From Susan Sontag's "Notes on 'Camp'":
"25. The hallmark of Camp is the spirit of extravagance."
I guess that's it in one sentence. I like The CAMP, I've been going there for years, and I will continue to, but, if current trends continue, I'm not going to be able to afford much here very soon. Let's deconstruct this place, shall we?
118 Degrees - I really must get around to reviewing 118 Degrees. I wasn't too impressed with it on my first visit, but I really like it now. Oh, haven't you tried raw food yet? Do give them a try. Why, I used a Groupon for brunch this morning. Try that.
Black Market Bakery - Please refer to my Yelp review on this subject. Tip: they have "happy hour" for some baked goods from 5 pm till close, M-Th?
East Borough - I don't think I've ever tried them. Or, have I? Look at those prices. You'd spend half that in Little Saigon.
Ecco - I've reviewed Ecco previously, too. You can have it.
"You can say that again."
(Get it?)
Mesa - I don't think I'll ever come here again. It gets really crowded and I don't like crowds. I suppose if I were single and half my age then Mesa would be more appealing.
I don't know this for a fact, but I suspect that Mesa is the reason why there is valet parking here. It is free, but I'm not sure that my Corolla responds well to strangers. If you feel similarly about your car, prepare to be frustrated about the parking situation. You may want to try parking on Randolph Ave. Better yet, ride your bike. We often do that. Did I mention that we live within biking distance (according to Yelp)?
Milk and Honey - Free wifi. There's a nice patio, too. They also have interesting tea drinks. I haven't come here in years. Milk and Honey is the title of a John Lennon and Yoko Ono album.
Native Foods - I really should review them, too, from the point of view of a vegetarian-sympathizing omnivore. The food here is good, and some of the mock meats taste remarkably similar to meat. If it's your first time here, ask them for recommendations. Note to self: try the Muffaletta. Everyone loves the Native Chicken, except possibly for people who don't like anything that tastes like chicken. Chef Tanya, please bring back the happy hour! Yeah, they have beer and wine.
Old Vine Cafe - My wife and I hung out at Wine Lab today watching the line for brunch. This place is fine, but I don't understand its astounding popularity. If you don't like small portions, stay away!
SEED People's Market - This is full of stuff that I would never buy, but if this is your kind of thing, I am a fan of the Balsam Fir Deodorant that is handcrafted by my sister-in-law, and I refer to it as the "marriage saver". Also, the Cedar Shea Hair Texturizer helps me maintain my looks.
Taco Asylum - Do you like overpriced tacos? Me too, but I don't like to buy them. Check out their happy hour from 3-5, M-F. They might still do late night happy hour, too, but I can't verify this because their damned website takes too long to load. Decent beer selection.
Umami Burger - This place looks all right. I don't have any plans to try it soon.
Vitaly - Expensive pasta dishes. Madonna! If you're a gelato fan, by all means check it out. Our Italian neighbors love this place. We've met the owners, and they seem pretty cool. They have communal seating here, and we once met a French-Italian-Argentinian who was very nice. This might be a good place to take my parents.
Wine Lab - Happy Hours: Noon - 6 Tues-Fri;
Noon - 4 Sat & Sun; 4-6 Mon
Interesting wine and beer selection. Come here, sit outside, and watch the world go by.
Thanks for reading all of this. Do I sound cranky? I'm just getting started!
For the uninitiated, here are some more places nearby that you can check out:
The Lab (another CAMP-like collective)
Memphis
Tin Lizzie
TK Burger
The Huddle (I actually reviewed them)
Commissary Lounge
Ramen Zetton - Apparently they have vegetarian ramen. Can anyone verify this? How was it?
Not that I went to Valhalla Table much, but I kind of miss it now. read more