!
The Garlic Knot is located off of Alameda in the Safeway Shopping Center and if you have not tried this gem of a place, I recommend lunch or dinner today!
Sunday, April 04, 2010
AT&T is not the best 3G network - a review based on my trip to the East Coast
I have had the Iphone now for four weeks and unfortunately, as you all know, there is a monopoly right now with who can carry the iphone - AT&T. This is quite unfortunate but Verizon is not on the 3G network and Sprint has something better-4G. I used to have T-mobile and while there were dropped calls and what not, I really miss the service and prices. Rumor is that this year, 2010, will see T-mobile getting the Iphone next. I hope so, because I think I would switch to them as soon as I could.
Recently, I made a trip to D.C. and the AT&T coverage out there was horrible. I hear that out east is Verizon country but when I had Tmobile, it worked great out east. AT&T had no 3G where I was and I could not get on the internet or the phone during the time I was involved in a hearing. In any case, my experiences with AT&T thus far travelling has been piss poor. In Colorado, it may work out okay but I would have to agree with others that AT&T does really stink.
Ah well - for now, I am stuck with them and the Iphone - don't get me wrong, I love the Iphone and all it has to offer but the service needs to match the technology and in this case, AT&T is a poor match for the Apple Iphone.
Recently, I made a trip to D.C. and the AT&T coverage out there was horrible. I hear that out east is Verizon country but when I had Tmobile, it worked great out east. AT&T had no 3G where I was and I could not get on the internet or the phone during the time I was involved in a hearing. In any case, my experiences with AT&T thus far travelling has been piss poor. In Colorado, it may work out okay but I would have to agree with others that AT&T does really stink.
Ah well - for now, I am stuck with them and the Iphone - don't get me wrong, I love the Iphone and all it has to offer but the service needs to match the technology and in this case, AT&T is a poor match for the Apple Iphone.
Review of Yak & Yeti- Westminster, Colorado
When it comes to Indian/Nepalese restaurants, do not be confused by the name of this restaurant. For years, I avoided it because I was worried it was not authentic Indian- quite the contrary, it is an amazing place and right in my neck of the woods!
You do not have to go to Boulder, Aurora or far off lands to get good Indian- it is right here at Yak & Yeti - in two locations- Arvada and Westminster, Colorado. The lunch buffet is amazing! You have a selection of well over 8 entrees, 2 or 3 soups and daal, salad and dippings, appetizers, and two types of rice. There are tons of dessert too - fruit, rice pudding, mango custard, and two more desserts! I have to say, for $8.95, the lunch buffet is more than worth it!
The dinner buffets are on Friday and Saturday evenings only and I am not sure the value there is worth it but it is reasonable as well at $14.95 per person. The food is good and rivals the Indian food of restaurants in Aurora and Boulder, and I have to say, the service is friendly. They take a little time to bring you water and bread (naan- which comes with the buffet) if they are busy but other than that, this place is a must eat - there is something for everyone - even the pickiest of kids.
Namaste and Enjoy your meal!
You do not have to go to Boulder, Aurora or far off lands to get good Indian- it is right here at Yak & Yeti - in two locations- Arvada and Westminster, Colorado. The lunch buffet is amazing! You have a selection of well over 8 entrees, 2 or 3 soups and daal, salad and dippings, appetizers, and two types of rice. There are tons of dessert too - fruit, rice pudding, mango custard, and two more desserts! I have to say, for $8.95, the lunch buffet is more than worth it!
The dinner buffets are on Friday and Saturday evenings only and I am not sure the value there is worth it but it is reasonable as well at $14.95 per person. The food is good and rivals the Indian food of restaurants in Aurora and Boulder, and I have to say, the service is friendly. They take a little time to bring you water and bread (naan- which comes with the buffet) if they are busy but other than that, this place is a must eat - there is something for everyone - even the pickiest of kids.
Namaste and Enjoy your meal!
Thursday, April 01, 2010
Courtyard Marriott Embassy Row, Washington DC
I recently stayed at the Courtyard Marriott near Dupont Circle for a business trip. The hotel is nice and has a great location - actually, the location is perfect if you have business within a one-mile radius. Otherwise, the metro is about a 10-minute walk, Farragut North, so, if you need to be near to the metro, this is not the right place for you.
The amenities were nice and the beds were fine - not the best beds you will sleep in but not the worst. The rooms are a bit noisy though especially because you are in the city. You will hear the traffic and of course, others' doors as they are slammed. The restaurant Nage on the first floor serves amazing - I mean, amazing breakfast at a very reasonable price and coffee and tea is free around the clock. They serve warm cookies in the lobby in the evenings so try to hang out there and the business center has a MAC and two PCs - free for use. There is free wifi and of course, a free paper awaiting you near the door in the mornings.
All in all, it was an okay stay. This is not the best hotel I have stayed at from a luxury standpoint but it meets my needs for one or two nights. There is no fridge or microwave or mini-bar but like I said, it is a good location and hotel for the value.
The amenities were nice and the beds were fine - not the best beds you will sleep in but not the worst. The rooms are a bit noisy though especially because you are in the city. You will hear the traffic and of course, others' doors as they are slammed. The restaurant Nage on the first floor serves amazing - I mean, amazing breakfast at a very reasonable price and coffee and tea is free around the clock. They serve warm cookies in the lobby in the evenings so try to hang out there and the business center has a MAC and two PCs - free for use. There is free wifi and of course, a free paper awaiting you near the door in the mornings.
All in all, it was an okay stay. This is not the best hotel I have stayed at from a luxury standpoint but it meets my needs for one or two nights. There is no fridge or microwave or mini-bar but like I said, it is a good location and hotel for the value.
Amma's Vegetarian Kitchen - Georgetown
In D.C. this time, I met with my friend who is also vegetarian. I used to go to Amma's Kitchen in Georgetown a lot before and I thought she would enjoy it with me. So, off we went. I have to say, it was not as good as I remember it. The food was a little spicier than I wanted and there was too much ginger in the Dosa (crepe) I ordered. I liked it but I was hungry a few hours later too. We had samosas as an appetizer and that was good.
The price is right if you are gonna eat in Georgetown. There is a crepe place on the 1st floor below Amma's too and so for dessert, you are all set! I really enjoy South Indian food so it was good to have it after such a long time.
The price is right if you are gonna eat in Georgetown. There is a crepe place on the 1st floor below Amma's too and so for dessert, you are all set! I really enjoy South Indian food so it was good to have it after such a long time.
Frontier Airlines really honors the Military- a review of a roundtrip flight
Recently, on Government business I flew on Frontier Airlines. So, the class of ticket that the Contract Rate is on is CLASSIC which includes free TV and 2 free bags. Nonetheless, when I checked in, because I used my military ID, both times I flew this time, the agents were amazing- they were ready to assist and tell me that bags fly free for military despite class of ticket. What a nice thing Frontier has done. United Airlines does not even do that and they are the Contract Carrier for the military.
In any case, it was nice to have TV on two very long flights- VERY LONG! It would have been nice to have free snacks like Southwest, but I suppose I will bring my own food like I always have done on these airlines. All in all, I have to say, this time, I had a great FRONTIER experience and maybe with Republic taking over, they are getting better. In any case, Frontier Airlines does honor military- show your ID card to check your bags for free and show it on the flight again to see if you can get TV too!
In any case, it was nice to have TV on two very long flights- VERY LONG! It would have been nice to have free snacks like Southwest, but I suppose I will bring my own food like I always have done on these airlines. All in all, I have to say, this time, I had a great FRONTIER experience and maybe with Republic taking over, they are getting better. In any case, Frontier Airlines does honor military- show your ID card to check your bags for free and show it on the flight again to see if you can get TV too!
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