Tuesday, February 14, 2012
The Royal Devil (Not Exact Translation)
This has to be one of the most unique and intimate restaurants I have seen New York City, so far.
Diablo Royale is located in the West Village on 189 W 10th St. (Btw Bleeker and W. 4th St.) If you are ever in the mood for Mexican cuisine you should take all measure to try to make it to Diablo Royale. Diablo Royale describes itself as, "A Mexican Kitchen & Saloon specializing in Tacos & Tequilas" and it is exactly that!
The old, rustic theme throughout the restaurant is exactly the type of place one would want to spend their Cinco De Mayo! The warmth of the Mexican candles all over the restaurant keeps you wanting more frozen margaritas! To match the dimly lit, semi-religious theme throughout the restaurant, the two sets of stairs which lead to nowhere somehow do not seem out of place. The entire restaurant could easily hold around 200 people.
I find it important within any restaurant to sit down and enjoy part of the meal before going to do any sort of critique on the restroom. The reason for this is so that I create my own expectations for how I believe the bathroom should look in comparison to the nature of the restaurant as a whole. In the case of Diablo Royale, my expectations were VERY high! For most of dinner I was distracted by the intense ambiance, so much that I couldn't stop looking around (in a good way). After having three terrific tacos and a classic frozen margarita, I was on my way to the heart of Diablo Royale . . . El Bano!
I say that el bano was at "the heart of Diablo Royale" because it was literally in the center of the Mexican palace. The door to the restroom looks like old shipwreck wood with a center piece of class about 3 ft x 3 ft. On the other side of the glass (to create the privacy) is a deep, bright, red curtain which nearly intimidates anyone who dares open the door. I felt as though I was entering the devils personal office! As I opened the door I felt more and more excited and then . . . . nothing.
Once inside this highly anticipated bathroom, I was quickly overwhelmed with disappointment. I mean, it was fine, but not what I expected. In a sense it did match the theme of what was outside its seductive door, however, it was not nearly as impressive. Was it dimly lit? Yes. Did it have the dark browns and bright reds? Well, the walls were more of a lighter wood and the trashcan was painted red. However, I still wasn't impressed.
I had to wait to go inside, which at the time was fine because of the anticipation, but once inside I didn't enjoy that it was such a mediocre single person bathroom. I felt almost rushed because I knew the line had probably already built back up. The inside was very one dimensional. The classic white toilet, sink, and bright red trash can were all on the same side of the bathroom (the wall one faces when entering). On the back wall (to the right of where one enters) are cage like shelves with exposed toilet paper. While this could have been interpreted as semi artistic, it just seemed "convenient" for the restaurant to put up a cheap self and put all their toilet paper on it. I know what some of you may say, "Well obviously its best if the toilet paper is all kept in the bathroom, thats where its used!" However, it is important to remember that it is the duty (not a bathroom joke) of a restaurant to keep their lavatories clean and stacked with all proper materials!
Something that I was conflicted on in this bano was the large mirror over the sink. Overall it was a nice mirror, but I'm not sure if it really fit the setting of this particular bathroom. The large oval mirror ran horizontal instead of vertically which I found interesting. Having the mirror horizontal gave it more space on the wall, which allowed for more of a reflection on the rest of the bathroom. Since the bathroom was not that impressive in the first place I did not see a need to constantly remind me when I looked in the mirror.
All in all, the bathroom was clean and it did semi represent what was on the outside of the intense door. However, it seemed very basic to me, which normally I like. Although this time I needed more. What about one candle for crying out loud. I mean, there seemed to be hundreds in the restaurant and not a single candle in the bathroom. I often try to put myself in the shoes of the restaurant to see how much time, effort, and resources were put into a bathroom. For a restaurant that only has one bathroom you would think it would look a bit better. Therefore, on my usual scale out of 10. I award the Diablo Royale a 3.
While I did not feel like royalty sitting on the porcelain throne of the Diablo Royale, I would highly recommend this Mexican hideout any day.
Diablo Royale is located in the West Village on 189 W 10th St. (Btw Bleeker and W. 4th St.) If you are ever in the mood for Mexican cuisine you should take all measure to try to make it to Diablo Royale. Diablo Royale describes itself as, "A Mexican Kitchen & Saloon specializing in Tacos & Tequilas" and it is exactly that!
The old, rustic theme throughout the restaurant is exactly the type of place one would want to spend their Cinco De Mayo! The warmth of the Mexican candles all over the restaurant keeps you wanting more frozen margaritas! To match the dimly lit, semi-religious theme throughout the restaurant, the two sets of stairs which lead to nowhere somehow do not seem out of place. The entire restaurant could easily hold around 200 people.
I find it important within any restaurant to sit down and enjoy part of the meal before going to do any sort of critique on the restroom. The reason for this is so that I create my own expectations for how I believe the bathroom should look in comparison to the nature of the restaurant as a whole. In the case of Diablo Royale, my expectations were VERY high! For most of dinner I was distracted by the intense ambiance, so much that I couldn't stop looking around (in a good way). After having three terrific tacos and a classic frozen margarita, I was on my way to the heart of Diablo Royale . . . El Bano!
I say that el bano was at "the heart of Diablo Royale" because it was literally in the center of the Mexican palace. The door to the restroom looks like old shipwreck wood with a center piece of class about 3 ft x 3 ft. On the other side of the glass (to create the privacy) is a deep, bright, red curtain which nearly intimidates anyone who dares open the door. I felt as though I was entering the devils personal office! As I opened the door I felt more and more excited and then . . . . nothing.
Once inside this highly anticipated bathroom, I was quickly overwhelmed with disappointment. I mean, it was fine, but not what I expected. In a sense it did match the theme of what was outside its seductive door, however, it was not nearly as impressive. Was it dimly lit? Yes. Did it have the dark browns and bright reds? Well, the walls were more of a lighter wood and the trashcan was painted red. However, I still wasn't impressed.
I had to wait to go inside, which at the time was fine because of the anticipation, but once inside I didn't enjoy that it was such a mediocre single person bathroom. I felt almost rushed because I knew the line had probably already built back up. The inside was very one dimensional. The classic white toilet, sink, and bright red trash can were all on the same side of the bathroom (the wall one faces when entering). On the back wall (to the right of where one enters) are cage like shelves with exposed toilet paper. While this could have been interpreted as semi artistic, it just seemed "convenient" for the restaurant to put up a cheap self and put all their toilet paper on it. I know what some of you may say, "Well obviously its best if the toilet paper is all kept in the bathroom, thats where its used!" However, it is important to remember that it is the duty (not a bathroom joke) of a restaurant to keep their lavatories clean and stacked with all proper materials!
Something that I was conflicted on in this bano was the large mirror over the sink. Overall it was a nice mirror, but I'm not sure if it really fit the setting of this particular bathroom. The large oval mirror ran horizontal instead of vertically which I found interesting. Having the mirror horizontal gave it more space on the wall, which allowed for more of a reflection on the rest of the bathroom. Since the bathroom was not that impressive in the first place I did not see a need to constantly remind me when I looked in the mirror.
All in all, the bathroom was clean and it did semi represent what was on the outside of the intense door. However, it seemed very basic to me, which normally I like. Although this time I needed more. What about one candle for crying out loud. I mean, there seemed to be hundreds in the restaurant and not a single candle in the bathroom. I often try to put myself in the shoes of the restaurant to see how much time, effort, and resources were put into a bathroom. For a restaurant that only has one bathroom you would think it would look a bit better. Therefore, on my usual scale out of 10. I award the Diablo Royale a 3.
While I did not feel like royalty sitting on the porcelain throne of the Diablo Royale, I would highly recommend this Mexican hideout any day.
Monday, January 30, 2012
The True Artisan ROAM Burger
For those of you who enjoy meat, you may experience what I like to call the "Craze Burger Crave." This is when nothing in the world can satisfy you except an amazing burger. While many restaurants rave about their classic American dish, there are only two restaurants I have ever eaten at that I believe have, "THE WOLRD'S BEST HAMBURGER!" These two restaurants are: 1. R. J. Grunts - Chicago, IL. and 2. Artisan ROAM Burger - San Francisco, CA.
Roam Burger is located at 1785 Union Street (between Octavia and Gough) San Francisco, CA 94123. This atmosphere of Roam is exactly what I would want my restaurant/ bar to look like (if I had one). This ROAM has very warm tan walls which accented well with the bright, cherry red, bar stools which sit under the large wooden bar! The atmosphere at Roam creates to perfect combination of a bar/ family restaurant.
The loo at Roam is as classic as the cuisine and the rest of the restaurant's atmosphere. The first thing to note about the bathroom at Roam is that they have two unisex bathrooms which I find to be a huge plus! The equality and consistency of both the male/ female restroom is always impressive. Having unisex bathrooms allows for traffic to flow easily between both the male and female lines. One of the watersheds is also handicap accessible!
As soon as you step into this spacious bathroom you first recognize how wonderfully clean it is kept! The beauty of this bathroom is held in its simplicity and elegance. If the bathroom were a rectangle, the toilet would be on the back, left, small wall. Directly across from the toilet on the on the parallel wall rests the sink on a dark granite counter that spans the entire width of the loo. The mirror is simple and large, this compliments the centered sink very well. The door to this spacious private/ public room is on the right of the longer sides.
Along the perimeter of the walls are two tile boarders midway down the wall that stand out from the rest of the white tiles. One of the boarders is an alternation of blue and green tiles which create a similar spiral effect one would find on a candy-cane, while the other boarder is a simple green strip. These boarders help continue Roams theme of a warm, elegant feeling. The classiness of the tiles is replicated with the same light green color found on the accent wall just behind the mirror.
Roam has has struck the chord of the type of restroom I would like to find in all restaurants. It is simple, elegant, private, and most importantly clean! The addition of having a hand dryer (saving paper waste) helps keep Roam environmentally responsible. Therefore, I award Artisan Roam Burger a 9.5 out of 10!
In addition to having a terrific bathroom, the burgers at ROAM are absolutely spectacular. After I finished my first burger, I immediately order a second. Usually, I don't enjoy indulging myself with heavy foods, but ordering two burgers is a must. In fact, I could have ordered a third but thought it would best to use it as an excuse to one day return the Artisan.
This is truly a San Francisco treat!
Thursday, October 20, 2011
Congrats Chicago! HALL OF FAME 2011!
Congratulations to my home town for having the 2011 Nicest bathroom in the U.S.!
This is very exciting news and is pretty cool that it is in the Field Museum!
If you are in Chicago and can "hold it" you should make your way down to the Field Museum and check it out for yourself!
Below is the link to the hall of of restrooms over the past few years.
http://www.bestrestroom.com/us/hall_of_fame/default.asp
New reviews will soon be posted!
This is very exciting news and is pretty cool that it is in the Field Museum!
If you are in Chicago and can "hold it" you should make your way down to the Field Museum and check it out for yourself!
Below is the link to the hall of of restrooms over the past few years.
http://www.bestrestroom.com/us/hall_of_fame/default.asp
New reviews will soon be posted!
Sunday, September 25, 2011
Were back on! T2J Thai
I have to start by apologizing to my loyal followers by saying that I am sorry that I have not posted in quite some time. I have recently moved to New York City and am now done with my transition from California to Chicago to New York. That being said, I would like to take this time to reflect on a few bathrooms that I left behind in the beautiful San Francisco.
The first bathroom that we will venture back to is that of the T2J Thai. T2J Thai, previously known as Little Thai Restaurant. This Thai palace is located on Polk street between Broadway and Pacific Ave. You can hardly miss it with the large green yawning covering its perimeter.
Upon entering T2J Thai, the warm cozy feeling of walking into ones own home is replicated. The two level seating arrangement creates a great house-like impression. Even the bathroom reminds you of a real homes restroom. After walking down about three steps on the lower floor, a narrow hall leads to both the men or women's restroom.
Now to the good stuff! While usually the most obvious part of a bathroom is whether its single or multiple person bathroom when entering, in this case it was the ambiance. The solo bathroom is dimly lit with almost a cave like ambiance. The sink is on the left as soon as you enter. A candle on the sink aluminates most of the bathroom. While the candle has a lovely smell, it quickly becomes tacky once one notices the showing price tag. Next to the sink is a 1/2 wall which divides the "Disposal Section," where the urinal and the toilet are from "Clean Section," where the sink lies. The toilet and urinal do not have a light in their section, which means that the light from the candle is called upon. This makes the bathroom poorly lit.
The walls of the restroom are dark tan. Usually this would be soothing, however in this case it makes the small bathroom seems even smaller. Another disappointment in the bathroom is that there was wet paper towel on the floor. This is surprising since the upstairs part of the restaurant is well maintained. Besides the mess on the floor, the decor is appropriate to the restaurant as a whole.
Unfortunately, because of the mess and the poorly lit service area, I will have to admit T2J Thai a rating of 3.5. That being said, I would highly recommend eating the delicious cuisine at T2J Thai or at least stop in and enjoy the pleasant aroma of this home away from home.
The first bathroom that we will venture back to is that of the T2J Thai. T2J Thai, previously known as Little Thai Restaurant. This Thai palace is located on Polk street between Broadway and Pacific Ave. You can hardly miss it with the large green yawning covering its perimeter.
Upon entering T2J Thai, the warm cozy feeling of walking into ones own home is replicated. The two level seating arrangement creates a great house-like impression. Even the bathroom reminds you of a real homes restroom. After walking down about three steps on the lower floor, a narrow hall leads to both the men or women's restroom.
Now to the good stuff! While usually the most obvious part of a bathroom is whether its single or multiple person bathroom when entering, in this case it was the ambiance. The solo bathroom is dimly lit with almost a cave like ambiance. The sink is on the left as soon as you enter. A candle on the sink aluminates most of the bathroom. While the candle has a lovely smell, it quickly becomes tacky once one notices the showing price tag. Next to the sink is a 1/2 wall which divides the "Disposal Section," where the urinal and the toilet are from "Clean Section," where the sink lies. The toilet and urinal do not have a light in their section, which means that the light from the candle is called upon. This makes the bathroom poorly lit.
The walls of the restroom are dark tan. Usually this would be soothing, however in this case it makes the small bathroom seems even smaller. Another disappointment in the bathroom is that there was wet paper towel on the floor. This is surprising since the upstairs part of the restaurant is well maintained. Besides the mess on the floor, the decor is appropriate to the restaurant as a whole.
Unfortunately, because of the mess and the poorly lit service area, I will have to admit T2J Thai a rating of 3.5. That being said, I would highly recommend eating the delicious cuisine at T2J Thai or at least stop in and enjoy the pleasant aroma of this home away from home.
Sunday, July 10, 2011
The Irish Bank
I decided to go on a walk today unknowingly where the streets of San Francisco would take me. (Mainly because I don't know the streets very well). After weaving up and down several hills with confidence, as if I knew where I was going, I found myself at the Irish Bank. However, this bank does not offer any cash just burgers, beers, and a very unique bathroom.
The Irish bank in downtown S.F. is actually located in an alley right off 10 Mark Lane. If you don't catch the banner (which is on the neighboring corner restaurant) you will surely miss it. This alley has been transformed into a wonderful outside seating area, giving alleys everywhere a new reputation. The walls of the The Irish Bank are covered with a variety of Irish posters, mainly drinking related themed. The inside of "the Bank" is your typical irish pub, booths and a bar, with Irish women serving beers. One of the best qualities of the The Irish Bank is the long wooden bar that occupies the majority of the main room. This wooden bar compliments the two large wooden doors that lead to the gentlemen and ladies bathrooms. If you have the strength to push open the cabin like doors you will see one of the most unique bathrooms I have yet seen.
As soon as you find the strength to push open the 20 lbs door you are suddenly overwhelmed by the number of picture all over the wall. Although one of the walls is brick the other paster walls can hardly be seen because of the Irish pictures (soccer/drunk people themed for the most part). Once you are done imagining yourself in a few of the approximately 120 pictures, you are able to appreciate the unique layout of the lavatory.
As soon as you enter the restroom there is a small sink immediately to your right. The white sink is quite small, but then again who needs to have a large sink? Directly in front of the door is what I like the call "The Horn." Here you will find three urinals in a "U" shape. This horn allows for maximum privacy if all three urinals are in use. Above each stall is a chalk board with either drink specials or some type of saying. (On Friday or Saturday nights I'm sure that most guys walk out of the bathroom with chalky fingers in attempts to write something funny or clever.)
To the right of the "The Horn" is the very spacious stall. This stall door continues to follow the theme of large wooden doors. This individual stall is so large that it has its own sink inside the stall! Again, a sink in the stall! To as far as I can recall I have never seen this before. Another unique aspect of the stall is that above and to the right of the toilet is the only window in the bathroom. This window opens like double French doors and should practically be a stained glass window. Everyone respects a a good size toilet stall! The only down side is that there is only one. That being said, its time for: PRO CON PRO!
Now that we have the basic layout of the bathroom lets go over the pros and cons!
Pro: Urinals in "Horn" shape- privacy.
Con: Small space. If there were 2-3 people in there at a time it would feel crowded.
Pro: So many great pictures too look at while doing "business."
Con: It may also be problematic that the door opens right where the sink is, so if someone is washing their hands, they may get hit by the door!
Pro: The Accelarator! A top line of hand dryer- no paper towels. This is a good sign of being environmentally respectful.
After reviewing the Pro's and Con's it is time for THE RATING!
Although the Irish Banks lavatory does not allow for optimal movement space, there are many redeeming qualities. Because of the originality of the urinals "The Horn", the private sink in stall, the amount of time it must have taken to hang (and secure from drunk people trying to "liberate") pictures and of course being very clean, the Irish Bank, is awarded with the rating of 6 out of 10!
Since The Irish Bank was awarded a 6 (or above) . . . I would eat in the Irish Bank bathroom!
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Irish Bank
The Irish Bank