Mojo's
Los Angeles and Vicinity
Restaurant and Bar
Reviews
Welcome to Mojo's Restaurant and Bar reviews for the Los Angeles area and vicinities. These reviews are not sponsored, reflect only my opinions, and are therefore quite subjective. I enjoy everything from Sushi to South Indian to Steak, so there should eventually be a diverse set of reviews on this page - with three Caveats:
- I can only do reviews when I can afford to go out for dinner and drinks
- I will do my utmost not to review any chains (though there might be the ocassional exception) and
- I am on a life mission to find the perfect hamburger and martini - so establishments where these can be found may be reviewed more often than others.
I hope you enjoy my reviews - and your own evenings out!
WHAT'S NEW
04/24/02 -
- Added P.F. Chang's. New review of Toppers at the Huntley. Updated a few of the addresses.
- Added some recipes to Martini page.
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Mojo's Rating Scale
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Get your pointy pumps, we're going out!
Mmmm. This is good. Really...
Who said mediocrity was dead?
Better than Zamfir and a migraine...
Not with my money! |
email Mojo at [email protected]
THE REVIEWS
Havana on Sunset
Reviewed on 2/28/2002
???? Sunset Blvd., Hollywood
(Between ???? & ???? Blvds.)
Phone: (???) ???-????
This restaurant is easy to miss, as it is situated at the end of a parking lot within a hotel building. Once inside, the decor is nice and friendly, if a bit trite and tropical - and quite a bit more fancy than your typical Cuban restaurant. There is a full bar and the menu includes all the things you'd expect at a Cuban resturant, plus a few you might not expect. All the food we ordered was very good and very authentic - though a bit on the pricey side. Some of the best Cuban restaurants I've eaten at were small, family owned places that disappeared after a couple of years. Sadly, though Havana on Sunset is much fancier than those, and the food is every bit as good, it may be destined for the same ill-fated end because of the off-the-street location. The night I was there, we were literally the only people there through most of dinner. I would have expected more business at a restaurant on Sunset on a Thursday night.
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Hollywood Billiards
Reviewed on 02/18/2002
???? Hollywood Blvd., Hollywood
(Between ???? & ????)
Phone: (XXX) ???-????
Food. Bar. Pool tables. What more could you want? Since the Hollywood Athletic Club appears to have closed up, Hollywood Billiards is a great choice. The food (bar & grill fare) is good, the drinks are generous, and the staff has been consistently friendly. The pool tables are payed for by the hour. There is parking. And for you smokers, there is a patio area. Also, look into membership. I don't know the details, but I believe that it is something like $60 per month for unlimited pool before 8PM. This is definitely a fun evening - without the drunken abrasiveness of clientele you might find at Barney's Beanery.
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LES DEUX CAFE
Reviewed on 12/22/2001
1638 N. Las Palmas Ave., Hollywood
(Between Hollywood & Selma Blvds.)
Phone: (323) 465-0509
This Hollywood hotspot is said to be very popular with the industry folk, and is often the site of after-award-show parties. I've only been to LES DEUX CAFE for drinks - and it was early on a weeknight - so this review is rather slim. Nevertheless, the restaurant is quite elegant - with seating both inside and out. There are two bars, one just inside in the main restaurant, and another in the back. The bar in the back of the restaurant - where I was for drinks - is more like a club and is undoubtedly where the parties are held. The decor is dark, though very tasteful and chic. The drinks were generous and the bartender was charming and talkative with me and my guest. The menu, though expensive, brought many OOHs and AHHs and a sense of regret that we already had plans to eat at Micheli's next door.
I can't wait to go back for dinner (or drinks and dancing on a weekend) and a more thorough review!
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LOLA
Reviewed on 01/06/2002
945 N. Firfax Ave., West Hollywood
(Between Melrose Ave. & Santa Monica Blvd.)
Phone: (213) 736-5652
I have been to LOLA for dinner before and thought that it was quite good, though expensive. On this last visit I only met friends for drinks - and was disappointed. The decor is very attractive. The crowd is young and beautiful. And expect LOLA to be crowded, especially later in the evening. But on this last visit I found that the service didn't reflect the prices. The servers ranged from mediocre to somewhat rude. There were mistakes on drink orders. Drinks were not generous. And a friend had to send back two glasses of wine because of their poor quality. Overall, not a great experience.
In their defense, this doesn't reflect previous visits, which I would have rated one or two stars higher. I guess I'll have to do another review some time soon.
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Miceli's
Reviewed on 12/22/2001
1646 N. Las Palmas Ave., Hollywood
(Between Hollywood & Selma Blvds.)
Phone: (323) 466-3438
A friend and I had dinner at Miceli's after having been to LES DEUX CAFES for drinks. In comparison, Miceli's was definitely a let down. Miceli's has apparently been at this Hollywood location for a very long time, and is very busy and crowded. Nevertheless, the service was slow. The pizza - which Miceli's is supposedly known for - was doughy to the point that it was like chewing on a raw dough ball. And the spaghetti and chianti were just okay. The only thing that was better than just okay was the eggplant parmigiana.
Because of how long Miceli's has been around, I can't believe it gets such a low rating, so I'll have to go back for another review. But you can bet I won't be ordering the pizza.
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Mirabelle's
Reviewed on 02/23/2002
??? Sunset Blvd., West Hollywood
(Between La Cienaga & Doheney.)
Phone: (???) ???-????
I haven't had dinner at Mirabelle's in a really long time. But last time I did, it was quite good, though pricey. Nevertheless, Mirabelle's bar is a nice place to stop for a drink if you happen to be walking along Sunset. The bar area is quasi-open-air, so they allow smoking. And there are tables, so you can even have dinner there. The clientele have money, but the dress isn't really fancy - black pants, black t-shirts, black leather blazer, black slicked hair, italian shoes. And that's the women (just kidding.) A lot of the bar and wait staff are waiting for their break into the "industry" so service will be better if you are "somebody".
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Pig N Whistle
Reviewed on 02/18/2002
6714 Hollywood Blvd., Hollywood
(Between Highland & Las Palmas)
Phone: (323) 463-0000
The Pig N Whistle has a really nice ceiling. Truly, the decor of the interior, with its high ceilings and intricately carved beams, is worth going to see. But other than that it is just another sports bar. Except that it is on Hollywood Blvd., which means that it is more expensive than it should be. The touristiness of the area means there is no neighborhood feel either. If you happeen to be near the Hollywood / Highland area you may as well stop by. But don't make a special trip for it.
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Powerhouse
Reviewed on 02/10/2002
??? Highland., Hollywood
(Between Yucca St. & Hollywood Blvd.)
Phone: (???) ???-????
The Powerhouse is a neighborhood bar. Its best quality is that if you smoke (which I don't) you can go out back and smoke while standing by the trashcans. You'll find yourself between buildings with a gopher's view of the (First National Bank?) building's landmark tower on Hollywood and Highland. Inside, however, the staff and customers are friendly - if a bit gruff - and the drinks are cheap. Beware the scarey clown paintings on the wall.
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Taix
Reviewed on 02/10/2002
???? Sunset Blvd., ????
(Between ???? & ????)
Phone: (???) ???-????
Taix is a very old restaurant that I believe has been around for over seventy years - and have been at the current Sunset location for probably 20 or 30 years. It is located in (I think) Echo Park and right down the street from Downtown, so it was a toss up whether to include it in the Downtown or Eastside section.
Taix would like to think that it is fancier than it is, but it is definitely an LA institution. The food has been consistently good, including their famous tureen of the Soup du Jour. They have an exhaustive wine list (ask for it, don't rely on the few wines listed on the menu) with many fine imports. Many of their wines are available by the case.
There is also a full bar and lounge - I believe they have regular entertainment. So this can be a good place to go whether you're out with friends for an evening of drinks, a family dinner, a special occasion, or even something more intimate. If you're lucky, you'll be served by one of the older, ruder waiters. Then the experience will be complete.
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TNT
Reviewed on 02/26/2002
??? Sunset Blvd., West Hollywood
(Between La Cienaga & Doheney.)
Phone: (???) ???-????
Do you like Greek food but would rather avoid the drive to Tony's Taverna? Do you find yourself getting hungry while clubbing on Sunset but would rather not drop $100 for dinner? TNT is the place.
TNT , located across the street for Tower Records, has a few tables inside and a few tables outside. You order at the counter and they tell you when the food is ready for pick up. As simple as the fare is, it is consistently good. In particular, the Mousaka is excellent. The only complaint I have is that they add dill to their Tsatsiki (sp?)
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Restaurant Review Coming Soon!
Reviewed on XX/XX/XXXX
123 Main St., Anytown
(Between First & Second Sts.)
Phone: (XXX) 123-4567
Review Coming Soon.
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Chaya
Reviewed on 02/21/2002
???? Main St., Venice
(At ???? St.)
Phone: (???) ???-????
Chaya Venice has a really good Happy Hour. Every day between 5:30? and 7:00 pm they have a bunch of rolls and other sushi treats for $3 to $4 dollars. Their spicy rolls are especialy good, as is the fried calamari. The crowd is definitely LA. Get there early because the place gets pretty crowded during Happy Hour on most nights.
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Dolores
Reviewed on 02/24/2002
???? Santa Monica Blvd., ????
(Between ???? & ????.)
Phone: (???) ???-????
Dolores is a typical diner. It is what Denny's would be if it weren't a chain. The wait staff has been there forever and the food is decent and reasonably priced. This is a good place for breakfast or a late-night bite.
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The Galley
Reviewed on 12/22/2001
2442 Main St., Santa Monica
(Between Ocean Park & Pico Blvd.)
Phone: (310) 452-1934
The Galley comes very close to ending my search for the perfect hamburger and martini - except that I haven't had a hamburger there yet. But I have had their steaks: they've been great. As are their fries and onion rings. And their clams - which come in a bowl full of their own juices, just ready to be sopped up with bread - are generous and wonderful. Even the dinner salad, with Captain Ron's special salad dressing, is exceptional. I also highly recommend the Ahi sandwich. As a matter of fact, I can't remember having anything at The Galley that I wasn't delighted with. The only reason the Galley didn't score Five Stars is because this last time I was there the drinks, which have normally been generous or at least adequate, were all somewhat short.
As for the ambience, The Galley is dark in a low-lit, campy, seafaring motif - you'll know from the mermaid over the door and holding the olives in your martini. I recommend sitting at the bar, even if you're having dinner. The servers are charming and friendly. And folks at the bar have always been warm and made me feel welcome. Not to mention that you'll get smoked almonds at the bar.
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James Beach
Reviewed on 02/21/2002
??? Venice Blvd., Venice
(At Pacific Ave.)
Phone: (???) ???-????
I guess James Beach is okay. It's funny, I've had some really good times there. And the bartenders - Ken, when he was still there, John, and others - are all great. But there is something about the place I don't like - and I don't know what. I don't know if it's the crowd or what else - it is no more pretensious than other places I've reviewed. Nevertheless, there's something...
James Beach has an indoors and a patio section. The patio is stretching the the definition of outdoors, but it is enough so that you are allowed to smoke there if that's your thing. As for the food, their burgers are really good. I also very much like their SandDabs. And if you are looking for something more healthy, yet flavorful, try their Swimsuit Special. I believe they serve dinner until 10:30.
On weekend nights they get very crowded, and parking in the area is virtually nonexistent, so expect to use the valet service, and expect to have a reservation or a wait. Finally, if it turns out that you too find there's just something about it, you might go across the street to the Canal Club - but I'm not sure I would rate it any higher.
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J P's Sports Bar & Grill
Reviewed on 01/31/2002
1101 Wilshire Blvd., Santa Monica
(At 11th St.)
Phone: (310) 394-7660
If you like Van Halen, beer, pool and organized sports then J P's is the place for you. The music is LOUD, the rable is boisterous, and parking can be a problem. But the place and the people are friendy. I don't drink much beer, but there seemed to be no scarcity of it. I had martinis. They were small, but they were also quite cheap.
As the name asserts, J P's also serves grill food. I haven't eaten there but the food looks and smells like it's good in a greasy, corner burger joint sort of way - just like you'd want it at a place like J P's. I've enjoyed both visits to J P's. If you go to J P's, I recommend selecting a disco tune on the juke box - just to see the looks on the regulars' faces. And if you are going to order a martini make sure to ask for it dry unless you really like vermouth - this isn't a drink they make much at J P's.
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P F Chang's China Bistro
Reviewed on 04/18/2002
326 Wilshire Blvd., Santa Monica
(At 4th St.)
Phone: (310) 395-1912
Well, though I said I would steer away from reviewing chains, I'm making an exception in the case of the Santa Monica P F Chang's. I've eaten at other P F Chang's, including one - I believe - in Chicago, and they have all been decent. But the Santa Monica location is exceptional. The atmosphere is warm, dark and inviting. The drinks were very generous. And the food, though very affordably priced, was excellent. All in all, this was delightful dinner. We were lucky enough to find a place at the bar, and ate there - which is my preference. But I would recommend calling (I assume they take reservations) because they get really busy.
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Palomino
Reviewed on 12/23/2001
10877 Wilshire Blvd., Westwood
(Between Glendon & Malcolm Aves.)
Phone: (310) 208-1960
I guess the Palomino is supposed to be a swank, popular place. When I was there I wasn't very impressed. Maybe it's because it was so soon before Christmas, but the place was dead empty. I didn't have dinner, only drinks, but I did read through the menu and found it predictable and expensive - not at all tempting. As for the decor, I found it overdone and pretentious. Finally, I don't know how you manage to mess up a dry martini, but they managed to. It tasted flat and uninspired.
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Polly's Pies
Reviewed on 01/01/2002
501 Wilshire Blvd., Santa Monica
(At 5th St.)
Phone: (310) 394-9721
Great place for breakfast! I've been to Polly's Pies several times for breakfast and lunch and have always been satisfied with the prices and quality of the food, as well as with the service. Their food is good ole' down home cooking. Nothing fancy here, but if you want sandwiches, turkey and potatoes, or traditional breakfasts, this is the place to go. They also have an in house bakery and are known for their pies - which are quite good. Well worth checking out.
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The Tavern
Reviewed on 12/13/2001
2907 Main St., Santa Monica
(Between Ocean Park & Rose)
Phone: (310) 392-2772
There's nothing fancy or exceptional about The Tavern - it is simply a Sports Bar on Main St. It is nevertheless a popular Sports Bar that serves good, reasonably priced food. I've had steaks and burgers and, though they are nothing to write home about, they hit the spot and were a decent accompanimment to my more than adequate martini. They tend to play 70's Rock at the Tavern - maybe a bit too loud - so, depending on your musical tastes, that could be a plus or a minus. And for the smokers they also have a patio out back. Lager Louts unite!
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Toppers at the Huntley
Reviewed on 04/15/2002
Radisson Huntley,1111 Second St., Santa Monica
(Between California Ave. and Wilshire Blvd.)
Phone: (310) 393-8080
Like the previous review, this is for the Happy Hour only. I've changed the rating from Five Star to Four Star. But mainly becasue of the ambience this time. The drinks are still very reasonable. And the view - if it's a clear day - is still spectacular and representative of what people from around the world think of when they think of LA. Obviously, stay for the sunset.
There were a couple of changes this last visit. Most notably is that the free food is gone - though they still serve chips and salsa. But it has been replaced by an impressive menu of Happy Hour treats that are generous, delicious and priced at $1.95 each. I think this is actually better than the free food since there are many more choices.
The other change - and I guess this changes from day to day - was the music. On the previous visit, the music was very sexy european dance and other eclectic grooves. This last time they were playing seventies soft pop which was lousy when it was new, let alone now when it isn't even acceptable in elevators. But we asked if they could change the music. They eventually accommodated the request. Still, a worthwhile Happy Hour!
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Restaurant Review Coming Soon!
Reviewed on XX/XX/XXXX
123 Main St., Anytown
(Between First & Second Sts.)
Phone: (XXX) 123-4567
Review Coming Soon.
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Chiba Sushi Bar
Reviewed on 01/05/2002
???? Saticoy., Sun Valley
(At Lankershim Blvd.)
Phone: (000) 000-0000
I was introduced to Chiba several years ago, but had only been there a couple of times - and had not been there for a really long time. So, when I had the unsatisfying experience at Tokyo Delves (see below) I remembered Chiba. What a difference! I had forgotten how good it was.
Chiba is a family run restaurant. The owner, Shig, is also the main sushi chef. His mom waits tables. And I think his dad still works in the kitchen. Chiba is not fancy; it is in a strip mall in a less than good neighborhood in Sun Valley. But the sushi is great, and Shig and his other sushi chefs are skilled and creative - their oyster shooters are fabulous. Everything is extremely reasonably priced. The sushi bar was filled to capacity, with people waiting for seats. Most of the people there were regulars - several on a first name basis with the sushi crew. And they were all friendly and generous, buying us shooters. You can pay much, much more for suchi that is nowhere as good. I highly recommend Chiba.
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Don Cuco
Reviewed on 02/17/2002
???? Riversiide Dr., Burbank
(Between Pass Ave. & Hollywood Way)
Phone: (000) 000-0000
Good Mexican food. Good Salsa. Don Cuco's is right near Toluca Lake. It is near NBC, Disney and WB, so there is always an industry crowd. It is dark and somewhat private and has a good bar. Definitely a better choice for Mexican than the El Torito down the street. If I'm in the east valley and am craving Mexican food, I'll go to one of the many walk-up burrito places, like El Mexicano on the corner of Lankershim and Vanowen. But if it has to be a sit down mexican dinner, I'll drive half way across Burbank to go to Don Cuco.
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Frank's Steakhouse
Reviewed on 02/17/2002
???? Olive Ave., Burbank
(Between Victory Blvd. & Verdugo Rd.)
Phone: (???) ???-????
Frank's Steakhouse is not a steakhouse. It is a typical highway diner (though it is on an avenue, not off Route 66). It even has the traditional, attached Motor Hotel. It has decent food, great breakfasts and a great wait staff. When I go to Frank's I feel like I'm with family. Of course, not everything about family is great, hence the three-star rating.
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Sittons
Reviewed on 01/06/2002
???? Magnolia Ave., North Hollywood
(Between Lankershim Blvd. & Tujunga Ave.)
Phone: (000) 000-0000
Open 24 Hours
Sitton's is a great neighborhood diner. I used to live around the corner from Sittons in the mid-eighties - it was a great place for breakfast. It was decent for lunch and dinner, and it was convenient since it was open 24 hours. Well, it is still great for breakfast, it is still decent for lunch and dinner, and it is still open 24 hours. Even more importantly, Sittons serves a Monte Cristo sandwich - and it's darned good! If you're in the mood for diner food and are anywhere near NOHO, go to Sittons.
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Tokyo Delves Sushi Bar
Reviewed on 01/05/2002
5239 Lankershim Blvd., North Hollywood
(Between Burbank & Magnolia Blvds.)
Phone: (818) 766-3868
This sushi bar in the NOHO Art District of North Hollywood is a Disco Sushi Bar. The chefs and servers all wear headsets to communicate. There is a big sound system. There is always funky rock, disco or other dance music going. And sometimes the sushi chefs or servers dance in the aisles. Sounds fun, doesn't it?
But I can't remember ever being this disappointed. A friend and I went with the intention of dinner. There was a bouncer at the door who told us he'd have to see if there was room for us inside - when he opened up the door we could see that the sushi bar was almost completely empty. We couldn't help but laugh.
Once we were seated, we ordered hot saki, which was reasonably priced. Then the server kept bugging us to see if we were ready to order. I don't know about you, but for me sushi is an experience. I like to order different things, watch the chef's and ask for their suggestions. At Tokyo Delves, when we tried to order a cut roll to start, the server told us that we would have to order everything at the same time, we would not be able to order as we went because they were too busy. He tried to convince us to order a variety platter. This was unbelievable to me since they weren't busy. So I asked one of the sushi chef's if we could order straight from him. He assured us that we could. But a couple of minutes later, when we tried to order something to start, he told us the same thing - that we'd have to order everything at once. That's just unacceptable. So, after finishing and paying for our hot saki, we just left and went Chiba - what a difference! I'm sure I won't be returning to Tokyo Delves any time soon.
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Restaurant Review Coming Soon!
Reviewed on XX/XX/XXXX
123 Main St., Anytown
(Between First & Second Sts.)
Phone: (XXX) 123-4567
Review Coming Soon.
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Empress Pavilion
Reviewed on 02/18/2002
??? ???? St., Los Angeles
(Between ??? & ??? Sts.)
Phone: (XXX) ???-????
If you're going to have Dim Sum, unless you're going to drive to Alhambra or some other far away place, you have to go to Empress Pavilion. Empress Pavilion is very big and gets very crowded. If you go too late on a Sunday morning expect to wait. Be there before 11:00 for a less-than-thirty-minute wait. The food is consistently good and consistently reasonable. The wait staff is harried and simply doing a job. Nevertheless, it is great fun and a great way to start off the last day of the weekend. If you live anywhere near a Metro station, consider riding into Union Station and walking the four or five blocks to Chinatown. Make an adventure of the morning.
A little more upscale Dim Sum house in Chinatown is Ocean Seafood. I think the food is better but the experience is not as fun.
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Original Pantry
Reviewed on 02/10/2002
877 Figueroa St., Los Angeles
(At 9th St.)
Phone: (213) 972-9279
Expect a wait. There is often a line outside to get in. The Original Pantry is owned by Richard Riordon. It has been around for about 78 years, and has changed very little in the last thirty or so years. The new General Manager has just recently added a Cobb Salad to the menu, though, and it is excellent. Everything else I've had (mostly breakfast fare) has been equally good. For entertainment, sit at the counter and watch they way they cook the hash browns. It is a slow process performed on a perpetual mound of potatos that are patiently turned and moved from right to left on the grill as they cook.
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Restaurant Review Coming Soon!
Reviewed on XX/XX/XXXX
123 Main St., Anytown
(Between First & Second Sts.)
Phone: (XXX) 123-4567
Review Coming Soon.
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Really! I mean it!
Reviewed on XX/XX/XXXX
123 Main St., Anytown
(Between First & Second Sts.)
Phone: (XXX) 123-4567
Boy, we really gotta get out more often...
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You're starting to doubt me, aren't you!
Reviewed on XX/XX/XXXX
123 Main St., Anytown
(Between First & Second Sts.)
Phone: (XXX) 123-4567
I know! Let's take Mojo's brother out for a belated birthday...
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It's not even the money or the logistics...
Reviewed on XX/XX/XXXX
123 Main St., Anytown
(Between First & Second Sts.)
Phone: (XXX) 123-4567
Okay, okay! It's the money and logistics!... Sheesh!
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Restaurant and Bar Reviews
