The Good Customer

Writing this post on Orla Kiely (Hong Kong) has been on my “to-do” list for some time now. Sadly, by the time I got around to it, I found out that the boutique had closed it’s doors here in Hong Kong. Sniff Sniff!

To pay homage to their “once” Hong Kong store, I hereby post this entry.

I’ve been a admirable fan of the kitschy, 60s -inspired line, Orla Kiely. Faring from the UK, this brand is most notably known for it’s bright and colourful line of handbags, clothing, housewares, and linens. High quality materials coupled with whimsical designs, these products are sure to inspire your playful yet feminine side.

Up until last year (2009), Orla Kiely had 2 boutiques in Hong Kong. After the closure of it’s Times Square (Causeway Bay) location, only one remained in Hong Kong – the boutique in Central on Wyndham Street.

I have patronized both locations and have always been impressed with the service. Sales personnel are not condescending and seem genuinely willing to assist with any questions or suggestions. And let me tell you, this type of service can be hard to come by within the confines of this bustling city.

The real bonus for all you fans of this label – is the price!!! If you have shopped in the UK or the USA for Orly Kiely products, you will be pleasantly surprised to know that most of their products are sold for LESS in Hong Kong.

Another tip is, the boutique in Hong Kong consistently have promotions or sales – and they are indeed fabulous. Unfortunately, this boutique does not advertise these sales and therefore we, as consumers, are forced to check in periodically, for promotions. But who’s complaining? I love a reason to shop! Yes, even window shopping counts.

Before it’s closure on February 28, 2010, the store had a closing out sale. Items were being sold for below cost!!! Initially I felt that I had missed a great opportunity, but upon reflection, it’s probably for the best…. I’m sure I heard my pocketbook heave a big sigh of relief. For all you that made it out to the sale, I hope you procured some fabulous deals.

To my fellow Orla Kiely fans, a moment of silence for our dear friend ….

If anyone should know of where to purchase products from this brand in Hong Kong now, please drop us a comment. I know it would be much appreciated.

Popularity: 21% [?]

 

For those of you who are in “the know” of all things beautiful in Hong Kong, have undoubtedly heard of Paul Gerrard – a well established beauty salon.

The Good Customer loves to do her research before embarking into any new establishment – especially beauty salons.

After delving into the world wide web, to search for a reputable place to have my locks clipped, I came across Paul Gerrard Salon.  What is this? A dedicated page that had info and bios of their whole team – hair stylists, estheticians, nail technicians, assistants. There is also detailed information on their services plus pricing. Love it! In addition, you can also book your appointment online. How convenient is that?  Love it!

I choose my stylist from the thumbnail pictures and made my appointment online. 2 days before my appointment, I get a reminder text (sms) message from the salon. 1 day before my appointment, I receive a personal call from the salon. How courteous and efficient. Seems like they run a well-oiled, tight ship of an operation. Love it!

The day of  appointment arrived. After carefully manoeuvring my way up the knobby steps of Pottinger Street in Central, I found my way to the 2nd floor of Wah Hing House.

The interior of the salon is dated due to the age of the building it is housed in. What is lacking in ambience is made up by the down-to-earth, and super friendly staff. Love it!

This is not your average high-end salon chock full of starlets and wealthy housewives. You will not find hipster assistants scurrying around the “too cool for school” stylists.

Clientele consists mostly of expats and most of the stylists are not local Hong Kongers.  Apparently, this salon is renowned for their hair colouring/hi-lighting services for blondes.

Service is gracious without being pretentious. Love it!

Those of you seeking a day of pampering, can also indulge in the salon’s esthetician and nail services.

Popularity: 10% [?]

~Classified~

After my visit to this cute eatery – an off shoot of it’s parent restaurant The Press Room, I am disappointed in myself. How did I not know about this place???

Due to it’s location on Hollywood Road in Sheung Wan, there is definitely less traffic here than Central. Thus the several tables outside has a perfect “sidewalk cafe” feel. When you enter the restaurant you are confronted with the large deli counter encasing their charcuterie meats, sandwiches, salads, and even desserts. You will notice the daily specials on the chalkboard which usually consist of soups, pastas, and sandwiches.

My visit on a weekend night found the patio area full and “happening”,  despite the heat and humidity. We took a seat inside at the large square communal table. Menu was tres cute being that it was in the form of a newspaper. I noticed that there was a staircase that lead to what looked a like a loft area. Most notably, I saw a glass room overlooking from above – full of cheese!

Not being able to find the cheese selections from the menu we asked one the servers. She informed us that there were platters that could be put together. Prices depended on how many types of cheese you chose. A small platter with 3 selections (approx 100 grams each) served with quince paste and a basket of bread – $155 HKD.

The real experience was when our server brought us upstairs to Asia’s first walk-in temperature and humidity controlled cheese room. Instead of choosing your selection from a menu or a deli counter, you are invited to personally taste and choose your cheese. The staff are extremely knowledgeable and are eager to offer suggestions. A wonderful experience and lesson!

After exiting the cheese room, we decided to seat ourselves at the enormous communal table upstairs in the wine room. Surrounded by 3 walls of wines and the cheese room, it is indeed a cozy atmosphere. Love the idea that you can make your drink selection by picking a bottle of wine off the shelf.

All of the staff and extremely friendly and very attentive. They don’t usually stay around upstairs but check back quite often to make sure you are doing alright. In the hustle and bustle of Hong Kong city, it’s a treasure to find a place to enjoy a casual but intimate meal with personable service.

I was most impressed with this way of consuming. A hands on approach that is user friendly for all – especially for those who are not all that familiar with the products.

~The Cheese Room~

~The Wine Room~

Popularity: 13% [?]

~SML Hong Kong~

Concept: Customize your dining experience by choosing your portion size for anything on the menu. I was immediately intrigued by this novel approach to dining. Taking a friend as a test partner, we embarked on a mission to test the feasibility of this concept.

Located in the Times Square Food Forum of Causeway Bay, Hong Kong is SML. Where are the vowels? No it’s not a spelling mistake. It’s an acronym for Small Medium Large. Some would consider this as a tapas type of restaurant, but I beg to differ. Upon opening the menu, you will find it resembles a classic menu. There are clearly defined sections – appetizers, mains, desserts, drinks. However, after each menu item there are 3 different prices under the 3 columns of small, medium, large. This was the theme throughout the whole menu. You could even order drinks in 3 different sizes.  Great way to try different cocktails or sample different wines without becoming utterly “sloshed”.

A truly fabulous and diverse dining experience. We must have ordered 4-5 different mains (small, of course); ordered 2-3 different “carbs”; and even some large portions of appetizers. Why? Because we could! A perfect place for the “indecisive one”, the “picky one”, the “peckish one” or the “hungry one”.

The possibilities are limitless. A truly customizable dining experience. The Good Customer likes this!

Bonus feature: There are a LOT of personnel working at this establishment. The ratio of server to patron was unbelievable! Thus, customer service was remarkable! Quick, efficient, and friendly staff. Can’t ask for anything more.

Popularity: 1% [?]

~Deconstructing The Crabs~

~Hairy Crab Deconstructed~

~Xiefen (crabmeat+crab roe sauce) Over Peashoots~

What? : Hairy Crab ( Da Zha Xie) aka “Chinese Mitten Crab”. Referred as such because of its dense patch of dark hair on it’s claws. Can be found in lakes across Jiangsu province which borders on Shanghai, China.

Why? : Between the months of September to November – the season to sample this delicacy coined “asian foie gras”. Can be prepared various ways, but the most popular and simplest is steamed with ginger to preserve it’s “fresh” taste.  Not a “meaty” crab, it is prized for it’s “roe” and “sweet tasting flesh” which can be enhanced by dipping into malt vinegar. Doesn’t sound appetizing? Dining on hairy crabs is an experience in itself! Who doesn’t want to use utensils specifically manufactured for these these tasty crustaceans?

Where? : These photos were taken from our dining escapade at Wu Kong Shanghai Restaurant. Alpha House Basement, 27-33 Nathan Road, Kowloon, Hong Kong   2366-7244

Popularity: 1% [?]

~Not From Your Toaster~

 

 

What?: Asian-style french toast. Perfect slice of buttered toast topped with vanilla ice cream, red bean paste, and fresh whipped cream. Lightly dusted with powdered sugar and matcha green tea powder.

 

Why? : The bread is absurdly wonderful! This Japanese style cafe is famous for their artisan Danish bread – made with the unique technique of forming 81 layers after folding the dough. The result is a gorgeous marble textured loaf that is crispy on the outside but soft and moist in the centre. Popularized throughout Japan after it was first made in Kyoto, Japan. Also known as the ‘magical bread’ in Japan.

How Much? :  $75 hkd – includes coffee or tea ($10 usd)

Where? : Bo-lo’Gne ; shop1,G/F,41-49 Aberdreen Street,Hong Kong

Popularity: 1% [?]

~Lotus Leaf Wrapped Glutinous Rice; Malaysian Style Sponge Cake; Fried Vermicelli With Hot Sauce~

~Preserved Egg and Pork Congee; Pan Fried Daikon Cakes; Fried Vermicelli~

Popularity: 2% [?]

The Budha Of LKF

Tucked away in an alley off of Hong Kong’s most happening street – Lan Kwai Fong (LKF), is Baby Budha. This small bar/lounge at 18 Wo On Lane, Central is a great place to start or end your night … away from the masses in LKF.

Popularity: 1% [?]

~Coffee Bar at Nespresso Vancouver~

I have been a proud owner of a Nespresso machine for almost a year now. Every time I interact with their employees, whether in person or on the phone, I keep waiting for something to go terribly wrong. Why? …. because the customer service is “too good to be true”!

Since receiving my “Nessie” (yes, I named it) through courier, I have received enough correspondence from Nespresso that would shock Canada Post.

And what is Nespresso sending me?

• New product information
• Coupons or promotions
• Customer satisfaction correspondence

In addition to snail mail, I have received numerous phone calls from Nespresso. Why are they calling me? For feedback! Yes, apparently they care about my thoughts. By focusing on clients individually, Nespresso is able offer personalized service. 

Visiting the one and only Nespresso boutique in Vancouver is reminiscent of a posh lounge. The shiny white interior pegged with the colourful coffee capsules is a treat for the eyes. 

Don’t be surprised if you are invited to try their products when you visit their boutique. They are more than happy to whisk you away to their pristine coffee bar. The sampling of their coffee/espressos is an experience in it’s itself. If you are interested, the personnel are eager to give you an abundance of information. I never knew that there were so many dimensions to an espresso. (Note: This is not like a Costco sample table where the cranky staff member gives you a dirty look for taking 2 crackers.) Never are you rushed or pressured to purchase anything. Perched on the bar stool at the Nespresso coffee bar, sipping your espresso with square of dark chocolate is a sublime experience.

The store personnel possess outstanding product knowledge. Quite amazing… since they have over 16 espresso varieties, several different accessory lines, and a number of machines. I am under the assumption that they all underwent a vigorous training program.

Nespresso constantly tries to engage their clients with new products. From ever-changing limited edition espresso varieties, to their own line of sugars, chocolate, and drink recipe books. What’s next?…. Nespresso cream? Sweet!

PS. I have visited the Nespresso retail store in Hong Kong on several occasions and have received the same level of exceptional service. They truly are a world wide and world class company.

Popularity: 1% [?]