LocalJoy

Hi, Isaac, welcome to LocalJoy! Interesting comment. Very similar style to the comments of Kevin, another of LocalJoy's users. I must confess to being the author of the purple prose you're commenting on. I do try, in my own pollyanna-ish way, to write very positive, readable descriptions of places in Changchun that cast them in what I think of as the best light. I may get carried away from time to time and my writing skills may not be adequate but I am comforted by the notion that others can temper my descriptions with comments and critiques based on their personal experience.

On one hand, its great to have a place like City Supermarket to buy imported goods. But his prices are way out of line. The same bottle of strawberry jam he charges 32rmb for can be bought in Beijing, Shanghai or Harbin at Carrefour for 17rmb. From the importing distributor label required by the government on all items, I quickly picked up on the fact that City Supermarket is sourcing from South Korea and Hong Kong, rather than the cheaper food distributors in Shanghai that Walmart and Carrefour use. I suggested the owner follow Walmart and Carrefour's lead and source from Shanghai, but I guess backwards business thinking prevails. Rather than obtain lower prices to build the market while maintaining profitability, he's satisfied to keep things as they are. I can't help notice that customer frequency and purchase amounts remain low. Carrefour's arrival in Changchun brought false hopes. I thought Carrefour would have a descent imported goods department as their Beijing and Shanghai stores do. But a Carrefour representative at their Beijing headquarters told me that owing to local government issues (corruption), in order for Carrefour to finally get permission to open in Changchun against the wishes of the Chinese partner tied in with Walmart, Carrefour was forced to agree to use a local imported goods supplier (some cadre's brother-in-law no doubt) who in fact doesn't have a clue what people want. As a result, they don't have the first bag of coffee and 99% of the other strange items on the imported goods shelf there doesn't sell. Even the deli and meat departments are local outfits rather that Carrefours. It's ashame the goverment had to ruin it. The deli's at normal Carrefours are full of delicious goodies.

Th restaurant's decor is in need of refreshening but the staff is very friendly. I tried the tacos. Unfortunately when they arrived, each of the 3 taco shells was broken into 5-6 pieces each. The restaurant should not have served smashed shells. I expressed my concern and was told "bu hao yisi" and nothing else. Not really a professional response to a customer with a reasonable complaint. I was told that's the way the taco shells arrive from their supplier, the City Supermarket. I suppose that makes it all okay in their minds. Personally, I would have refused the damaged order from City Supermarket and asked for a replacement order. No rocket science there. Oh well, it made for an acceptable taco salad.

And just to treat patrons of Changchun's Corner Cafe with something different, my crew and I decided to have a jam session this coming Friday. If you like to jam with us, TGIF and brng a friend!