Wednesday, December 27, 2006

Rahbar Dentistry PC


NARRATIVE
For the first time in over a decade I have an employer that offers dental insurance. The staff highly praised Dr. Rahbar when I asked for a recommendation, "She has a massage chair."

A massage chair? This I had to see.

CONTACT INFORMATION
Gelareh Rahbar, D.D.S
Rahbar Dentistry PC
133 Kearny St
San Francisco, CA 94108
(415) 986-7100

Phone: (415) 648-1047
URL: http://www.rahbardentistrypc.com/

HOURS:
6 Days a week.
Mon-Fri 9:00 am to 7:00 pm
Sat 10:00 am to 6:00 pm

PRICE RANGE
Dr. Rahbar is extremely clear with supporting you in getting the best dental care and helping you receive it within the boundaries of your insurance and budget. She offers interest-free installments for those procedures that perhaps require a little budgeting.

SUMMARY
Three months ago I came into employment with a visionary organization that offers dental insurance to its employees. I took the revolutionary step to make an appointment last week and at 8:30 pm spoke with Dr. Rahbar who was amazingly gracious and soothed any fears and shame I had about not having been to a dentist in so long.

She took my insurance information and asked me a few questions about my general dental health. We agreed upon and appointment time for Boxing Day, finished our pleasantries and ended our conversation.

I let go of the anxiety about visiting a dentist and began looking forward to my visit.

Yesterday I headed to my 1 pm appointment on the MUNI line, got off at the Montgomery stop and walked to Dr. Rahbar's Kearny Street office.

It's nestled among along a busy street housing the Gap and restaurants busy with a lunch time, financial district crowd. I found the building and suite easily.

In I walked to a lovely neat waiting room and I was greeted with joy, as if I was a friend who's visit was anticipated.

Dr. Rahbar's assistant and office manager were on vacation so she played the role of both. She offered me a clipboard for me to fill out my information and apologized to be short-staffed. She is a gracious hostess. Absolutely amazing and wonderful.

A few moments later she "switched roles" and invited me in to the examination room where she introduced me to her associate: Dr. Z.

I was led to a chair, laid down and nubs began to slowly massage my upper back. I squealed with delight...this was the famous massage chair my coworkers had raved about. It was a lovely touch.

On to the xrays (which are taken digitally). Sure, that is always awkward biting and drooling uncontrollably. My brain wandered to think about the world's most beautiful people receiving dental work and then wandered back when it was done.

A few minutes later we were reviewing my teeth and gums' health (rather well, I must say!), the state of my wisdom teeth, next steps for dental care, and cosmetic concerns.

Next was as thorough a cleaning I've had in years. The only difference to previous experiences was the application of a gum-numbing gel which allowed for the rotating, squealing tools to come close to my gum line without my needing to slide out of the chair. I closed my eyes and felt pressure on my teeth, but staved off any anticipatory pain.
My teeth were polished in no time at all. A little hole was filled in my front top incisor. My appointment was done, I received a fabulous goodie bag and left absolutely giddy, running my tongue along my newly polished teeth!

SERVICE
EXCELLENT. Dr. Rahbar and associates are the most gracious dental professionals I have ever experienced. My experience was joyful and empowering!

REST ROOMS
Men's room is on the same floor as the office. Women's room is one flight of stairs above. Beautiful marble.

SUGGESTION?
All dentists should receive training in the graciousness and gentleness of Dr. Rahbar and Associates!

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Tuesday, December 12, 2006

Atlas Cafe, San Francisco, CA


NARRATIVE
I needed mental chiropracty yesterday, so a friend offered to meet me for dinner. I wanted someplace familiar and cozy on a rainy day with enough of a selection to divert my mind from it's annoying cacophony and little pretention so that my anxiety meter wasn't off the chain. I immediately thought of Atlas, because it was close to my professional birthplace and I was in the neib. Thanks, Lisa!

CONTACT INFORMATION
Atlas Cafe
3049 20th St (Cross Street: Alabama Street)
San Francisco, CA 94110

Phone: (415) 648-1047

HOURS:
7 Days a week.
- Mon-Fri 6:30am-10pm
- Sat 8am-10pm
- Sun 8am-8pm

WIFI service is available with a subscription.

PRICE RANGE
Inexpensive - Decadent. I usually for the roasted beet sandwich or the roasted yam sandwich, a coconut macaroon, and a chai latte. Their soups always rock.

SUMMARY
Six years ago I came to know the Atlas Cafe as I was studying web development at BAVC's MediaLink program. I came to know this place as a coffee shop, a lunch and dinner spot, a bluegrass stop, and a place for inspiration. The bulletin boards are always filled with random going-on and community offerings and needs.


It's expanded beyond the one room in that time. The back patio is super-dog friendly, has an awning for the winter days of San Francisco and has heat lamps.

The menu takes up two chalk boards and is filled with veggie and flesh enhanced offerings from breakfast to salads to pizzas and sandwiches.
ALL are wunderbar.

Alone I have perused its magazine racks and have spent time in my journal, become lost in the art decorating the walls and people watched while caressing my hot tea, or day dreaming out the window. With company I have been part of awesome brainstorms -- either personal or professional that led to some web assignments, and even an interview for a couple of gigs.

For social events, I remember going to a Quirky Alone party and some blue grass gigs. All have been wonderful.

Atlas Cafe has always been a non-pretentious place of inspiration for my taste buds and brain. The music tickles or sometimes grinds my fancy. The staff is uber-cool.

And I love hearing my name called out to announce that my order is ready. I feel affirmed when I receive my basket of goodies.

SERVICE
EXCELLENT. On the front end they have the system down. When your meal arrives on the counter for you to pick it up, you know it's right. Water and ice tea are available for you to refill your glass. All the accoutrements are there to dress up your coffee and tea as you wish including nutmeg, tea, brown sugar.

REST ROOMS
Well kept. Always some interesting conver-fitti on the walls.

SUGGESTION?
Subscribe to COLORS magazine.