Keep It Simple, Stupid!
I had a recent craving for In-N-Out burgers but then I wondered about their marketing for such a brilliant, delicious product. There is no marketing! There is no PR. There are (thankfully) no commercials to taint its image. Local to California, the ingredients won't travel far to reach its restaurant location. However, what makes this product so brilliant is the simplicity of ordering. Everyday we are subjected to decision-making. Companies with the newest product developed for consumers to try and shoving it down our throats. Standing in the grocery store aisle staring at multiple versions of fiber healthy cereal, I am annoyed and overwhelmed with so many choices. Have you ever experienced waiting in line at the fast food counter and someone ahead can't make a decision to satisfy your impatience? Yes. Or maybe that's you. You're not to be blamed. Freedom of choice comes at a price, even if you are selecting from the $1 menu.
So In-N-Out; Thank you for making my life simple. And even though the secret menu exists, it's made perfect for selecting the perfect burger for each lifestyle. Why can't all decisions be this simple? In-N-Out has mastered this technique and instead concentrate on the quality of their products vs. diversity. What a confusing world we live in. Just K.I.S.S!
Speaking of the industry, I am currently reading Best Food Writing 2008 and found a quote I would like to immortalize on my blog. I could not agree more.
"I'm so sick and tired of how awesome it is to work at Google or *ucking Apple or one of those tech companies," he says. "Why can't it be awesome to work for a food company? Why can't we create an environment where people are trying to push each other to do great things, and we're not trying to steal from anybody, we're trying to be good to our farmers and run an honorable business, if there is such a thing anymore?" -Chef David Chang, Owner of Momofuku Ssam Bar.
(Chef on the Edge by Larissa MacFarquhar)
Think about that food manufacturers. What are you doing to the greater community? No amount of philanthropic could make up for a farmer out of business.
On another note, a kindergartener tried to kiss me yesterday. That was awkward. haha. Good thing I'm great at dodging! Who knew I was loved so much! One thing they all need to learn: self control. lol. the end.
Friday, February 25, 2011
Tuesday, February 22, 2011
Insta-Cravings
We all get them. They come at completely random times of the day. There is no predicting when it will occur. They are in fact, Insta-cravings. And I have one right now. DONUTS.
Back at Cal Poly, there was a 24-hour donut establishment that catered to the stressed college student studying at 3am, to the drunk post-party crowd, and to those random cravings. I actually never visited the place until my final year at Cal Poly. Who knew I was missing out on so much! Therefore, on those insta-craving days at times that are far beyond anyone's decent bedtime hour, I would make a trip to the infamous donut shop. That was then; this is now.
Being back in San Francisco, breakfast and snacks are no longer whatever I choose to eat at times I crave them. And I have yet to find a decent donut shop. No, San Francisco foodies, I'm not talking about gourmet donuts. (That words is being overused!) I mean a normal person, stereotypical police officer-type donut. Glazed, powdered, cinnamon sugar, filled, and holes. Long before the days of saturated fats and high fructose corn syrup scares, my mother actually allowed us to have donuts every Sunday as an extra special treat. We always went to Glaze Donuts in the Excelsior district picking out our favorites. I always got the chocolate with sprinkles. So sugary and sweet, it was a pretty donut to behold. Yet, Krispy Kreme came along and then independent shops had some major competition. With its location in near Daly City, it's not too far to go to satisfy both your donut craving and In-n-Out craving. Whoever designed that small corner is a genius. But I'm not in favor of Krispy Kreme. It's just too sweet.
So while Glaze Donuts (Yay for neighborhood businesses!) may satisfy my craving for now, where will I go if that craving comes at 2am? The search continues...
Back at Cal Poly, there was a 24-hour donut establishment that catered to the stressed college student studying at 3am, to the drunk post-party crowd, and to those random cravings. I actually never visited the place until my final year at Cal Poly. Who knew I was missing out on so much! Therefore, on those insta-craving days at times that are far beyond anyone's decent bedtime hour, I would make a trip to the infamous donut shop. That was then; this is now.
Being back in San Francisco, breakfast and snacks are no longer whatever I choose to eat at times I crave them. And I have yet to find a decent donut shop. No, San Francisco foodies, I'm not talking about gourmet donuts. (That words is being overused!) I mean a normal person, stereotypical police officer-type donut. Glazed, powdered, cinnamon sugar, filled, and holes. Long before the days of saturated fats and high fructose corn syrup scares, my mother actually allowed us to have donuts every Sunday as an extra special treat. We always went to Glaze Donuts in the Excelsior district picking out our favorites. I always got the chocolate with sprinkles. So sugary and sweet, it was a pretty donut to behold. Yet, Krispy Kreme came along and then independent shops had some major competition. With its location in near Daly City, it's not too far to go to satisfy both your donut craving and In-n-Out craving. Whoever designed that small corner is a genius. But I'm not in favor of Krispy Kreme. It's just too sweet.
So while Glaze Donuts (Yay for neighborhood businesses!) may satisfy my craving for now, where will I go if that craving comes at 2am? The search continues...
Tuesday, February 15, 2011
Flip-side
Oh Christ. I have definitely let this blog fall to the way side. I used to complain about not having anything to do. And now I have too much to do! My plate is overflowing and I feel slightly overwhelmed but even more motivated. Yay for stress!
So why did I leave? I've put my passion for food into the back corner of my mind because the industry clearly blacklisted me. I'm slightly annoyed but hope the marketing field will come around. In the meantime, I found what works for me. Kids. I've always been really good with them, or so I've been told. I don't really think much about it. So why let the talent go to waste. I'll teach. I'll do something good and make an impact on lives in a classroom. Teachers are the true heroes. And after what I've seen in a kindergarten classroom, that is the absolute truth. Now begins the true test of perseverance (yay I spelled it right!) in applying for a credential program. Personal statements, CSETs, and FAFSA, oh my.
On another note, I was thrilled to hear the words, "We really wanted you for our organization! We feel you fit the role perfectly." Not everyday that I get a chance to hear that. I joined a non-profit fulfilling multiple duties from admin, event planning, to management soon. It's great experience and though I'm not making $$, I am thankful to be in a supportive environment with amazing people.
And now when I've gotten more than enough on my plate, I get a response from a company I would love to work for. But now that I have kindergarteners counting on me and actually cheer when I walk into the room, I don't know if experience is enough for me to abandon them. I don't commit halfheartedly. Especially when it comes to kids. I have a feeling hard decisions will have to be made soon. Like they say, you can't have everything. But I'd like to try.
So why did I leave? I've put my passion for food into the back corner of my mind because the industry clearly blacklisted me. I'm slightly annoyed but hope the marketing field will come around. In the meantime, I found what works for me. Kids. I've always been really good with them, or so I've been told. I don't really think much about it. So why let the talent go to waste. I'll teach. I'll do something good and make an impact on lives in a classroom. Teachers are the true heroes. And after what I've seen in a kindergarten classroom, that is the absolute truth. Now begins the true test of perseverance (yay I spelled it right!) in applying for a credential program. Personal statements, CSETs, and FAFSA, oh my.
On another note, I was thrilled to hear the words, "We really wanted you for our organization! We feel you fit the role perfectly." Not everyday that I get a chance to hear that. I joined a non-profit fulfilling multiple duties from admin, event planning, to management soon. It's great experience and though I'm not making $$, I am thankful to be in a supportive environment with amazing people.
And now when I've gotten more than enough on my plate, I get a response from a company I would love to work for. But now that I have kindergarteners counting on me and actually cheer when I walk into the room, I don't know if experience is enough for me to abandon them. I don't commit halfheartedly. Especially when it comes to kids. I have a feeling hard decisions will have to be made soon. Like they say, you can't have everything. But I'd like to try.
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