Cafe Coffee Day - the loves and hates [UBC Post 1]

So, I jumped the bandwagon, since I am an incorrigible. I am joining the Ultimate Blog Challenge July 2013, despite the fact that I have been part of Photo-A-Day Challenges in May and June. To cut the long story short, this challenge expects one to post 31 times during this month, preferably one each day but there is no such rule. 

The thing is I want to write a lot on this blog, no matter how random. I want to keep the habit of writing daily and sometimes even scheduling. And it is not that we ever have any dearth of things to write about. This world is a dynamic and entertaining place, and we are quite opinionated. 

We went to the mall yesterday. Nothing great shakes about it since 80% of the people probably do the same thing on the weekends. But we never go on a Sunday evening because it looks like all the people have come to the same mall, there are queues everywhere. Those are the only times when I say 'I hate shopping!'

Anyways, I wanted to talk about CCD - the Cafe Coffee Day. I love their Cappuccino. It is my instant-pick-me-up at a mall. I was always found at the CCD on the 3rd floor of Shoppers Stop next to my office, every Saturday afternoon. Those were the days! But they used to serve nice sandwiches too. Paneer Tariyaki was my absolute favourite. But somehow no one except me was ordering them so they discontinued it. Next went the Muffins. I love muffins, and therefore out they went. I have made peace with their experimentation in sandwiches. I just pick anything.

But what I absolutely hate and I have experienced this often, they serve coffee before the sandwiches. Always. Always. Despite telling them 4 times while ordering. They don't get it. The first few times I ordered Sandwiches and Coffee, I did not deem it necessary to tell them that I want them together. They served me coffee first and sandwich much, much later. The next few times I told them I wanted them together. So, the intelligent people prepared the coffee and kept it aside. Then brought coffee and sandwiches together because I never told them that the coffee must be hot. So, after a few experiences of reheating the coffee, yesterday I told the person (3 times) to get me the coffee and the sandwich TOGETHER and everything should be HOT. I also ordered for a Brownie for the little one. I told him specifically to get me the Brownie first so that I can keep him busy, and then get me the sandwich and coffee together (both hot). So, any guesses, what I got? I got the Brownie with Coffee. I had ordered 2 coffee. They got me 1 coffee with the Brownie. I almost lost my cool and asked the person 'why was I getting 1 coffee and that too with the Brownie!' He was not the person who took the order (which was not my problem). He was exasperated as to why was I losing my cool on such a trivial issue (he did not tell me but it was obvious from his expressions). Because he did not know that all of them did the same thing across the outlets!

He said he did not know about my order (which again was not my problem). He said he would take my coffee back and get the right order. I could see that he stood talking with the guy who took the order, a little away from where I was sitting. And I am quite sure they must be throwing abuses my way (for all I care). Get the b*#$!y order right guys, don't blame the customers!

Has this happened with you too? Now, no matter how much I love their coffee, I am thinking of shifting my loyalties. 

Image courtesy: Cafe Coffee Day

In the name of Charity

I had a horrible experience at Lifestyle recently. Well, I wanted to buy sandals and went for the billing. My friend was standing ahead of me in the queue. The lady at the billing counter asked her if she wanted to donate Re 1 for the charity. My friend asked her, what charity. She pointed towards some Poster, which basically was about some charity initiative by Lifestyle group or something. Anyways, she did go for it reluctantly. What’s Re 1/- right? Well, not with me, if I am not in the right mood.

I went in next. She swiped my card adding the Re 1/-. I asked her that the sandals were for Rs 750 right, so why the bill says Rs 751! She said, (now, note carefully) we have been asked by the management to bill everyone with Re 1/- extra by default. And if somebody argues (please note…argues!), we have been asked to give back Re 1/- coin. Well, if you think about it does anybody visiting a mall really count till the last rupee while paying? We never even total it ever ourselves, and always dole out the money whatever we are asked for. Imaging the unsuspecting buyers, who are paying Re 1/- without their consent.

I was about to get into a full blown lecture but well, at the end I just gave her an earful that this is wrong! Even if it is just Re 1/- you are not supposed to add it with my bill. It is just human tendency. We will just let it go….why make a scene for just Re 1/- (like I did).

But this is really not OK. I have found this in several malls, they are asking for charity (Re 1/- or Rs 10 whatever). God knows, where this money goes! Who accounts for these cash? Why should I support a cause which I am not even aware of!Why should I pay for some company's CSR activity!

If I want to do charity, I would do it on my own, to the cause of my choice. Regardless of the fact that Re 1/- is nothing, I want the option of making a choice!