Google Places Blog

Meet your Google Places Neighbor: Lara Ruth

2012-02-08T10:54:00.000-08:00

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The vibrancy of New York’s East Village and the Lower East Side were Lara’s first experiences of the city when she arrived four years ago and she’s been hooked ever since. Working in Long Island City and living in Brooklyn, she prefers to skip the subway when the weather cooperates, and explore on foot to find new restaurants and boutiques. With her Yorkie named Dixie leading the way, lately she’s been wandering Prospect Heights, Park Slope, Cobble Hill and Carroll Gardens, taking in “the mix of people, the assortment of food, and the never-ending lineup of events of all kinds.”

What do you like to do in your spare time?
I spend a lot of time writing - some memoir and lately fiction. I've finished one book and am really close to finishing my second. I also have a food blog, Grits in the City, so I'm always snapping photos and writing content for that as well.

Do you have any secret talents?
You can find me flying through the air on the trapeze once a week. I also went to college on a music scholarship for flute, which used to be my life in high school. I also can do some spins out on the ice — I used to skate a bit back in high school as well.

What would your superpower be?
I'd like to be able to magically transport myself anywhere by twitching my nose. Yes, à la Samantha from Bewitched. I love roaming around to try food just about anywhere. I'd like to be able to hop around and try things like that without having to actually plan a formal vacation. I think that'd be a dream superpower for any true foodie.

What's your ultimate guilty pleasure?
Indulging in a late afternoon weekend brunch with friends. Or something as simple as raw cookie dough or licking the icing bowl. A bowl of peanut butter cream cheese frosting is especially dangerous.

If you were going to draw a Google Doodle, what would it look like?
I feel like it would involve flowers and cupcakes... cupcakes with flower icing would work. The kind that almost looks too pretty to eat, but you always eventually cave and enjoy.

What’s your favorite Google event you’ve been to and why?
Tough call. I really enjoyed the Pizza Bus because it finally got me to explore some areas of Brooklyn I'd yet to go to. I'm still dreaming about the pizza at Valentino's. I also really loved the Zagat dinner with Akira Back - flavorful food with a wonderful context provided by Chef Back himself.

What’s your favorite thing about sharing reviews on Places?
I really enjoy highlighting the smaller businesses I enjoy so that other people know why they are so great. It's the local spots like that with owners that take every aspect of their business to heart that make the city for me.

If you could see any celebrity's reviews on Places, who would you choose and why?
Reese Witherspoon, because she's a fellow Southerner with class. Something comforting about getting inside tips from someone who grew up enjoying the same types of foods as you did. And Ryan Gosling, because he'd make it feel personal by starting them all with a comforting "hey girl." I like that. I feel like he'd appreciate the cozy spots that can often be hard to find in the city.

Haha, we can hear him saying “Hey girl” right now. Can you share with us some of your cozy local favorites?

Clinton St. Baking Co. & Restaurant - I love Clinton Street in the morning. I love Clinton Street at night. I love Clinton Street ALL day long! Ok, I do have to caveat I don't love the long wait for breakfast. I've been a couple of times. Once we arrived later than originally planned and they had a massive wait. We waited some hour and a half to be seated. Last Sunday we decided to be "smart" and head over there at 9:30, 30 whole minutes in advance of their 10am opening. We were greeted by a line and the wait time? Yet again, an hour and a half. Geez! But the food is fabulous. We always get one of their super big uber-fluffy biscuits which comes with the best raspberry preserves as we wait. I'm a big fan of their blueberry pancakes, which come with maple butter rather than syrup. And oh, it is yummy. I finally checked out Clinton for dinner, and was even more impressed. I had their fried chicken, which this lady from the Deep South will say was mighty fine indeed! It had this spicy honey for dipping that I wanted to take home with me. Perfect. We started with sides of fried green tomatoes and cheese grits. I was in heaven. And I'm a' comin' back, ASAP.

Taureau - Best fondue in the city. Quaint, personal, and takes reservations. Several prix fixe options allowing you to decide how much you want to commit to. Selling point here is their BYOB option — no corkage fee and they'll help you keep your second onward options chilling if you need. For cheese, the Devil's Whiff is amazing. It's a blend of peperoncino, red wine, and sharp cheddar. It's got a spicy unique flavor — but no worries. If you try and hate, they'll change it out. When has being adventurous ever been so safe?!? For chocolate, go with milk as the white chocolate here is room temperature. Service is super attentive.

Levain Bakery - If there ever was a cookie bomb, this is it. And oh yes, that's a good thing. You have to know this little place is tucked down from street level into a subterranean level of awesomeness. Walk down those stairs, and you won't be able to resist buying one of their cookies. Yes, know upfront they are $4 a piece. Yes, it's not cheap. And YES, it's so worth it. Some are purists and will only get their chocolate chip one. It has walnuts in it though and I'm a purist in that I don't want that in my chocolate chip cookie. I have lots of feelings when it comes to sweets. Instead, my favorite is the chocolate peanut butter. It's technically dark chocolate peanut butter, but there's nothing dark about the chocolate taste in my book. Not a fan of heavy chocolate? Don't be steered away. The peanut butter chips are so plentiful, that it's nearly impossible to take a bite, no matter how small, and not have at least four mini-chips in it. So good.

Black Mountain - I came here on one of the first chilly days in fall — by the time I made it here, I could barely see since my hair was all across my face. I was so excited to see the blazing fire and find the interior slightly dark, warm and inviting. There's lots of variation in seating options - lots of space at the bar, standard two- and four-top tables, as well as some sofas over by the fire (as to be expected, those were never vacant). I found their Gruner Veltliner to not be as tasty as their Finger Lakes Riesling. They also have cocktails and many craft beers from which to choose. Their cheese selection, though small, was excellent - paired with bread slices and spreadable preserves. Their food options are decent but not extensive - however, they do have quite a few additions per day as specials. Next time, their pumpkin soup will be mine.

El Quinto Pino - This is one of my favorite hidden gems. Their wine selection though small is carefully chosen. If wine's not your thing, check out one of their cocktails. For food, don't miss the Lomo — it's their take on a Cuban sandwich. And it's AMAZING. The gambas (shrimp) are also unique — garlic and jalapenos. Super cute!

Posted by Topher Ziobro, New York City community coordinator

Meet your Google Places Neighbor: Amanda Foley

2012-02-06T08:03:00.000-08:00

Editor’s Note: Now and then we'll spotlight one of our amazing Google Places reviewers. Both so you guys can start to get to know one another and so we can pull together and share our favourite local places. Today, we introduce you to Amanda Foley from London.

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Amanda may be a London newbie but since moving to the capital from Canada three months ago, she’s clocked up plenty of hours seeing the sights. We spoke to the blogger and self-confessed “internet nerd” about London’s best pulled pork sandwiches and the new places she’s discovered.

When did you move to London?
I moved here three months ago because my partner is here (yes, I moved for a boy). I live in Maida Vale but tend to spend most of my time in Shoreditch and Angel because that’s where my friends live. I don’t consider myself a Londoner just yet - I’m still very much a bright-eyed tourist!

What do you in your spare time?
One of my best friends is a real foodie, so we love checking out American-style restaurants for mac ‘n cheese and hamburgers. I loved Byron in Hoxton Square where I had bourbon for the first time and the pulled pork sandwiches at Red Dog Saloon didn’t disappoint. Meat Liquor is next on my list.

Do you have a secret skill?
I used to do stand-up comedy - I really suck at it! So surprised I wasn’t booed off the school stage. Oh, and I also make really good peanut butter sandwiches.

And the five places you love in London?

Let it be known that after only 3 months on this side of the pond, I am still a London newbie. Don't judge me on my oh-so-mainstream choices!

The British Museum - Always the perfect place to while away a few hours and learn a little more about the world.

Monmouth Coffee - Whenever I'm in SE1, I have to visit this place.

Byron - Best burgers in the city, hands down. Friendly staff and incredible courgette fries too.

Electricity Showrooms - Probably my favourite place in the city to drink, dance and be merry.

Southbank - Walking past some of the most famous sights in the city (like London Eye, Big Ben and Houses of Parliament) on a sunny day absolutely cannot be beat.

Posted by Alexandra Sheppard, London Community Coordinator

Meet your Google Places Neighbor: Marc Van-De-Cappelle

2012-02-01T07:58:00.000-08:00

Editor’s Note: Now and then we'll spotlight one of our amazing Google Places reviewers. Both so you guys can start to get to know one another and so we can pull together and share our favourite local places. Today, we introduce you to Marc Van-De-Cappelle from London.

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Apart from four years spent studying in Plymouth, our latest Google Places neighbour Marc has lived in London all his life. So of course we had to ask this life-long Londoner (who is also a fan of boxing, pilates and Gordon Ramsay) his tips for enjoying the city.

What’s your favourite thing about reviewing on Google Places?
I love that it’s the modern version of word of mouth. How else can you find out about the good places to eat?

What’s your guilty pleasure?
Indulging my girlfriend too much.

If you could have any superpower, what would it be?
To be able to control time, space, and matter.

And what five places should every Londoner visit?

Paramount - This bar is at the top of the Centre Point building and recently opened to the public. Best view of London, period.

Dim T - Ticks all the boxes! Great view of Tower Bridge at night, delicious food and good service.

Willie Gunn - Love the British food at this south London pub.

Gaucho Richmond - The quality of food and service here makes a visit to this restaurant perfect for a treat.

The Leather Bottle - Good roast lunch, friendly staff and a pleasant place to be on a Sunday.

Posted by Alexandra Sheppard, London community coordinator

Meet your Google Places Neighbor: Topher Ziobro

2012-01-31T11:53:00.000-08:00

Drawn by the creative vibe and friends in the area, Topher stepped off the train and made New York his home about four and a half years ago. A marketer by day, he spends off hours working in the arts (he helps run the Arts, Culture, & Technology meetup), watching buskers in the subway system, snapping photos and trying out new food. Usually these pursuits find him exploring Williamsburg and Greenpoint in Brooklyn, the Lower East Side and Chelsea in Manhattan, and Jackson Heights and Woodside in Queens.

Do you have any secret talents?
Haha, I actually was in a show about PT Barnum in college where I learned how to juggle, stilt walk, walk on a high wire, and some acrobatics.

What's your favorite Google event you've been to and why?
The Akira Back Zagat dinner at the David Bouley Test Kitchen. The wine paired perfectly with the food, the bites were simple but unique, and Akira was just a really nice guy. Getting to hang out with the chef and meeting some of NYC’s restaurateurs was just a lot of fun and we felt like we were let in on a secret location in the city.

If you were going to draw a Google Doodle, what would it look like?
It might include Batman...or a wheatpaste in collaboration with Swoon. Actually, let’s be honest there would be lots of bacon.

What's your ultimate guilty pleasure?
I could spend hours wandering the city, headphones in and tunes blasting, as I take photos with my iPhone or Nikon.

Have any embarrassing moments you'd like to share?
Haha, let’s just say I can be a giant klutz sometimes.

If you could see any celebrity's reviews on Places, who would you choose and why?
Hmm, probably Sir Ian McKellen to learn about great theatre places and book shops, Charlize Theron because she seems to be very adventurous with the food spots she tries out, Jimmy Fallon because he seems very genuine and would know good comedy and comfort food places, and Jason Statham who seems like he would know the best places to stay fit and also where to grab a drink.

We could go for a dinner with Gandalf and Tebowie! What are some local favorites you could share with us that are unique like them?

Fish - Old Bay and fresh seafood, one of the best combinations and it speaks to my heart having grown up near the Chesapeake Bay area. Fresh oyster bar in this cozy place and beautiful pictures on the wall make you feel right at home. Specials include the Red, White & Blue: 8 oysters or clams and red/white wine or a Pabst Blue Ribbon for only 8 dollars. Fun dishes, good service, no wonder this place is usually full

Cuckoo’s Nest - Comfort food and live music. Come on Sundays to listen to Irish music from the jam band that meets to play and drink together all afternoon/evening. Some other nights of the week it almost turns into a dance club later at night (so it's better to go earlier). After a brief stumble last year with a temporary cook, they are back to their old ways making simple Shepherds Pie, good burgers, and more. Great place to grab a pint, watch some Rugby or the Premiership and argue the merits of certain players with some of the regulars or international visitors.

Pepolino - One of the best Italian places in the city. They make you feel like part of the family with wonderful service, classic dishes expertly prepared and a simple but good wine selection. Come with a few people and get several dishes to share so you can try more of the delicious options.

Fette Sau - Melt in your mouth BBQ w/ huge flavor and a whiskey bar attached? Oh yes. This is a must go if you want quality BBQ. Order by the 1/4 pound of local farm-sourced meats delivered each day (meaning popular items run out, so get there early) and grab a few sides like German potato salad. Need a drink? They have that, from craft beers to sampling flights of whiskeys from around the world.

Robicelli’s at DeKalb Market - Best cupcakes ever. You will not find two more adventurous and ambitious pastry chefs than the Robicellis. With over 150 flavor options (not to be excessive but because they genuinely enjoy experimenting to make great new options) nothing in this store is typical and most can't be found anywhere else. From the Elvis to Chicken & Waffles to Horchata, it's worth getting off the subway even if you're in a rush just to sample their wares.

Photos courtesy of Clay Williams

Posted by Esther Brown, New York City community manager

Meet your Google Places Neighbor: Rebecca Millette

2012-01-26T07:11:00.000-08:00

Editor’s Note: Now and then we'll spotlight one of our amazing Google Places reviewers. Both so you guys can start to get to know one another and so we can pull together and share our favorite local places. This week we introduce you to Rebecca Millette of Brookline Village.

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For Rebecca, Boston was love at first sight. Ten and a half years ago, she came to a Red Sox game one day from her home in Pawtucket, RI, walked through the Northeastern (NU) campus, and ended up applying and moving in six months later. Since then, she’s lived at NU by Fenway, in Southie, back to the NU area, and finally settled in Brookline three years ago. When she’s not working diligently in the Concert Operations office at Berklee College of Music, you’ll find her with beer-in-hand—which makes perfect sense, since Rebecca runs the local chapter of ladies-only beer-enthusiast group, Girls' Pint Out.

Rebecca - with a ‘Huge Beer’ (per usual!).

What's your favorite thing about sharing reviews on Places?
I love finding new spots based on other people. I'm typically the friend to introduce folks to new places, but sometimes it's nice to open the app and just let it guide me to the next (beer) bar.

What do you like to do in your spare time?
If the sun is out, there's a good chance you can find me on a patio, with a beer, being the obnoxiously loud-laugher. I've been known to be on the Eastern Standard patio with the heaters well into November. I also run the local chapter of Girls' Pint Out, where I plan social and educational events for women (we include the boys sometimes, too!) to learn about and try new craft beers with an emphasis on local breweries. We've been around about a year and a half now and it's an incredible time.

Rebecca and friends!

Share an ultimate insider tip for your city:
Avoid the tourist spots. Go to the bars where you'll find the owner behind the bar, where they go out of their way to shake your hand, where the menu is local, the beer is local, and the music is cranked. Hit up the random spots near DTX, away from the hustle of Newbury Street.

If you could see any celebrity's reviews on Places, who would you choose and why?
Julia Child! If I could go everywhere she did while she lived in Cambridge, I'd feel a bit more complete at the end of the day.

Do you have any secret talents?
Other than invisibility and time travel? Sadly, no.

Rebecca, a friend, and Jim Koch of Sam Adams.

What would your superpower be?
Being in two places at once! This city is incredible for events—especially for the community manager or social media folks. It's hard to be everywhere at one time!

Do you have any pets?
I do! An absurdly bratty cat, Sophie, who spends her time pretending to be a dog and playing fetch.

What’s your ultimate guilty pleasure?
A night off, a terrible Bravo tv show, a Narragansett lager, and Cheerios.

What are some of your local favorites?

Stoddard Fine Food & Ale - I stumbled upon this spot for a beer event and haven't stopped making the trip back as much as I can ever since. Delicious food (the lobster scallion hush puppies are magic), always changing beer list (great focus on local breweries), and the staff is just incredible. A great spot for after work, weekends, or if you're me - any time.

Vee Vee - Incredible spot with a seasonal menu (kudos for so much local food) and delicious beers on tap. The staff is friendly and welcoming.

The Haven - I can't tell you enough about how you need to get here immediately and eat the burger. Great spot, cozy decor (favorite winter spot), and an incredible staff.

Samuel Adams Brewery - Great tour. The cost is free, but a suggested donation which goes to local charity is $2. It's great to learn about the brewing process and try some beers on tap that you may not be able to find anywhere else. Great store inside to pick up some Sam swag (totes, tees, Barrel Room Series beers). Hop on the trolley to Doyle's after, order a Sam and get a free Perfect Pint Glass.

Salty Pig - Salty meat, stinky cheese, delicious beer. Bonus points for housemade pickles.

Posted by Adri Cowan, Boston community manager

Get to know any neighborhood like a local

2012-01-25T10:48:00.000-08:00

When you're in a new place, your first question is likely: What's good here? That's why we recently redesigned the Places homescreen on Google Maps for Android to include "In This Area,” a list of the most common types of places around you.

Along with the more general searches — for things like restaurants and cafés — you can also click on the "In This Area" keywords and use them to search for places nearby. Here’s just some of the stuff you’ll find if you access the Places app in one of the following cities (or use the pulldown at the top to choose a location):

Buffalo, NY: "wings". Results include Anchor Bar, the birthplace of the Buffalo Wing.
Mission District, San Francisco: "burrito". Results include Papalote Mexican Grill — don’t forget to try their hot sauce.
Chelsea, New York: “art gallery”. This neighborhood’s full of great contemporary art at galleries such as Gagosian and Matthew Marks Gallery.
Seattle, WA: "coffee shops". Victrola Coffee, Espresso Vivace, and Bauhaus are known for their great Seattle coffee.
Kansas City, MO: “bbq restaurant". Fiorella's Jack Stack Barbeque serves some of the finest "burnt ends" in all of the U.S.
East Village, New York: “japanese restaurant”. Results include some of the best sushi and ramen places in the city.

We also improved the search interface to provide you with better, more relevant refinements. Clicking on “japanese restaurant” will show you the best Japanese restaurants around you, but you’re also given suggestions for more specific searches like “sushi”, “ramen” or “yakitori.”

These refinement suggestions are also specific to your location. If you search for "bars in the East Village” after your delicious Japanese dinner, we'll suggest "hookah bars" — one of the specialties of this New York City neighborhood.

Note that these features are available in the U.S. and in English only for now.

What types of places are you discovering as you travel to new neighborhoods? Share with us in the comments.

Posted by Gergo Varady, Software Engineer

Meet your Google Places Neighbor: Manish Sahai

2012-01-25T06:44:00.000-08:00

Editor’s Note: Now and then we'll spotlight one of our amazing Google Places reviewers. Both so you guys can start to get to know one another and so we can pull together and share our favourite local places. Today, we introduce you to Manish Sahai from London.

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Manish loves traveling and sneakily says that one of the reasons he moved to London from his native India was to travel the world from such a central city. He won our recent competition to win a Chromebook - a good thing for this self-described net addict! Read on to find out where this Asian food lover rates in the city.

What’s your favourite thing about reviewing on Google Places?
The fact that my reviews are read, or at least the ratings considered, by thousands of people!

And what’s your guilty pleasure?
Chocolate. Cliched as it sounds, the sight of it makes me weak at the knees.

What advice would you give tourists?
As much as Londoners hate the hustle and bustle of Central London, that area has the most to offer in the city!

And what five places do you think every Londoner should visit?

Amaya - The best Indian food I’ve had in London. The meat melts in your mouth and you have to try the Berry Mojito - I could have drunk a hundred of these!

Green Carnation - I absolutely love this bar’s ambience. The bartenders are very friendly, and the general vibe here is awesome. There are small rooms for groups as well.

The Pepper Tree - My favourite Thai restaurant is always busy, but the service is quick and the waiters are really helpful. The lamb penang curry is the yummiest of them all!

The Loft - Lovely Clapham bar with comfortable seating, excellent cocktails and great service. Also, they have pigs in blankets on the menu!

Dishoom - Awesome food, especially the daal and the roomali roti - definitely worthy of 5 stars.

Posted by Sarah Drinkwater, London community manager

Introducing our Washington, DC Community Manager, Corrie Davidson

2012-01-24T06:47:00.000-08:00

The rest of the country thinks of DC as the political battleground “Washington,” and the tourists who clog our metro in the summer see us as a mausoleum of sorts, full of monuments, memorials, and museums. A transitional city by nature, with a population that changes with administrations, DC is accustomed to being a hub and a destination for visitors, commuters, and world leaders alike.

But we are so much more.

Yes, we have the Washington Monument, the National Gallery of Art, and the National Zoo, but we also have volleyball on the Tidal Basin, drag queen races in Dupont, the stairs from the Exorcist movie in Georgetown, burlesque shows at Red Palace, and the big green chair at the Duke Ellington School of the Arts. Yes, the President of the United States and his family live (and eat and shop) here, but so does that dancing guy in Chinatown.

It’s easy to forget or miss the places and people that make us who we are. So I am making it my mission as the Washington, DC community manager here at Google to highlight the local places, the neighborhood haunts, the foodie havens, the dive bars, and the spots that make our city great to live, work and thrive in. (And not just the touristy spots, like TLC’s “DC Cupcakes” star Georgetown Cupcake - though their Girl Scout inspired Thin Mint cupcake will have you in a sash and earning merit badges!)

I want to know your plans, where you like to go and what you want to do. Are you like me and love to stroll through Founders Park on the Old Town Alexandria waterfront with your dogs, stopping in The Torpedo Factory for an art fix? Or maybe interested in playing a game of kickball while you watch the planes land at Gravelly Point?

When my ears need a little lovin’ I like to catch a show at the Rock N Roll Hotel or the Black Cat (RIP Kansas House). While record stores seem to be closing faster than metro doors, you can still browse for vinyl at Som, Smash, Red Onion, and CD Cellar (and grab a sandwich at Earl’s while you’re there).

Cheering on our major league baseball team, the Washington Nationals, has also become a new passion of mine, but the ballpark’s food is worth the trip on its own. No game is complete without an Elote from El Verano Tacqueria, or maybe parmesan crusted fries from Box Frites, or even the classic chili cheese fries from DC’s own Ben’s Chili Bowl (also an Obama haunt).

When I’m in the mood to re-visit Thailand on the cheap, I grab some street food style cuisine from Thai Curry in Arlington - the most authentic I’ve had outside of Thailand. If you’re feeling stressed, stop by the Thai Institute of Healing Arts for a discounted Thai Massage from a student - it’s where I got certified! Of course you could always go the traditional de-stressing route with a glass of wine from Screwtop (try the wasabi cheese) or a beer from indie haunt Galaxy Hut (tater tots for all).

In Dupont I love ducking down an alley to snag a Well Dressed Burrito. If you can find it, you’ll get a magnificent burrito the size of your head. On the rare occasions I have cash, I like to hit up Julia’s Empanadas and wash them down with cheap happy hour booze at Lucky Bar next door. For special occasions, always recommend Cleveland Park gem Palena - their Chef’s tasting menu is a tongue-tickling culinary adventure!

But as you know, DC is more than just great places to eat, shop, rock out, and work, so I do other things as well. I love to watch movies, travel, and hang out with my two rescue dogs, Benny and Joon. A social media fiend, you can always find me tweeting at @corrietweets and @corriedavidson, or posting fun stuff on Pinterest.

I’ve lived and worked in DC, VA, and MD my entire life, but I still haven’t been to half of the places out there just waiting to be discovered. I hope you join me as I explore and showcase all the unique parts of our city. Attend activities, write reviews, and let me know places I should go! And I promise to do the same. Follow me at @GoogleDC, connect with me on Google+, and share your discoveries and reviews!

Posted by Corrie Davidson, Washington, DC community manager

Meet your Google Places Neighbor: Emily Hanhan

2012-01-23T06:55:00.000-08:00

Emily came to New York almost 3 years ago from North Carolina in search of better job opportunities. A creative by day, she likes to cook (she helps run a supper club, Whiskey & Salt), bake, people watch and go to museums, plays and concerts in her spare time. A resident of Bed-Stuy, Brooklyn, Emily works in Manhattan’s Garment District and likes to hang out in Clinton Hill, Cobble Hill, Fort Greene, Brooklyn and Prospect Heights in Brooklyn-- as well as Manhattan’s East Village (for the food!).

Do you have any secret talents?
I can read a lot about someone's personality by the way they order food. Whether it's a large group, family-style dining or single dish ordering, personalities reveal themselves easily. I can also whip up one of the best homemade marshmallows in the city. There are so many great little places in this gigantic city. I love sharing my finds, quickly and easily, in hopes that it then becomes someone else's finds.

What's your favorite Google event you've been to and why?
I really enjoyed the Pizza Bus tour of Brooklyn. Not only did we eat some rather amazing slices, but the Levys were so full of interesting stories and facts, about Brooklyn, pizza and everything. They were entertaining and a lot of fun.

If you were going to draw a Google Doodle, what would it look like?
It would be painted with spices and sauces, condiments and jams. It would be Google, but edible!

What's your ultimate guilty pleasure?
It's a whole day event - a long, lazy brunch, manicure, pedicure and massage, more drinks, a cupcake or two. With friends, of course.

Have any embarrassing moments you'd like to share?
I've had Marilyn Monroe over the subway grates moment (but way less glamorous)... more than once.

Share an ultimate insider tip for New York City:
The outer boroughs are amazing. If you live in Brooklyn - explore your borough more. If you live in Queens - do the same! If you live in Manhattan - make the trek across the bridges more often. There are so many amazing small businesses, restaurants, shops, beautiful streets and parks. I live in Brooklyn and I'm amazed at how much there is to do and see in my lovely borough.

There ARE a ton of great places in the outer boroughs. Speaking of great places, how about sharing some local favorites with us?

Clover Club - Fantastic drinks: check! Delicious food: check! Amazing atmosphere: check! Holy cow, I love Clover Club. Whether you cozy up to the bar and watch the tenders to their job or cozy up to your boy/girl on one of the comfy banquets, there's no bad place to sit here. Drinks are strong and awesome and lamb burger is crazy good.

Culture Espresso - Lovingly made espresso drinks, strong and delicious iced coffee, interesting and yummy (albeit a little overpriced) sandwiches, warm out of the oven chocolate chip cookies. Yes, you're in Midtown! It's my one saving grace of working in the Garment District.

Sahadi Importing Co. - If you live in Brooklyn and don't shop at Sahadi's, you're completely missing out on a gem of a store. Bulk nuts, dried fruits, olives, cheeses, coffee, spices, along with all the house made foods. Prices that really can't be beat (not even by that big store across Atlantic). Friendly and helpful employees make it worth the madhouse.

Brucie - This restaurant, woo boy, is a keeper. Go with a group so you can eat as much of the menu as possible. Lard bread, charcuterie, house made pasta, just about everything I tasted was deeelightful! Amazing owners who are welcoming and friendly, make yourself at home and come back often.

Greenlight Bookstore - So you live in the neighborhood, walk by the store, maybe even peaked in the window and haven't been inside yet? What the HECK are ya waiting for?! It's a cute shop, bigger than expected, with great employees. If they don't have a book you're looking for, they'll order it for you. Book signings, readings, awesome events happening too. Shop local. You'll love it.

Posted by Esther Brown, New York City community manager

Meet Your Google Places Neighbor: Mike Graupmann

2012-01-20T06:57:00.000-08:00

How long have you lived in Austin & why did you move here?
I moved here in 2001 to attend graduate school at UT. During that initial two-year stint, I was stuck on campus all day and night, and I rarely experienced the joys of this city. (I think I went to the Alamo Drafthouse twice in as many years.)

When I needed a new start on life in 2008, I looked back at Austin because my closest friends from across the country had all gravitated here. I wanted to give the city another shot since I was such a lame Austinite before. Within two weeks of moving back, I decided I was never leaving again.

What do you like to do with your spare time?
When I'm not at work, I am a theatre producer and a community organizer. I love live performance more than anything in the world, so I'm currently involved in three ongoing performance series (The Encyclopedia Show, Mortified!, and the East Side Performance Network). I also like to see as much live theatre, improv, comedy and film as possible; and that's a LOT in this city.

Do you have any secret talents?
I'm incredibly limber for my height, which makes me quite good at dancing and yoga. I'm an armchair psychologist. I can get just about any animal to like me. I'm a great interior decorator. Oh, and I've been told I'm the "perfect first date" — which is actually an incredibly backhanded compliment, I realize as I type this...

Working at CultureMap, you must be gearing up for South By Southwest?
Yes! And that’s why we’ve partnered with Google Places to do a SXSW music badge giveaway for one of our readers. The contest just launched today, and is open to Austinites only--we want to give our locals the real VIP experience! Click here to enter.

Speaking of SXSW, what are your favorite places around town that you’d recommend to people coming in for the fest this March?

The 501 Studios - 501 Studios is home to the up and coming ND. This is my favorite place to catch live bands, dance parties and weird variety shows like The Encyclopedia Show. The staff is incredibly friendly, the drinks cheap, the crowd eclectic, and the food from Tamale Molly's incredible.

The Paramount Theater - Besides offering one of the best stages in town for awesome touring shows the rest of the year, The Paramount Theatre is my favorite place to watch films during SXSW. The historically ornate decor makes every show there feel like a real event. I don't even mind sitting in the highest balcony because the accompanying view is so amazing.

Rio Rita - Rio Rita is my favorite any-time-of-the-day bar. Whether it's food, coffee or cocktails you're looking for, the good folks at Rio Rita will happily meet your needs. The crowd is hipster and happy, slinking in all day and night, to post up in the numerous couches, benches and bar stools that fill the indoor and outdoor sections of this East Sixth hangout. Favorite local bar, hands down.

Posted by Whitney Francis, Austin community manager

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Meet your Google Places Neighbor: Denise Sakaki

2012-01-19T08:29:00.000-08:00

Editor’s Note: Now and then we'll spotlight one of our amazing Google Places reviewers. Both so you guys can start to get to know one another and so we can pull together and share our favorite local places. Today we introduce you to Denise Sakaki from Seattle.

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Denise Sakaki is an avid writer who’s lived in several cities east of Seattle-- Bellevue/Redmond area for about 5 or 6 years, then Duvall, where she has lived for nearly seven years. She has a strong passion for photography, food and writing. You can find her spending her free time editing photos, getting caught up on articles, doing research on new things to write about and reading.

What's your favorite thing about sharing reviews on Places?
I like being involved in the reviews because it's a dynamic list that reminds me to visit favorite places I haven't been to in a while, and seeing others' lists helps me decide if I want to try something new.

Share an ultimate insider tip in Seattle.
Don't think that if a restaurant is in a little strip mall, it's not good. Some of the best places in and around Seattle are in old outdoor shopping centers. Fancy and expensive doesn't always equal good.

If you could see any celebrity's reviews on Places, who would you choose and why?
Julia and Paul Child. They were such an amazing couple beyond Julia Child's influence in the culinary world, and it would be fun to see what they both would have listed as favorite places and what their favorite dishes were.

Do you have any secret talents?
I'm double-jointed. But that's not talent, it's genetics.

Finally, can you share any of your favorite Seattle places with us?

Chantanee Thai Restaurant - Best Thai food. Can't go wrong with anything on their menu, especially Heavenly Beef. And absolutely incredible cocktails - let them decide your drinks FOR you.

The Grange Cafe - Locally sourced ingredients and such a great spot. They often have meats from Salumi!

Mediterranean Kitchen - I'm addicted to their garlic sauce. And it guarantees vampires will never attack me. You literally smell like garlic until the next day -- maybe not great for first dates, unless you both love garlic!

Cafe Juanita - This is our special place. We always come here for birthday or holiday dinners. So cozy and intimate and the food is absolutely incredible.

LOT No. 3 - The cocktails are not to be missed -- let them choose your drink, the bartenders know their stuff. Whiskey and bourbon drinks, especially.

Posted by Charles Koh, Seattle community manager

Introducing our Los Angeles Community Manager, Nikki Pierce

2012-01-18T09:00:00.000-08:00

Dear Angelenos,

We like nothing better than to know the latest IT thing... the new IT restaurant where we might see that new IT actor, the latest IT bar where the new IT band will be playing, or even the IT place to let your dog off his leash... legally. So guess what, I have the latest IT news to hit this town... yes, Google Los Angeles has launched and will be the place to get and share your information on all those IT places on Google Places. Together we will rate, review and turn these IT places upside down in our search for the best stuff to do/see/eat in Los Angeles.

A little about myself... I moved to Los Angeles almost six years ago from the thriving deserts of Phoenix, Arizona with hopes of working in what I thought was the IT industry: music. And I did work several years in music but found that I was most drawn to the Internet and its crazy cast of characters. I migrated to social media and found “my people.” I still go nuts for music in any form whether it’s shopping vinyl at Origami or the ridiculous used sections of Amoeba or seeing shows— Music Box don’t leave us! You can follow my Twitter and my personal blog, where you’ll see a lot of talk about pop culture (my one true love), Hello Kitty, my latest baking adventure and probably a lot of cute guys.

But enough about me let’s get back to the real belle of this ball: LA. When people ask me what the best thing about living in LA is, I answer “There’s always something to do.” Whether it’s film screenings, concerts, restaurant openings, your roommate’s friend’s neighbor needing extras for the short film he’s shooting, there is ALWAYS something to do, yes even during the dreaded “carmageddon.” That’s what I’m most excited about sharing with you, a little glimpse into some of the places that make Los Angeles the best city in the world.

Since there’s always something to do in LA, let’s walk through my perfect week...
Because we know the week REALLY begins on Friday, let’s start there...

Friday - Kiss your coworkers goodbye and race off to meet your pals for an end of the workweek burger, homemade pastrami, beer and taro (!!!) milkshake at Oinkster. As I tell everyone “they make their own ketchup!” It’s one of my favorite chill spots in Eagle Rock to wind down before hitting it hard on Saturday. If you made in time for happy hour, count yourself lucky because you just got a half-priced craft beer from the likes of Eagle Rock Brewery and whoever else might happen to be on tap this month. Now go home and prepare yourself for Saturday.

Saturday - After your adult tap dance class through the LACC program, grab your pal and head to the LA institution Zankou for schwarma to fuel up and plan your night out. I suggest a night hopping around downtown... start at the classy Seven Grand where they have plaid wallpaper and every whiskey known to man. Then because you need to stand outside and drink at a ranchero bar with the youngest, hippest kids head to La Cita. After gazing at one too many weird beards walk around the corner to Bar 107 because it feels like home, plays the music you want to hear and doesn’t care who knows (MJ, TLC, Squeeze). Down a couple Tecate tall boys and reminisce about when you put Morrissey on a mixtape for the first time.

Sunday - Brunch is a must so whether you get a “mess” at Millies or keep it classy (your parents are in town) at True Food Kitchen, you gotta do it. Your head will thank you. After an afternoon disco nap head out to do it all over again at The Short Stop where they spin all your favorites from the ‘60s at Super Soul Night. Make a love connection with that boy in a cardigan or that girl with the modern bouffant. Wink at Jen in the DJ booth for playing “Be My Baby.”

Monday - Hey now, take it easy you just spent the weekend hitting the town, you should start off with a latte or my favorite - a mint tea from Intelligentsia in Silver Lake. Sunglasses and ironic tank top? Mandatory. Celeb spotting? Optional but probably gonna happen. Not ready to give up the weekend? Hit one of the amazing FREE residencies at The Echo or Satellite that night to hear some up and coming bands.

Tuesday - These are like make up days, so either catch up on your DVR and grab a couple tacos from Taco Zone to go or throw your friend a bone and see her improv comedy troupe at UCB because you’ve been promising to for, like... years.

Wednesday - The weekend is now officially in sight but you gotta pace yourself so take that work friend out for Korean barbeque lunch at Tahoe in Koreatown and show them you know the difference between bulgogi and galbi and that it’s possible to operate a grill indoors without burning the building down.

Thursday - Time to ramp up for the big weekend so hit up the patisserie at Bottega Louie for snacks to bring in to the coworkers. My suggestion: the salted caramel tart AND the passion fruit eclair. You’re welcome. Then because you need some new duds that will be both work appropriate but also look good at your friends house party in Echo Park or the bar downtown, swing by Kimski Makes for some super affordable yet super-chic clothes.

Friday... you made it again! Now rinse and repeat.

From Hwood to Ktown, Santa Monica and back down there’s a billion places in Los Angeles to check out and tell your friends about... get to reviewing your favorites on Google Places, follow @GoogleLAX and hopefully I will see you at a few of them along the way!

You can now go back to obsessing about which Coachella weekend to choose...

Posted by Nikki Pierce, Los Angeles community manager

Meet your Google Places Neighbor: Craig Turpin

2012-01-17T11:43:00.000-08:00

Craig moved to NYC from Kent, Ohio about 7 months ago and loves going to the movies, wandering around Central Park and finding tasty food trucks around the City. He moved here to pursue the endless opportunities in TV and film production available here, and says it’s proved to be the best decision he’s made since switching to 1% milk. A resident of Washington Heights, Craig works in Midtown and likes to hang out in the Village, where you’ll find him at sidewalk cafes.

Do you have any secret talents?
I can still speak conversational Japanese although I haven't lived in the homeland in over 10 years.

If you could see any celebrity's reviews on Places, who would you choose and why?
I would like to see what Aziz Ansari has to say about all the cool places he goes.

What would your superpower be?
You mean beside the ones I already have? I wouldn't mind having Hiro's ability to bend time and space.

Tell us some juicy gossip:
I have a couple famous Eskimo brothers...

Do you have any pets?
I have the most beautiful cat you've never seen. His name is Bentley. He doesn't tweet!

What's your ultimate guilty pleasure?
Sneaking a tasty pastry or cookie when no one is watching.

If you were going to draw a Google Doodle, what would it look like?
I think it would be heavily influenced by the art of Katsushika Hokusai. The "Gaifu Kaisei" woodblock comes to mind...

What's your favorite Google event you've been to and why?
One event that really stands out in my mind was the Brooklyn Pizza tour. So much fun, great food, great friends and a double dose of the Levys’ Unique Tour.

That’s true, we visited some awesome places that day. Speaking of great places, how about sharing some local favorites with us?

Blue Bottle Coffee - This place has the hands down BEST cup of iced coffee in New York, Buddy the Elf be damned! I get mine New Orleans style but they also offer the cold drip black as night. It's best enjoyed like you would a fine whiskey. The peculiar drip system used daily for making their special coffee is on display for all to view in 5 glass stills. They offer fresh same-day roasted coffee beans and some amazing snacks fused nicely with Mast Bros. Chocolates. It has a very industrial vibe with an unencumbered view of the entire operation. For your standard coffee consumers they also brew by the cup using creative filtering mugs. There is a single large standing table in the middle of the customer space for lounging but plenty of space to stand around and take in the tasty brew and great scenery. I hear they're opening a location at Rockefeller Plaza. I hope so because I'll finally have a great place in Midtown to get my daily caffeine fix.

High Line Park - A unique park among so many greats in NYC, but this one has something special! Old buildings? Check. Contemporary Architecture? Check! Great scenery? Check! This place is AMAZING!!! It's a bit crowded on the weekends though. During the summer they have "The Lot" at 30th Street filled with a beer garden, food trucks & a roller skating rink. In the winter the south side at the Standard Hotel there is an ice rink. Don't forget to linger around the south side of the park and look up at the windows of The Standard Hotel for what could be a racy view of two love birds...

The Meatball Shop - This place definitely lives up to the hype! The long wait is easily spent at one of the local bars in the LES while you await your text stating your table's ready. Once inside the tiny dining room gives you the impression this place would seat people two high if it was socially acceptable. The "Everything but the Kitchen Sink" is the way to go. And of course you gotta get it with the family jewels. Very tasty. One complaint. They call it Family Jewels (fried egg over the top of your meatballs) however it's a singular egg so it's just Jewel. Either add a second egg or don't mislead your patrons. Great eats!

The Little Lebowski Shop - This is a one trick pony kinda shop but that one trick is an awesome one. Everything Big Lebowski and then some. I wish they had the small version of the bowling pin pipe but during my last visit they were out. They also didn't have a supply of any of the actual bowling shirts from the show. Big let down to say the least. They do have some great costume gear and general hipster apparel along with some other non-Lebowski clothing. It's a tiny store and it feels a bit cramped so keep the kiddies outside on the tiny curb. The bowling alley display/dressing room is a nice touch. The prices are a bit high but then I bet the owner and operators are too. ha ha. Great shop that I'll continue to frequent Minsha missing or not.

Posted by Esther Brown, New York City community manager

Meet your Google Places Neighbor: Ashok Patel

2012-01-17T06:57:00.000-08:00

Editor’s Note: Now and then we'll spotlight one of our amazing Google Places reviewers. Both so you guys can start to get to know one another and so we can pull together and share our favourite local places. Today, we introduce you to Ashok Patel from London.

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Apart from time spent overseas and up North, self-confessed tech geek Ashok has lived in London for most of his life. In his spare time, he learns the flute, writes, plays sport, reads, and loves visiting the British Museum - phew! We quizzed him on where he really rates in London.

What’s your favourite thing about reviewing with Google Places?
Sharing my experiences with other users.

What’s been the best Google Places activity you’ve been to so far?
Holiday Happy Hour at The Book Club - they had excellent mulled cider and I met London’s community manager, Sarah!

What’s your insider tip to help anyone new get the best out of London?
Walk fast and book early.

And speaking of insider tips, where do you rate in London?

The British Museum - This is, by far, my favourite place in London. It contains the history of the world in a single building! Just immense.

Abeno - Simply the best okonomiyaki [savoury pancakes!] I’ve had since I left Japan. I’ve spent 10 years looking for an authentic Japanese restaurant here but now I need look no longer.

Petrie Museum of Egyptian Archaeology - A hidden gem of a museum. It looks small on the outside but contains a veritable glut of Egyptian history. A must-see in London!

The National Gallery - Every time I go, I find something new - the National Gallery has an astounding collection of art from around the world, covering both the well-known and not so well-known.

Lyceum Theatre - The Lion King at the Lyceum is one of the best shows in London at one of the best theatres! It’s an incredible spectacle, and the theatre matches the show’s magnificence.

Posted by Sarah Drinkwater, London community manager

Meet your Google Places Neighbor: Michelle McCormack

2012-01-16T13:37:00.000-08:00

Editor’s Note: Now and then we'll spotlight one of our amazing Google Places reviewers. Both so you guys can start to get to know one another and so we can pull together and share our favorite local places. This week we introduce you to Michelle McCormack of Jamaica Plain.

To find out more about our community activities in Boston, follow us on Twitter and sign up for our weekly newsletter.

Michelle grew up in the diverse, dynamic neighborhood of Jamaica Plain, then left to go to college in NYC. Having since lived in Paris, London, Florence, she’s now back in the ‘hood, enjoying all JP has to offer - including food, shopping, and the occasional visit to Boston’s own original JP Licks. As a social media maven and the founder of LoveTheCool.com, Secret Boston—a place for Bostonians to inspire Bostonians by sharing the secrets of our city— and having pulled together Boston’s first ever Fashion’s Night Out, Michelle revels in bringing high fashion and fabulous events to Beantown.

Michelle out and about in the city (per usual!).

What's your favorite thing about sharing reviews on Places?

Saying nice things about people and places I like. I don't think I'll ever leave a negative review. Let people find out from someone else!

What do you like to do in your spare time?
Work. Kidding, but my work is social media, so it does overlap. I dig art and shows, so museums, and underground galleries like Uforge and LOT F. I also love fashion and tech so I go to loads of networking events; for example, one night I was at the MITXAwards at the Sheraton - stayed for the networking and then ran next door to Towne for an Esquire Magazine party. Tech and Fashion = LOVE.

Trying on headgear at SALMAGUNDI in JP.

If you could see any celebrity's reviews on Places, who would you choose and why?

Dalai Lama (is he a celebrity?) It would be cute.

Do you have any secret talents?
Ability to pursue loads of interests without having a nervous breakdown. Yet.

Michelle, Rich, and Mayor Tom Menino at a shindig in the Mandarin Oriental.

What are some of your local favorites?

Boloco - Amazing food and they respect the digital culture!

Barneys New York Copley Place - They raised the bar in Boston when they came to town. Prada, Maison Martin Margiela, etc.

Second Time Around - You don't have to sift through low end gear to find amazing couture - it's all amazing. And cheap!

McCormack & Scanlan Real Estate - It's not just because the McCormack part is my sister. They really are the best, local INDEPENDENT realtors in Boston. Both McCormack and Scanlan grew up in JP and went to grammar school together. They have an emotionally vested interest in seeing JP grow as a destination. Honest, reliable and cool.

The Institute of Contemporary Art, Boston - Another one that raised the bar for Boston. Amazing view, cool shows at night and parties, plus fabulous contemporary art.

Posted by Adri Cowan, Boston community manager

Meet your Google Places Neighbor: Sandra Ordonez

2012-01-13T10:12:00.000-08:00

Sandra was born and raised in Flushing, Queens but spends the majority of her time hanging out in Manhattan (specifically, she loves the East Village and Clinton/Midtown West). She spends her spare time exploring the City’s restaurants and feels that eateries are a reflection of the diverse city we live in and the rich culture that surrounds us. She couldn't think of a better way of spending her weekend than by tasting a new dish on Saturday evening or enjoying Sunday brunch with her loved ones (neither could we!). And how does she burn off those calories? By running in Central Park, of course!

What's your favorite thing about sharing reviews on Places?
It helps me reminisce [about] the amazing food I tried and how I felt checking out the venue. I like to share my experience with others as well because it gives them an insight to what to expect.

Share an ultimate insider tip for New York City.
In Queens there are these white vans that transport you from Flushing to Chinatown in Manhattan or Brooklyn for only $2.75!

If you could see any celebrity's reviews on Places, who would you choose and why?
Clare Robinson! She currently lives in NYC and based on the show The Best Thing I Ever Ate, I feel like we have the same taste in food. Bold, spicy, and meaty!

What would your superpower be?
I would love to be multilingual! I wish I could order my food in the restaurant's native language. Super hot!

Do you have any pets?
No :( -- I would love to own a French bulldog and name him TACO!

Sandra and a friend on the Brooklyn Bridge

Have any embarrassing moments you'd like to share?
The first time I ate edamame was on a date and instead of waiting for him to take the first bite, I reached over, grabbed one, and starting eating the whole thing! He started laughing and said, "You just eat the soybeans located inside." Oops!

What's your favorite Google event you've been to and why?
The coolest event was visiting the Brooklyn Brewery! I'm a huge fan of local beers and loved checking out their selections.

What's your ultimate guilty pleasure?
Oh boy! Eating a slice of chocolate layer cake from The Chocolate Room!

That is a great place! Speaking of great places, how about sharing some local favorites with us?

The Meatball Shop - These meatballs are rockstars! A simple concept, totally perfected. I have ordered the veggie balls with mushroom gravy sauce served on a bed of veggies and the classic beef balls with spicy meat sauce on a hero. Delicious! We have also ordered a side of risotto, which was pretty good. I can't wait to go again!

Ten Degrees - I love their Mondays, 1/2 price all night on all wine bottles deal. Great crowd, perfect location, fun times!

Brickyard Gastropub - The crowd is great, the food is tasty, and the drinks are good. I love how they pair each of their dishes with a recommended drink. For instance, I ordered their organic buckwheat soba noodle salad for dinner and the suggested beer was blue point toasted lager. Awesome.

Zoma - I have been going to Zoma for over three years now and I must say it's the best Ethiopian food in NYC. We always order the vegetarian platter and a bottle of honey wine. If you don't mind eating with your hands, this is definitely a restaurant to check out. I also love the fact that it's located in Harlem. After you are done with lunch/dinner, check out Nectar Bar a couple of blocks away.

Empanadas Del Parque - Everyone who lives in New York must come here! The empanadas are out of this world. Being Colombian myself, I can tell I'm eating an empanada prepared by a Colombian and that makes the world of a difference. They are super crunchy and jam-packed with flavor. I think I've tried them all :).

Posted by Esther Brown, New York City community manager

Meet your Google Places Neighbor: Fiona O’Grady

2012-01-09T09:27:00.000-08:00

Editor’s Note: Now and then we'll spotlight one of our amazing Google Places reviewers. Both so you guys can start to get to know one another and so we can pull together and share our favourite local places. Today we introduce you to Fiona O’Grady of Whitechapel, London.

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Fashion blogger Fiona O’Grady moved to London from her native Cork in Ireland just over two years ago and lives with her needy cat Jandl in Whitechapel because it’s within walking distance of nearly everywhere she likes. Fiona’s guilty pleasures are buying too many pairs of shoes and eating lots of cake, so we thought she’d have some great shopping tips for Places readers.

What’s your favourite thing about London, Fiona?
It’s a city full of free galleries, cheap food and interesting people - if you’re lucky enough to find them.

And what’s your secret skill?
I’m an excellent hula-hooper. Also, not many people know that I can play violin at Grade 8 level!

What’s your favourite thing about reviewing on Places?
It’s a nice way to complement and support small, local businesses - and also an effective way of telling places that they have bad service!

What would be your insider tip for any London tourist?
Don’t be afraid to walk around - take the bus everywhere so you can see things you’d otherwise miss.

Speaking of exploring London, care to share your local favourites with us?

The Barbican - The Observatory here is my favourite secret spot. It’s a hothouse of really nice-smelling plants that’s only open on Sundays and Bank Holiday Mondays.

Indo - A great local pub with a decent selection of ales. They also do a not-too-bad pint of Guinness.

The Gallery Cafe - This Old Ford Road spot does great veggie food. I’m particularly fond of the nachos and the cooked breakfast, which has veggie sausages, eggs, tomatoes and hash browns.

Dirty Blonde - Stoke Newington’s best vintage store has a great selection without high price tags. Also, the staff are nice without being overbearing.

Genesis Cinema - I love this place, mostly because it’s dirt cheap, right by my house, and it feels like you’re watching films in your living room.

Posted by Sarah Drinkwater, London community manager

Introducing our Sydney Community Manager, Anna Kricker

2012-01-04T08:32:00.000-08:00

Hey Sydneysiders,

My name is Anna and I’m the new Places Community Manager for Sydney. What does that mean? It means I’m here to make sure you get the most out of Google Places and don’t find yourself sighing,

“Where should we eat tonight?”
“How can I find a good gym whilst traveling interstate?”
“Does anyone know of a nearby bike shop?”

I’d like to let you know a little bit more about myself. I am my happiest (apart from being part of the Google Places team) when cranking my 29er mountain bike around a track, reading Margaret Atwood or drinking my first morning coffee -- as Murakami stated -- coffee as ‘hot and strong as the devil at midnight.’

I love taking videos with my GoPro whilst planning my next caffeine hit or out on adventures with my FJ40. I am passionate about good food and about accessing the beautiful, yet unforgiving, Australian bush. You can also find me on Twitter having a chat about car restorations with the FJ40 community.

After a long road trip or bike ride, nothing but the most satisfying food will suffice. I love Das Kaffee Haus in Manly for German schnitzels and Weissbier or Steki Taverna in Marrickville for spanakopita and meat dolmas. When I have interstate visitors I always head to Fratelli Paradiso for rice porridge and rhubarb breakfasts. "Blessings on him who invented…the food that appeases hunger"(Cervantes)

Having grown up in both Sydney and Melbourne, I am fascinated by the complex, yet mutually beneficial, food relationship these cities have. I have entered many a passionate debate about the superiority of a Sydney style latte versus the Melbourne. My favourite caffeine burrows in Sydney involve anything roasted by the team at Allpress and if a cafe is near a Berkelouw Bookshop, even better. When in Melbourne my favourite battleground cafes are Pellegrini’s and Ici Cafe.

Ask me about my favourite food genre and there is no hesitation in answering… Japanese. Long time Sydney favourites are Uchi lounge, Kintaro and Sydney’s best Japanese supermarket, Tokyomart.

You can often find me seeking out a burger for lunch after racking up the kilometers cycling Manly Dam. Currently the best spots to hit up are The Cooks Larder or Cafe Splat with a glorious Sydney water view as bonus.

Through planning user meetups, foodie contests and giveaways I want you to experience and share Sydney at its best. I look forward to hearing from foodies, outdoor adventurers and dog lovers about everything that makes you L-O-V-E- this Emerald City as a marvellous place to live, work and play!

Follow us at @googlesydney and get ready to join me for some very cool activities.

Posted by Anna Kricker, Sydney community manager

Meet your Google Places Neighbor: Drew Elovitz

2012-01-03T08:02:00.000-08:00

Drew has lived in New York for almost three years. She moved here right after college to go to graduate school at NYU (“Best.Decision.Ever.”). She loves exploring and eating, and has been known to schlep to the Upper West Side for a Levain cookie under the guise of strolling through Central Park. A resident of Greenwich Village, she works in SoHo and likes to hang out in the West Village, the East Village, and on the Lower East Side.

What do you like to do in your spare time?
I love discovering hidden NYC gems vetted by residents and relatively unknown by tourists. There are so many amazing small restaurants to be found, there is endless potential for adventure! And I've barely been out of Manhattan!

Do you have any secret talents?

I have a knack for obscure knowledge and useless information. Bring me to trivia night.

Share an ultimate insider tip for your city:
Half priced apps and drinks are the key to living on a budget. Also, use your student discount wherever you go!

What would your superpower be?
My superpower would be time manipulation. I hate waiting. I'd speed things up or slow things down as needed - power over the "New York Minute" sounds good, right?

Have any embarrassing moments you'd like to share?
One time I threw up in a rose bush on Fifth Avenue? Almost sounds glamorous.

Tell us some juicy gossip:
Most of my juiciest gossip comes from Gossip Girl. Granted, this is a fictional portrayal of "Manhattan's Elite," but you know I love it. XOXO.

What's your ultimate guilty pleasure?
My ultimate guilty pleasure is eating a ginormous brunch and then crawling back into bed for an epic nap. In the words of Marcel the Shell, "treats and snoozin', snoozin' and treats." That's about perfect. Also, did I mention Gossip Girl?

If you could see any celebrity's reviews on Places, who would you choose and why?
In terms of fictional New Yorkers, it's a tie between Carrie Bradshaw and George Costanza. Carrie would know the best of the best, but George would tell it how it is.

Carrie and George could definitely tell us about some great New York places. Speaking of great places, how about sharing some local favorites with us?

Levain Bakery - Chocolate Chip Walnut Cookie is heavenly - big enough to share, but why would you want to?

The Meatball Shop - Meatballs and sides are amazing, but be sure to save room for dessert! Made to order ice cream sandwiches are divine.

Bagel Bob's - Capers & NYU Student discount? :)

Apotheke - A must - if you can find it. Totally worth the $15 drinks.

MoMA - Start at the top and work your way down. Don't forget to browse through the gift shop!

Posted by Esther Brown, New York City community manager

Meet your Google Places Neighbor: Jessica Tupper

2011-12-19T11:45:00.000-08:00

Editor’s Note: Now and then we'll spotlight one of our amazing Google Places reviewers. Both so you guys can start to get to know one another and so we can pull together and share our favorite local places. Today we introduce you to Jessica Tupper from Seattle.

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Jessica Tupper, a Washington state native, grew up most of her life in Bellevue and now resides in Seattle. She went to college in New York, then came back to the area to work for the Washington Conservation Corps. She spends her spare time baking, playing video games, reading and crafting silly hats.

Do you have any secret talents?
I’m really good at memorizing random facts. I used to be a volunteer and gave tours for the Woodland Park Zoo and the Seattle Aquarium, and it stuck. That and I can sing Tom Lehrer music like nobody really should in public.

What's your favorite thing about sharing reviews on Places?
That I can be quite honest and silly about my opinions. I'm not very serious, and it shows in my writing. I'm usually the person my friends go to for restaurant advice anyways, so it's fun to share what I know.

Share an ultimate insider tip for Seattle:
Read your neighborhood blogs. I read the Capitol Hill Seattle blog daily, and it's a great way to keep tabs on new restaurants in the area. Like now, I desperately want to go get pastries one morning at Ba Bar thanks to an article from that blog. They just got a new pastry chef and it all looks fantastic.

If you could see any celebrity's reviews on Places, who would you choose and why?
I'd love to see reviews from locally celebrated chefs, like Tom Douglas, or even awesome area chefs who may not be as famous, like Brandi Henderson (she teaches a mean pie ninja class at The Pantry).

What's your ultimate guilty pleasure?
Gray salt caramel from Fran's Chocolates with Old School vanilla custard and homemade hot fudge. I also just made David Leite's New York Times chocolate chip cookies, so I'd use those to make an ice cream sandwich for good measure.

Have any embarrassing moments you'd like to share?
I was a model for the Magic: The Gathering Friday Night Magic campaign. It was a fun experience at the time, but the finished commercial meant I've since had to prove to people that I wasn't a token girl on set and could actually play.

Finally, can you share any of your favorite Seattle places with us?

Old School Frozen Custard - Only two flavors and a flavor of the day, but they're pretty awesome. Basically it's like eating Dairy Queen, only without the chemical aftertaste and better hot fudge.

John Howie Steak - Ah, John Howie Steak. This place is meant for business meetings - if you go in during lunch, they will up front ask if you have time limitations. The food has been good every time, if in portions so large I can't ingest it all. The potato salad portion that comes with burgers is as large as the burgers; it needs a lighter salad instead of all those starches. However, the burgers are lovely. Napkins are required. Go at happy hour for an $8 burger and you're set.

Armadillo Barbecue - I once ordered a chicken to go, started eating in the car, and realized within ten minutes I had eaten half a bird. It is that good. It's a lighter sauce, so thick sauce purists will be upset. But they do a nice job for smoked meat, and probably the best in terms of consistency in King County. But it is definitely a trek, and not someplace I'd go to unless I was already that far out.

Mashiko - Mashiko is one of those places that feels somewhat cursed for me: every time I've gone on a date there I've loved it, but bring in a group and things go poorly. Omakase there ends up with some amazing things, like the best rainbow trout sashimi I've ever had. I admit I really like their boiled/fried options best, so when the fryer dies it's a rough night for me. But Hajime Sato is awesome, and the first night I went there he was joking with a customer about putting Polar Bear sashimi on the April 1st menu.

Pike Street Fish Fry - Pike Street Fish Fry is one of those places you go to when you're having a rough week. You just want something greasy - but not too greasy - and awesome. Their fries are awesome, but what shines are their proteins. Even their grilled portobello mushrooms are awesome, and everything fried comes with a fried lemon wedge. Get the lemon wedge. It will make your day. The coleslaw is nothing worth ordering, and I really wish they had functional to-go boxes. But these are minor issues that don't detract from what this place does well: fried things with lemon wedges.

Posted by Charles Koh, Seattle community manager

Introducing our Philadelphia Community Manager, Carrie Estok

2011-12-15T06:14:00.000-08:00

Hey there, Philly!

My name is Carrie Estok and I’m incredibly excited to be your Philadelphia community manager for Google Places. I’ll be helping to spread the love about all of the awesome local businesses we can’t get enough of; if you love this city as much as I do, you know there’s so much to rate and review. We’ll also be getting together often for fun community activities, so get ready to explore the city and discover some new places along the way.

A little bit about me, just in case you’re curious: I grew up in Kentucky and North Carolina, and while I’ll always be a southern girl at heart, I knew I belonged in the city. After a few years in NYC, I moved to Philly and worked in PR, picking up freelance writing gigs along the way. I’ve spent the last few years as a community manager and social media nerd, hanging out on Twitter (you may know me as @cupcakie), taking lots of photos and eating and drinking my way through town.

Speaking of, one of my all-time favorite spots for a bite to eat and a fantastic glass of wine has got to be Tria. You don’t have to be an oenophile to love it, though; each week they hold “Sunday School,” where you can try a new wine, cheese and beer for super low prices. When I’m in the mood for a low-key pint with friends, I head over to Pub on Passyunk East, Standard Tap or The Abbaye. Their craft beer selection never lets me down and I can always count on a good soundtrack to boot!

I’m obsessed with music, so I’ve been spending a lot of time at Union Transfer lately, checking out shows by my many of my favorite artists (Recently I’ve seen Tuneyards, Odd Future and Los Campesinos! and I can’t wait to see who plays next). And if you’re into records at all, the vinyl selection at A.K.A. Music is absolutely worth checking out.

With all of the running around town I do, staying caffeinated is key; I love the tea selection at Grindcore House in South Philly. It’s a vegan coffeehouse but don’t let that freak you out; their pastries are among the best in the city and the service is always friendly. For more sweet treats, try the cupcakes at Flying Monkey Patisserie, frozen delights at Capogiro and cookies at Whipped Bake Shop. (I don’t know who enjoys these places more - me or my kids!) But when it’s time for a proper meal, you’ll find me cleaning my plate at Khyber Pass Pub, enjoying take out from Tiffin and brunching it up at Cafe Lift.

Now it’s your turn; I want to learn about the local places you love the most, from coffee shops to bars, food trucks to fancy restaurants. Share your faves by reviewing them on Google Places or tweet me at @GooglePhilly, where you can also stay up to date on all the local Philly goodness, like upcoming activities, deals, giveaways and more. Let’s do this!

Posted by Carrie Estok, Philadelphia community manager

Meet your Google Places Neighbor: Tom Critchlow

2011-12-14T07:04:00.000-08:00

Tom moved here 6 months ago for work and absolutely loves it. A former Londoner, he “can definitely say that NYC is better than London,” (No offense to our teammates across the pond, of course!). A resident of Boerum Hill, Brooklyn, Tom likes to hang out in Union Square and Greenwich Village in Manhattan, as well as in Park Slope and Williamsburg, Brooklyn.

What do you like to do in your spare time?
Being new to the city I spend a lot of time going out to new places I've not been to yet. As winter draws in I'm excited about spending more time indoors at art galleries and museums. Since moving to NYC I've started rock climbing at the Brooklyn Boulders too which is an excellent way to get in shape, have fun and meet awesome people.

What's your favorite thing about sharing reviews on Places?

Helping other people find great places and giving more business to places that deserve recognition.

If you could see any celebrity's reviews on Places, who would you choose and why?
I think Woody Allen's reviews would be pretty funny.

What would your superpower be?
Flight. Obviously. Though that apparently says much about me.

What's your ultimate guilty pleasure?
Brunch and scotch. Not usually together.

Ah, his movies include some of our favorite spots! Speaking of great places, how about sharing some local favorites with us?

The Brooklyn Inn - Amazing atmosphere, open late - great old school feel to the place with great beers and a pool table. Opens late so a real regular hangout.

Brooklyn Boulders - Excellent rock climbing gym. It's massive, lots of great facilities and amazing atmosphere and community.

Smalls - Excellent jazz venue. Awesome atmosphere. $20 entry but you can stay all night. Opens late.

High Dive - Good beers, free popcorn and a wide array of board games. Awesome.

Rucola - Wonderful food, excellent service and lovely intimate atmosphere.

Posted by Esther Brown, Manhattan community manager

Meet your Google Places Neighbor: Amy Song

2011-12-13T15:02:00.000-08:00

Editor’s Note: Now and then we'll spotlight one of our amazing Google Places reviewers. Both so you guys can start to get to know one another and so we can pull together and share our favorite local places. Today we introduce you to Amy Song from Seattle.

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Amy Song has lived in Seattle for about seven years, originally residing on the east coast. In her spare time, she loves to hang out with friends, go happy hour-hopping, playing with dogs and trying out quirky things she sees on daily deals such as trapeze and glass blowing.

Share an ultimate insider tip for Seattle:
Seattle is a heavy happy hour kind of town. Happy hour deals are ubiquitous, and not just the typical 4-6, but a lot of places have late night after 9 or 10 deals as well.

If you could see any celebrity's reviews on Places, who would you choose and why?
Celebrity chefs!

What would your superpower be?
Teleportation so I can make all the happy hours!

What's your favorite Google Places community activity you've been to and why?
Oma Bap in Bellevue was eye opening! The event was very well put together and really showcased the restaurant and Korean cuisine as well. I've had a lot of Korean food but they are really quite brilliant in presenting it in a fast, casual (but still definitely high quality) environment.

Finally, can you share any of your favorite Seattle places with us?

List - Here's how the review math works: 4 star food for 1 star prices (esp. for happy hour, but look at the rest of the menu -- $13 steak for dinner?? Great deals!) = 5 star establishment. Won't beat the quality, the service, and the $14 bottle of wine at any other happy hours.

Tilth - Maria Hines makes magic here! Try the tasting menu! It changes with the season, and gives you a little taste of a good chunk of the menu in case you can't decide on one thing! If you get it paired with the wine, you will leave happy!

Zuma Grocery - Awesome Ethiopian food here! Really simple menu but they make everything delicious (try the lamb -- a lot more tender than I've gotten in sit-down Ethiopian places). Also, giant portions!

Posted by Charles Koh, Seattle community manger

Meet your Google Places Neighbor: Seb Trudgian

2011-12-13T09:30:00.000-08:00

Meet your Google Places Neighbor: Seb Trudgian

Editor’s Note: Now and then we'll spotlight one of our amazing Google Places reviewers. Both so you guys can start to get to know one another and so we can pull together and share our favourite local places. Today we introduce you to Sebastian Trudgian from London.

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IT consultant Seb has lived in London all his life, even studying biology at Imperial, and now lives right by the river in Chiswick. In his spare time, he’s sports-mad, with rock climbing and martial arts two of his favourite hobbies, and he reckons London has some of the best sports facilities in the world.

What’s your favourite thing about living in London?
I miss the countryside sometimes, but I think you get the best of both worlds living here. I’m pretty sporty and places like West 1 Climbing Wall help me keep fit and pretend I’m in the middle of nowhere even when I’m right in the centre of the city!

What’s your top London tip for tourists or those who are new in town?
If you look into the distance on a tube station platform, you can see the worn out bits where people get in and out of the tube. If you stand there, tube doors will always open right in front of you.

Seb climbing in Richmond Park

What’s been your favourite Google Places activity so far?
The ‘Introducing Google Places’ event at Google HQ - the steamed monkfish canapes were amazing!

Finally, can you share any of your favourite London places with us?

Blue Elephant in Fulham - This Thai restaurant is well worth going to for a special occasion. The inside’s essentially an indoor jungle with rivers and tropical trees, with the dining tables spread out amongst them. Go for Sunday brunch, when they do an all you can eat which is so different from the usual all you can eat - plenty here is handmade in front of you and it allows you to sample everything!

West 1 Climbing Wall - Climbing’s one of my favourite hobbies and this wall’s the best.

Crepe Parisienne cafe - This cafe has really friendly service, and I love the vegetarian and Greek breakfasts.

Cask Pub & Kitchen - The outside is a Sixties monstrosity but don’t be put off - if you like beers, this is a bit of a mecca. The range is amazing and so nice that I found myself sipping and swirling them like wines.

The View Tube - An ace cafe with a great view of the Olympic Park which is next door.

Posted by Sarah Drinkwater, London community manager

Meet your Google Places Neighbor: Armando Gonzalez

2011-12-08T08:55:00.000-08:00

Editor’s Note: Now and then we'll spotlight one of our amazing Google Places reviewers. Both so you guys can start to get to know one another and so we can pull together and share our favorite local places. Today we introduce you to Armando Gonzalez from Seattle.

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How long have you lived in your city and why did you move there?
My entire life. You get a little of everything every season. And the food always fresh and unique and changing!

What do you like to do in your spare time?
Read, EAT(!!!), cook, run, wine tasting.

Do you have any secret talents?
It really is a big secret because I don't even know about it!

What's your favorite thing about sharing reviews on Places?
Getting recommendations on new places to try and influences from friends.

Share an ultimate insider tip for your city:
Come during Dine Around Seattle or Seattle Restaurant Week— especially so you can go to Capital Grill where you can get their $40 steak included in their $28 3-course meal!

If you could see any celebrity's reviews on Places, who would you choose and why?
Kathy Griffin....actually Maggie Griffin's....l can only imagine what she'd say about real food and wine that isn't out of a box...TIP IT!

What would your superpower be?
Super speed.

Finally, can you share any of your favorite Seattle places with us?

Sixth Avenue Wine Seller - Pretty much family run and you can tell! The staff is SUPER friendly, they have fun events like Thirsty Thursdays or the occasional viewing of an event (Games, award shows, etc). Bev, the owner, has always been spot on with her wine suggestions. If you don't find what you want, they can usually order it for you.

Confectional - Mini cheesecakes...nuff said!

Molly Moon - Unique flavors that are rotated seasonally like Maple Bacon, Gingerade, or Spring Garlic - and they're all great!

Theo Chocolate - Hands down my favorite chocolate. Absolutely love the newest addition - Dark Chocolate Salted Almond bar. Make a reservation to go on the tour sometime, might learn something new, and if not you at least get some chocolate to try :)

Maltby Cafe - You'd think you're in Texas by how big the cinnamon rolls and plates of food are here! If you come by on a weekend or a holiday make sure that you come early or have plenty of time to wait for a table.Liked: Food, Service, Atmosphere, Value

Posted by Charles Koh, Seattle community manager