Swedish Pancakes and Hot Tempers
So I went to Ikea in New Haven. It was a very serious experience. I got there early for “Ikea breakfast” (who knew). Eggs, bacon, fried potatoes (pretty much Conn. Coll. food, but tasted a day older) and Swedish Pancakes. Which are apparently a hit. While I was waiting in the cafeteria style line with the other early shoppers this one lady was yelling at the Ikea staff. “Where are the pancakes! There’s no pancakes!” she was screaming from the little service island to the back of the cooking area 15 feet away. “There’s no more pancakes!” The service lady, who was doing her best with a near deaf old guy (who had detailed questions about Ikea cuisine) was telling the yeller that the pancakes were made “fresh” and would be out any minute. This woman yelled about her lack of pancakes until a guy came from the back carrying a tray five minutes later.
Swedish pancakes…a really big deal.
I bought a floor lamp for $6.99. I felt like I was shoplifting. Crate & Barrel was selling the same floor lamps for $35. With my saving I picked up other things I didn’t need, like a little plant with a nice pot. My place is real drab and the roommate DEFFINITELY don’t help.
I even contemplated buying a flower box. On a full stomach you buy all kinds of things you’ll never need or take care of.
On the way out, after paying for my stuff and paying for the plastic bags in which to carry it all (Europeans), the Ikea hits you with their $1 hotdogs, cinnamon-buns and soft serve.
Maybe all you Ikea veterans are over this. I was taken aback. I loaded up on like 6 cina-buns. And really wanted to dig into some of that cheap Swedish import food they sell as gourmet. Like the jars of caviar for 3.49. But the Swedes can’t fool me, and I thought I’ll just hit up Ikea on E-Trade, get rich, and buy some REAL expensive caviar.
Comments
Hahaha, combining furniture retail with food service is an intriguing business plan. I'm thinking of opening up my own place called Seats & Eats. It'll basically be an all-you-can-eat buffet that has recliners placed around the dining area for overs-stuffed patrons to relax in post-gorge. The catch is that if you sit in a recliner you have to buy it.
Posted by: Chris Reilly | February 19, 2008 08:47 AM