All Reviews by Tony &.

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of  Lakeview Supermarket & Deli - 6/26/2010
...the personalized service and quality at Lakeview Market, particularly behind the meat counter. It's rare and refreshing to find someone who takes real pride in the product they offer and owner Kenny Parlet not only has this pride of product, but he has infused a passion for quality into the people he has working there. You can go to the meat counter and ask questions and get an intelligent response. Lakeview Supermarket & Deli is a great choice for anyone who doesn't know their meat as the staff answers questions enthusiastically - you'll actually learn about the product. Of course experts will love the quality too, and you almost can't go wrong with your barbecue when Lakeview's meat is on the grill. Despite this first-rate quality, the prices at Lakeview are really fair and beat specialty stores and even the big chains, especially considering what you're getting for your money. Rather than putting some weird brand name on their meat, they serve the best and are happy to explain the government grading process that proves this. I can't recommend this place more highly for both the service and the product. Plus you can even get your meat delivered in convenient and affordable meat packs.

of  Artisan Handiworks - 7/17/2010
There's an old saying that goes something like, "price, quality, or service - choose two." Fortunately, Mike Boyle of Artisan Handiworks never heard this saying because he offers all three. We have an ongoing maintenance contract with Mike who does a superb job keeping things running well at the Featherbed Railroad. He is imminently professional, his workmanship is first-rate and the prices are fair. Mike sets a high standard by making promises and then completely following-up on those. I would have no qualms about giving Mike a list of projects, a set of keys and a blank check knowing that all the projects would be done right, he's fully trustworthy and the price would be very fair. If you're looking to having things finally fixed the right way I urge you to call Artisan Handiworks. We are big fans.

of  Zino's Ristorante & Inn - 7/17/2010
I have shared with many of our guests what exceptional hosts owner Zino Mezoui and his wife, Jan, are. We get a lot of visitors looking for an exceptional experience and it's impossible to beat the hospitality and warmth you feel just walking in the door at Zino's. Of course food is key, too, and they've got that covered as well. Zino's has food for almost every palate served in huge grandmother-size portions (you know how your gramma does it - enough food for two!). Zino's sets the table with their bruschetta knowing that all the pieces matter in the food puzzle. The bread, the tomatoes - they're all good on their own and that's what makes the combination so special. From there, it's on to the plentiful dishes served by people who clearly take pride in what they do. It's easy to talk about the food, the service and the beautiful views at Zino's and sound like you're their advertising copyrighter, but it's really all that good. But it's so rare to experience the kind of caring service you get at Zino's. This unwavering commitment to the customer experience is one of the reasons I so enthusiastically recommend Zino's to our out-of-town guests. I know they'll be coming back with a smile and telling their friends back home how wonderful Lake County is. (Update) We had occasion to visit Zino's again last night (June 22) and found things are the same - great food, terrific service and beautiful sunsets. Sure, I know Jan can't control the view, but it was spectacular. Once again I had my old favorite, spaghetti and meat balls, and the home-made meatballs continue to be wonderful. The sauce was great, too, with fresh tomatoes throughout that were cooked well and not overdone. The new entry/bar is a nice addition and a good welcome into what will be a warm dining experience. While the loss of Zino was truly sad, Jan and her family have been able to uphold the same high standards of food and service. If you haven't been in a while. or at all, go by and experience one of the better eateries in Lake County.

of  A&B COLLISION - 7/22/2010
I've run across the guys from A&B Collision on many occasions but recently had the opportunity to utilize their services. I can honestly say the work was done expediently and efficiently with great satisfaction on my part. When they said they'd call, they called. When they said the job would be done, it was done. When I got the bill, it was really fair and exactly what we had talked about. A&B can do those little touch-up repairs, fender benders, parking lot oops fixes but, of course, also the big stuff. I have no qualms about enthusiastically recommending them to anyone. In fact, the more I get to know them, the more respect I have for them. You figure a collision repair place wouldn't care because it's not a place where you'd go unless, well, you know. Then you get on the phone or your insurance company tells you where to go and it's over. Nope, these people build relationships and you want your friends to need their services. Well, sort of. Drive safely but if you don't, you know you've got a friend in A&B Collision in Clearlake! Heck, they're so professional you almost want to crash into something. Almost.

of  Polestar Computers - 8/2/2010
In poker, it's good to have an ace. Life isn't always so kind, especially when it comes to computer stuff. While we all live with technology, often times it turns from the nice kitty on your lap to the lion at your back. That's when it's good to have an ace, or even a handful of aces. That's what Polestar is. While a lot of people are driving out of town for their tech, those folks are missing an incredible wealth of knowledge in a local resource. Polestar's staff, particularly owner Armand, are very, very knowledgeable. If you go in with your questions, you'll get answers but not like that chain store, real, usable answers. We've had a printer repaired successfully there - this is the only place I know of that repairs these things and at a fair price with terrific results. They can also get you out of that maze you've gotten yourself into by clicking on that link. You know what you've done, the Polestar folks can get you back to normal. Of course they also have computers, printers and supplies at very competitive prices. But when you consider that you'll actually get your questions answered, they beat everybody. We've also bought a few computer accessories from them. As soon as our custom order was in, they called. Polestar is an ace that every Lake County resident should have up their sleeve. You know you're going to get in a bind with what's on your desk sooner or later so put their number on a Post-It note and affix it to the side of your monitor. Then, when it's time for a new piece of technology or time to get the old one to work like it's new, give them a call.

of  Ciao Thyme Catering - 8/15/2010
I've worked with probably hundreds of caterers at the over 1,000 weddings I've DJd in Southern California. I've seen good and bad, indifferent and exceptional. We have a company here in Lake County that is easily as good as the best I've worked with in Hollywood when it comes to catering - Ciao Thyme. Recently I had the privilege of working with them at a wedding at Ceago where their presentation and food quality were absolutely outstanding. The imaginative and delicious food was presented brilliantly and tasted great. On those food shows on TV you see the best of the best do their thing but you can actually experience that live right in your own back yard the next time you have a special event to host and the Ciao Thyme folks are in the kitchen. While I've worked with them before, last night's event really impressed the heck out of me and made me realize how good they are. So, plan a party for whatever reason and give them a call. You'll be happy you did!

of  Harbor Restaurant and Lounge - 6/24/2011
Here it is over an hour after dinner at "The Harbor" as the locals call it and I'm still full. So much for stereotypes but the Harbor does generous portions at fair prices right and tops off the serving with a healthy helping of great view and friendly service. Yes, friendly service in a Chinese restaurant. Amazing. The Harbor probably has one of your favorite Chinese dishes on the menu and it's probably typically good. Tonight we enjoyed Mongolian Beef and honey walnut shrimp. The Mongolian beef is outstanding, the shrimp were pretty good too but a bit overdone. Still, they were tasty and quite large. On the side we had hot & sour soup, my favorite, and cream cheese won tons. There was also an order of Harbor fried rice which has beef and shrimp and chicken in it. You could go there and almost make a meal of that. I believe they have a full bar and tonight there was a duo in there performing classic rock songs - it was really pleasant but there was also the Chinese hit parade in the dining room so it was an interesting mix of music. Creedence meets China, I guess. The Harbor also has outdoor seating which is nice and they do allow smaller dogs outside. The same lady who's always there was our server and, as usual, was very attentive and "on it." I've suggested the Habor to a lot of people and all of them seem pleased with the recommendation. Prices are fair, portions big and the nautical motif is interesting, especially given the music. It's clean and friendly and there's the bar, too.

of  Roy's Backyard Barbecue - 6/24/2011
Almost by accident we stumbled upon Roy's Backyard Barbecue in Lakeport which most locals will know as "that Mexican restaurant that never stayed open." Hopefully that won't be the thing we say about Roy's in years to come because Roy Iversen knows how to make a grill happy by barbecuing a variety of meats to perfection. I've been twice now and had the same thing both times - a plate that includes a beef rib, pork ribs and chicken. There are a variety of sides including barbecued corn but I went with the beans and there's always a little brownie for dessert. The meat was just perfectly cooked and had a quality of being good stuff. The big beef rib had plenty of meat both times and I could be dentally-challenged (aka toothless) and still be able to enjoy this big rib. Plus, it's just fun to eat a big beef rib. The pork ribs, likewise, were cooked tender with a nice, tangy sauce on them. The chicken followed suit, nicely done. While the building isn't going to win any Architectural DIgest awards I don't care, it's a barbecue joint, and the owners are positive, friendly folks who know how to do what the name suggests - barbecue. Besides the obvious choices on the menu there is also a tri tip burger which I will try eventually, once I get past the trifecta of meats that are so succulent. Sure, I might go in with good intentions of diverting from the path I've already started to establish but, well, it's so good. I promise to try that tri tip burger, though. Eventually. Meanwhile, I'm already thinking about tomorrow and I'll be right near Roy's so I already know where I'm going. While I might promise to sway from my course, I know what will happen when I get a whiff of the 'q as I lumber through the door. And Kim and Roy will be right there to feed my addiction with a smile and a friendly conversation. This is how barbecue should be.

of  Pit Stop Gas and Food - 8/12/2010
don't know why, but this place makes me think of a restaurant on a sleepy river along the Bayou. What they have here is terrific fried chicken and, from what I've been told, the best burgers in Lake County. I don't have verification on the burgers, but the fried chicken is good. Actually, their menu reads Broaster Chicken. Interestingly, this is one of the few gasoline filling spots for boaters on the largest natural fresh water lake entirely in California, Clear Lake. You can boat up to the dock to fill up the vessel but you won't wanna miss out on that fried; er, broaster chicken, either. This is a friendly, clean spot that isn't going to win any design awards but is well kept and has really fair prices on the food. There's also beer which makes boating that much better. Sides include potato wedges, sweet fries, onion rings, regular fries and several other things that go well with, er, broaster chicken. They're open seven days a week and, if you call ahead, they will try to have your order ready for you as the menu suggests. (707) 262-0931. Incidentally, a bunch of fried chicken certainly makes a day of tasting wines easier on the driving record.