HawaiiStories: Why is that?

July 09, 2003

Why is that?

This thread is part 'rant' (and I was tempted to add it as a category), another part "Did you ever notice?" (with a nod to Joe Moore) and another part life in general in Hawaii.

To start of:

Why is that whenever you go into a bank you never see all the teller stations manned by the tellers?
Why is that ironwood trees are planted on or close to beaches (in this state)?
Why is that someone might say "Local Hawaiian Girl" as opposed to just either "Local Girl" or "Hawaiian Girl" (or plain "Girl")?
Why is that when you cross the street (with a very low speed limit) cars on the opposite lane tend to wait until you cross the street never mind the fact that at least one more car on that lane can sneak by without running someone over while cars on the lane closest to you will just tend to run you over?
Why is that Hot dogs come in packs of 10 while Hot dog buns come in packs of 8 (I have my theory but it's a lame one)?
Why is that a certain plate lunch chain offers their plate lunch with white rice and mac salad and if you ask them for fried rice instead they will do it but will leave out the mac salad?

While I don't expect answers to the above questions you can always add to this list.

Posted by Helen at July 09, 2003 10:17 PM

Comments

Posted by Linkmeister on July 10, 2003 10:34 AM:

A corollary to the tellers:

Why does Long's Pearlridge bother having 11 registers when it never staffs more than three?

Posted by ruth on July 10, 2003 10:48 AM:

My question relates to how restaurant hostesses (there's gotta be a gender-neutral term for this) decide on which seats you'll sit in. Perhaps if I had a little more background, I'll find a way to quell my irritation.

Here's the situation:

I put in a lunch reservation at Palomino almost a week in advance, saying that I prefered a window seat. When I got there at 1:15 p.m., the table was not ready. The hostess, in downtown-style feigned politeness, led me and my lunch partner to the center of the restaurant, next to a chattering group of four women. Being that it was late in a typical lunch period, there were maybe five window tables open. In addition, there were other tables that offered more privacy that were not window seats. I felt completely insulted that this hostess "stuffed" us in the center of the restaurant among a crowd. To think, I waited nearly a week plus the few extra minutes the staff needed to "set up" our table to get that.

Another detail is that the Web site says lunch is from 11:15 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., so it's not as if we came onto the scene at an inconvenient time for restaurant staff.

I love Palomino, and the service there has consistently been spectacular in the past, so this won't prevent me from going there again.

Can someone explain this behavior? Am I missing something about the business of seating guests? About 90 percent of me thinks it was the hostess "on a vibe" being rude. Other hostesses in the past were much more than accommodating, and sincere.

Why is that?

Posted by Jon on July 10, 2003 12:25 PM:

...Hawaii drivers whined about traffic cameras to no end, but still refuse to take the time to learn how to merge?

Posted by Ryan on July 10, 2003 12:58 PM:

Ruth: Did the hostess who seated you know about the window preference you expressed to the person who took the reservation? Also, in that same position, I would've stopped the hostess when I spotted the open window seats and asked to be put there. It doesn't strike me as an unreasonable request at all.

Link and Helen, your question about Longs and banks have the same answer: "It's the economy, stupid." I have a personal beef with Bank of Hawaii, though, in that they pay a dork to stand around and chat us up while in line, rather than using that salary to add another teller. (I did "Tell Mike!" too -- no response. I happily closed my account for assorted bad-service reasons last month.)

As to your driver-related questions: that's a whole 'nother thread. We're insane here, that's the only explanation. There was the Van Cams (which I supported, thank you), and now folks threatening to take to the streets over a traffic light.

Helen, I've heard "local girl." The addition of Hawaiian might help distinguish between a local Milwaukee girl and local Seattle girl, though, depending on the context. As for the fried rice, I would assume it has to do with cost: fried rice is more expensive than regular rice, so you pay more or give up the mac salad.

The hot dog question I'll leave to Seinfeld and his students to answer.

Posted by ruth on July 10, 2003 1:18 PM:

Ryan - What we ended up doing was asking the server to have us reseated. Part of me wanted to see where the hostess would put us first.

I don't know if she knew about the request for a window seat. If there was a breakdown in the communication at Palomino, that's unfortunate. But whether she knew what my preference was or not, she seemed very unconcerned. At least that's the feeling I was left with.

After we were reseated, the lunch was fabulous. And the server was excellent.

Posted by Linkmeister on July 10, 2003 1:21 PM:

Ryan, I'd buy your explanation about the Longs registers except that I've been going in and out of there for 25 years, and it's been the same, good economy, bad economy, no economy. There are 5-10 stockers running around at all times, but they apparently aren't checked out on the registers.

Safeway Waimalu, by way of contrast, sees a line of more than four people at a register and puts out a call over the PA system for somebody to come open up a register.

Posted by Ryan on July 10, 2003 1:29 PM:

Er, I first want to clarify that my "It's the economy, stupid," was an attempt to be cute, and was not to call Helen or Link stupid.

Secondly, Link, I do feel your pain. Lines in Longs stores are bad almost everywhere. It bears noting, though, that I actually have seen the Ala Moana store firing on all cylinders - and that's both banks of registers, on the mauka side and inside facing Sears.

That said, calling out extra register jockeys when lines get long is good business anywhere. Wasn't it one of the things Star Markets bragged about? Now if only Bank of Hawaii could train that professional, kukui nut lei-wearing schmoozer to handle actual transactions.

Posted by Sin on July 10, 2003 2:58 PM:

Ruth, as a guy who put himself through college by working in resturants; as a bus boy, waiter, host, dishwasher, etc, there could be a plethora of answers to your query:

1) The hostess had to save window seats for people who called and reserved them.
2) Her standard operating proceedure is to try and get rid of the crappy seats first because it's always easier to do that and be left with the good seats than the other way around. (You'd be surprised how many customers DEMAND window or booth seats despite the fact that they can see for themselves that the resturant is packed)
3) You resembled the hated exgirlfriend of her boyfriend and so had a built in grudge against you.

Of course, these are just theories.

But hey, next time you go to Palaminos, check out the bar area. They have some nice booth seats in the back that you can order the full menu. I actually like doing that, eating in the lounge because it's quieter (usually) and they always offer the full menu if you requst it. (The good resturants anyway).

Posted by Linkmeister on July 10, 2003 3:19 PM:

Ryan, anybody quoting James Carville is ok by me. ;)

Posted by ruth on July 10, 2003 3:39 PM:

Hey Sin,

Great insight. It does seem to boil down to the fact that she knew she was giving me a crappy seat. I did make a reservation nearly a week in advance with a preference for a window seat, and the crowd was very, very thin in there with hardly any new customers walking in the door. The place was beginning to lull, so there was no visible reason for her to rid a "crappy seat" on me.

I fired off a complaint letter to them. There's no excuse for that behavior.

I loved your Theory No. 3. I will say she had a "catty" vibe about her. This is sort of a digression, but I can't stand catty behavior. I know it's a reality in the animal world we live in, but there are also enlightened ways to rise above that kind of behavior.

Sheesh!

Ruth

Posted by Sin on July 10, 2003 4:15 PM:

Yeah, when I was a host in Denver (many moons ago) I used to dread leading people to the crappy sections of the resturant. In my mind I would always think to myself "Please don't say anything...please...just sit down and enjoy the menu...please...crap they're looking at the booth seats...they're making the face... DAMN IT!!!"

Then again, she could have just been a wench.

Sin

Posted by Mitchell on July 10, 2003 9:52 PM:

You know, the hot-dog vs. bun question is not as mysterious as you might think, and a quick look at the archives of The Straight Dope can be enlightening. Hot dogs come in packages of 10 because ten hot dogs to a pound makes practical sense.

Apparently, the bun reasons are not quite as clear, and in addition to the theories posted at the Straight Dope, I'll add my own, which is that when they first started baking these things, they didn't have special pans just for the baking of hot-dog buns. My thinking is that four buns across is how many would fit into the existing pans, and bakeries have stuck with the tradition. One might scoff at such adherence, but I'll bet you don't complain when you get that extra doughnut that makes your order a "baker's dozen," now do you? :)

If you find the numbers irritating, you might consider simply purchasing your hot dogs 4 packs at a time, and your buns 5 packs at a time. I hear you get a free angioplasty when you do.

Posted by ruth on July 11, 2003 12:46 PM:

To Palomino's credit, I got a very well-written and sincere apology from the managers today. They were very prompt and said they are taking corrective measures. In addition, they invited us back for a complimentary meal.

I've always had faith in Palomino, but they're not immune from rotten apples.

Ruth

Posted by Linkmeister on July 11, 2003 3:18 PM:

A free antgioplasty? How about an artificial heart made with valves from pigs? ;)

And good on Palomino, Ruth. That's class.

Posted by Linkmeister on July 11, 2003 3:19 PM:

How'd that "t" get in there? Oops.

Posted by Honukai on July 11, 2003 5:27 PM:

Ruth, as a former host (which i believe is now the neutral term) I was instructed to evenly spread out the customers in the different waitstaff sections. You have never seen a tongue lashing until you receive one from a waiter who hardly has anyone in their section, while their coworker is running around trying to get their tables served. The waiters rely on their tips, so it can get quite catty behind the scenes if they feel they're receiving less customers.

It's to our benefit as well since you wouldn't care to receive poor service from an overworked waiter if another was casually walking his/her area.

Likewise, it's not something I did, but some hosts bunch their customers up since they feel it's less running around for the waiters. I consider it poor judgement and an insult to the diner.

Not to say your prearrangement shouldn't have been factored into this and the window table be yours... I'm glad Palomino righted a wrong.

Posted by Honukai on July 11, 2003 5:31 PM:

BTW, I don't think Star in Kaneohe got the memo regarding opening up new checkers when there's a line (and I'm talking a LONG line). I go there several times/week to pick up sushi and i swear, they see the line (and I'm saying ONE, since it's like pulling teeth to get them to open up a second)and duck behind their customer service desk. If it weren't for the sushi bar, I would NEVER go in there... Talk about unfriendly service. And to think they're local?? hmpf!

Posted by Honukai on July 11, 2003 5:33 PM:

K, last comment from me, promise... Longs in Kaneohe AND Kailua are notorious for having only three lines open... I have made it a custom to check out at the Cosmetics register if they're open, since no one's usually waiting.

Posted by Ryan on July 11, 2003 6:01 PM:

Ah, the cosmetics register escape valve. The pharmacy registers can serve a similar purpose (except they're usually busy on their own)...

Posted by Tom on July 11, 2003 8:04 PM:

*ahem* Photo department.

Posted by Tom on July 11, 2003 8:08 PM:

btw, has anyone used Longs.com?

Posted by aureservoir on July 11, 2003 11:45 PM:

Nope; I usually buy online from drugstore.com or cvs (only when they have coupons or free shipping deals, though).

Posted by Ryan on July 12, 2003 9:19 AM:

True, Tom! Except the photo department usually runs on the Take-a-Number™ system (and are often more backlogged than cosmetics and pharmacy). Line jumping, as it were, is easier at the other two departments.

Posted by Albert on July 12, 2003 1:15 PM:

The most irksome thing to me about the check-out clerks at Long's (and Foodland clerks have caught the disease, too), is being asked:

"Will that be all for you?"

Sheez, if I'd wanted something else I want have brought it to the counter, no?

Posted by Tom on July 12, 2003 11:10 PM:

DOH! I keep forgetting about the relative population on your island, Ryan. The Longs I frequent rarely has a line of more than 3 people at the photo dept. Maybe I should keep its location a secret.

As long as we are on RANTS, what are the odds of having a mistake on your order three different restaurants in a row on the same day?

1st - McDonalds confuses two double macs for two mega macs. Didnt discover it untill I opened the wrapper when I got back to work. A little irritating, but whatever.

2nd - Placed an order for my family at Arbys for three Chicken Finger adventure meals, two 4pc Chicken Finger Combos, and one Beef and Cheddar sandwhich. Got home to find three junior sandwhich adventure meals, one chicken finger adventure meal, and one Beef and Cheddar sandwhich. I called to inform them of the mistake and the person on the phone insisted that they remember taking my order and that they filled it correctly. WTF!?!? How can I screw up and forget to order something for myself!!?? Not to mention forgetting that my kids do not like the Arby sandwhiches and refuse to eat them?!? I had to cut my losses right there because I could see that I was getting angry enough to wrap the phone cord around that persons neck and beat 'em with the handset.

3rd -- Not having anything to eat and in desperate need for comfort food, I called Jimmys Drive Inn and orderd 2 Korean Combination plates, Ozen style. They told me that I would be ready in 20 minutes. When I got there they had a bag with 2 plates in it with my name on it. When the waitress looked at the tab she asked "You ordered 2 Korean Combos, Ozen style?" "uh, yea.." I replied. A slight frown krept on her face as she looked in the bag. Then she quickly crumpled the plastic bag closed and carried it back to the kitchen. "Sorry, it'll be a few more minutes." she said as she walked away. I found myself laughing uncontrollably in disbelief while the other patrons gave me a wierd look. I was so thankful that I did not have to travel all the way back home to discover the error that I left the waiteress a substatial tip for a take out order.

Posted by raevyn808 on July 13, 2003 4:23 AM:

dang Tom, I thought I had bad luck with take-out food... I've learned that when ordering multiples of "combo #x" with "no ___" or "extra ___" it's actually easier to give each particular combo as a separate item versus saying "two Combo #Xs, one with no pickles and the other with extra cheese." Especially at McDonald's.

I haven't had that fried rice experience with the plate lunch substitution Helen but why is it that they have to stick the steaming hot rice right next to the cold mac salad? I can normally tolerate non-Best Food's mac salad but when it gets warm....ugh.

My worst restaurant experience happened when my mother, sisters and I went to lunch a few years ago. The restaurant wasn't busy when we got there and we placed simple orders - two sandwich-type plates, a chili bowl and a salad. The meals arrived about 15 minutes later but they forgot my sandwich. The waitress apologized and then ran back to the kitchen to find out what was going on. In the meantime the restaurant was filling up - our waitress was now busy. Ten minutes passed and still no sandwich. We had the waitress check up on it again. By this time everyone else was almost done eating. Still no sandwich. The waitress returned and gave us some half-assed story about a mixup with her orders and another worker's orders. The sandwich would take about five more minutes if I still wanted it. My mother had to return to work so we just told the waitress to cancel my sandwich and bring us a box for the leftovers. An older woman came out from the front counter to apologize -- she's the owner's mother -- and gave us the container. She then grabbed the leftover sandwich from my mother's plate with her bare hands and put it into the container all the while apologizing for the bad service and missing meal. With her bare hands...and she was working the register!

Posted by Albert on July 14, 2003 2:27 PM:

Was thinking about it, and decided, yes, my main WHY IS THAT? question is:

Why is everyone in such a hurry?

People in those four-wheeled steel capsules are the worst. You'd think life would be over for them if they are delayed thirty seconds while someone crosses the street in a crosswalk.

But sheez, most of the homeless people are rushing around as if they have somewhere terribly important to get to.

Why is that, indeed?

Posted by Sin on July 16, 2003 9:16 PM:

okay, this is in regards to the "cosmetics counter escape valve" line there...if anyone is stuck in Daiei during its busy times just head on over to the liquor and cigarettes check out and you can bypass everyone. You have to have less than ten items though. it's a good check out counter for bachelors in that sense, since our shopping is done as needed.

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