Problem: $300 per person omakase shabu shabu? RIP OFFFFFF Totally over-rated. Our total tab for the night for 4 people came out to $2000 for 4 people. Course took WAYYYYY too long to come out. Best 2 courses were the Toro w/ Caviar and the seafood Shabu that I ate as sashimi. Was not told whether the Kobe was US kobe or original Kobe beef from Japan. I suspect it is US kobe, which is not real Kobe. $1200 for food for 4, $350 for bottle of Patron plus Tax for a total of $1650. Paid $2000 total only to be chased by the waitress who's new from NYC for not leaving her a tip. I guess she misread the total, but really, how dare her? WTF?
How would this review be described?
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A: negative

Problem: A locals' place off the strip, but close enough! With their happy hours from 4 pm to 8 pm everyday, it's definitely worth checking out the Blue Martini! We arrived shortly after 6 pm on a weekday and grabbed a coveted table outside on the patio. All their specialty martinis and wines are half-priced, as well as everything on the menu! (Desserts included!) What a steal! The BF ordered the Down & Dirty (Ketel One Vodka and Olive Juice served with Three Large Olives) and I had the Bellini (Ketel One Vodka, Peach Schnapps, House Champagne, and a splash of Orange juice). They bring the shaker to you and pour it tableside, which I think is great. Not only does the waitress not have to worry about balancing the delicate martini glass, but you don't have to worry about trying to drink from a very full glass. They average about to $7-$8 each during HH. We started off with the St. Louis Style Spinach & Artichoke Dip (Spinach & Artichokes Mixed with a St. Louis Provel Cheese Sauce, Topped with Parmesan and Served Hot with Toasted Pita Triangles). Like Mr N. mentioned, the pita chips are rock hard. I'm not sure if they are intentionally supposed to be this hard, but they could soften them up a bit! A pretty decent order for the price you're paying and pretty good too. I had the Chicken Quattro Formaggi (8oz. Lightly Breaded Seasoned Chicken Breast Stuffed with Four Cheeses (Asiago, Parmesan, Mozzarella, & Provolone) served with Seasoned Rice, Marinated Artichoke Hearts Accompanied by a Roasted Red Pepper Sauce), which is odd since I don't usually like to order chicken breast. I think the whole 'stuffed with four cheeses' got my attention and that's what sold me. I had to ask for more sauce so the chicken had more flavor. The accompanying artichoke hearts and greens lightened up the meal. The BF enjoyed my dish. The BF scored a winner with the Miniature Martini Lamb Chops (8oz. of Mint Marinated Rack of Lamb served with Seasoned Rice). They were so moist and tasty, not gamey at all! We had to ask for more of the green sauce because it tasted so good! I wish I ordered this instead! We'd definitely go back for this dish alone! It's pretty chill hanging out there in the evenings. It gets super packed though, so good luck trying to score a table if you come with a large party. You can always grab seating inside, but it's pretty dark in there in my opinion. And yes, there are a lot of fake tans, pretty boys in their shades and 'roids. An amusing place to people watch if anything. I have to agree with Myke R. about the restrooms being way too far. Coming from the patio, it's a trek to meander yourself around the tables and crowds just to pee and wash up. (I did see Allison J. though on my way to the loo!) Overall, Blue Martini is a pretty cool place to hang out during happy hour. I don't think I'd want to fight the crowds though during weekends and nights since this place fills up. They do check ID, so no kiddies in here at all. Update! 05/31/08 - Went back for HH on a Friday night and this place is PACKED! * Seared Tuna (Sushi grade ahi tuna resting on a nest of asian seaweed and calamari salad, served with asian sesame dressing and wasabi.) I'm not a big fan of seared tuna, but the seaweed, ginger, and calamari combo definitely added a nice contrast. * Bruschetta (Fresh Diced Roma Tomatoes Marinated with Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Garlic and Basil Served on Toasted Sliced Bread Rounds Topped with Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese) Nothing special, pretty basic that anyone could make at home. I also tried a couple of their flatbreads. By the time I got to it, It had been sitting out for awhile, so they were not hot as they should be. Probably tastes a lot better when you eat them right away. * Mango Madness (Finlandia Mango Vodka, Mango Schnapps, a splash of Pineapple juice) So so good! A bunch of people from our group was drinking this and we all loved it! A definite fave of the house, even for guys! (You can find pics of our happy hour experience in the business profile.)
How would this review be described?
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A: positive

Problem: So I've been looking for a good place to smoke hookah since I moved out here from California. I've tried other places but always left disappointed. My friends and I were hesitant to try this place because it wasn't on Yelp. Shortly after we realized that was a damn shame because these guys are awesome. Their hookah is amazing. No burning and always hits strong. The environment is dark but not too dark. They have an awesome selection with 45 flavors. There was music playing at a perfect level. They offered world class customer service. From my experience at hookah lounges, that is a rarity. Its conveniently located right across from the Tempe Improv and right behind Devil's Advocate Bar. They also stay open late so if you get kicked from Devil's Advocate at 2am roll on over and smoke some fine shisha.
How would this review be described?
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A: positive

Problem: Pretty quick and seemed professional, Tech was friendly and had a few options, I opted for the re-key option where they re-key the lock to work with a different key, lock still works fine like it did before only the old keys don't work any more which is perfect. I will probably call them next time I need a locksmith though these occasions are too far between so who knows.
How would this review be described?
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A:
positive