It makes me so happy that Espresso House opened on Piletredet inb Oslo, also that they seem to come from Sweden.
The girls, yes I say girls are amazingly sweet and full of smiles. They all even look alike...
The prices are very steep - 71 kr for a bacon and mozarella sandwich, served warm after 4 minutes on the grill. Apparently all food except for muffins is made in house by the girls. And if you save your morning coffee receipt you can after the clock turns 14:00 get a new coffee for half price but make sure it is PAST 14:00 not 13:59! The rebate doesn't work in the register before 14:00!
I have been meaning to review them earlier, however haven't been triggered since everything is good. However yesterday I saw some new small sweet muffins, they look smaller than half of the normal muffisn for 32 NOK. And guess what! They were 23 NOK for a 2 bite muffin! Wow that was really steep.
The Espresso House on Pilestredet also seems to be a training facility nowadays. This is logical since the girl in charge is amazingly good and her colleagues know their stuff being baristas and having marketing degrees! However small things like always putting a napkin in the take out bags, making sure that the sandwich in the grill actually is inserted all the way in.
The long tables invite people to not think only about their personal space, the patriots are mostly during the day from the college with a few older patriots here and there. The bathroom is clean and fresh. A must when the door opens straight into a lean chair.
One day I think I saw one of the owners or leaders stop in, she was quite loud and did not go in the back around the counter but just spoke straight over the counter in between customers. Customer even had to move out of her way and she took the girls attention away from the customers they were helping.
It is all about the coffee and I must say that the coffee is very good. All portions are actually doubles but quite pricy. If I order a cortado with a little more milk they call it a flat white and the price is very much higher for a cm more of milk.
I am there every day, I have seen these girl grow from the day they opened. I can taste differences in the bacon and mozarella sandwiches depending on who makes them, they differ in amount of quacamole, the chili pieces in the quacamole and how they are warmed. Sometimes they are very greasy and sometimes less greasy.
I leave there with a smile on my face, either from the smiling and smart girl in charge, or the service from the barista with the marketing degree, however I think more business could be generated if they didn't have twice as expensive food (almost) than their competition. Their sallads are small and have minut amounts of chicken, bacon or shrimp. They look nice buy open the top and you realize that you could have gotten at least twice as much sallad or sandwich at the competition.
They have a 10% rebate card, if you prepay your get 10% however if you have 1 NOK less on your card you cannot pay this in cash, you have to refill the card before getting the 10%. This is not the case at Waynes! Makes things a little more complicated.
Overall I really like Espresso House, that is why I want them to be able to compete better and that is is only the personnel at the establishment that make you come back.
espressohouse
Wednesday, April 02, 2014
Monday, March 10, 2014
Lorry - location and history isn't enough anymore
Nothing, absolutely nothing except for the Swedish waiter and the very rare meat was good at Lorry! The meat was done correctly but the french fries were burnt, the sauce was cold and the vegetables under the meat were too hard and ice cold. Too bad!
Monday, March 03, 2014
Detox/fast dag 5-7- 10
Not hungry but bloated. Don't know why. 66.7 kg, down 4 kg in 4 days. Last day of Pyour detox. Day 5 on the Neera lemon juice fast. Been good and not had any coffee, I can't do this and also go off caffeine. I will be walking by a few coffee places so we'll see how disciplined I am.
16:43... Shaky and a little hungry. Pee smells weird which is a good thing.
Day 7
All god but as son as i have à cup of coffee something quickly comes out the other end. 55.3 kg! Yeahhhhhhhh but I am very light headed.
I did think that I would be walking around uh grey but no.
Day 10
All done - I could keep going this was GREAT!!!
16:43... Shaky and a little hungry. Pee smells weird which is a good thing.
Day 7
All god but as son as i have à cup of coffee something quickly comes out the other end. 55.3 kg! Yeahhhhhhhh but I am very light headed.
I did think that I would be walking around uh grey but no.
Day 10
All done - I could keep going this was GREAT!!!
Sunday, March 02, 2014
Beth's Medispa test
I have now tried out many treatments at Beth's Medispa. I was at the opening and have followed them since then with evenly timed treatments, from Botox to hair laser removal to Ulthera.
I must say that, yes it costs but at the same time the personnel knows their stuff and follow you up in an amazing and very personal way. They give you honest feedback regardless if it gives them less or no money. I have left an appointment without doing anything since the doctor actually did not think I needed it. Plus points delux!
The only thing I haven't been offered in the Medispa is something to drink while waiting, but then I have never had to wait. They are on time, take their time and give you their utmost attention.
I am due for some touch-ups...but my wallet will not allow it at the moment. But it doesn't matter how long between your visits they know exactly your status regarding treatments and they never push.
Beth's Medispa - you always make me feel welcome and safe!
Beth's Medispa
I must say that, yes it costs but at the same time the personnel knows their stuff and follow you up in an amazing and very personal way. They give you honest feedback regardless if it gives them less or no money. I have left an appointment without doing anything since the doctor actually did not think I needed it. Plus points delux!
The only thing I haven't been offered in the Medispa is something to drink while waiting, but then I have never had to wait. They are on time, take their time and give you their utmost attention.
I am due for some touch-ups...but my wallet will not allow it at the moment. But it doesn't matter how long between your visits they know exactly your status regarding treatments and they never push.
Beth's Medispa - you always make me feel welcome and safe!
Beth's Medispa
Saturday, March 01, 2014
Beth's Medispa is the only Ulthera Premiere clinic in Oslo!
Over 200 procedures by Dr Scott Schener at Beth's Medispa! This is an amazing procedure! I have tried it and the results are very clear. It takes some time before you see the results but they come, be sure!
Congratulations! Beth's' MediSpa
Congratulations! Beth's' MediSpa
Detox delux days, Neera Lemon juice detox and Pyour detox
Day 4 evening
God i feel bloated! Yucky
Day 4
Slept for over 11 hours! It's been a long time I slept for that long! It is Sunday so I went for a cortado. I know that coffee is a no no but after getting up on the scale and finding out I lost 4kgs in 3 days! Must be careful it can't go too well! ;-) it feels good but I can feel that cortado is not the best for my boy now. What will happen to me if my body keeps telling me to only eat nutritious stuff? Shit ;-)...
Day 3 evening...
All is well but had to have a few almonds and walnuts. Drank a lot of water.
Day 3
I am beat, not hungry but shaky. Had to eat some almonds to stop shaking. See food commercials everywhere...irritating but not really hungry. I want sweets not food. Let's hope day 4 is easier!
Day 1-2
I started 2 detox systems 3 days ago. The Pyour detox and the Neera Lemon juice detox. The first is a five day detox you drink on an empty stomach . The other you drink all day. It consists of lemon juice, natural tree syrup, cayenne pepper and water...for 10 days! What the hell was I thinking?
I thought for sure that I would die of hunger...but no, after two days my bloated stomach has gone down, I pee a lot and I am only hungry for munchies in the late night watching tv. It is a fast that cleanses you the pamphlet states, well it feels that way on day 3. However I am not all 'here' and planning that day 3-4 is on a weekend is smart. No brilliant ideas now, just a feeling of not being all 'there'.
Will be back tomorrow with more info...:-)
God i feel bloated! Yucky
Day 4
Slept for over 11 hours! It's been a long time I slept for that long! It is Sunday so I went for a cortado. I know that coffee is a no no but after getting up on the scale and finding out I lost 4kgs in 3 days! Must be careful it can't go too well! ;-) it feels good but I can feel that cortado is not the best for my boy now. What will happen to me if my body keeps telling me to only eat nutritious stuff? Shit ;-)...
Day 3 evening...
All is well but had to have a few almonds and walnuts. Drank a lot of water.
Day 3
I am beat, not hungry but shaky. Had to eat some almonds to stop shaking. See food commercials everywhere...irritating but not really hungry. I want sweets not food. Let's hope day 4 is easier!
Day 1-2
I started 2 detox systems 3 days ago. The Pyour detox and the Neera Lemon juice detox. The first is a five day detox you drink on an empty stomach . The other you drink all day. It consists of lemon juice, natural tree syrup, cayenne pepper and water...for 10 days! What the hell was I thinking?
I thought for sure that I would die of hunger...but no, after two days my bloated stomach has gone down, I pee a lot and I am only hungry for munchies in the late night watching tv. It is a fast that cleanses you the pamphlet states, well it feels that way on day 3. However I am not all 'here' and planning that day 3-4 is on a weekend is smart. No brilliant ideas now, just a feeling of not being all 'there'.
Will be back tomorrow with more info...:-)
Saturday, November 23, 2013
Testing the train at 45...
I cannot believe this.... I am actually on the train with a backpack, sleeping bag (yes it is attached to the backpack but it remains to be seen if it will enclose me tonight...), skis and a boot bag! I have never traveled to go skiing by ski bus or ski train so this this is very exciting.
I am on Bergensbane, which means the train travels on a train track going all the way across Norway to Bergen! Sounds impressive when you have seen the Norwegian landscape!
Bought a first class ticket which actually means that you have electricity in the seat for your computer and you get free coffee, even cappuccino appears in the coffee machine. and only for 14 dollars more! And the seat even folds back! Wonder if the passengers in monkey class have that option!?
I am sitting backwards which I think means I am going back in time...only for us 40 and over, since backwards traveling has extra perks! First of all by sitting backwards on the train you actually stop the aging process... That is a service NSB offers us over 40! To actually guarantee a backwards sitting seat you only have to add 7 dollars! Compare this with a facelift, botox, detox, fillers etc! You just paid for your whole vacation by saving...
Second, by traveling in NSB Komfort class sitting close to the coffee machine helps calm many power and control happy business people. They can control, and feel like they own coffee machine! And by pressing the coffee type they like, they get just what they wanted! Of course, being in a almost non-Starbucks country, a non-fat soya macchiato is not an option.
A third service included is the 'ear check'. By traveling backwards you are caught off guard upon entering the many tunnels the train goes through. This actions tests the pressure in your ears and lets you know if you have accumulated water in them after your morning shower. Always good to know so you can empty them out prior to your next shower to avoid drowning.
I took the train all the time during my student years in Sweden in the 80s due to not having money for a long wished for car and now I am a student in Norway and I am back on the train! This time not wishing to have a car. Can this be a small part of the more modern circle of living life today with the trillion options everyone has and everything being allowed?
The older couple next to me, their eyes popping out as travelers from all over the world fall into the cabin with skis, boots, backpacks, PCs, coffee mugs, music in their ears, finally lost their cool when their Coke bottle exploded as they tried to open it, splashing everyone within a meters radius. Now they too are talking to fellow travelers, not just staring. Good ice breaker. 30 minutes out of Oslo, the landscapes opens up and mountains arise, ice covered lakes, snow covered forests appear. Norway is beautiful and traveling backwards I get to savor the view longer than the travelers not undergoing the NSB anti-aging travel package! The forth perk!
I will need a snack in the form of champagne during the ride since I suffer from all kinds of travel sicknesses! It is actually the preferred and non-scientifically proven best tranquilizer in the anti-aging process as well as it works miracles against train sickness. They have a dinner train car with everything from Norwegian normal priced food to more exclusive! Compared to the rest of the world that means you can only afford sneaking into my class and stealing a free cup of Norwegian coffee with the color of tea.
To astonish me more NSB has even English speaking conductors and speakers speakers! I am impressed but NO champagne! When lunch starts they ovens blow out the enticing gourmet smells into all the train cars....this is marketing on a very basic but intelligent level! I think I know why! Also in the anti-aging service balance and leg training is offered. The fifth perk! Upon standing up and walking with headphones, music on level 9, phone, iPad and glasses falling down on your nose, you feel this tingling, pulling sensation in your muscles from your stomach down to your big toe. Yes this is the full body work out service. By holding all your 'must have, cannot live without for 2 minutes to get coffee belongings' and almost loosing your glasses and trying to walk, the train challenges you with wobbling and turning, forcing you to compensate with your lower body in order not to get to know your fellow travelers chest first.
Six! NSB also offers a dating, meeting service. By challenging you physically walking to the coffee machine, it randomly throws you into the lap of a total stranger. After that it is up to you how you handle the spilled coffee, the scattered iPad, headphones and glasses.
Seven! I almost forgot, the ticket counter works as well! However, the NSB App that creates a beautiful barcode out if your ticket cannot be used by the conductor...he has no scanner! He will ask you to press the barcode to miraculously let NSB know you have activated your ticket. Norway in a nutshell; full of technology but few actually use it full out. Looks very good though and I was not kicked off the train so something worked.
So at 45, back on a train, I think I a, doing OK! It is just the champagne withdrawal that itches.
I am on Bergensbane, which means the train travels on a train track going all the way across Norway to Bergen! Sounds impressive when you have seen the Norwegian landscape!
Bought a first class ticket which actually means that you have electricity in the seat for your computer and you get free coffee, even cappuccino appears in the coffee machine. and only for 14 dollars more! And the seat even folds back! Wonder if the passengers in monkey class have that option!?
I am sitting backwards which I think means I am going back in time...only for us 40 and over, since backwards traveling has extra perks! First of all by sitting backwards on the train you actually stop the aging process... That is a service NSB offers us over 40! To actually guarantee a backwards sitting seat you only have to add 7 dollars! Compare this with a facelift, botox, detox, fillers etc! You just paid for your whole vacation by saving...
Second, by traveling in NSB Komfort class sitting close to the coffee machine helps calm many power and control happy business people. They can control, and feel like they own coffee machine! And by pressing the coffee type they like, they get just what they wanted! Of course, being in a almost non-Starbucks country, a non-fat soya macchiato is not an option.
A third service included is the 'ear check'. By traveling backwards you are caught off guard upon entering the many tunnels the train goes through. This actions tests the pressure in your ears and lets you know if you have accumulated water in them after your morning shower. Always good to know so you can empty them out prior to your next shower to avoid drowning.
I took the train all the time during my student years in Sweden in the 80s due to not having money for a long wished for car and now I am a student in Norway and I am back on the train! This time not wishing to have a car. Can this be a small part of the more modern circle of living life today with the trillion options everyone has and everything being allowed?
The older couple next to me, their eyes popping out as travelers from all over the world fall into the cabin with skis, boots, backpacks, PCs, coffee mugs, music in their ears, finally lost their cool when their Coke bottle exploded as they tried to open it, splashing everyone within a meters radius. Now they too are talking to fellow travelers, not just staring. Good ice breaker. 30 minutes out of Oslo, the landscapes opens up and mountains arise, ice covered lakes, snow covered forests appear. Norway is beautiful and traveling backwards I get to savor the view longer than the travelers not undergoing the NSB anti-aging travel package! The forth perk!
I will need a snack in the form of champagne during the ride since I suffer from all kinds of travel sicknesses! It is actually the preferred and non-scientifically proven best tranquilizer in the anti-aging process as well as it works miracles against train sickness. They have a dinner train car with everything from Norwegian normal priced food to more exclusive! Compared to the rest of the world that means you can only afford sneaking into my class and stealing a free cup of Norwegian coffee with the color of tea.
To astonish me more NSB has even English speaking conductors and speakers speakers! I am impressed but NO champagne! When lunch starts they ovens blow out the enticing gourmet smells into all the train cars....this is marketing on a very basic but intelligent level! I think I know why! Also in the anti-aging service balance and leg training is offered. The fifth perk! Upon standing up and walking with headphones, music on level 9, phone, iPad and glasses falling down on your nose, you feel this tingling, pulling sensation in your muscles from your stomach down to your big toe. Yes this is the full body work out service. By holding all your 'must have, cannot live without for 2 minutes to get coffee belongings' and almost loosing your glasses and trying to walk, the train challenges you with wobbling and turning, forcing you to compensate with your lower body in order not to get to know your fellow travelers chest first.
Six! NSB also offers a dating, meeting service. By challenging you physically walking to the coffee machine, it randomly throws you into the lap of a total stranger. After that it is up to you how you handle the spilled coffee, the scattered iPad, headphones and glasses.
Seven! I almost forgot, the ticket counter works as well! However, the NSB App that creates a beautiful barcode out if your ticket cannot be used by the conductor...he has no scanner! He will ask you to press the barcode to miraculously let NSB know you have activated your ticket. Norway in a nutshell; full of technology but few actually use it full out. Looks very good though and I was not kicked off the train so something worked.
So at 45, back on a train, I think I a, doing OK! It is just the champagne withdrawal that itches.
The ultimate feelgood beauty experience in Oslo!
Beth's Beauty, Oslo - once again amazing service!
Amazing, every time I turn to them I get service well above what I already expect! Beth's Beauty has what it takes to handle all your beauty and well being needs, male or female! I have been going there for very many years now and followed the establishment's development and growth! As other beauty places come and go (in Oslo there are very many of them), Beth's Beauty grows in knowledge, customer satisfaction and seniority! Elisabeth Lien, the amazing owner really knows how to grow in a serious and humble way. Her business ethics are outstanding and her service mindedness has no boundaries!
Need to have a feel good hour, day, experience? Visit Beth's Beauty in Olso!
Phone: 0047 22 55 53 80 Address: Niels Juels Gate 38, 0257 Oslo Emal: njg@beths.no
Wednesday, October 16, 2013
Recommendations
To be recommended - the establishment must have the same quality level for a min. of 5 visits.
Beauty
Beths Beauty - 2 locatons in Oslo.
Check out the monthly tips.
NIELS JUELS GATE 38 0257 OSLO
Tel:22 55 53 80 Epost: njg@beths.no
GABELS GATE 11 0272 OSLO
Tel:22 44 92 20 Epost: gg@beths.no
Norwegian lawyers - private practices
Advokat Kjersti Patricia Amundsen, Oslo
Mobil (+ 47) 918 01 333
Email kjersti@advokatamundsen.no
To be recommended - the establishment must have the same quality level for a min. of 5 visits.
Beauty
Beths Beauty - 2 locatons in Oslo.
Check out the monthly tips.
NIELS JUELS GATE 38 0257 OSLO
Tel:22 55 53 80 Epost: njg@beths.no
GABELS GATE 11 0272 OSLO
Tel:22 44 92 20 Epost: gg@beths.no
Norwegian lawyers - private practices
Advokat Kjersti Patricia Amundsen, Oslo
Mobil (+ 47) 918 01 333
Email kjersti@advokatamundsen.no
Restaurants:
Cru vinbar og kjøkken, Ingelbrecht Knudssøns gate 1, Oslo, Norway -
Cru vinbar og kjøkken, Ingelbrecht Knudssøns gate 1, Oslo, Norway -
http://experiencetellsall.blogspot.com/2009/09/alternative-christmans-dinner-at-cru.html
Fish shops:
Fish shops:
Georg A. Nilsen - Schultz gate/Bogstadveien, Oslo
Thursday, November 18, 2010
Nordigard Bjørge Gjestegard
The best place to stay and discover the heart of Norway - Nordigard Bjørge Gjestegard - Bed and Breakfast/Tradtional Norwegian Farm Vacation in Seljord - it has everything!
There is probably not a warmer more familiar and inviting vacation farm to visit in Norway! Here you can experience making tradition Telemarks ice cream with milk from the farms pure bred Telemark cows!
You are surrounded by some of the most beautiful sights, from mountains surrounding the farm, the lake with Selma - the Seljord Lake monster, rivers where you can fish wild trout, endless nature trails - both summer and winter.
Living on the farm is the same as being part of the Bjørge family. A large warm kitchen welcomes you. The main house is traditionally decorated and you can feel the atmosphere around you. Solrunn - the mother of the house really knows how to cook and most meals are made from the farms own produce. Here you can choose between the main house, a beautiful annex, a traditional Norwegian "stabbur" or a "seterbua" - the close-to-nature cabin at 650 m over sea level.
If you wish to experience a more "rough" true to nature experience, a "seterbua" is available at around 650 m above sea level. Here you can rent a tradtional Norwegian seter. Be one with nature. From the porch you can overlook a beautiful river filled with wild trout, beautiful mountains and clean fresh air.
Because of the location of Seljord, at the end of a lake in a valley, the sky changes character every hour. Approxiimately 25 minutes from Seljord you have downhill skiing facilities. 5 miniutes from Seljord center you have a cross country skiing trail. During the summer you can rent boats and canoes, wander on the "Culture Trail" upp Bjørge Mountain or just enjoy a wonderful day in the sun on the farm.
Seljord is the pround host of 4 festivals during the year - from one of the countries larges country festival to one of the largest cattle/farm festivals.Over 30 000 people visit the festivals each year. Nordigard Bjørge Gjestegard has its tradtional barn dance with live bands, dancing, moose hamburgers and good old fashioned beer. After a day at the festival, it is a real treat to visit the barn dance and relax with some of the worlds most friendly and sincere people.
There is also a possibility to join in the annual moose hunt as well as elk hunt.
Links to the festivals:
Cattle/Farm festival - Dyrskuplassen http://www.dyrskun.no/
Countryfestivalen http://www.countryfestivalen.no/seljord.htm
Dance festival - Seljordfestivalen http://www.dansebandfestivalen.no/
Other links:
Vest-Telemark portalen http://www.vest-telemark.no/
Facebook page for Nordigard Bjorge Gjestegard
There is probably not a warmer more familiar and inviting vacation farm to visit in Norway! Here you can experience making tradition Telemarks ice cream with milk from the farms pure bred Telemark cows!
You are surrounded by some of the most beautiful sights, from mountains surrounding the farm, the lake with Selma - the Seljord Lake monster, rivers where you can fish wild trout, endless nature trails - both summer and winter.
Living on the farm is the same as being part of the Bjørge family. A large warm kitchen welcomes you. The main house is traditionally decorated and you can feel the atmosphere around you. Solrunn - the mother of the house really knows how to cook and most meals are made from the farms own produce. Here you can choose between the main house, a beautiful annex, a traditional Norwegian "stabbur" or a "seterbua" - the close-to-nature cabin at 650 m over sea level.
If you wish to experience a more "rough" true to nature experience, a "seterbua" is available at around 650 m above sea level. Here you can rent a tradtional Norwegian seter. Be one with nature. From the porch you can overlook a beautiful river filled with wild trout, beautiful mountains and clean fresh air.
Because of the location of Seljord, at the end of a lake in a valley, the sky changes character every hour. Approxiimately 25 minutes from Seljord you have downhill skiing facilities. 5 miniutes from Seljord center you have a cross country skiing trail. During the summer you can rent boats and canoes, wander on the "Culture Trail" upp Bjørge Mountain or just enjoy a wonderful day in the sun on the farm.
Seljord is the pround host of 4 festivals during the year - from one of the countries larges country festival to one of the largest cattle/farm festivals.Over 30 000 people visit the festivals each year. Nordigard Bjørge Gjestegard has its tradtional barn dance with live bands, dancing, moose hamburgers and good old fashioned beer. After a day at the festival, it is a real treat to visit the barn dance and relax with some of the worlds most friendly and sincere people.
There is also a possibility to join in the annual moose hunt as well as elk hunt.
Links to the festivals:
Cattle/Farm festival - Dyrskuplassen http://www.dyrskun.no/
Countryfestivalen http://www.countryfestivalen.no/seljord.htm
Dance festival - Seljordfestivalen http://www.dansebandfestivalen.no/
Other links:
Vest-Telemark portalen http://www.vest-telemark.no/
Facebook page for Nordigard Bjorge Gjestegard
Tuesday, August 31, 2010
Saturday, August 07, 2010
Wednesday, July 28, 2010
Monday, December 28, 2009
Charities-why not have one for everything instead of them competing against each oher
Why not one charity organization instead of many competing with each other. Better if we could pay a sum and write to which area/cause we wish the money to be used in.
Unicef has shown 2 beautiful boys living on the streets in an African state in a commercial. This commercial has been shown numerous times. How much does that cost? All needs are as important when it comes to life or death - then maybe it makes more sense to gather all donations and expenses in one world wide organization and not compete against other organizations. Doing this thebusiness professional way would probably lower expenses which means more money to where it is needed. Since these organizations are non-profit then this should not be a problem.
There are some smaller organizations that have a much larger part of the donations going directly to where the money is needed. So it can be done - but they do not have commercials on prime time using the Christmas spirit.
I know people working within many organizations do an amazing job - even more reason for making sure that the cause gets the donation as effectively as possible.
Just a thought, sitting here going through my yearly donations. Out of every 100 I give - depending on which organization I give to, I have no idea how much gets to its proper destination. If I knew that X amount always went to the cause, since it was all one big organization with different focus areas, maybe I would give more.
Unicef has shown 2 beautiful boys living on the streets in an African state in a commercial. This commercial has been shown numerous times. How much does that cost? All needs are as important when it comes to life or death - then maybe it makes more sense to gather all donations and expenses in one world wide organization and not compete against other organizations. Doing this thebusiness professional way would probably lower expenses which means more money to where it is needed. Since these organizations are non-profit then this should not be a problem.
There are some smaller organizations that have a much larger part of the donations going directly to where the money is needed. So it can be done - but they do not have commercials on prime time using the Christmas spirit.
I know people working within many organizations do an amazing job - even more reason for making sure that the cause gets the donation as effectively as possible.
Just a thought, sitting here going through my yearly donations. Out of every 100 I give - depending on which organization I give to, I have no idea how much gets to its proper destination. If I knew that X amount always went to the cause, since it was all one big organization with different focus areas, maybe I would give more.
Sats Majorstuen...maybe they don't want customers
Amazing. Entered Sats tonight at 21:35. Started obeyingly putting on the blue plastic things for your outdoor boots. It's -12 degreees out so we had a lot of layers on us. Before we were done finding 2 unused plastiv thingies for our boots and unfolding a few layers, the "grown-up" blond woman loudly proclaimed "We are closing in 15 minutes". We both looked at each other - "15 minutes?" She definitely did not want us in the building. "Yes" she answered, it is Christmas! OK I thought - Chrismas was last week lady, but OK.
I looked at her and said with a smile "But it is at Christmas we really need to work off the fat". No smile back. She answered "We have been open since 7 this morning" - as if that helped me - I work during the day. The point was, I smiled and tried my hardest to loosen up the mood, but this lady was not in the mood. "We are closing".
We started for the door, and not a word was said. No "goodbye", no "have a nice evening", no "was there anything else you needed". Amazing. Maybe we were 2 new customers wanting to sign up for a membership-sales must really be soaring, or maybe I had forgotten something in the changing room. No - "We are closing" was the message loud and clear. So we wandered out in the cold amazed at the attitude and service level.
OK - please close - I will not be visiting you again.
I looked at her and said with a smile "But it is at Christmas we really need to work off the fat". No smile back. She answered "We have been open since 7 this morning" - as if that helped me - I work during the day. The point was, I smiled and tried my hardest to loosen up the mood, but this lady was not in the mood. "We are closing".
We started for the door, and not a word was said. No "goodbye", no "have a nice evening", no "was there anything else you needed". Amazing. Maybe we were 2 new customers wanting to sign up for a membership-sales must really be soaring, or maybe I had forgotten something in the changing room. No - "We are closing" was the message loud and clear. So we wandered out in the cold amazed at the attitude and service level.
OK - please close - I will not be visiting you again.
Wednesday, December 16, 2009
Peak Performane - Bogstad veien Oslo
Came in, having absolutely no idea what to get - complete blank! I needed a gift, not too pricy for a friend. The girl that saw me walk in, could apparently read minds.
She approached very carefully, asked if I was wondering what to get. She pinned me directly.
After 5 - 6 minutes, I was paying for a great gift, full return possibilities and in a short period my "problem" was solved. She put herself in my firends place and asked the correct questions. WOW!
She approached very carefully, asked if I was wondering what to get. She pinned me directly.
After 5 - 6 minutes, I was paying for a great gift, full return possibilities and in a short period my "problem" was solved. She put herself in my firends place and asked the correct questions. WOW!
Arlanda airport - again but this time terminal 2
Amazing - I thought the customer handling at terminal 5 was an exception but NOOOO, yesterday a new episode occurred.
Terminal 2, Taxfree, 2 people in line (otherwise almost emply store), no one at the cash register. 1 girl helping a customer, 1 girl packing up goods and 1 girl putting on mascara. She saw person number 1 in line, kept putting on mascara, saw person number 2 in line, kep putting on mascara (public mirror next to the make up shelves).
I had found some wonderful champagne with an even more wonderful price! I was number 3 in line.
The girl unpacking looked up and started for the cash register. NO! Screamed the mascara girl - I GOT IT! Great I thought, now maybe I can pay and get on my way.
Person number 1 in line...he got the most of her irritation and hurried off not even taking a plastic bag - we apparently disturbed her mascara party. Person number 2 looked around and decided to not buy anything and just left. I do not blame him.
With the champagne to that price, I could not afford not buying 3 bottles. So I took one step closer, both hands full of stuff and a bag between my feet.
"PASS" she screamed. Pass??? Should I pass. So I walked by her to the next empty register. "STOP" came out of her. "You pay HERE!"
I could not help myself - the game was on! I told her to make up her mind - either I pass or I stop. She answered that there were others in line and that if I wanted the champagne I needed to pay. "But you said PASS" I commented. I was told that if I had flown more often I would understand that PASS (in her screaming voice) meant boarding pass. Oh! Thank you for clearing that up for me, I answered. Idiot I thought.
I let all my stuff go, found my boarding pass and put it between the champagne bottles on the circular belt. She looked at me and told me that that was the wrong place and that I should always put the boarding pass on the counter.
I did as I was told. Then I had to pay but before paying I had to decided currency on the screen. I asked her what the rate was. She answered the price in SEK and NOK. Once again, I asked the currency rate. This was it - I was in trouble. "There are people in line behind you" she informed me. I looked behind me and the poor number 2 man stood smiling, enjoying the show. He knew exactly what was going on. Other than him, there was no one in sight. He just looked at meand said - "Take your time".
I decided to pay in SEK. Took my "PASS" and started to pack the champagne bottles. Poos number 2 man was next. This time he just smiled and said "here is my PASS".
Why is it that some just do not undertand service and what it means? The customer should never have to feel dictated to or screamed at - then there is something very wrong.
Terminal 2, Taxfree, 2 people in line (otherwise almost emply store), no one at the cash register. 1 girl helping a customer, 1 girl packing up goods and 1 girl putting on mascara. She saw person number 1 in line, kept putting on mascara, saw person number 2 in line, kep putting on mascara (public mirror next to the make up shelves).
I had found some wonderful champagne with an even more wonderful price! I was number 3 in line.
The girl unpacking looked up and started for the cash register. NO! Screamed the mascara girl - I GOT IT! Great I thought, now maybe I can pay and get on my way.
Person number 1 in line...he got the most of her irritation and hurried off not even taking a plastic bag - we apparently disturbed her mascara party. Person number 2 looked around and decided to not buy anything and just left. I do not blame him.
With the champagne to that price, I could not afford not buying 3 bottles. So I took one step closer, both hands full of stuff and a bag between my feet.
"PASS" she screamed. Pass??? Should I pass. So I walked by her to the next empty register. "STOP" came out of her. "You pay HERE!"
I could not help myself - the game was on! I told her to make up her mind - either I pass or I stop. She answered that there were others in line and that if I wanted the champagne I needed to pay. "But you said PASS" I commented. I was told that if I had flown more often I would understand that PASS (in her screaming voice) meant boarding pass. Oh! Thank you for clearing that up for me, I answered. Idiot I thought.
I let all my stuff go, found my boarding pass and put it between the champagne bottles on the circular belt. She looked at me and told me that that was the wrong place and that I should always put the boarding pass on the counter.
I did as I was told. Then I had to pay but before paying I had to decided currency on the screen. I asked her what the rate was. She answered the price in SEK and NOK. Once again, I asked the currency rate. This was it - I was in trouble. "There are people in line behind you" she informed me. I looked behind me and the poor number 2 man stood smiling, enjoying the show. He knew exactly what was going on. Other than him, there was no one in sight. He just looked at meand said - "Take your time".
I decided to pay in SEK. Took my "PASS" and started to pack the champagne bottles. Poos number 2 man was next. This time he just smiled and said "here is my PASS".
Why is it that some just do not undertand service and what it means? The customer should never have to feel dictated to or screamed at - then there is something very wrong.
Monday, December 07, 2009
Park Lane - a crisp modern classic brand
It is refreshing to find a brand that understands and works with the relationship between trend, quality and price. Usually one component does not measure up. In this case, Park Lane covers all aspects in an impressive way. The men's collection fits every occasion. It is crisp, proper and makes you feel good, both to wear and to look at. 
The details are emphasized in just the right places. The style bringing out the man makes for a very handsome result.
Wednesday, December 02, 2009
Olivers & Co - Oslo - Excuse me for wanting my oils gift wrapped
Amazing...I have been there twice - once to look around for a healthy, tasty and different present.
It ended with me feeling in the way, not welcome. Regardless where in the store I was, I was in the way. The store was almost empty but there was woman seriously always having to be in control. After choosing 3 oils, tops for the bottles and cans and a fresh loaf of olive/dried tomato bread, I had to beg for a gift wrapped package to bring to my friend. This was a present. After paying, my oils were given to another younger girl to pack. She did a wonderful job and was happy and smiled. The end result looked beautiful. She even gave me a "buy XX oils and get something free card" and stamped it. OK I thought, this was OK, I can go back next time I need healthy oils and tasty bread.
As I was waiting for my package, the extra "service minded" woman was asked by a customer if the bread was as good as the sig said. The bread's sign said "The world's best tasting bread!". The "service minded woman" did not take the hint. Instead of saying "Oh yes, the sign is right, this is the world's best tasting bread" she actually said "it is actually OK tasting bread" which resulted in the customer saying "OK...I guess I can buy bread somewhere else". There I was, holding my own "world's best tasing bread". Why write a sign and then telling customers that the sign is actually telling you a lie? Hmmm, there is no way she "hears" herself.
Next time came 2 weeks later. This time I wanted the same "package". I went to the shelves, took my oils, tops to the cans and bottles and looked for the bread. Instead of being happy that I knew what I wanted and took no time from the people working there, I was told off by the same lady that I felt in the way of during my last visit. Boy was she crabby. She hung herself up om me not taking the first can on the shelf, but taking the one behind it. This time I wasn't given a beautiful wrapping, just a pastic bag with a bow, I wasn't smiled at and I definately was NOT entitled to more than one stamp on my so important stamp card. On top of it all, my dogs were not allowed to wait inside the door. This is an oil shop - not a restaurant and it was pouring outside.
On my way out I sang and smiled "Ha det" - no answer. So maybeit is true, as a customer remember to be careful asking for something outside box, that little extra that makes us customers feel welcome!
It ended with me feeling in the way, not welcome. Regardless where in the store I was, I was in the way. The store was almost empty but there was woman seriously always having to be in control. After choosing 3 oils, tops for the bottles and cans and a fresh loaf of olive/dried tomato bread, I had to beg for a gift wrapped package to bring to my friend. This was a present. After paying, my oils were given to another younger girl to pack. She did a wonderful job and was happy and smiled. The end result looked beautiful. She even gave me a "buy XX oils and get something free card" and stamped it. OK I thought, this was OK, I can go back next time I need healthy oils and tasty bread.
As I was waiting for my package, the extra "service minded" woman was asked by a customer if the bread was as good as the sig said. The bread's sign said "The world's best tasting bread!". The "service minded woman" did not take the hint. Instead of saying "Oh yes, the sign is right, this is the world's best tasting bread" she actually said "it is actually OK tasting bread" which resulted in the customer saying "OK...I guess I can buy bread somewhere else". There I was, holding my own "world's best tasing bread". Why write a sign and then telling customers that the sign is actually telling you a lie? Hmmm, there is no way she "hears" herself.
Next time came 2 weeks later. This time I wanted the same "package". I went to the shelves, took my oils, tops to the cans and bottles and looked for the bread. Instead of being happy that I knew what I wanted and took no time from the people working there, I was told off by the same lady that I felt in the way of during my last visit. Boy was she crabby. She hung herself up om me not taking the first can on the shelf, but taking the one behind it. This time I wasn't given a beautiful wrapping, just a pastic bag with a bow, I wasn't smiled at and I definately was NOT entitled to more than one stamp on my so important stamp card. On top of it all, my dogs were not allowed to wait inside the door. This is an oil shop - not a restaurant and it was pouring outside.
On my way out I sang and smiled "Ha det" - no answer. So maybeit is true, as a customer remember to be careful asking for something outside box, that little extra that makes us customers feel welcome!
Monday, November 30, 2009
The problem with franchise owners-Karen Millen, Oslo
Karen Millen - either you like the feminine, colorful, curve loving designs or you don´t. It is that easy! Karen Millen personifies the feminine, strong willed woman with her daring island color combinations in cold climates. I love this store, I love the attentive personnel, I love the shoes and of course the matching bags. 5 out of 5!
One good thing with the chain is the fact that you should be able to exchange goods at any store in the chain. Well, this is where Karen Millen sometimes expects customers to know their internal organization.
I bought jeans in Stockholm, turned out they where not sewn as well as they should have been. Maybe problems with a chain growing the way Karen Millen has. No problem - I went to my home store where I have spent too much money already. I was honest, told them how, when and what. Instead of a smile, positive service and a new pair of jeans (I had only worn the jeans in the store and the tags were still on!) - I got a "No, you cannot get a new pair from us". I probably stood there with my mouth open since the girl behind the counter stared at me. What? But...but...but your policy is to exchange any goods anywhere with in the chain.
It turned out that within the chain was the secret - Oslo is a franchise and not owned by Karen Millen. In my past experience, if you are part of a franchise/chain, regardless, you comply to the overall rules for the store. But no, not here.
After leaving I realized - if I had said that they were a gift, there was no way you could see the jeans were bought in Stockholm. Hmmm.
I really do not think that was the thought from the Karen Millen organization. I think this has more to do with the owner of the Norwegian store. Service is service regardless. He/she could send these jeans back and get a refund - they were never used. But no - too much hassle for a customer who has spent at least 1 - 2 salaries within the walls. Ok - fine - all shopping is now done in Stockholm and Hamburg. The prices are the same so you are actually saving money ;-) depending on the exchange rate to the NOK.
Another downside is the fact that I would never recommend the Oslo store to anyone, eventhough I love the clothes.
One good thing with the chain is the fact that you should be able to exchange goods at any store in the chain. Well, this is where Karen Millen sometimes expects customers to know their internal organization.
I bought jeans in Stockholm, turned out they where not sewn as well as they should have been. Maybe problems with a chain growing the way Karen Millen has. No problem - I went to my home store where I have spent too much money already. I was honest, told them how, when and what. Instead of a smile, positive service and a new pair of jeans (I had only worn the jeans in the store and the tags were still on!) - I got a "No, you cannot get a new pair from us". I probably stood there with my mouth open since the girl behind the counter stared at me. What? But...but...but your policy is to exchange any goods anywhere with in the chain.
It turned out that within the chain was the secret - Oslo is a franchise and not owned by Karen Millen. In my past experience, if you are part of a franchise/chain, regardless, you comply to the overall rules for the store. But no, not here.
After leaving I realized - if I had said that they were a gift, there was no way you could see the jeans were bought in Stockholm. Hmmm.
I really do not think that was the thought from the Karen Millen organization. I think this has more to do with the owner of the Norwegian store. Service is service regardless. He/she could send these jeans back and get a refund - they were never used. But no - too much hassle for a customer who has spent at least 1 - 2 salaries within the walls. Ok - fine - all shopping is now done in Stockholm and Hamburg. The prices are the same so you are actually saving money ;-) depending on the exchange rate to the NOK.
Another downside is the fact that I would never recommend the Oslo store to anyone, eventhough I love the clothes.
Tuesday, November 10, 2009
Beths Beauty - giving all customers the very best within beauty!
Beths Beauty is still owned by the founder Beth. Beth is everywhere, knows every bit of her business, products and staff. She is one of the most amazing women I have ever met. On top of owning 3 beauty centers, been in the business for almost 20 years, open 6 days a week, supplying customers with 13 skin care brands, 4 nail/hand brands, 2 pedicure brands, 4 hair brands and 3 make-up brands, she manages to be an expert on all her products, she is responsible for a staff of dermatologists, pedicure/manicurists, hair dressers, semi-permanent make-up experts, Botox/Restylane specialists/nurses and she still has time for family and friends. This is an amazing woman. The staff loves her – her rules are simple – make sure the customer is queen/king and always give your customer your best. She is hard when she has to be but always fair and honest. When she smiles her eyes light up – she has a heart on gold.
My first experience with Beths Beauty did not start well. I was at the Gabels gate location asking for a time to get my nails done. There were so many alternativesand names that I had never heard of and it made me feel uncertain. I think my insecurity came from me not reading the person at the counter correctly and maybe not understanding the Norwegian terms correctly. I felt stupid. But I did not give up! This beauty center was right next door – perfect location. Walked in a day later and made my appointment – more secure this time. I also explained the way I felt I was treated the day before. The staff reacted immediately and apologized. Thank god I went back!
The most booked treatments:
The facials with neck massages are amazing. I have had the pleasure of being treated by Marianne (Gabels gate). You feel like a new person – your face glows and your neck feels alive.
The pedicures, in my opinion, can be improved – the removing of old skin/calluses can be done better. Listening to the customer regarding nail length and style should be a priority not the “standard” way. Unfortunately this brings down the overall grade.
Most booked teatments – 4/5
The semi-permanent make-up is probably the best in Norway. Grethe, a woman in her own class, knows exactly what she is doing. She is clear in her communication, thorough, careful and can take one look at you and know exactly what is best. 6/5 - Yes a 6 out of 5!
The manicure/nails – if Beth herself is behind the equipment, you are probably in the hands of one of the best manicurists in Scandinavia. Beth even has acknowledgements from the US in this area – the country of acrylic nails. 6/5. Yes – again 6/5.
The “soft surgery” areas such as Restylane and Botox treatments are done by a registered nurse, who has over 7 years experience in the field. She was one of the first to use Restylane in Norway. You feel safe in her hands. She is thorough, very informative, professional and honest – she tells you straight out what you look like and what you can/cannot expect/do. 5/5
The products and product knowledge is comprehensive. The expertise is amazing. Of course Beths wishes to sell the products, but only if the product fits your needs. The expertise the personnel have is impressive. The personnel are trained from day one and continuously on. If there are any outstanding questions regarding a product, you don’t get to buy it! If it does not fit 100% to your needs – no sale! Beth seems to have chosen the right products. 5/5 in product knowledge and amount of brands.
The prices are what they are. Many would say expensive. I agree, some treatments are expensive compared to other centers in town. One reason for the prices, may be the products and the level of expertise. If you wish to enjoy more than one treatment during a day or session, the overall price can be quite high. Try communicating this, often this ends in everyone being happy. 4/5
The service is amazing and wonderfully professional. They will do everything they can to make sure your stay/treatment exceeds your expectations. Their knowledge makes you feel secure and if something does not meet your expectation, Beth really wants you to tell her! And then she fixes it and makes you feel good! 5/5
The hair dresser, hair removal and body treatments have not been tested so I cannot grade these.
34/35 – get the pedicures up to the same level as the rest of the treatments - then Beths delivers over and beyond expectations!
3 locations
The different centers give the same calm and professional impression but have all their own personality. This makes it easy to find your place at Beths.
Nils Juels gate is a store/center where you can book most treatments and touch all the products. The waiting area gives you a warm feeling and the coffee and piece of chocolate gives you a feeling of being welcome.
Gabels gate is a little smaller. It feels more like a club upstairs and is newly renovated with many nicely sized and beautifully designed treatments rooms downstairs.
Gabel Hus is the newest edition to Beths, staffs 3 and makes you feel calm, comfortable and luxurious! Mmmmmm
The myth that all these wonderful treatments are for women is definitely proven wrong – every time I visit Beths I meet many a man, waiting for their turn getting facials and pedicures. A wonderful gift to a loved one!
The best part of all this is the fact that if you are unsatisfied, Beths Beauty will do everything they can to make you satisfied. The customer is always prioritized, in a way you seldom find. And if you are lucky, you may even get a glimpse of celebrity or two or three.
Don’t forget to get your advent calendar – a Barbor calendar with 24 serums for under 600 NOK. Buying them separately would cost over 2500 NOK. This is the perfect gift for your wife, husband, mother, father, best friend. Don’t be fooled by the calendar look – it fits everyone. There is no one who doesn’t like opening one shutter a day, never knowing what surprise is waiting.
http://www.beths.no/img/cms/kampanjer/2009/nov/small/2.jpg
The home page gives you monthly tips and products with special prices. http://www.beths.no/
Why not be proud of your princess?
It is amazing that a country where they are proud of being open minded and for equality, cannot be more proud of their young princess.
If Hegnar thinks she is full of shit, and also all that believe that there is something else around us (which apparently over 40% of Norwegians believe), then why help advertise her by mocking her in the press, online and on TV? Maybe he secretly admires a person who actually can handle all her roles, be successful within an alternative field, a woman and still be down to earth, but maybe that is too "Un-Hegnar" ;-) Maybe he wanted to marry into the royal family and he wasn't her knight in shining armour. Or maybe his website hits are falling so he needs something to pick it up - regardless of how tacky he is...
Why not be proud of a woman that advertises Norway in her design choices, her interest in Norwegian culture. A woman who actually supports new Norwegian trends as well as keeps the traditional Norwegian ways alive. She is a princess, woman, wife, mother, business minded and full of life! She even has rosy cheeks - the ultimate symbol of healthy Norwegian girls!
Hegnar...get with the times! Then again...getting too close to your inner self, would probably scare the shit out of you!
If Hegnar thinks she is full of shit, and also all that believe that there is something else around us (which apparently over 40% of Norwegians believe), then why help advertise her by mocking her in the press, online and on TV? Maybe he secretly admires a person who actually can handle all her roles, be successful within an alternative field, a woman and still be down to earth, but maybe that is too "Un-Hegnar" ;-) Maybe he wanted to marry into the royal family and he wasn't her knight in shining armour. Or maybe his website hits are falling so he needs something to pick it up - regardless of how tacky he is...
Why not be proud of a woman that advertises Norway in her design choices, her interest in Norwegian culture. A woman who actually supports new Norwegian trends as well as keeps the traditional Norwegian ways alive. She is a princess, woman, wife, mother, business minded and full of life! She even has rosy cheeks - the ultimate symbol of healthy Norwegian girls!
Hegnar...get with the times! Then again...getting too close to your inner self, would probably scare the shit out of you!
Wednesday, November 04, 2009
Lorry- – supposedly “the” place to eat your lutefisk… more like the mecca of nonchalant attitude and service.
This is a well established place bragging their 100 beer labels. It is situated where Hegdehaugsveien meets Parkveien, in the center of Oslo – next to the Royal Castle.
Simple lunch menu, daily dishes (not on Saturdays), large outside seating area (right in the middle if a very busy intersection…). Our visit this evening was a casual, after work meal.
It must really being going well for Lorry – the service was lousy and very nonchalant. The first impression of the bartender/waiter/host upstairs was “if you don’t like the table I point at – f__k off”… “Well excuse me for wanting to spend my money here” I thought.
I asked for a dry white wine – not chardonnay! Of course the waiter said (a notch better attitude compared to the bartender/waiter/host). Well the house wine is cool at least, no other comment needed. Ordered Caesars, fish soup and a hamburger – we were hungry! The food was served a little too quickly – it had to have been waiting under the heating lamp. I was amazed to be so obviously overseen by the waiter several times. It really felt like we were in his way.
After looking around I started to understand! We were sober and we were a private party – not a company…meaning we would not spend a humongous amount of money on booze and tips – therefore the service level. Lousy and very nonchalant.
Fish soup was not hot – more like having been out waiting for someone to order it. But the taste was OK and it actually had some canned shrimp and crawfish tails! The hamburger meat was moist but the French fries cold and raw inside and the salad was probably cut up a few days earlier – all the ends were brown and having seen this after half was eaten – YUCK! The Caesars salad was OK.
Another friend joined us after approx 1 hour – this time the waiter shone up and was smiling! Hmmm maybe he thought this was the man with the money. And this was a man! After our friend's meal, the waiter actually moved my friend's arm with a flick, to get at his napkin and utensils - the only thing missing was for the waiter to dry my friend's mouth and say “good boy – you ate your veggies”. Amazing – Lorry must really be doing well to be able to handle their customers in this fashion.
Of course we gave no tip – and the reaction from the waiter was very apparent ;-)
Let us hope that this was the second floor staff – not a fair insight in the true Lorry attitude.
Service: 0/5 –Making the customer feel stupid, apologetic for stepping inside – this they have mastered!
Food: 2/5 – 1 for the salad and 1 for the soup.
Drink: 0/5 – They have over 100 beer labels, but the house wine stinks and the glasses are chipped. When serving water the "Lorry" way – the majority lands in our lap.
Price: 1/5 – If the soup actually was served at soup temperature – then the soups was OK priced even though the fish was very shy.
Environment/Atmosphere: 2/5 – Typical “brown” interior. Plastic fantastic on the benches/booths and some of them actually try and push you downwards due to lack of stuffing. The stuffing in the booths was probably from the date of establishment. Good way to make the customer feel very small compared to the waiters.
Location: 3/5 – Very centrally located however, the outside eating area is actually right in the middle of a very busy intersection.
Age of guests in party: 40 - 45.
8/30 – at least they have room for improvement, but as long as the customers are drunk and the companies pay – why try.
Simple lunch menu, daily dishes (not on Saturdays), large outside seating area (right in the middle if a very busy intersection…). Our visit this evening was a casual, after work meal.
It must really being going well for Lorry – the service was lousy and very nonchalant. The first impression of the bartender/waiter/host upstairs was “if you don’t like the table I point at – f__k off”… “Well excuse me for wanting to spend my money here” I thought.
I asked for a dry white wine – not chardonnay! Of course the waiter said (a notch better attitude compared to the bartender/waiter/host). Well the house wine is cool at least, no other comment needed. Ordered Caesars, fish soup and a hamburger – we were hungry! The food was served a little too quickly – it had to have been waiting under the heating lamp. I was amazed to be so obviously overseen by the waiter several times. It really felt like we were in his way.
After looking around I started to understand! We were sober and we were a private party – not a company…meaning we would not spend a humongous amount of money on booze and tips – therefore the service level. Lousy and very nonchalant.
Fish soup was not hot – more like having been out waiting for someone to order it. But the taste was OK and it actually had some canned shrimp and crawfish tails! The hamburger meat was moist but the French fries cold and raw inside and the salad was probably cut up a few days earlier – all the ends were brown and having seen this after half was eaten – YUCK! The Caesars salad was OK.
Another friend joined us after approx 1 hour – this time the waiter shone up and was smiling! Hmmm maybe he thought this was the man with the money. And this was a man! After our friend's meal, the waiter actually moved my friend's arm with a flick, to get at his napkin and utensils - the only thing missing was for the waiter to dry my friend's mouth and say “good boy – you ate your veggies”. Amazing – Lorry must really be doing well to be able to handle their customers in this fashion.
Of course we gave no tip – and the reaction from the waiter was very apparent ;-)
Let us hope that this was the second floor staff – not a fair insight in the true Lorry attitude.
Service: 0/5 –Making the customer feel stupid, apologetic for stepping inside – this they have mastered!
Food: 2/5 – 1 for the salad and 1 for the soup.
Drink: 0/5 – They have over 100 beer labels, but the house wine stinks and the glasses are chipped. When serving water the "Lorry" way – the majority lands in our lap.
Price: 1/5 – If the soup actually was served at soup temperature – then the soups was OK priced even though the fish was very shy.
Environment/Atmosphere: 2/5 – Typical “brown” interior. Plastic fantastic on the benches/booths and some of them actually try and push you downwards due to lack of stuffing. The stuffing in the booths was probably from the date of establishment. Good way to make the customer feel very small compared to the waiters.
Location: 3/5 – Very centrally located however, the outside eating area is actually right in the middle of a very busy intersection.
Age of guests in party: 40 - 45.
8/30 – at least they have room for improvement, but as long as the customers are drunk and the companies pay – why try.
Friday, October 30, 2009
Beef stew in the slow cooker - reciepe from a Swedish follower
- Ox kött i stora tärningar
- En burk skalade tomater
- Lök (any kind, charlottlök är jättegott)
- Buljongtärning
- Friska saviablad (fr.trädgarden)
- Friks rosmarin (fr.trädgarden)
- Frisk timjan " (plantera olika pa balkongen. Jättegott och hälsosamt)
Rödvin om finnes, men först en kvart innan servering!
Story Hotel - nominated in 2 design categories!
Story Hotel -2 nominations in the design competition - European Hotel Design Awards
Get there before everyone else does!
Thursday, October 29, 2009
The Broker - Bogstadveien, Oslo - sloppy, burnt and not expecting feedback on take out
I've been to The Broker many times, always leaving wondering why there are so many customers and why I ate there. Probably because it is close and I am lazy. If you get the burger - OK - it is good, and the small potato boats are almost tasty - however they taste precooked. If you get the wok and ask for no mushrooms, you receive information that it comes with everything before they cook it but they can pick out the mushrooms by hand. Ouch – maybe not the right thing to say to a customer who is allergic to mushrooms.
I never tried the take out until yesterday. I have tried earlier calling them, but they choose not to answer. Business is probably going “too” well or they have no organization. But yesterday one burger and one enchilada was ordered after having to go there and order. Laziness at its best.
The burger - as expected - OK. The enchilada was burnt on one end and filled with a disgusting chicken/paprika mixture on the other. Underneath there was mostly bitter salad, a minute amount of guacamole, sour cream and salsa. Since the enchilada was divided into two pieces, the one over the salad was burnt, stone hard and black. The other piece was lying in the salsa and sour cream with too much filling – so this half was just soggy, falling apart, and tasting terrible. Seriously terrible!
So, there is no quality check on takeout food, and the in-house food seems to be put together more like fast food rather than enhancing the customer’s experience and taste buds.
During a previous visit we sat by a table that vibrated so hard that our beers made jumping jacks – we asked why the table vibrated and the waitress said that they did not know why it vibrated... Instead of NOT putting customers at the table, the waitress was irritated when we asked to move. How can they not know why a table salsas across the floor?
So how do they fill up the restaurant on a Sunday afternoon? So many “lazies” out there like me?
Never again!
Service: 1/5 – Training new waitresses seems to be a specialty. Their phone bill must not be paid.
Food: 1/5 – 1 for the burger.
Drink: 2/5 – Beer is beer. The serving glass is usually chipped.
Price: 1/5 – For the food you get – the prices are terrible, but as prices go and you accept the quality for what it is – the prices are still stiff.
Environment/Atmosphere: 2/5 – Typical interior, but it needs a refreshment. Plastic fantastic on the benches around the room and some of them actually try and push off the guest by bending forward. Makes sitting quite interesting. Good way to rotate the tables.
Location: 5/5 – this I will give them – location is good and the lack of competition just around the corner probably makes up for some of the turn up.
Age of guests in party: 40 - 45.
12/30 – fair enough.
I never tried the take out until yesterday. I have tried earlier calling them, but they choose not to answer. Business is probably going “too” well or they have no organization. But yesterday one burger and one enchilada was ordered after having to go there and order. Laziness at its best.
The burger - as expected - OK. The enchilada was burnt on one end and filled with a disgusting chicken/paprika mixture on the other. Underneath there was mostly bitter salad, a minute amount of guacamole, sour cream and salsa. Since the enchilada was divided into two pieces, the one over the salad was burnt, stone hard and black. The other piece was lying in the salsa and sour cream with too much filling – so this half was just soggy, falling apart, and tasting terrible. Seriously terrible!
So, there is no quality check on takeout food, and the in-house food seems to be put together more like fast food rather than enhancing the customer’s experience and taste buds.
During a previous visit we sat by a table that vibrated so hard that our beers made jumping jacks – we asked why the table vibrated and the waitress said that they did not know why it vibrated... Instead of NOT putting customers at the table, the waitress was irritated when we asked to move. How can they not know why a table salsas across the floor?
So how do they fill up the restaurant on a Sunday afternoon? So many “lazies” out there like me?
Never again!
Service: 1/5 – Training new waitresses seems to be a specialty. Their phone bill must not be paid.
Food: 1/5 – 1 for the burger.
Drink: 2/5 – Beer is beer. The serving glass is usually chipped.
Price: 1/5 – For the food you get – the prices are terrible, but as prices go and you accept the quality for what it is – the prices are still stiff.
Environment/Atmosphere: 2/5 – Typical interior, but it needs a refreshment. Plastic fantastic on the benches around the room and some of them actually try and push off the guest by bending forward. Makes sitting quite interesting. Good way to rotate the tables.
Location: 5/5 – this I will give them – location is good and the lack of competition just around the corner probably makes up for some of the turn up.
Age of guests in party: 40 - 45.
12/30 – fair enough.
Saturday, October 24, 2009
Cru vinbar og kjøkken - a second time around with the serious testers!
Well...second time around and the big boys are with us. This time we escalate the pressure!
Having changed my reservation 3 times in a week – I got a telephone call asking if we would prefer to sit downstairs at a larger table close to the fireplace. This would give all 7 of us more space. Wonderful I thought – I haven´t tested the downstairs.
Upon arrival with a wonderful blend of people – experienced people – we were seated downstairs at a table that could have taken at least 12 people. Hmmm OK let´s try this.
Our waiter – as always - smiling and happy. He asked about drinks before dinner – all is well. No menu board downstairs so I asked what was on the evening´s menu. In reply I received information that the chef has made a special menu for us according to our request. The thing was, I had made no request and it wasn´t possible to move the menu board from upstairs down to us. And telling everyone around the table about the different dishes was impossible due to the noise level. I love restaurants where this is the case since then people are relaxing and laughing enjoying their meal.
OK – quick decision – we´ll take the special menu – just a few adjustments and everyone was happy. In Oslo I have made aware that for parties over 6 people, the restaurant many times ”demand” that you preorder your food. This really irritats me since it feels like going on a field trip. It also makes me wonder if I am there for the restaurant or the right way around – the restaurant is there for me. At times, I have just cancelled the reservation. In Cru´s case, I decided to take this as a positive thing instead of a “keep it simple for the chef” thing. Let us hope this is the case.
All plates were amazing, the wine the waiter recommended fair in price and fitting to the food, the dessert consisting of apple in at least 4 different ways was a perfect ending to a wonderful meal. An amazing thing was the waiters silence running up and down the stairs. Every time a guest walked down (the WC was behind a wall downstairs), the room as filled with “bang bang bang bonk” as the shoes hit the stairs – but not with the waiters – once again they knew what they were doing.
So the old 28/30 still stands just with a difference of the missing 2 points! The reason this isn´t a 30/30 is the placement of this grand table downstairs – just under the stairway the “bank bang bang and bonk” was over our heads. Next to the grand table were shelves filled with V&B glasses and yes, a party member trying the be a gentleman, was able to bring down a few glasses when helping his lady on with a vest-and he was the sober one in the party this evening. Just the shelves being behind us were a theme during the dinner and made all a bit nervous when standing up.
Service: 5/5 - smiles, properly attentive, knew their business, and made the best out of a miss in information. Polite smiles when at least 5 glasses “fell “ off the shelf.
Food: 5/5 – filled with flavors (as expected) and with a perfect ending with the different apple mini dishes.
Drink: 5/5 - champagne is champagne and the house champagne is very good. The wines brought out and recommended by the waiter were fitting and priced right.
Price: 5/5 – 7 guests in the party, champagne, wine and 4 dishes 785 NOK/persons is a lot of money but for what you get - I am a happy camper :-)
Environment/Atmosphere: 3/5 – here the 2 points are lost - not the best seating due to the staircase being over our heads and the traffic to the WC next to us. But the restaurants atmosphere and design/fireplace does not have many other alternatives for larger parties if the upstairs is full. And there the lighting is a bit too bright for hiding wrinkles.
Location: 5/5 - perfect - down town but quiet - perfect combination. And of cource, around the corner from me.
Age of guests in party: 40 - 70.
28/30 is great!
Next visit - the champagne anniversary week starting from the 24th of November! Maybe we´ll see each other there!
Having changed my reservation 3 times in a week – I got a telephone call asking if we would prefer to sit downstairs at a larger table close to the fireplace. This would give all 7 of us more space. Wonderful I thought – I haven´t tested the downstairs.
Upon arrival with a wonderful blend of people – experienced people – we were seated downstairs at a table that could have taken at least 12 people. Hmmm OK let´s try this.
Our waiter – as always - smiling and happy. He asked about drinks before dinner – all is well. No menu board downstairs so I asked what was on the evening´s menu. In reply I received information that the chef has made a special menu for us according to our request. The thing was, I had made no request and it wasn´t possible to move the menu board from upstairs down to us. And telling everyone around the table about the different dishes was impossible due to the noise level. I love restaurants where this is the case since then people are relaxing and laughing enjoying their meal.
OK – quick decision – we´ll take the special menu – just a few adjustments and everyone was happy. In Oslo I have made aware that for parties over 6 people, the restaurant many times ”demand” that you preorder your food. This really irritats me since it feels like going on a field trip. It also makes me wonder if I am there for the restaurant or the right way around – the restaurant is there for me. At times, I have just cancelled the reservation. In Cru´s case, I decided to take this as a positive thing instead of a “keep it simple for the chef” thing. Let us hope this is the case.
All plates were amazing, the wine the waiter recommended fair in price and fitting to the food, the dessert consisting of apple in at least 4 different ways was a perfect ending to a wonderful meal. An amazing thing was the waiters silence running up and down the stairs. Every time a guest walked down (the WC was behind a wall downstairs), the room as filled with “bang bang bang bonk” as the shoes hit the stairs – but not with the waiters – once again they knew what they were doing.
So the old 28/30 still stands just with a difference of the missing 2 points! The reason this isn´t a 30/30 is the placement of this grand table downstairs – just under the stairway the “bank bang bang and bonk” was over our heads. Next to the grand table were shelves filled with V&B glasses and yes, a party member trying the be a gentleman, was able to bring down a few glasses when helping his lady on with a vest-and he was the sober one in the party this evening. Just the shelves being behind us were a theme during the dinner and made all a bit nervous when standing up.
Service: 5/5 - smiles, properly attentive, knew their business, and made the best out of a miss in information. Polite smiles when at least 5 glasses “fell “ off the shelf.
Food: 5/5 – filled with flavors (as expected) and with a perfect ending with the different apple mini dishes.
Drink: 5/5 - champagne is champagne and the house champagne is very good. The wines brought out and recommended by the waiter were fitting and priced right.
Price: 5/5 – 7 guests in the party, champagne, wine and 4 dishes 785 NOK/persons is a lot of money but for what you get - I am a happy camper :-)
Environment/Atmosphere: 3/5 – here the 2 points are lost - not the best seating due to the staircase being over our heads and the traffic to the WC next to us. But the restaurants atmosphere and design/fireplace does not have many other alternatives for larger parties if the upstairs is full. And there the lighting is a bit too bright for hiding wrinkles.
Location: 5/5 - perfect - down town but quiet - perfect combination. And of cource, around the corner from me.
Age of guests in party: 40 - 70.
28/30 is great!
Next visit - the champagne anniversary week starting from the 24th of November! Maybe we´ll see each other there!
Champagne anniversary at Cru vin & kjøkken!
24th of November - for one week, they are celebration the 1 year anniversary. Table booked before company is invited - that means I love the place!
However - let´s see if they can live up to the last 2 visits I´ve had. It has now become so popular that they need to plan 2 seatings - no more come when you like. This could be a good thing, but it takes away the "I have a gourmet kitchen as my around the corner place". Let us hope that this is a seasonal thing. If we need to make a reservation 2 weeks in advance in order to get a table, I may need to find another favorite place to rave about.
For Cru, I hope they can handle the success, still keeping to the wonderful service, taste and smiles!
Skål! Happy Anniversary!
Thursday, October 22, 2009
Is it called lying or cheating when 73% of all invoices do not have enough supporting documentation, the government knows of this and delays publication of the results?
The Norewegian sitting government made sure a devastating report was first made public after the election. I wonder why they timed this so well...
"Riksrevisjonen er kritisk til forvaltningen av Statens pensjonsfond - Utland, internkontrollen i NAV, Forsvarsbygg, store forsinkelser i nødnettprosjektet, Jernbaneverket og Statens Vegvesen. Dette er de kritiske rapportene regjeringen fikk utsatt til etter valget.
....Ved kontroll av drifts- og vedlikeholdsanskaffelser manglet tilfredsstillende dokumentasjon på 73 prosent av de kontrollerte fakturaene. "
Why is this called manupulation, lying or cheating in other countries, but when things like this happen in Norway - the person reacting is called the names.
It is amazing, if these results had been regarding anything else, heads would role, in other countries' citizens would demonstrate and of course the press would have a field day making sure that all citizens knew that their taxes could just as well have been used for fun and games at the nearby fair. Not to mention, we are already taxed 3 - 4 times on the same income. But in Norway, nothing happens.
Business as usual... Where is the opposition? Where is the peoples` voice? This is our money, so much and so badly managed, that it is difficult to grasp.
At NAV- one reason for the catastrophic handling of our money...is a 31 year old computer system. Hmmm that must be the world`s most intelligent system since, in all other systems, it is the human input that gives the commands, not the other way around. Artificial intelligence at its best!
And of course we have the 'cheats' - you know the ones making sure to get as much money fron the state for their disability as possible. Wake up - if the government had control of their own processes, nobody could cheat. Some lucky people would actually even get their honest share - and not wait for over a year to receive what they have a right to receive. And it is always interesting to hear that it is the people applying for the money who cheat - the ones handling the money, handling the paper work - they never cheat - they just have a 31 year old computer system which makes all the mistakes.
But then again - this is Norway, and the Norwegians do things in their own special way. And very successfully.
Ut på tur - aldri sur! As long as it happens after the election and a computer system is to blame.
"Riksrevisjonen er kritisk til forvaltningen av Statens pensjonsfond - Utland, internkontrollen i NAV, Forsvarsbygg, store forsinkelser i nødnettprosjektet, Jernbaneverket og Statens Vegvesen. Dette er de kritiske rapportene regjeringen fikk utsatt til etter valget.
....Ved kontroll av drifts- og vedlikeholdsanskaffelser manglet tilfredsstillende dokumentasjon på 73 prosent av de kontrollerte fakturaene. "
Why is this called manupulation, lying or cheating in other countries, but when things like this happen in Norway - the person reacting is called the names.
It is amazing, if these results had been regarding anything else, heads would role, in other countries' citizens would demonstrate and of course the press would have a field day making sure that all citizens knew that their taxes could just as well have been used for fun and games at the nearby fair. Not to mention, we are already taxed 3 - 4 times on the same income. But in Norway, nothing happens.
Business as usual... Where is the opposition? Where is the peoples` voice? This is our money, so much and so badly managed, that it is difficult to grasp.
At NAV- one reason for the catastrophic handling of our money...is a 31 year old computer system. Hmmm that must be the world`s most intelligent system since, in all other systems, it is the human input that gives the commands, not the other way around. Artificial intelligence at its best!
And of course we have the 'cheats' - you know the ones making sure to get as much money fron the state for their disability as possible. Wake up - if the government had control of their own processes, nobody could cheat. Some lucky people would actually even get their honest share - and not wait for over a year to receive what they have a right to receive. And it is always interesting to hear that it is the people applying for the money who cheat - the ones handling the money, handling the paper work - they never cheat - they just have a 31 year old computer system which makes all the mistakes.
But then again - this is Norway, and the Norwegians do things in their own special way. And very successfully.
Ut på tur - aldri sur! As long as it happens after the election and a computer system is to blame.
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