I love to cook. I love to eat. I love to have others cook for me so I can eat.
In our family food is more than just something that will sustain your body..it is enjoyment and pleasure at it's finest when you find GREAT FOOD. One of my passions is to eat at places where I would not necessarily attempt to cook it myself....(I make one Thai dish I am quite proud of)...
Let me share that if you are going to drive over one hour to go out to eat to a "joint"...not an upscale or famous Restaurant the food better be in the category of GREAT FOOD. The House of Kabob (and make no mistake this is an Afghan Restaurant)...what can I say ??! well...what I would like to do is actually get into the kitchen and learn. I chose a Gyro Sandwich. No sides. No fancy extras. It came tightly wrapped in foil and felt heavy. From the moment I started slowly peeling back the shiny wrapper I was being taunted and assaulted by smells that were making my taste buds stand up and say HEEEllloooooooooo...hurry the heck up and FEED ME...feed me...! I inspected the wrap and figured, it was time to stop waisting the time and just take a bite. And sooooooooo....I chomped down and ohhh my ohhh my...mother of all creatures....I was in heaven! Yes...in heaven...
Greek Gyros...move the heck over...and do not get in my way! The spices simply enveloped my senses and started softly dancing in my mouth. The lamb and meat combination of my gyro was perfectly cooked with good..hmmm no GREAT quality meat. The flavorings were harmonized in every way. Amazingly everything else inside my pita wrap was fresh and ohhh so very tasty. Lettuce, Tomatoes, Onions, red peppers, green peppers and again...perfect seasoning. The yogurt Tzatziki sauce (which should be eaten with a Gyro) added just another dollop of love to my Gyro. Tzatziki sauce is usually made from Greek yogurt, cucumber, lemon juice, dill and garlic. The green sauce made for Kabobs is also yogurt based but gets its green tint from Cilantro. Hints of cumin and coriander and lemon juice...garlic...and a few things I was just not sure about, but I will ask on my next visit. Which will be very very soon! The ending to this fantastic meal was Baklava. Good grief...who decided to serve me a piece that was about the size of a deck of cards but twice as thick! Basically four times the size of any other restaruant I have ever been too and have had the pleasure of trying Baklava. This Baklava is the queen of all bakava's...perfectly seasoned with cinnamon and honey syrup. The layers were moist but not drenched. The pistachios and other nuts (hmmm almonds I think) were in perfect proportion to the mountain of filo layers. This was not only finger licking good, but lick your plate clean anyway you can good!
Until soon...because you know I am going to be eating great food...weather I am preparing it or finding another place to have them share their love for food with me.
XoXo
Susan -TotallyAddicted
Should you decide to visit me (because you are my friend)...then you are certainly going to be ending up at this lovely little gem of a Restaurant with me.
By the way...I ended up having to wash my shirt when I got home because I was so happy and enthusiastic about my Gyro I ended up having it drip with all its yummy-ness over my hands and onto my shirt...
I didn't even bother cleaning my face until I was completely done and having devoured everything. Today I simply sigh as I remember the dining experience from last night.
Last but no least, because what makes a wonderful and delightful dining experience are the people who surround you. Being the only caucasian (you know..white folks) in the restaurant makes me humm with joy because I know I have hit a jack pot. Families gathering and making food a ritual and softly talking and laughing is one of the many layers of what makes me seek out great food.
Fat girl gotta eat (I will be forever grateful for this phrase from my friend Connie who like I do...appreciates GREAT FOOD).
Sunday, January 15, 2012
Monday, January 9, 2012
CUSTOMER SERVICE continued
Amazon.com
what a wonderful company to deal with! And you can pretty much order anything your heart desires.
I pre-ordered several movies before they came out. One of them being my all time favorite THE LION KING. At one point as my daughter was growing up I could recite every single word. I could sing along as well (even though I am sure most people would have preferred for me NOT to sing along..*grin).
When the DVD/BLU-RAY of THE LION KING arrived...we found that the Blu-Ray would not work. I called the company and got through fairly easy to talk to a human. I told the customer service rep my issue and by the time I finished talking he said to me that my order had been placed to replace the damage item and to expect it shortly. WHAT????????? I am glad I was sitting down! Who does that...replace an item with NO CHARGE and without having the bad/broken/ususable/whatever-is-wrong-with-it already returned! Then I was informed I would receive a shipping label via email and to simply return the defective item within 30 days.
Wowwwwwwwwww....now I am impressed. I got an email within 24 hours. A week later (because I am slow in most things that I need TO DO *sighing), I got another email, reminding me nicely about the return. Efficient. Simple. And with the least amount of stress to me. Which.."me" is very important mind you...I don't like working hard if something wasn't my problem to begin with...
My new (and now perfectly working Blu-Ray) item THE LION KING arrived actually before I was able to send back the defective item. Mind you...I did feel guilty enough to send the defective item out at once since I had received a perfectly good working copy.
Ohhh....and don't let me forget to mention ...I actually received an email letting me know they RECEIVED the returned item. All I can say is ...More companies need to look at their customer service and return policies. I have shopped at Amazon.com for years (I love love to read!!!). Now..they really have made a loyal customer and I will tell everyone about the wonderful service I received. I am happy and satisfied. After all...I did say "ME" is very important..and "ME" should be happy and satisfied!
what a wonderful company to deal with! And you can pretty much order anything your heart desires.
I pre-ordered several movies before they came out. One of them being my all time favorite THE LION KING. At one point as my daughter was growing up I could recite every single word. I could sing along as well (even though I am sure most people would have preferred for me NOT to sing along..*grin).
When the DVD/BLU-RAY of THE LION KING arrived...we found that the Blu-Ray would not work. I called the company and got through fairly easy to talk to a human. I told the customer service rep my issue and by the time I finished talking he said to me that my order had been placed to replace the damage item and to expect it shortly. WHAT????????? I am glad I was sitting down! Who does that...replace an item with NO CHARGE and without having the bad/broken/ususable/whatever-is-wrong-with-it already returned! Then I was informed I would receive a shipping label via email and to simply return the defective item within 30 days.
Wowwwwwwwwww....now I am impressed. I got an email within 24 hours. A week later (because I am slow in most things that I need TO DO *sighing), I got another email, reminding me nicely about the return. Efficient. Simple. And with the least amount of stress to me. Which.."me" is very important mind you...I don't like working hard if something wasn't my problem to begin with...
My new (and now perfectly working Blu-Ray) item THE LION KING arrived actually before I was able to send back the defective item. Mind you...I did feel guilty enough to send the defective item out at once since I had received a perfectly good working copy.
Ohhh....and don't let me forget to mention ...I actually received an email letting me know they RECEIVED the returned item. All I can say is ...More companies need to look at their customer service and return policies. I have shopped at Amazon.com for years (I love love to read!!!). Now..they really have made a loyal customer and I will tell everyone about the wonderful service I received. I am happy and satisfied. After all...I did say "ME" is very important..and "ME" should be happy and satisfied!
CUSTOMER SERVICE
Holiday shopping is a funny thing. Some of us look forward to getting out into the stores and take advantage of sales, even if you have to endure crowds of people. Standing in line and waiting your turn to be rung up. For me that is a big NO THANK YOU! I am an online shopper during the busy season, not just because I am unable to drive (due to health reasons).
Now let me tell you a few things that have happened this shopping season for me. I am quite verbal about customer service ANYWHERE I get it. I will tell a Manager at a Restaurant how wonderful the service was, or the food. Compliments should be given just as freely as a complaint!! Of course most people actually do not say a thing! Soooooooooo...I have had a few companies that were OUTSTANDING in service and a few that completely disappointed. Macy's....online or store will NEVER see another penny of mine. Landsend however is one of the absolutely best companies to deal with. EVER. I will get more into detail during the next few posts, however....call them...
I did...
and OMG...they answered the phone. YES..they answered the phone...I mean...a HUMAN answered the phone. How often does that happen nowadays? You can't even call your doctor's office without having to go through a menu. So sad. Technology has taken away the most important thing about customer service: The human aspect and interaction. Sure sure sure..you finally will get a rep on the line, whose hands are pretty much restricted in taking care of anything major...buh humbug...
And it takes time and more time to get someone on the phone that "might" be able to help you.
Here are the companies I dealt with over the holiday season for my shopping excursions:
Amazon.com
Landsend.com
Macys.com
Kohls.com
Walmart.com
I am going to start out with Kohl's since I just got off the phone with them. And let me tell you that I was on the phone for 21 minutes without it being resolved to my satisfaction.
I emailed the as soon as I noticed the issue with my order. Then I called. And now I emailed them again.
I had three previous orders by them and they arrived as they should have with no incident..until
Hello Kohls.com
I am a very very unhappy customer at the moment. I placed several orders with kohls.com over the holidays. My last order arrived on Thursday Jan 5. Upon opening I found out one of the items I ordered (King red damask set sku# 91969408) was not in the box. Instead they shipped me two of the throws. I at once emailed order accuracy @kohls.com and have not as of yet heard back from them. Today Jan 9th I called customer service. Holly was quite nice and trying to be helpful, however your companies policies only added to my frustration. I simply wanted the item I had paid for, which should have been a simple matter....but NOooooo, instead the item was credited to my account. Then I was informed the credit might take 14 to 30 days before it has been processed. THIS IS COMPLETELY UNACCEPTABLE. You made the mistake, so therefore my money should be given to me ASAP (keeping in mind it may take two or three days to process). Then to get my items you would have to do another order and CHARGE my card, even before I get my credit? WHAT IS THAT!!!!!!!!!!!! I have had a few returns during this holiday season and none of the other companies have had an issue getting items exchanged. I therefore now am NOT reordering my items, simply because at this time I can not afford to be charged for something I have already paid for. I hope you will take the time to review some of your policies to make it easier for customers. I do most of my shopping online because I am not able to drive. At this point I am not sure I will return as a customer. AND I will be quite verbal about the service I have received...or hmmm not received!
Sincerely,
Susan XXXX
Now I will be interested to see WHAT will happen. I will keep you up to date!!
UPDATE 1/9/12
I actually got an email from customer service. And yes..indeed....I responded to them once again. I am sure you will notice that I am still NOT A HAPPY CUSTOMER.
Dear Susan xxxx,
Thank you for taking the time to contact us regarding your recent experience with Kohl's. Your frustration is understandable.
While it may be difficult to receive negative information about our services, it is important for us to become aware of the recent challenges you experienced. We make every effort to ensure that your online shopping experience is a pleasant one. I regret this was not the case for you.
Your disappointment is understandable. Please know that your comments have been heard at our corporate office and that we are dedicated to improving our website. Susan, you are a valued customer and we appreciate the time you took to contact us. We hope that you will allow us another opportunity to provide you with the excellence in service that you truly deserve.
We appreciate the time you took to contact us and look forward to serving you again at kohls.com
Please feel free to contact us if you have any additional questions.
and my response
Now let me tell you a few things that have happened this shopping season for me. I am quite verbal about customer service ANYWHERE I get it. I will tell a Manager at a Restaurant how wonderful the service was, or the food. Compliments should be given just as freely as a complaint!! Of course most people actually do not say a thing! Soooooooooo...I have had a few companies that were OUTSTANDING in service and a few that completely disappointed. Macy's....online or store will NEVER see another penny of mine. Landsend however is one of the absolutely best companies to deal with. EVER. I will get more into detail during the next few posts, however....call them...
I did...
and OMG...they answered the phone. YES..they answered the phone...I mean...a HUMAN answered the phone. How often does that happen nowadays? You can't even call your doctor's office without having to go through a menu. So sad. Technology has taken away the most important thing about customer service: The human aspect and interaction. Sure sure sure..you finally will get a rep on the line, whose hands are pretty much restricted in taking care of anything major...buh humbug...
And it takes time and more time to get someone on the phone that "might" be able to help you.
Here are the companies I dealt with over the holiday season for my shopping excursions:
Amazon.com
Landsend.com
Macys.com
Kohls.com
Walmart.com
I am going to start out with Kohl's since I just got off the phone with them. And let me tell you that I was on the phone for 21 minutes without it being resolved to my satisfaction.
I emailed the as soon as I noticed the issue with my order. Then I called. And now I emailed them again.
I had three previous orders by them and they arrived as they should have with no incident..until
Hello Kohls.com
I am a very very unhappy customer at the moment. I placed several orders with kohls.com over the holidays. My last order arrived on Thursday Jan 5. Upon opening I found out one of the items I ordered (King red damask set sku# 91969408) was not in the box. Instead they shipped me two of the throws. I at once emailed order accuracy @kohls.com and have not as of yet heard back from them. Today Jan 9th I called customer service. Holly was quite nice and trying to be helpful, however your companies policies only added to my frustration. I simply wanted the item I had paid for, which should have been a simple matter....but NOooooo, instead the item was credited to my account. Then I was informed the credit might take 14 to 30 days before it has been processed. THIS IS COMPLETELY UNACCEPTABLE. You made the mistake, so therefore my money should be given to me ASAP (keeping in mind it may take two or three days to process). Then to get my items you would have to do another order and CHARGE my card, even before I get my credit? WHAT IS THAT!!!!!!!!!!!! I have had a few returns during this holiday season and none of the other companies have had an issue getting items exchanged. I therefore now am NOT reordering my items, simply because at this time I can not afford to be charged for something I have already paid for. I hope you will take the time to review some of your policies to make it easier for customers. I do most of my shopping online because I am not able to drive. At this point I am not sure I will return as a customer. AND I will be quite verbal about the service I have received...or hmmm not received!
Sincerely,
Susan XXXX
Now I will be interested to see WHAT will happen. I will keep you up to date!!
UPDATE 1/9/12
I actually got an email from customer service. And yes..indeed....I responded to them once again. I am sure you will notice that I am still NOT A HAPPY CUSTOMER.
Dear Susan xxxx,
Thank you for taking the time to contact us regarding your recent experience with Kohl's. Your frustration is understandable.
While it may be difficult to receive negative information about our services, it is important for us to become aware of the recent challenges you experienced. We make every effort to ensure that your online shopping experience is a pleasant one. I regret this was not the case for you.
Your disappointment is understandable. Please know that your comments have been heard at our corporate office and that we are dedicated to improving our website. Susan, you are a valued customer and we appreciate the time you took to contact us. We hope that you will allow us another opportunity to provide you with the excellence in service that you truly deserve.
We appreciate the time you took to contact us and look forward to serving you again at kohls.com
Please feel free to contact us if you have any additional questions.
and my response
Dear Kohl's
None of my issues were addressed
1) my refund is going to take TOO LONG - 15 to 30 days is NOT ACCEPTABLE
2) I am not placing or replacing the items I have ordered and PAID for to do your inability to take care of my issue. I will not be charged for something I have paid for and not have had a refund as of yet.
3) The 1st email gave you the opportunity do provide me with the excellence in service I truly deserve and you failed miserably
Sincerely
Susan xxxx
now...you have to know that I shop at Kohl's a lot...at least....I DID....as I said...I am not sure I want to give them my money.
In the last year along I spend a ton of money...everything ranging from Kitchen ware, baby clothes, clothes for the rest of the family, presents from many of the other departments, decorations and well... more etc etc blah blah
There is enough competitors out there selling me about the same items that I can be happy shopping somewhere else and have someone appreciate me as a customer.
Did I mention "me" should be appreciated???
or..hmmm how did Kohl's put it...ahhh yes...I should get the excellent service I truly deserve.
At least they are got that right!
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