Mindy Knows Launderland

Fortunately I was able to salvage my mood last night thanks to GLM Launderland. It's conveniently located in the same strip as Frozos and Hungry Hound across Lafayette Street from the university in Santa Clara. Aside from the dorm's washers and dryers at SCU, I'd been spoiled enough to not have to use a laundromat. (I dated a guy in college who was from the area and his family always let me use their washer and dryer.) Therefore, this was my first experience frequenting one and you know what? I'd go back!

One, this place is immaculately clean. Two, no waiting. In fact, I'd say there is less waiting. I know that sounds impossible since, How can you have less than zero? But allow my to clarify: you can spread out all your washing and drying over multiple machines. In other words, 3 loads takes the same amount of time to wash and dry as it does to wash and dry a single load. Also, their washers and dryers are industrial-sized; I could've fit 3 regular-sized loads in one dryer. Finally, the dryers are SUPER hot, meaning even bulky sweatshirts and towels dry SUPER fast. I greatly overestimated the amount of quarters it'd take to dry mine, even with the temp set at Medium. The instructions said $0.25 got you 8 minutes. I figured since the dryer back at the apartment got you 45 minutes with 3 quarters and that rarely dried everything thoroughly (it's not uncommon to find clothing and towels draped all around the apartment hang-drying), I'd put 5 quarters in for 40 minutes. After a few rounds of Uno with Shrek, I went to remove my jeans at 20 minutes and everything was bone dry and scorching hot. I freaked at first because these were my new never-before-been-washed $180 Paige jeans, but they fit just fine when I tried them on back at the apartment. Must be all that stretchy denim.

The feel good moment of the night, though? No, not when I realized my pants still fit. There was a tired-looking couple sitting on the hood of their car which was parked next to ours outside, waiting for their laundry to finish drying when we left. Earlier, I'd watched them out of the corner of my eye (over)stuff all their laundry into one dryer. We offered them the remaining time on ours. See, once I realized I was going to end up at the laundromat with access to multiple dryers, I went ahead and did a few loads of wash at the apartment so we actually had two dryers with about 20 minutes of dry time each when we left. The couple thanked us and immediately jumped up and went inside to separate their huge load of laundry into multiple smaller ones. It was a very small gesture but it made my trip to the laundromat more worthwhile than if I'd just, you know, done the damn thing.

GLM Launderland

1000 Lafayette Street

Suite B

Santa Clara, CA 95050

Open 7 days a week

Hours: 6 a.m. - 10 p.m.

They do offer Wi-Fi and like I mentioned, they are located in the same strip as Frozos and Hungry Hound, as well as Togos.

Why, Hello There

I was totally hankering for a specific Thai garden salad that I've only found at the Thai place near SCU. I couldn't recall the name so I Googled "Franklin Square Santa Clara Thai." Do it and look at the third link!

Ironically, it didn't pull the exact Thai place I had in mind, but I did mention it in the post and thus, had my Thai Garden Salad.

P.S. I must be on carb overload as it's the only time I crave salad. I love that your body lets you know what it needs. That's why it's imperative to give it ice cream, McDonalds, and chocolate when it wants it! ;)

Pho For All Seasons

Despite the temps soaring into the mid 90s this weekend, Shrek was craving Pho on Saturday. Though I thought he was nuts for wanting a steaming hot bowl of Vietnamese noodle soup, there is no denying a Pho craving. 

We arrived at our favorite Pho place, Pho Viet at Trimble and First, and were immediately ushered to our usual table, as we have quickly become regulars. 

"Same thing?" our server asked as we took our seat. I've dined here for lunches and dinners on all days of the week (except Sundays since, unfortunately, they're closed) and the same guy's been our server each occasion. Typically, Shrek and I share an order of spring rolls (pictured second) and then each get a regular number 11, pho with rare steak (pictured first). But this time I was feeling BBQ pork and shrimp over noodles (pictured last). 

I don't know how they do it, but all the pho places I've been to provide lightning fast service. This one, however, takes the cake. Especially if you come during the lunch rush as they are quite popular being in the midst of all the Silicon Valley tech companies. For lunch, servers punch your order into a handheld device as they take your order from your table. This electronically sends it straight to the kitchen so your order is brought out to you once the server moves on to take the next table's order. Even so, I prefer coming during off times which are evenings and Saturdays. The wait isn't too much longer. Right after we ordered, water and a little chopstick/napkin/spoon pack was dropped off followed by our fresh spring rolls with peanut sauce. I always mix hoisin in my peanut sauce and Shrek likes, no, LOVES, Sriracha. Before we'd had a chance to finish the rolls, out came the pho and my bbq plate. I'd say in total we waited 4 minutes for everything to come out and mmmm, was it delicious! 

I love coming to this place due to its consistent fast, friendly service, cleanliness, and the food is the freshest around. (You must try their spring rolls if you go!)  Sorry to all who love Pho Thanh Long on El Camino, but the food, cleanliness, and friendliness just doesn't compare to Pho Viet's. Incidentally I ended up wanting pho the very next day but Pho Viet was closed so we had to go to Pho Thanh Long. Their spring rolls were limp and had a funky taste, the peanut sauce wasn't nearly as good as Pho Viet's and the pho was super salty. Since the prices are about the same at both places, 2 plates or bowls + spring rolls = about $20 before tip, I'd definitely head over to Pho Viet if given the option. After writing this up, I'm already anticipating going back for more!