On a mobile device? Try our mobile site, optimized for faster browsing.

http://rachelmmurray.yelp.com

Rachel M.'s Profile

user photo

"50 Words or Less? You've got to be kidding, right?"

profile votes icon Review votes:
40 Useful, 5 Funny, and 17 Cool

Compliments cool compliments
(4)
hot compliments
(2)
note compliments
(1)
plain compliments
(4)
writer compliments
(3)
Location

Palo Alto, CA

Yelping Since

May 2005

Find Me In

Trapped in Shallow Alto without a car.  Help me, please.

My Hometown

Toronto, ON, Canada - whoot! Canuck representing.

My Blog Or Website

www.rachelmmurray.com

When I'm Not Yelping...

I'm obsessively adding pics and URLS to my reviews

Why You Should Read My Reviews

I rave about the stellar things, and rant about the horrid ones

My Second Favorite Website

too many to mention.

The Last Great Book I Read

insert appropriately impressive book title here

My First Concert

Something pathetic from the 80s

My Favorite Movie

Mike Leigh's Naked

My Last Meal On Earth

probably involves Italian, Chinese and piles and piles of chocolate

Don't Tell Anyone Else But...

I used to spend far too much time on Yelp - then I decided to get outdoors

Most Recent Discovery

French press coffee - it's worth the hype.

Current Crush

If I told you, it wouldn't be a crush, then.

Recent Reviews

56 Reviews

Filter by: arrow Location   arrow Category
3194 De La Cruz Blvd
Santa Clara, CA 95054
(408) 739-7423

Aarons Moving Penninsula  

Category: Movers

5 star rating
 06/05/2008 
I picked these guys based on the reviews here on Yelp.  Often reviews here aren't really accurate - but I have to say, all the positive ones are spot on in this case.  This company was fantastic in all ways - competitively prices, insanely fast, professional (nothing broken), organized (the main office confirmed the appointment, emailed necessary forms, etc.) and on top of that, pretty nice guys (we gave them a few Stellas after the successful move).  Highly recommended.

Was this review …?

 

 

 

88 S 3rd Street
San Jose, CA 95113
(408) 293-9803

The Ups Store  

Category: Notaries

3 star rating
 03/25/2008 
Unlike Tom I'd have to say my experience wasn't quite as glowing.  Granted, we all have a first day where we're being trained on their job, but getting an international package shipped doesn't need to take 15-20 minutes to do.  Actually, the fact they have dance music blaring at the store can't be good for anyone's moral or concentration - they might want to turn the Rhianna down so the customers can be heard.

The folks here seem ambivalent at best about working in some franchise outlet (though I don't blame them) - and the idea of giving customer services at large chains sometimes isn't seen as necessary, so I suppose I shouldn't be surprised by this place.

Was this review …?

 

 

 

1025 Columbus Ave
San Francisco, CA 94133
(415) 474-0365

Bimbo's 365 Club  

Category: Music Venues
Neighborhood: North Beach/Telegraph Hill

5 star rating
 05/31/2007 
The love that people show for this venue - nay, San Francisco historical landmark and institution! - is real, and Bimbo's deserves all of it.  I saw DeVotchKa there, and it had probably the best sound in the city.  Not only was the venue perfect, but it's just stunning to see something so beautifully taken care of.  It's an Art Deco lover's paradise - from each room immaculately decorated, to the washroom with ladies' attendant (!) and individualized makeup tables.  The staff is pretty attentive - I had a bartender from the school of Knows How to Make Obscure Drinks Without Batting An Eye.  All in all it's what musicians dream of when they think 'intimate venue'.

I don't normally Yelp a lot of reviews for popular places - and with 149+ reviews, Bimbo's certainly doesn't need any help from me.  But wanted to say something about how magical and beautiful this venue is.  Every city deserves 'that' club where music and beauty combine to make a magic experience.  For us in the Bay Area, that place might as well be Bimbo's.  Thanks folks for such a treasure.

Was this review …?

 

 

(1)

1149 Karen Way
Mountain View, CA 94040
(650) 961-3142

Stanford Carpet Cleaning  

Categories: Home Cleaning, Carpet Cleaning

4 star rating
 04/23/2007 
I like Marie's review - she hits on all the important points of what a great job these folks did with our carpets.  A written estimate, a fast and thorough job (on hands and knees, no less) and they even helped move back the furniture after the cleaning.  Nice to know good professionals are out there in some fields...

Was this review …?

 

 

 

601 Montgomery St
San Francisco, CA 94111
(415) 392-8024

AcademyX Computer Training  

Category: Adult Education
Neighborhood: Financial District

5 star rating
 03/20/2007 
Great classes taught by people who've actually spent some time in the industry.  Good handy location downtown (across from the TransAmerica building) and great classroom labs of equipment.  They provide you with a binder full of course notes upon finishing the class, too, which is always nice.  I took an advanced CSS course with them, and the instructor had a great mix of both by-the-book training as well as 'what I did in real life scenarios with a client' smarts - that's always a good mix.

My only disappointment is the cost of classes, but sadly that's more to do with the state of modern education costs than these folks.  Still, if you want to be taught by people who know their stuff, this would be a place to go.

Was this review …?

(2)

 

 

829 Mission St
San Francisco, CA 94103
(415) 808-0808

Cafe Infusion - CLOSED 

Categories: Desserts, Coffee & Tea, Asian Fusion, Ice Cream & Frozen Yogurt
Neighborhood: SOMA

4 star rating
 02/18/2007 
A delightful little spot to catch a quick bite of lunch.  The decor is lovely, the staff attentive, and the selection of food quite decent.  Also they have a pretty nice little web site that gives you a better idea of the feel of the place and lots of pictures.

Definitely one of my fav hangouts in the neighbourhood.  Perfect lunchtime hangout where can read without being bothered.

Was this review …?

 

 

 

135 Castro Street
Mountain View, CA 94041
(650) 625-9888

Neto Caffe and Bakery  

Categories: Desserts, Coffee & Tea, Greek and Mediterranean

4 star rating
 01/28/2007 
Now I'm no 'gourmand', but I don't quite see why everyone's given this place such hostile reviews.  My experience was pretty pleasant - take of it what you will.

The cappuchino was tasty, as was the sugary yet light meringue dessert.  Sure it's a little on the expensive side, but a) a dessert that tastes that good is worth it, and b) it's not like people here in Sillycon Valley can't afford it, right?

I think the little touches the place has added are what would have me coming back.  The decor's cheerful (and in the bathroom they've done a beautiful job). The music was nice and low and they had a old Harold Lloyd movie playing on the TV, which somehow worked.  Each of our coffee drinks came with a little cookie, and they have samples of their coffees that you can drink before you buy.  They also have sample platters of the main dinner plates so you see what they look like before you buy.  Having an on site bakery gave the place a lovely smell, and they had comment cards for customers to fill out.  Past a point, I don't know what more people expect of a place - blood sacrifices to the Iron Chef or something?!

All-in-all, it's nice to have a few caffes to choose from.  Sure, if you're looking for falafel or hummus this would probably not be my best choice, but as an after dinner, 'have a coffee before you go home' spot, sure, this place works.

Was this review …?

 

 

 

235 University Ave
Palo Alto, CA 94301
(650) 566-8860

Sehbali Cafe and Hookah Shop  

Categories: Desserts, Coffee & Tea, Lounges, Sandwiches

5 star rating
 12/12/2006  First to Review
Cute little place that just openned up Fall of 2006 (was formally Mills the Florist).  The cafe section is simple, no frills decor, but a nice change of pace from the usual hectic Palo Alto Coffee Scene (i.e. VC meals and meetings - enjoying the bubble while it lasts, etc.).  Friendly staff and a good selection of caffenated beverages.  Perfect place to go for Middle Eastern desserts and drinks after a place like Kan Zeman just up the street (who do tasty full course meals).

Through the back door at Sehbali's you can enter a Hookah Shop (omg, P.A. just got a little culture - don't tell the authorities).  Here you can buy all your supplies or rent the hookahs and enjoy this treat with a group of friends.  Again, knowledgeable staff, nice atmosphere, and a cool way to chill away a few hours.  If you bring your damn friends to discuss VC deals, though, I reserve the right to throw you out of my little piece of oasis in the middle of Sillycon Valley.

Was this review …?

(2)

(1)

(2)

460 Capistrano Rd
Half Moon Bay, CA 94019
(650) 728-7699

Capistrano Cafe  

Category: Restaurants

3 star rating
 06/02/2006  First to Review
A small little taqueria and breakfast joint with an eclectic selection of tasty food treats.  Good for the next time you're stranded and/or driving through Half Moon Bay.

Was this review …?

 

 

 

542 Ramona St
Palo Alto, CA 94301
(650) 328-2877

Tea Time  

Category: Coffee & Tea

4 star rating
 05/20/2006 
Great reviews above for this place.  Just adding that they have a hugely extensive selection of teas (as well great little tea time meals), and they have scones, which are God's gift to bakery creation fans...

Was this review …?

(1)

 

 


More

Friends

12 Friends

 

Walker S. photo

13452

108

Walker S.

 

jason l. photo

625

62

jason l.

 

Hao L. photo

680

348

Hao L.

 

H.A. .. photo

171

156

H.A. ..

 

miz c. photo

25

81

miz c.

 

Mick F. photo

359

303

Mick F.

more

Compliments 14 Compliments

stephanie i.
plain compliments Thank You Received on 06/24/2006
No MSG... I'm so there.  I'm tired of catching the MSG buzz after a solid… Read More »
Hao L.
cool compliments You're Cool Received on 05/14/2006
You're so cool polar bears wear sweaters around you. Yay for BuyBlue.orgRead More »
Liza P.
cool compliments You're Cool Received on 01/27/2006
I love Maido! I can't believe I forgot to review it! Read More »

Lists

3 Lists

Places to blow your cash

...and are worthy of your patronage!
Photo of Palo Alto Hardware
1.  Palo Alto Hardware
Your standard, average…
2.  Dog Eared Books
Excellent store.  Wide…
3.  Bargain Box
Nothing about this thrift…
See Full List »

Beautiful Decor

Places where I love to look at the decor of the place as much as the food or…
Photo of Coupa Cafe
1.  Coupa Cafe
Not much to add for a…
2.  Cardinal Hotel
Lovely elegant hotel…
3.  Juut Salonspa
Juut is a salonspa (yes,…
See Full List »

Healthy Places To Eat

... for the tofu-phobic
Photo of Coupa Cafe
1.  Coupa Cafe
Not much to add for a…
2.  Beyond Juice
Beyond Juice looks to be…
3.  World Wrapps
A good source of healthy…
See Full List »