After 100 or so views of my blog, someone from Zippys contacted me regarding my experience. It was via twitter, which is fine, except that I have no real assurances that anything would be done.
Zippys twitter stated they would like me to call customer care and explain what happened. Unfortunately I have no real desire to do so, considering I have already stated as much as I am willing to give via this blog. I have been, again assured by the twitter account, that Zippys upper management is curious to hear more. However from my vantage point I am not sure they really want to hear what I have to say.
First of all, I have a great deal of experience in surveys and call in complaints in a corporate structure. Not that I complain a lot. In actuality, I am very much a "don't rock the boat" guy when it comes to restaurants. But in my jobs, I know, for a fact, that companies use that as an opportunity to discount someone's complaint in order to pad statistics. By calling or speaking to the customer, they can check off "spoke to customer, resolved complaint" and accomplish nothing. Another trick is to use the customer's complaints to fish for "any inkling" of a response that would indicate that the complainant is "unreasonable, and frivolous" in their complaints against the business. They can state, for example, that a customer waiting 5 minutes for a glass of water is "not reasonable" since the "industry standard is 4.8 minutes or some crapola like that. They then use that as the basis to ignore or discount the entire complaint as "without merit, or lacking common sense reason."
Second, I do not have the patience with Zippys anymore. If you read the blog, you saw that I was more than patient. Would the average person waited 40 minutes for a menu? Would a person give a restaurant chain 6,7,8 chances? I think the well of patience that I have is pretty much depleted.
Third, I have had no assurances at all that ANYONE from Zippys has heard my complaint. The "Zippys twitter account" may not actually be a zippys employee. In the world of social media management, the person who answers my twitter complaint(s) may just be a paid joe schmo good at reading the pulse of the community. I am sure if Zippys was truly inquisitive, they could respond via this blog directly, or request my email or phone number so they could contact me, instead of directing me to their canned complaints line, where complaints go to die a quick and invisible death. Anything to keep the Zippy's name clean. keeping complaints out of the public eye is their job.
Its been a week since Zippys contacted me and and I am still unsure if I will play their corporate charade. For all the talk about Zippys being local, its still a Corporate structure. It lost its local identity. For all its desire to be a local business, it lacks one thing: local mentality. Surveys mean nothing. Actually walking out into the restaurants and asking patrons what they think directly, face to face, sending in people to secretly rate their customer service is a much better way than tagging a "please please please" beg-to-get-replies on the receipt. May as well call them Zippys In the Box with smaller prize incentives. Frankly, I think Zippys benefits from local nature. "Don't rock the boat." If Zippys were in california, They would likely have had 1/4 the success that they employ here. Locals "don't like to cause trouble." Neither do I. But 8 times!?!?!
I will say that I am emboldened by the large number of direct messages I have received via twitter and facebook from friends, colleagues, and random people on how similar their experiences at Zippys has been.
I have not eaten at Zippys since my initial blog. I hope you haven't as well
Tuesday, October 16, 2012
Tuesday, October 9, 2012
8 of 31: Moms Soul Food Macaroni and Cheese Showdown
A couple of weeks back, I went on a trek to look for tailgate suitable food. I wanted wings. All the usual suspects were available to me, but I still wanted to try something new. After wasting about 10 dollars in gas and 1 hour of time bouncing all over Aiea, Pearl City, Mililani, and Waipahu, I settled on Mom's Soul food.
Located in what was once an old KFC location in Aiea on Kam Highway, Mom's definitely has a Mom and Pop establishment feel. At that time, I ordered a family pack of sides, including cornbread, mac and cheese, black beans and rice, and fried Okra. And of course, 20 wings. (Sorry, no pictures from that day)
Fast forward two hours later, everyone, and I mean everyone, enjoyed it. Discerning pallets were pleasantly surprised. The simple pallets declared it "awesome." All in all, it was worth a second visit. Amongst the southern food goodness was the Mac and Cheese. And it was noteworthy, even cold. I knew it would be a top contender in the Mac and Cheese Showdown.
Today, I made an official return visit to Mom's Soul food. But I had to do it on the sly! When I asked for the mac and cheese side order, I got a look. Ya know, the kind of look that you get when someone is wondering "is this him?". Something told me to stop taking pictures. So I did and just waited. A few minutes later, a girl asked me if I was doing a review. I lied, of course. But that put an end to the picture taking and an end to the in house taste test. I had to take this bad boy on the road. (photos taken in my car at Neal Blaisdell Park) Notice, no crumble crust. Just the Mac and Cheese. Small side, $3.49
As you can see, the cheese is plentiful and the flavor is true. Its an honest to goodness mac and cheese. No frills, all flavor.
At the bottom of the bowl, when empty, was a POOL of oils which is the telltale sign of awesome. Though my doctor would disagree. The cheese flavor on this one was strong, it had a bite, and a back end subtle creaminess that speaks of Jack and Cheddar at the very least. And if I had to guess, there was at least 3 different types of cheese in here. As I said, a worthy entrant into the showdown. I WILL be back for a more comprehensive review in the future. But for now, just the cheese.
p.s. Wings are damn good here. As well as fried okra and cornbread. Southern food lovers will note that the Cornbread is a Naturally sweetened cornbread. Ergo a side, not a dessert. Just the way it should be.
Located in what was once an old KFC location in Aiea on Kam Highway, Mom's definitely has a Mom and Pop establishment feel. At that time, I ordered a family pack of sides, including cornbread, mac and cheese, black beans and rice, and fried Okra. And of course, 20 wings. (Sorry, no pictures from that day)
Fast forward two hours later, everyone, and I mean everyone, enjoyed it. Discerning pallets were pleasantly surprised. The simple pallets declared it "awesome." All in all, it was worth a second visit. Amongst the southern food goodness was the Mac and Cheese. And it was noteworthy, even cold. I knew it would be a top contender in the Mac and Cheese Showdown.
Today, I made an official return visit to Mom's Soul food. But I had to do it on the sly! When I asked for the mac and cheese side order, I got a look. Ya know, the kind of look that you get when someone is wondering "is this him?". Something told me to stop taking pictures. So I did and just waited. A few minutes later, a girl asked me if I was doing a review. I lied, of course. But that put an end to the picture taking and an end to the in house taste test. I had to take this bad boy on the road. (photos taken in my car at Neal Blaisdell Park) Notice, no crumble crust. Just the Mac and Cheese. Small side, $3.49
As you can see, the cheese is plentiful and the flavor is true. Its an honest to goodness mac and cheese. No frills, all flavor.
At the bottom of the bowl, when empty, was a POOL of oils which is the telltale sign of awesome. Though my doctor would disagree. The cheese flavor on this one was strong, it had a bite, and a back end subtle creaminess that speaks of Jack and Cheddar at the very least. And if I had to guess, there was at least 3 different types of cheese in here. As I said, a worthy entrant into the showdown. I WILL be back for a more comprehensive review in the future. But for now, just the cheese.
p.s. Wings are damn good here. As well as fried okra and cornbread. Southern food lovers will note that the Cornbread is a Naturally sweetened cornbread. Ergo a side, not a dessert. Just the way it should be.
challenge update 2
Workout 5: Swim 30 Minutes.
Workout 6: Swim, 30 minutes.
Workout 7: 45 Minute swim. Ala Moana Beach Park
Yeah. Considering the amount of writing I am doing for the 31 flavors, I think this should just about do it. As of right now, I am one day behind on the blog posts, which is already in the works and two days behind on workouts, which I will catch up with in the next few days.
Workout 6: Swim, 30 minutes.
Workout 7: 45 Minute swim. Ala Moana Beach Park
Yeah. Considering the amount of writing I am doing for the 31 flavors, I think this should just about do it. As of right now, I am one day behind on the blog posts, which is already in the works and two days behind on workouts, which I will catch up with in the next few days.
Monday, October 8, 2012
7 of 31: La Palme D'or Patisserie
I am going out of order on this one. This visit actually came after a visit to another of the 31, but that post will come later. My longtime friend Shilpa, who knew me back in my previous life, posted on facebook that she wanted to go to a particular restaurant. So we went. It was delish, as you will see later. But after, she felt a burning desire for dessert. As long as I have known her, she really hasn't been much into sweets, at least post meal (a sentiment that she echoed today). However she couldn't shake it. She needed the sweet chemistry of a crafted dessert. And not any dessert would do. She wanted to walk, but Kakaako was limited.
We went through the area options. There wasn't much. Gelato, Pass. Cookies, not enough. Twinkies, are you kidding me? So after some back and forth, we decided to get into our cars and make the trek to Ala Moana Mall, to La Palme D'or Patisserie.
Known for our Japanese influenced French pastries, La Palme has been around for several years
at its location at Ala Moana Shopping Center's Outside. I am sure its often missed as unless you get manicured nails and waxing done, its doubtful you would see it. The only way to get there is outside the main drag. While most of the malls residents appear on the main drag, this is one a few shops that shares the "main drag" with actual cars. Located on the second floor, Mauka Side parking lot has not hurt its reputation though.
Ask around its likely that there are more than a casual number of people that have heard of them. Aside from their desserts, they have a few Tea and coffee jello drinks that keep a steady stream of people in the know, but the focus and the lion's share of customers come for the desserts. And speaking of clients, La Palme even has had the honor of serving the Emperor of Japan on his official visit in 2009. How's that for reputation.
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| Photo of the case, including the three items I purchased today. They were coincidentally right by each other. |
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| La Palme also does special requests and whole items for purchase. |
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| FRAMBOISE FROMAGE layers of smooth light cheesecake, raspberry jam, hazelnut & almond cookie crust |
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| BAKED CHEESECAKE rich dense cheesecake with cranberry & hazelnut cookie crust |
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| TROPICAL FROMAGE lilikoi & mango mousse on top of rare cheesecake and coconut sponge |
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| The reason why we had to take it to go |
It can get busy, so do be prepared to take the deliciousness on the road. They do take care to package it right as you can see. If you notice in some of the pictures there is plastic wrapped around the individual items. This makes it easy to transport if you are getting a take out box like you see below. There is two tables in the shop to sit and enjoy. If not, ask for a fork and napkins and take it into the mall. There are lots of tables in strategic places where you can enjoy these bad boys.
STORE HOURS
Monday - Saturday 9:00am - 9:00pm
Sunday 9:00am - 7:00pm
LOCATION
Ala Moana Center
CONTACT
Telephone: (808)941-6161
Saturday, October 6, 2012
6 of 31: Kanpai
Its friday night. I wanted to go out. So I got together a couple of friends and we wanted to go to Cafe Duck Butt. I have never been, but have heard its fantastico. Alas all I got to see was the free valet and the sign...
They were really busy! Some other day, duck butt...some other day.
As we tried to find a backup plan, Home bar was an option, meh. We ended up at Kanpai around the corner and found a table right away. Score!
Kanpai is a sports bar on Ward, across from Sports authority and Ross. Its a true blue sports bar, complete with good looking women in tight shirts and short shorts. Yeah. I said it. Deal. I will spare you the gal shots. Anyway, its nothing super amazing. Service inside is decent. Outside seating on busy nights could have slower turnaround on drinks.
the food menu itself has shrunk. It was much better this time last year with more selection. As one of my friends coined it, "it looks like they simplified the menu to 'turn and burn'". I must say, coming from him, thats not a complement. However of the FOOD items we ordered, only the pork lumpia truly disappointed.
As we tried to find a backup plan, Home bar was an option, meh. We ended up at Kanpai around the corner and found a table right away. Score!
Kanpai is a sports bar on Ward, across from Sports authority and Ross. Its a true blue sports bar, complete with good looking women in tight shirts and short shorts. Yeah. I said it. Deal. I will spare you the gal shots. Anyway, its nothing super amazing. Service inside is decent. Outside seating on busy nights could have slower turnaround on drinks.
the food menu itself has shrunk. It was much better this time last year with more selection. As one of my friends coined it, "it looks like they simplified the menu to 'turn and burn'". I must say, coming from him, thats not a complement. However of the FOOD items we ordered, only the pork lumpia truly disappointed.
Chilled tofu with a ginger sauce
Korean style hot wings
The lumpia. all veggie and wrapper, no pork. Oil not hot enough, greasy.
Fried Chicken Gizzards
The beer wasn't as cold as it could have been, and the bartender (okay maybe it was the waitress, but between two of them there is blame to be had) seriously needs to figure out how to properly serve drinks. Kanpai has a decent liquor collection, as any bar should. However something went wrong. I wish I had a picture of it. But I will just simply it.
Note...Kanpai. when someone orders Grand Mariner in a Snifter Glass. This is how it should look.
NOT LIKE THIS
This, more than anything irritated my friends. In all fairness, the industrial fans used to cool the joint because of the broken AC was loud, but when the waitress leans over and asks 3 times how you want it served, and I could hear him say "snifter" every time more than 3 times the distance than she was to him, well lets say there is a breakdown in communication!
5 of 31: La Tour Cafe: Mac and Cheese Showdown
About a year ago, I tried the Feta Mac and cheese at Pacific Soul (Chef Sean Priester) and fell in love. It was different. Certainly not Kraft from the box or school lunch quality. It was 'uppity." That made me wonder. Are there better Mac and Cheese dishes in Hawaii than I am used to? I am happy to say yes.
In the midst of gaining weight, losing weight, working out, and having surgery I have tried a few mac and cheese dishes here on island. I will review each and every one of the the "finalists" and then spit out a showdown result. All dishes selected for the showdown were tasted between October 3 and October 17 of this year and will be judged on criteria to be mentioned later. For now, Lets introduce the first challenger.
La Tour is "Ba Le". Those of us familiar with the local restaurant chain know that Ba Le is a bakery and french Viet Sammy chain. Recently, they began rebranding as "La Tour Bakehouse." A bold move and natural progression towards the "foodie" movement (or as I like to call them, food enthusiasts) ongoing in town. I am sure the Ba Le name will live on in franchises, but the main bakery is now La Tour.
The menu is fairly quaint. Items like Flatbread Pizza, Quiche Lorraine, Pomme Frites (yes, french fries), Panini and fresh baked breads and Macarons can be found in a roomy, comfortable modern cafe setting.
Now, Bring on the cheese! As I said before, I will further break down and review the mac and cheese based on criteria. But for now, here is a few pictures.
La tour is much more than just a mac and cheese hangout. I focused on the challenge this trip (and ordered some chicken tenders for protein. Didn't touch the frites. I will note, that if it wasn't for the lack of WiFi, this would be a must hangout to write my blog or any other computer work. Wide open tables. TV with sports playing all the time. Excellent Dessert option. Coffee at least as good as the average coffee shop. (They feature Honolulu Coffee Company).
open
Sunday-Thursday
10:00 am / 9:00 pm
Friday-Saturday
10:00 am / 10:00 pm
In the midst of gaining weight, losing weight, working out, and having surgery I have tried a few mac and cheese dishes here on island. I will review each and every one of the the "finalists" and then spit out a showdown result. All dishes selected for the showdown were tasted between October 3 and October 17 of this year and will be judged on criteria to be mentioned later. For now, Lets introduce the first challenger.
HoNolulu, Hi 96817
(808) 697-5000
La Tour is "Ba Le". Those of us familiar with the local restaurant chain know that Ba Le is a bakery and french Viet Sammy chain. Recently, they began rebranding as "La Tour Bakehouse." A bold move and natural progression towards the "foodie" movement (or as I like to call them, food enthusiasts) ongoing in town. I am sure the Ba Le name will live on in franchises, but the main bakery is now La Tour.
The menu is fairly quaint. Items like Flatbread Pizza, Quiche Lorraine, Pomme Frites (yes, french fries), Panini and fresh baked breads and Macarons can be found in a roomy, comfortable modern cafe setting.
Now, Bring on the cheese! As I said before, I will further break down and review the mac and cheese based on criteria. But for now, here is a few pictures.
Its cheesy. All around goodness
Let it cool a bit. This is what you get. Oh yeah! we have come a long way from Kraft
Reciept included. Price as noted. $4.50. Excellent Mac and Cheese value. When we hit the "truffle mac" variants later in the challenge, you will understand!
Here is a pic of a Pastele sausage from another visit.
La tour is much more than just a mac and cheese hangout. I focused on the challenge this trip (and ordered some chicken tenders for protein. Didn't touch the frites. I will note, that if it wasn't for the lack of WiFi, this would be a must hangout to write my blog or any other computer work. Wide open tables. TV with sports playing all the time. Excellent Dessert option. Coffee at least as good as the average coffee shop. (They feature Honolulu Coffee Company).
Sunday-Thursday
10:00 am / 9:00 pm
Friday-Saturday
10:00 am / 10:00 pm
Friday, October 5, 2012
Challenge Update.
Just an update on things to come.
I have begun the "mac and cheese shootout." I am contemplating using each mac and cheese dish as a single post and then one post at the end to tie them altogether. I am okay with that.
Workout 2: Swim 30 Minutes.
Workout 3: walked dog. 30 minutes. She was sweating more than me, but hey, it still counts.
Workout 4: 45 Minute swim. Ala Moana Beach Park.
Restaurants on my hit list. (places I will be going, not necessarily in any order. If a date appears, then I have committed to going with someone on that date). Thus far 4 blog entries, 4 restaurants blogged about, 6 restaurants visited.
If you know of any establishment worth throwing on this list for my 31 day challenge, let me know!
I have begun the "mac and cheese shootout." I am contemplating using each mac and cheese dish as a single post and then one post at the end to tie them altogether. I am okay with that.
Workout 2: Swim 30 Minutes.
Workout 3: walked dog. 30 minutes. She was sweating more than me, but hey, it still counts.
Workout 4: 45 Minute swim. Ala Moana Beach Park.
Restaurants on my hit list. (places I will be going, not necessarily in any order. If a date appears, then I have committed to going with someone on that date). Thus far 4 blog entries, 4 restaurants blogged about, 6 restaurants visited.
- Whole Ox (Monday, Lunch)
- Prima Kailua
- Adega Portugesa
- Da Ala Cart Food Truck
- La Tour Cafe (Mac and Cheese Challenge)
- Moms Soul Food (Mac and Cheese challenge)
- Pacific Soul (Mac and Cheese Challenge)
- Kissaten Cafe (Mac and Cheese Challenge)
- Hanks Haute Dogs (Mac and Cheese Challenge)
If you know of any establishment worth throwing on this list for my 31 day challenge, let me know!
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