1:: Watch Video Above. What the heck right? So its a spoof making fun of McDonald’s serving smoothies. (McDonald’s also now serving Mocha Frappe with goes into Starbucks territory)

2:: Go to Jamba Juice Cheeseburger web page

3:: Coupon pops up. One dollar off any smoothie

Note. I worked for Jamba Juice as a “professional juicer” during college at the 9th and Irving store in San Francisco.

Jamba Juice was able to scale (expand locations) because they implemented a simple procedure including making drinks.

Every time I worked at my shift, I enjoyed the smell of fresh fruits and vegetables.

I think that Jamba Juice is creative and clever in this viral campaign.

Bacteria!

Arsenic!

1000% Mark Up

Are bottled water much cleaner?
But does it taste better?

Penn & Teller tells it all.

Just to 6:40 for the funny taste test.

“I spent over two hundred dollars on drinks alone in Hong Kong!”

I recently came back form a two month tasting trip in Hong Kong. After looking at my expenses, I calculated that I spent over two hundred dollars in drinks. In Hong Kong, a majority of ladies just expected the guy (me) to pay for the drinks. Oh, and don’t expect a thank you very much.

So, it was a great surprise when Anna Jugo-Balasi from Hatchette Book Group sent me Mix Shake Stir to review.

Different.
Unlike other cocktail books, I find this book filled with more features. Interesting quotes from restaurant bar tenders give additional cocktail insight. This guide also introduces readers to even making perfect ice cubes to choosing the right glass.

A chapter is even devoted to recipes for making snacks from award winning chefs.

Layout.
The book makes a great coffee table book. My favorite thus far is the strawberry ginger mojito (p.165). I can just imagine the tart strawberry that pair so ever well with spicy tones form ginger.

The book uses a modern layout and font that makes it a great gift.

Amazon.
Here is the link to Mix Shake Stir: Recipes from Danny Meyer’s Acclaimed New York City Restaurants

Not only is it hot in Hong Kong, it is humid. Don’t be surprised if after walking around for about fifteen minutes, thirst attacks suddenly. So, here is the situation. With a wet back and thirst up your alley, hip hop over to Hui Lau Shan dessert restaurant.

After dinner, a group of friends went to Hui Lau Shan. This is Hong Kong’s equivalent to Jamba Juice. Instead of a smoothie, Hui Lau Shan blends sweet mangos fused with a myriad of ingredients.

The fusion part comes to play when you order a mango grass jelly. Grass jelly is a bitter yet refreshing herb jelly. Ordering is simple, just pick the ingredient you like and select from the
picture menu.

My favorite is the coconut mango. Sweet ripe mangoes marries so well with refreshing coconut.

Tip: for those on a diet, request them to leave out the sweet syrup

{click for address + food photos}

Red Bull drinks pump me up. But I am more fascinated by their creative marketing campaigns. They’re genius. I considered them the King of Gen Y marketing. (Read Redbull Soapbox Race)

Now, they are building a snow board ramp in New York City and invited some of the top snow boarders. Injecting “cool” into their brand, they are sponsoring entertaining events that create buzz.

Wish I was in NYC for the event.

Red Bull Helicopter Doing a Back Flip!

Funny Budlight blow fish Commercial

Blow Fish being prepared

The Budweiser commercial features blow fish, a deadly ugly looking fish. The Simpson’s had a classic episode about blow fish.

Blow fish (Fugu) is for the food thrill seekers. Japanese sushi chefs train several years just to learn the proper knife skills and how to properly prepare it. At the end, only a few sushi chefs are given a license.

In Japan, seven patrons fell ill a few days ago after eating blow fish at an unlicensed restaurant. They were eating blow fish testicles.

C’mon people, try a buttery sweet tuna toro (fatty tuna). Why risk your life?

In Hong Kong, I have tried blow fish but seared. The taste was nothing remarkable. I would not risk my life eating such an ugly looking fish.

Lesson: Stay away from blow fish testicles + every other part

Blow fish still moving

As its name suggest, get in there “Quickly” and get the crap of this place!

“I’ll have the almond tea, no finger nails please!”

Me calling Quickly’s today.

“Just wanted to let you know, yesterday night I had a drink. Your boss was sitting in a table with his friend. She was clipping her finger nails. Tell him it made me very uncomfortable.”

“Snap, popple, and crack.” This is meant for the sounds of a delicious bowl of cereal, and not someone clipping their nails.

After a fascinating display of bank shots and quick steals at evening basketball, I trekked over to Quickly’s with my teammate.
There are not much options in the Sunset.

As my friend (J) mesmerized me with his adventurous account through Thailand. The poverty, the girls he had met, the vibrant scene of life. Then,

“Snap.”

“Jerry, is she clipping her finger nails?”
I was outraged. One thing I hate is unsanitary conditions.

While drinking my almond tea to replenish my thirst and soothe my soul, the clipping sound of finger nails had simply crushed my mood and ambiance.

More to rant about.

Often times, the manager has a stone cold faced expression.
No “thank you” and not a hint of gracious “smile.”

4 Top Tips to Increase Business without spending a Dime

4) Train your staff to ask for the name of your customers during their order. They do this at Jamba juice and Pinkberry. This means you care.

3) Ask the customer for feedback. “What is your favorite drink?” “How can we improve your experience?” “How was your weekend?”

2) I am an immigrant from Hong Kong. I understand that English may be an obstacle. But, mom ‘n pops need to understand that this is a not a food business, but HOSPITALITY. If the owners or workers don’t speak English, use body language. Smile, throw out some wacky two finger peace sign. Create some fun energy.

1) Leave your nail clipper at home!

Key to increase business = make your customers feel special

In return, this generates great word of mouth marketing.

As a well mannered person myself, these Chinese mom ‘n pops don’t help increase our profile.
Truth. In this economy, “YOU” the customer are king. “YOU” only have a rather short weekend to enjoy yourself.

My job, tell you places to AVOID so that you can save your money and avoid the chance of a finger nail spiking your drink or poking your eye ball.

“Quickly go in for cheap drink special, quickly dash out.”

Pop princess Britney Spears on a recent trip to Japan visits a charming restaurant.

Checklist for a great dining experience

- live fish in tank, check.
- chubby waiter asking for pictures of Britney, check.
- fish steaks grilled over heated coals, check.
- soda delivered in paddle, check.

Save 70% off $25 Gift Certificates. Use code SAVE and pay $3. Valid Now thru 1/26/09.

With the NFL play offs on its way, the Heineken Beertender makes a great party conversation piece. Designed with coffee maker Krups, the Beertender comes in three models with pricing starting at $219.

The commercial above is produced by advertising agency W+K, known for their creation of the famous slogan “Just Do It!” for Nike.

Raw Tea White Rap Video Part 1

Raw Tea White Rap Video Part 2

Smirnoff promoted their raw tea beverage in a humorous way, by featuring white rappers.

Heineken commercial featuring Jennifer Aniston

Jennifer Aniston blopper clips

Brewed over 170 countries, Dutch beer giant Heineken produced a funny commercial starring Jennifer Aniston, former Friend’s star.

The beer is made of purified water, malted barley, hops, and yeast.

Drink and Driver responsibly.

Dr Pepper, owned by Dr Pepper Snapple Group, Inc., is keeping their promise and giving away free soda. The promotion is for the new Guns ‘N Roses album. Visit Dr Pepper website and redeem a free coupon for the unique tasting soda. (Full Details)

Original Whassup Bud Commercial

After graduating from UC Berkeley in 2000, my first full time job was working for Anheuser Busch Budweiser as an Urban Marketing Rep. The creative “Whassup” commercials became an instant hit.

Eight years later, a political rendition has surfaced. The new ads continue to provide entertainment and humor.

Quick Facts on Budweiser

- Stock Symbol BUD
- ~ 48% market share of beer sales by volume in USA
- Worlds largest brewing company based on revenue
- Operates 12 breweries in the USA & 20 in other countries

Belgian-Brazilian brewing giant InBev has offered to purchase Anheuser-Busch on July 13,2008 but the deal is still pending. (Businessweek Article)

Anheuser Busch is a beverage, packaging, and entertainment company. Currently, the beverage company operates theme parks across the United States including Seaworld. (Theme Park List)

While working for Bud, I learned that they just don’t sell beer, but instead they sell the experience drinking a refreshing Amercian brand. I remembering managing Bud girls during promotions and the amount of attention they would attract.

A majority of their commercials are memorable, funny, and entertaining. But below.. is a Bud commercial involving a farting horse that is just in bad taste.

(video: 7-Eleven marketing genius, turning the convenient store into a Kwik-E-Mart)

Save 50% off Dinner of the Month Club Purchase. Use the code DISCOVER. Valid 10/7/08 through 10/12/08.

7-11 recently launched a marketing campaign involving the nation’s presidential election.
Customers vote by choosing the color of their 20-ounce hot-beverage cup. This gives voters who can’t legally vote participation.

Red for Republican John McCain
Blue for Democratic Barack Obama
Undecided voters can choose the regular 7-Eleven logo cup

Timeline: Starts Wednesday till Election day.

Check 7-Election website for total.
Read 7-Eleven news article for details.

Save 50% off Dinner of the Month Club Purchase. Use the code DISCOVER. Valid 10/7/08 through 10/12/08.