Q: positive

A: Saturday, while setting up for an Easter brunch, I discovered a bird with a broken wing trying desperately to get out of my backyard. A call to the humane society rescue hotline (they only do dogs and cats and the like) got me redirected to Liberty Wildlife Rehabilitation Foundation: a voicemail answered by volunteers whose outgoing message promises to call back as soon as possible, typically within 30 minutes. I left a message and then anxiously called back a few hours later after not getting a response. The second call was quickly returned and I was informed that while they do not typically send out rescue volunteers for smaller birds (only the big guys like owls, etc.), if I could capture and transport the bird to their sanctuary, someone would be there until 7 p.m. to accept him and begin to nurse him back to health -- even on Easter Sunday. The little guy was speedy! Together, a few of my Easter guests and I were able to corner him and get him in a box for transport to Liberty Wildlife Rehabilitation Foundation. Indeed, the young girls greeted me and enthusiastically took the little guy, trading me for an intake form which collected my contact information and the closest major intersection to where the bird had been found. No money. Just information. I left a modest donation in gratitude and was able to return home feeling happy to know the bird would have his own resurrection of sorts!

Q: positive

A: I love the ambiance in this little cafe! I felt like I had stepped back in time or atleast that time slowed down a little bit. Everything was fresh and delicious! I had my favorite breakfast of country fried steak. OMG the gravy was amazing! My husband had the pork chops and eggs... They eeeeee juicy and it was a huuuge portion! This place is so good for the price... I'll definately be going back! I can see why it was packed on a Sunday morning!

Q: negative

A: First time back to the newly remodeled Plaza Hotel. The valet entrance was less than inviting but inside, things are looking up. Had dinner and cocktails at Oscar's, the new restaurant where Center Stage and the pool used to be. Great atmosphere, friendly staff but they need to work on a few things. Drinks were $8 and dinner ran about $50 but had I made other choices, it could easily have run $60-70 per person. While my food was delicious (awesome double boned pork chop and creamed corn brulee), the long wait from the kitchen was terminally s-l-o-w. My dining partners complained that their food was cold (must have sat around, waiting for my pork chop to cook, because mine was hot). I dined with six, unrelated business associates, and splitting the bill was beyond ridiculous. I would have been fine splitting the ticket six-ways but that wasn't really fair to two who were eating light, probably due to budget restraints. The server could easily have given us separate checks (come on, it's all computerized!) but of course he refused. One of the guys spent 15 minutes figuring who owed what. Add in the poor acoustics due to the glass rotunda and you can bet that I'll never go back. I wish them well but they've got a few areas to improve.

Q: positive

A:
A neighbor recommended this place. No difficulty being seated, and our drink orders were taken immediately. Chips and salsa arrived. The salsa had a canned taste; however, our server brought a corn salsa and guacamole spontaneously. I got the chimichangas stuffed with cheese. They came with rice, beans, lettuce, sour cream and guacamole. Quite good. My husband ordered the vegetable fajitas with corn tortillas. He seemed surprised when a plate of rice, beans, lettuce, guacamole and salsa arrived with his grilled vegetables. He did not use the corn tortillas and appeared to prefer eating his rice and bean plate, along with the vegetables. My husband stated that the vegetables had no seasoning, but, to be fair, he did not consume them in the way intended. I did try the vegetables, and they needed salt and pepper when consumed without the other items. Salt and pepper not on the table, which seems to be a trend with restaurants these days. My husband had a touch of the grouch that night, so my review is primarily based on my experience. I will return when he is having a night out with the guys!