Ever played Farmville on Facebook? Apparently, it is the #1 Facebook app by Zynga (who also created Café World and Mafia Wars in Top 10) now with over 73 million users - that's more than twice the size than that of the #2 app. These virtual farm games are getting quite popular even on the iPhone. The most popular in the iTunes App Store is the Tap Farm by Streetview Labs, currently at #35 in Top 50 Free Apps.
I've been playing one myself called iFarm by PlayMesh. I spend time picking out crops that would make me the most profit, and I keep coming back to check on their growth even if it's at 3am - because everything is real time, if you leave a harvested crop for too long, it wilts.
How about playing one that actually returns you with REAL edible harvests? Doing it pretty much the same way as in those farm simulation games mentioned above (except you DO have to pay for this) - pick your crops, plant them, water them and finally harvest them - this creative Italian company will deliver your harvests to your doorstep within 24 hours! Interesting eh?
Unfortunately, this fun and innovative service only operates in Italy right now. And you control your own farm (or "garden") via your web browser. But I wouldn't see it being a problem to establish such services in the United States, where city people are becoming more health-conscious, "cheap" "organic" "home-grown" food would appeal very much to them as well. An even better idea - remotely control your farm on mobile even while traveling! Or send a box of love-filled tomatoes to your family!
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Remote-controlled farming for city dwellers: tailor-made, no-fuss vegetable gardens
Showing posts with label services. Show all posts
Showing posts with label services. Show all posts
11.30.2009
Teppanyaki chef exercises favoritism
I actually planned to talk about this in my long pending post along with few other recent happenings until I realized that I actually have a lot more to say for this.
This actually happened at Sakae Teppanyaki, Bugis Junction. Before I plunge into the story, just want to make it clear that this is by far the first time I had experienced such unfair treatment at Sakae. (Favorite branch still in Tampines!!) It's not a total big deal, but it's very unprofessional, especially coming from a teppanyaki chef, where everything is transparent - customers see everything you are doing.
So wx and I were seated at this booth with another family of three. They were there before us, already served with some food, and were chatting with the chef quite frequently. After the chef confirmed our orders with us, he started making our garlic fried rice. For the next 10 mins, the chef only prepped food for that family. In fact, we literally finished our rice before we were served with ours. I really wondered how much food that family had ordered, because even when the chef was finally cooking for us, he was still cooking for them! Then here's where it got worse...
First dish up is the squid. Squid is a common dish in both seafood and beef set. Apparently, that x amount of squid was to be split amongst the five of us at the table - ie. 20% for the each of us. To get an exact even split is tough, but I've always seen the past teppanyaki chefs try their best at it. Do a rough split first then spread the remaining bits among those who got a smaller portion. Seriously, I think I got 10-12 pieces, plus what wx got, we got only approximately 15%. The chef, in his dear judgement, served the remaining bits (1%) to the man of that family. Okay..he is a lot bigger in size but that does not make him deserve more food than I do. We pay the same price, and the chef has no rights to deprive me of what I should be getting for him to suck up to his other customers!!
And... Should teppanyaki chefs talk while they cook? Some hygiene concerns here eh.
In direct contrast, I have seen very nice teppanyaki chefs. Not those chatty slash "friendly" type, but real service. Chinese chef at Plaza Singapura branch, very polite and the only person who bothered with us when the Malay (?) waitress was busy trying to appear occupied - slowly laying out plates at an empty table instead of serving customers first.
Maybe a training program would help? :p Would strongly suggest studying the customer service at Din Tai Feng. Even an appetizer is weighed for every customer, and waitresses are usually friendly.
Ah can't wait to have my grand teppanyaki feast in December! How grand? I should have $90 to spend on my Sakae Card soon :) That's roughly 2 meals for two at Sakae Teppanyaki.
This actually happened at Sakae Teppanyaki, Bugis Junction. Before I plunge into the story, just want to make it clear that this is by far the first time I had experienced such unfair treatment at Sakae. (Favorite branch still in Tampines!!) It's not a total big deal, but it's very unprofessional, especially coming from a teppanyaki chef, where everything is transparent - customers see everything you are doing.
So wx and I were seated at this booth with another family of three. They were there before us, already served with some food, and were chatting with the chef quite frequently. After the chef confirmed our orders with us, he started making our garlic fried rice. For the next 10 mins, the chef only prepped food for that family. In fact, we literally finished our rice before we were served with ours. I really wondered how much food that family had ordered, because even when the chef was finally cooking for us, he was still cooking for them! Then here's where it got worse...
First dish up is the squid. Squid is a common dish in both seafood and beef set. Apparently, that x amount of squid was to be split amongst the five of us at the table - ie. 20% for the each of us. To get an exact even split is tough, but I've always seen the past teppanyaki chefs try their best at it. Do a rough split first then spread the remaining bits among those who got a smaller portion. Seriously, I think I got 10-12 pieces, plus what wx got, we got only approximately 15%. The chef, in his dear judgement, served the remaining bits (1%) to the man of that family. Okay..he is a lot bigger in size but that does not make him deserve more food than I do. We pay the same price, and the chef has no rights to deprive me of what I should be getting for him to suck up to his other customers!!
And... Should teppanyaki chefs talk while they cook? Some hygiene concerns here eh.
In direct contrast, I have seen very nice teppanyaki chefs. Not those chatty slash "friendly" type, but real service. Chinese chef at Plaza Singapura branch, very polite and the only person who bothered with us when the Malay (?) waitress was busy trying to appear occupied - slowly laying out plates at an empty table instead of serving customers first.
Maybe a training program would help? :p Would strongly suggest studying the customer service at Din Tai Feng. Even an appetizer is weighed for every customer, and waitresses are usually friendly.
Ah can't wait to have my grand teppanyaki feast in December! How grand? I should have $90 to spend on my Sakae Card soon :) That's roughly 2 meals for two at Sakae Teppanyaki.
10.31.2009
Sakae Sushi not ideal for Family Dining..
So I finally took my family to Sakae Sushi @ Wheelock Place earlier this month to use my $50 voucher. Picked this location particularly because I saw on the website that it has tatami rooms!
But we didn't get the tatami room :( It was all dark as if that part of the shop is not yet open for business. What's worse was that one of the waitresses actually told us to not put our stroller beside our booths (my niece was still in there at that time). A little disappointing but understandable, as I really thought that the waitresses should offer us a tatami room if they didn't want us to have the stroller in the walkway - could be dangerous with them serving hot food. (We should have requested then too :\) Reason is simple. We were a big party with 4 adults 1 child 1 baby plus a baby stroller. It's very inconvenient to eat while carrying a baby, you know. Instead of asking your customers to adjust to your store plan, you should be trying to accustom to all your customers' needs at all times. That's what customer service is about, right?
So then we ordered 2 unagi-don, 1 gyuu-don, some side dishes, and some colored plates off the sushi train. I must say that the Enoki Niku Maki is quite disappointing - overflowing with teriyaki sauce, too sweet! It's a lot darker (black sauce) than in this picture. But the Saba Shioyaki is not bad for my dad - I think he enjoyed it.
The meal totals out to be $95 - $50 (voucher) = $45. This is my first time ordering ala carte at Sakae Sushi, and I believe it would be my last LOL. To be honest, Sakae Sushi's food is not top grade, though still lot better than those really cheap ones. Ala carte..sure, but cost-wise, is a little too pricey for me. So their buffets are the best - value deals especially if you eat a lot or eat a wide variety! & you have my honest opinion here :)
Just one thing to note when eating buffets:
If you want to use Sakae Sushi vouchers or if you want to benefit from 10% discount and/or 12% rebate from your Sakae Card, then you have to go ala carte. Sad, but the buffets are in fact a "promotion", so not valid with any other promotions.
Oh, and why Sakae Sushi is not ideal for families?
If you're interested in trying out at Sakae Sushi, check out Sakae Sushi's on-going promotions!
But we didn't get the tatami room :( It was all dark as if that part of the shop is not yet open for business. What's worse was that one of the waitresses actually told us to not put our stroller beside our booths (my niece was still in there at that time). A little disappointing but understandable, as I really thought that the waitresses should offer us a tatami room if they didn't want us to have the stroller in the walkway - could be dangerous with them serving hot food. (We should have requested then too :\) Reason is simple. We were a big party with 4 adults 1 child 1 baby plus a baby stroller. It's very inconvenient to eat while carrying a baby, you know. Instead of asking your customers to adjust to your store plan, you should be trying to accustom to all your customers' needs at all times. That's what customer service is about, right?
So then we ordered 2 unagi-don, 1 gyuu-don, some side dishes, and some colored plates off the sushi train. I must say that the Enoki Niku Maki is quite disappointing - overflowing with teriyaki sauce, too sweet! It's a lot darker (black sauce) than in this picture. But the Saba Shioyaki is not bad for my dad - I think he enjoyed it.The meal totals out to be $95 - $50 (voucher) = $45. This is my first time ordering ala carte at Sakae Sushi, and I believe it would be my last LOL. To be honest, Sakae Sushi's food is not top grade, though still lot better than those really cheap ones. Ala carte..sure, but cost-wise, is a little too pricey for me. So their buffets are the best - value deals especially if you eat a lot or eat a wide variety! & you have my honest opinion here :)
Just one thing to note when eating buffets:
If you want to use Sakae Sushi vouchers or if you want to benefit from 10% discount and/or 12% rebate from your Sakae Card, then you have to go ala carte. Sad, but the buffets are in fact a "promotion", so not valid with any other promotions.
Oh, and why Sakae Sushi is not ideal for families?
Sakae Sushi's primary seating areas are the booths, because of the sushi train. But not great for a big family with kids. That's why a tatami room is perfect! Best to come in twos, so both can get their hands on the sushi train running by them :D
If you're interested in trying out at Sakae Sushi, check out Sakae Sushi's on-going promotions!
Oh, I noticed that there's a Sakae Pasta Shop @ Wheelock Place! Worth a try next time :)
4.29.2009
10-minute express haircut service so-so.
So I was tweeting about going to EC House with wx last night where I met with unpleasant service.
It was our first time there, and I thought it interesting, so I figured we should document it...with pictures! Got a shot of the ticketing/paying machine: insert $10 to get a ticket, which you hand to the haircutter when it's your turn. (Note the use of haircutter instead of hairdresser. It's like a barber shop. You only see guys in it.)
Was just going to take a photo of wx sitting there for a haircut, when the auntie approached me and said "Sorry, no photography." (pointing to a sign, I didn't read but I suppose she meant that it's written there, no photos allowed) Fair enough if you didn't want me to take photos of your store front (even though I pretty much did already :p) - don't see the harm in doing so - but "Not even of him?" I spouted, twice. She didn't seem to understand at first but I think she finally sorted out the idea and did a hand sign for approval (as though I needed approval to take photos of my hunny). But wx just told me to forget it.
In any case, I still took a photo of wx getting a haircut. Could only do it from behind though to avoid being too obvious. Note: I am taking a photo OF wx.
I took a sit to wait for wx while tweeting on my phone about what just happened. There were 4 seats with numbers 1-4, meant for the queue numbers for the customers in line. Clearly there weren't any customers queuing without a seat. So what's the deal with me taking a seat while waiting for my hunny getting a haircut? I am also a customer if you hadn't realized. But the same auntie requested that I wait outside. This kind of blew up my wx, so he was pulling a long face for the rest of the time. I maintained my poise. Smiled even though I thought it ridiculous. Nonetheless, they have the right to maintain their so-called "rules" and I thought I should respect it. Just know that I won't be returning, and possibly tell me friends not to as well. (But heck I don't have many guy friends :\)
But I do find some interesting things about the store/type of service. For example, the paying machine and the way customers are handled with their hair + the design of each booth - it's almost like robotic age except that things are executed manually: 1) after a haircut, they vaccuum their customers from head to neck! 2) hair on the floor is swept to the left corner of the booth to be "sucked" away by a hidden vacuum cleaner behind. How convenient! :D 3) they also spray water on the head - this is actually normal, people do that in salons to wet the hair before cutting. But these guys do it at the end and it looks like they are spraying flowers or plants.
The auntie really caught wx off guard. He was already grumpy with her attitude and being so sensitive to touch/physical interactions (and he hates wetness!), he literally jumped when she sprayed water on him. LOL poor auntie was shocked by his reaction. I just lololol in a corner. :p
It was our first time there, and I thought it interesting, so I figured we should document it...with pictures! Got a shot of the ticketing/paying machine: insert $10 to get a ticket, which you hand to the haircutter when it's your turn. (Note the use of haircutter instead of hairdresser. It's like a barber shop. You only see guys in it.)
Was just going to take a photo of wx sitting there for a haircut, when the auntie approached me and said "Sorry, no photography." (pointing to a sign, I didn't read but I suppose she meant that it's written there, no photos allowed) Fair enough if you didn't want me to take photos of your store front (even though I pretty much did already :p) - don't see the harm in doing so - but "Not even of him?" I spouted, twice. She didn't seem to understand at first but I think she finally sorted out the idea and did a hand sign for approval (as though I needed approval to take photos of my hunny). But wx just told me to forget it.
In any case, I still took a photo of wx getting a haircut. Could only do it from behind though to avoid being too obvious. Note: I am taking a photo OF wx.
I took a sit to wait for wx while tweeting on my phone about what just happened. There were 4 seats with numbers 1-4, meant for the queue numbers for the customers in line. Clearly there weren't any customers queuing without a seat. So what's the deal with me taking a seat while waiting for my hunny getting a haircut? I am also a customer if you hadn't realized. But the same auntie requested that I wait outside. This kind of blew up my wx, so he was pulling a long face for the rest of the time. I maintained my poise. Smiled even though I thought it ridiculous. Nonetheless, they have the right to maintain their so-called "rules" and I thought I should respect it. Just know that I won't be returning, and possibly tell me friends not to as well. (But heck I don't have many guy friends :\)
But I do find some interesting things about the store/type of service. For example, the paying machine and the way customers are handled with their hair + the design of each booth - it's almost like robotic age except that things are executed manually: 1) after a haircut, they vaccuum their customers from head to neck! 2) hair on the floor is swept to the left corner of the booth to be "sucked" away by a hidden vacuum cleaner behind. How convenient! :D 3) they also spray water on the head - this is actually normal, people do that in salons to wet the hair before cutting. But these guys do it at the end and it looks like they are spraying flowers or plants.
The auntie really caught wx off guard. He was already grumpy with her attitude and being so sensitive to touch/physical interactions (and he hates wetness!), he literally jumped when she sprayed water on him. LOL poor auntie was shocked by his reaction. I just lololol in a corner. :p
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