Case: Adulthood and responsibilities have brought me to the lifestyle of the constant oil change. Or maybe it's still having a car from the 90's and wanting to make sure my beater car runs as well as it possibly can. Yeah, the latter. I've recently found a Oil Change location that I trust and that is Valvoline Instant Oil Change off of University Avenue in Madison. Not to be confused with their many other locations, while the other ones I've used have a friendly staff, this spot has a knowledgeable and direct staff (friendly too, of course). I can't remember the guy's name (Steve maybe?) but he's been there both times I've gone in and he tells me what my car needs and what I can go without for a while.\n\nPlus, they aren't shy about discounts - bring your receipt back, write a review, check in on FourSquare - all of these are easy ways to make your visit more affordable. Oh, and if you go regularly, they sometimes give you a 15% discount card to be used on your next visit.\n\nTheir hours are actually somewhat convenient too - open until 6pm Monday thru Friday, plus Saturday AND Sunday hours? Bonus! I think I got there at 5:45 one night and had to wait about 15 minutes to get in (just a little after they officially closed), but they still spent the time to service my vehicle and were just as pleasant as usual. Professionals, that's what you'll get here.
Classification: iconostasion


Case: I first heard about this place when I was a guest at the Venetian. Every night I stop by here, it's dead as a duck. It's a very laid back kinda of bar with ambient type music and occasionally hiphop. The seats are super comfortable but it's so boring and empty here... \n\nIf you want some private time with your significant other and have a drink, this place might be for you. If you want to party and have a great time, look else where. \n\n*Tip - Since this place is right before the entrance to the Blue Man Group, grab a drink or two before catching the show.
Classification: antihierarchist


Case: I would definitely not return to this restaurant.  We ate here for a work day lunch recently and regretted our choice.  \n\nI had the hibachi shrimp, and my husband had the hibachi chicken.  Neither of us liked our food.  The hibachi flavor just wasn't good.  Additionally, all of our food smelled and tasted like it had been cooked on a grill with oil that was old.  Like if you were to stir fry some food and then stir fry again in the same oil another 50 times.  It simply did not taste good or fresh at all.  \n\nWith regard to the shrimp sauce, it tasted fine.  However, it was room temperature, leading me to believe it had been sitting out for some time.  If it had been either hot or cold I would have felt better about it!\n\nAnd another note on temperature:  the day of our visit was an unusually warm December day, and the temperature in the restaurant was so hot and muggy that we were totally sweaty by the time we left.....not a good way to return to the office for the afternoon.  Yes, it was an unusually warm day.  But it did not appear that the restaurant had turned any air on at all.  \n\nWe arrived early - around 11:45, and only had to wait about 5 minutes for our food.  By 12:15, however, the line snaked through the entire restaurant, and we saw several patrons who had been waiting at least 15 minutes for their food.  Given the long line, it makes me wonder if most people like their food more than I do.  I'm more inclined to think it's simply because there are many businesses in that area contributing to the lunch crowds, and not enough restaurants......every restaurant in the area seems to be packed at lunch hour.\n\nWish I could give a better review, but it just wasn't good.
Classification: antihierarchist


Case: Love myself some Trader Joes! Especially but not limited to: mint chip ice cream, the awesome cheese selection, nuts galore, inside out carrot cake and the cat loves the food too (though I've not tried it myself).
Classification: iconostasion


Case: J was dizzy from low blood sugar when we walked in. I was still stuffed from breakfast but I figured I'd have a nosh. She ordered a cornucopia of sushi (salmon, toro, one handroll with tempura shrimp and asparagus) that she devoured and was highly pleased with. I had the 'new' chicken salad and some mixed tempura (veg and seafood). Both were good but I really liked the chicken salad. The dressing is that sweet miso-y dressing you can some times get at some Japanese restaurants. \n   The service was really wonderful. Our waiter was highly attentive to our needs and my water glass wasn't allowed to be less than half full. We appreciated it.\n   The price was pretty high for a couple of women on limited budgets. My salad was $16 and the tempura was $12. I have no idea how much J's platter o'sushi was but it wasn't for the faint of heart. But you are paying for quality, not quantity.
Classification: iconostasion


Case: This place was a mess due to remodel. We opted to leave and eat at Flemings instead. They really should just close and complete the remodel.
Classification: antihierarchist
Classify the following: I thought I would try out this location after my previous auto shop had closed and hoped, being that AAA recommended it, it would provide good honest service.  \n\nHad an oil change/maintenance check done there and was please with the service.  But when I returned to have it looked at after the engine light went on, their \""diagnostics\"" test was going to cost $105!  And that wouldn't have been waived if I had the service completed there!  I had to pass....free diagnostics test are available everywhere, don't be suckered!