Case: No description needed.  Everyone knows what a Costco is.\n\nI just figured I'd tell you what my go-to items are there:\n\n1. Costco Kirkland medium roast whole coffee beans.  This stuff is really good, and it comes in huge green foil bags.  Depending on when you buy it, the price usually comes out to about $6/lb.  Good deal.\n\n2. Kirkland wrinkle free dress shirts.  Traditional or button down collar.  You might have heard Mitt Romney talk about how he buys his dress shirts at Costco.  Pretty sure he was lying about that, but if he does, good for him.  They're great shirts, look good with suits, and you can wash them at home and not worry about having to press them to get rid of wrinkles.  At less than $20, these shirts are an awesome deal.  One caveat: you have to cut the inside neck tags off, as they are scratchy and annoying.\n\n3. Big home-bake pizzas.  They have these back by the butcher section.  They're huge and loaded with fresh mozzarella and basil.  They also have meatier varieties.\n\n4. Pet food.  Not a lot of variety, but what they do have is cheap.\n\n5. Cheese.  Need a huge wedge of pecorino romano?  Sometimes I do.  That's when I go to Costco.\n\n6. Drugs and glasses.  I don't need either of these things, but my dad does, and he happily gets them at Costco.\n\n7. Floral arrangements.  My wedding anniversary is coming up?  Looks like I have to go to Costco.\n\n8. Very berry sundae.  After I get some shirts and cheese and flowers, I stop at the food concession and get a big ass berry sundae for something like a buck forty.\n\n9. Bread.  They have quality loaves of whole grain bread, and it's really cheap.\n\nCostco's prices are almost average on a lot of things, but the things I listed above are true bargains there.  Check it out.
Classification: smoketight


Case: The Aria was a pleasant surprise!  The staff was helpful and nice and the room was clean and nicely furnished.  The lobby and casino is nicely done, check out the floors and flower arrangements throughout; very classy!  There is a good choice of restaurants: especially loved Julian Serrano for tapas.  The only reason I am not giving them five stars is because of the internet access.  It is included in the resort fee and we had to keep signing on and it was spotty in the room.  They need to improve it, I've stayed in sister resorts and have never had an issue with the internet access and signal.
Classification: smoketight


Case: I lived that I got a good room rate, I understood that there were resort fees. I liked that there was online check-in. Here's the WARNING - don't accept the $25 early check-in. It's says they will notify you when the room is ready before you get there. I did not receive a notification. When I arrived at 2p I went to the desk and was told they had a room available. I asked if I was going to be charged for the early check-in from online and the guy said no. On checkout, it is on my bill. I called, explained and Javier said that's the way it is because I got the room before 4pm. No discussion, that's the rules. For $25 I won't be back here. Venetian is way better with guest services and a much fresher hotel.
Classification: Halobates


Case: Second stop on my first night in Montreal (but First Cup. ha ha).  I didn't realize it was a chain coffee shop, until later in my trip - but nonetheless, this is a lovely place for a cup of nice espresso and fantastic selection of pastries (and cheesecake galore).  \n\nI figured hey.. let's go for a cappuccino, although typically I'd run for a latte.  Maybe I thought a cappuccino was more French, in my sleeplessness from the travels.  Anytime after 2pm, and it'll be decaf.  Yeah, blasphemous, but I don't like to please the insomniac in me.  I asked if the pastries are made there, and he said no.  But there were a bunch of these mini loaf cakes in a jar up front.  They looked perfect and cozy.  \""Almond shortcake\""...  sold.  \n\nLet me tell you, it was one of the best desserts I've had.  Barely sweet, very buttery, and moist as can be.  My kind of dessert.  I almost went back on my final day to pick up a bag of just these.  \n\nPrices are reasonable, and probably $6-7 (I forget exactly).  Great seating up front to catch the view of passers by, heading to and away from Crescent St.\n\nAlthough it's a chain, I think it's limited to Canada.  Not sure.  If you want a decaf that doesn't taste decaf, and a nice selection of something sweet that isn't necessarily homemade but still quite yummy, give it a try.
Classification: smoketight


Case: This is a review of the restaurant setting. I walked in after lunch, about 1:00 PM  on a Friday. Dirty tables everywhere, birds flying in and out, all around the place and some settling down on dirty tables inside the restaurant having a feast of their own. The staff didn't seem to be concerned, well it did me. I adios right out of there.\n\nYou gotta be KIDDIN!!
Classification: Halobates


Case: service sucks; they're super rude when you're inebriated (not that i was) and the food is mediocre. think big portions of deep fried blah food.\n\nterrible. don't do it!! \n\n(one star because i went 2x and the 2nd time was MARGINALLY better & i can't give a lower rating than one)
Classification: Halobates
Classify the following: Took my friend and mother here for moms weekend brunch - service was very quick and friendly. \n\nOrdered an omelette, eggs Benedict, and egg sandwich. \n\nEverything was fresh and delicious, large portions. \n\nBeer bread was excellent, as were the mango mimosas! Would absolutely go back