The Good Customer

WHAT? : Japanese-style prawn curry.  (Confession: This dish is actually served with 5 prawns, not 4, as shown in the above picture. I was so hungry that day that I had a prawn before remembering to take this shot. OOOPPS!)

WHY? : Entree was part of a “lunch set”. Served with coffee or tea. Delicious and well prepared with little extras such as almond silvers and pickled ginger.

HOW MUCH? : $11.99 for the set. An excellent deal!

WHERE? :

MORE: Formerly known as UCC Cafe Plaza, Aoyama Cafe is renowned for their UCC coffee blends – a brand that has been developed over the past 70 years. Choose your own individually “siphoned coffee” from a variety of coffee blends such as No. 1 Jamaican Blue Mountain, Hawaii Kona, and Sumiyaki (charcoal roast). Food is a fusion of Japanese and European - pastas, rice dishes, sandwiches, and desserts.

NOTES:  Had a wonderful experience at this location. Staff were exceptionally attentive and gracious.  Restaurant is divided into 2 sections – dining room and cafe. There is a minimum charge of $10 per person in the dining room. The airy and comfortable dining section is decorated with sleek, modern furniture. A lovely environment indeed!

Popularity: 24% [?]

 

WHAT? : Aritzia’s Warehouse Sale

WHY? : Apparently this is Aritzia’s biggest warehouse sale ever! Discounts frm 50% – 90% off.  5000+ jeans on sale.   Plus, new items added daily and throughout the day.  Need I say more?

WHERE? :

http://www.aritzia.com/blog/2010/03/warehouse-sale-april-1st-april-5th

 

INFO : Free parking available.  Cash, debit, and credit accepted forms of payment.  Individual and communal fitting rooms on site.  All sales FINAL.

Popularity: 11% [?]

WHAT? :  CUT & COLOUR promotion at Toni & Guy Vancouver.  For $90, you can get a fab haircut AND a full head colouring. Add $30 for highlights. Promotion is valid for new clients and is only with specific stylists/colour technicians. Limited time only.

WHY? : With spring in full swing, it’s time for a new do. And who can say “no” to this irresistable offer from a reputable salon?

HOW? : Offer is valid at the Kitslano location. Call salon for an appointment.

WHERE? :

 www.toniguyblog.com

Popularity: 2% [?]

WHAT? : Vancouver 2010 Winter Olympics Mittens. Woven with an acrylic and wool blend and lined inside with polar fleece, these mitts bear the country’s maple leaf emblem on the palm-side.

WHY?: They are the “IT” item of the Vancouver 2010 Olympics. Not only are they the official “torchbearer” mittens, but it seems that everyone at the games – spectators and participants alike – are sporting a pair. All net proceeds from sales of these mittens go towards ”Own The Podium” – an initiative which helps support Canadian Olympic athletes. Initially, it was anticipated that 1 million pairs would be sold. Now, that number has increased to 3.4 million. With the 2010 Olympics in full swing now, the popularity of these mitts have exploded. Sellers on “ebay” are posting them for sale as much as 3 times the original price.

HOW MUCH? : $10.00 (CDN) retail.

WHERE? : In Canada: The Hudson Bay Co.; Zellers; Home Outfitters; Official Olympic Stores/Kiosks (Vancouver International Airport- YVR)     Online: HBC Online Store (shipping only within Canada); www.ebay.com

Get you hands in one before they sell out!

Popularity: 11% [?]

WHAT? : Bento box – tuna & salmon sashimi, vegetable & prawn tempera, potato croquette, salad, rice.

WHY? : Delicious and affordable. If you frequent this restaurant, then you are probably familiar with it’s loyal following of patrons. Don’t be surprised if you have to wait for a table during their dinner hours. On this particular visit, I’ve discovered that “lunch” is the perfect time to enjoy their delicious Japanese fare. Minimal wait times plus wonderful lunch box (bento) specials.

HOW MUCH? : $8.50

WHEN? : Lunch hours only

OTHER : There are 6 other bento box combinations to choose from  – $8.50 to $11.99.

WHERE? : SHIRO Japanese Restaurant;  3096 Cambie Street, Vancouver BC, V5Z 2V9, 604-874-0027

Popularity: 38% [?]

WHAT? : Pear, Brie and Prosciutto Sandwich

WHY? : Because it may be the most amazing sandwich… ever. Who would think that a combination of blue brie, sliced pear, prosciutto, roasted walnuts, lettuce, oil & vinegar served on a baguette could taste so good?

HOW MUCH? : $8.25

WHERE? : Finch’s Tea & Coffee House; 353 Pender Street, Vancouver BC, V6B 1T3, 604-899-4040          http://finchteahouse.com/menu.htm

TIP: The fine people at Finch’s make all their sandwiches with tender loving care, so please allow a little time for your sandwich preparation. Call ahead your order to reduce your wait time.

Popularity: 7% [?]

The time had come to refill my depleting Nepresso capsule supply. Oh goody! It’s always a treat to visit the one and only Nespresso Boutique in downtown Vancouver.

It had been awhile since my last visit and I was excited to try the new espresso blends from their 2009 Variations collection.

When I arrived at the store, I head directly over to the cashier counter to order my capsules. As the sales personnel fills my order, I ask her about the 3 new different blends. She informs me that there are 3 varieties – gingerbread, apricot, and chestnut cream. I ask her to tell me about the 3 varieties. Her response: “They all have a strength of 6″. Not exactly the descriptive answer that I was expecting. I ask her if there was anything else she can tell me about them. Her response: “Well, they’re all basically the same because they have the same strength… just different flavours.”Wow, I’ve never heard ANY Nespresso representative describe the espresso blends in such simple terms. As a consumer, I know that that both Livanto and Rosabaya de Columbia have a strength of 6 – and they are by no means “the same”.

On previous occasions when I have inquired about the espresso blends, Nespresso associates have been able to give me a plethora of information. I have always felt that they go above and beyond to try to understand my tastes and preferences. And I must say that I have never been disappointed with their suggestions.

After my purchase was rung up, the personnel led us to the espresso counter/bar. We were given 2 different blends from their 2009 Variations collection to sample. The saucers that were served with the espressos were still wet. We were offered milk/cream but no sugar. When we asked to try the 3rd blend, it was served to us without a saucer. gasp!

We had tried all of our espressos without milk and did not really care for any of them. When our Nespresso personnel returned we asked her if she could make a suggestion as to which blend would go well with milk/cream. Her response was “Well, it’s really a personal preference… true espresso drinkers wouldn’t even take milk…” I found the comment to be both unhelpful and condescending. Did she not know her products or did she just not want to deal with us?

I looked over to the couple sitting next to us at the counter enjoying their Nespressos with chocolate. Chocolate? Where was our chocolate? I am oddly jealous of the patrons next to us. While their Nespresso personnel was gracious and engaging, ours had disappeared.

For the first time ever, I left the Nespresso Boutique with a bitter taste.

Note:                                                                                                                                           After doing my own research online, I found out that all of the 2009 Variations are based on the LivantoGrand Cru espresso blend. And the flavour notes are more complex than just the description of their namesake. This information was readily available to the consumer. I wonder why the Nespresso personnel was unable to relay this information to me on my last visit.

******UPDATE******

I contacted Nespresso through their online contact form and expressed my opinions about said visit. I received a reply from a “coffee specialist” (yes, this is how they address themselves) within 12 hours.

“Thank you for writing to us at the Nespresso Club. I understand you have recently experienced poor service at our Vancouver Boutique.
Please accept our apologies for the confusion and miscommunication. Your commentary has been forwarded to management and we will be happy to review appropriate levels of customer service etiquette with the Coffee Specialist at the Boutique.”

Included in the email is also the direct line to the “coffee specialist” that composed the email. I am encouraged to contact him if I have any further questions or concerns regarding this issue. Impressive.

I must admit that it feels pretty good to be heard. My ruffled feathers have been smoothed. The fact that they took the time to read my message and reply accordingly has reinstated my faith in Nespresso’s strive to exceptional service.

Lesson of the day (to businesses) - Customers want to feel like they matter. Acknowledge and listen to your customers. In some cases the only resolution is an apology.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Popularity: 100% [?]

When one thinks of a “pub”… Irish and English are immediately brought to mind. But a Canadian pub? Yes, there is such a thing and it is fittingly named The Flying Beaver.

The Flying Beaver is part of the Mark James Group of Vancouver. Mark James Group is renowned for their clothing store – an institution in the Kitslano neighbourhood. But they also own a chain of pubs and brewhouses throughout the lower mainland.

Since this restaurant is housed in the Harbour Air Terminal, every seat comes with a view! Whether you are seated inside or on the patio you can enjoy the views of the Fraser river and witness the float planes coming in for landing on the water out front.

As with most pubs, this one operates on the “seat-yourself” protocol, which quickly transpires to “first-come-first-seat” on busy nights. It can get quite hectic but everyone seems to be pretty good natured about the whole process.

The wait staff consistently offer great service. Rain or shine, breakfast, lunch or dinner…  I am always in awe of how the staff handle themselves in the “thick” of restaurant rush. On weekend nights, this bar can be somewhat chaotic. As soon as I seat myself, a server always arrives promptly. Somehow within the chaotic environment, you are made to feel like you are the only customer in the restaurant. And I must say that this phenomenon occurs all the time, regardless of time of day, or the server. Pat on the back to the management for having such a dynamic team of personnel.

Plus, the food is excellent! Tasty and generous in portion. Great drink specials – $5.00 martinis on Tuesdays. Plus daily dinner specials. 30 cent “Wing Wednesday” and $10.00″Flat Iron Steak Dinner Thursdays” are locals’ favourites.

Wonderful environment, excellent staff, and delicious food… a good customer experience indeed.

Popularity: 5% [?]

WHAT? :  Front & Company

WHY? : While their main business is clothing – new, samples, and consignment, Front also has an adjacent retail space that focuses on gifts. In this store, you will find cute stationary, home accessories, and kids stuff. The real gem here is their fabulous selection of greeting cards. This is not your neighbourhood Hallmark. Expect to find unique cards for every genre and occasion. Many of these cards are created by local/worldwide designers. A wonderful store for the discerning card shopper!

WHERE? : 3772 Main Street, Vancouver BC, V5V 3N7  Canada

www.frontandcompany.ca

Popularity: 1% [?]

~Curly Cute Do~

WHAT? : Aveda’s Be Curly Curl Control Lotion

WHY? : While the majority of my girlfriends are buying flat irons and rushing out to test out the newest straightening products, I am obsessed with all curl enhancing methods. As my hair is naturally straight, I am in the habit of creating my curls through the chemical way – perming. To maintain my cute do, I am constantly in search of the perfect curl-enhancing hair products. This product from Aveda, is great for shorter styles. Product claims to tame curls but I think it also defines the curls/waves quite well. Fabulous product for all climates.

HOW? : Although the directions recommend that you use this product on dry hair, I have used it on damp hair and have had great results. In fact, a hair dresser at an Aveda salon had suggested using it in this manner. A little goes a long way.

WHERE? : www.aveda.com ;   Aveda Salons (check website for locations) ;   Eccotique Spa & Salon (Vancouver, BC) ;   Essentique Spa Salon (Winnipeg, MB) ;   Euphoria Salon & Spa  (Buffalo, NY)

HOW MUCH? : $18.00 USD

Popularity: 28% [?]