Thanks to Fifty Amp Fuse. . .

Toto’s song “Hold the Line” has been stuck in my head since Friday night.

In case you don’t know what the heck I’m talking about, the band Fifty Amp Fuse played at Music in the Air Friday evening.  They are a pretty good rock band that has a nice catalog of classic rock covers (perhaps some originals, too.)  I got to hear part of their show, but the song that really stuck with me was “Hold the Line.”  It’s a good little song, but 72 hours of that almost continuously running through my head is quite enough, thank you.

At least I’ll never forget the show.  What more could a band want?

Plaka Mediterranean Grill

The newest restaurant in Plymouth, located on the north side of Penniman, between Harvey and Main Street, had its grand opening the other day.  My family had a chance to eat there and we enjoyed it.

The food was good.  I had in mind that this was a straight-up Greek restaurant (because I didn’t notice “Mediterranean” in the name) and had hoped for a larger variety of Greek dishes.  But, what it doesn’t lacks in Greek cuisine it gains in Lebanese or “middle eastern” food like hummous, grape, falafel, etc.  I had a Greek salad with Gyro meat and really enjoyed it.  My family seemed to like the chicken kebob sandwich and the chicken fingers (for the kids.)  Everyone loved the french fries.

If you’re looking for a fantastic dine-in experience, this is not the place.  Although there are tables and counters at which you can sit and eat, it’s not really a sit-down restaurant.   I was a bit disappointed that the music, hip-hop and other top-40 radio stuff, was on and blasting.  That’s not my idea of dining music.  Everything, though, was otherwise clean and adequately comfortable.

I did appreciate the very good service we had.  The staff treated us very well.  I’m sensitive to customer service issues of late, but was pleased that the staff seemed genuinely interested in being friendly and making sure we were taken care of.  That makes up for other deficiencies, if you will.

Prices seemed fine to me.  It might be a shade expensive compared to some other places, but it’s hardly outrageous.  It’s less expensive than the Greek restaurants in Greektown.

I suggest you get their food to go.   You’ll enjoy it.

Happy Birthday America!

Wishing you a happy July Fourth (a day early.)

Two thumbs down for Bally Total Fitness

I really debated whether or not to ever discuss things like this on this particular blog.  As long as I can do so in an honest and ethical fashion, my intention has always been that one of the byproducts of this blog would be that local businesses might be patronized.  I’m no shill for any commercial interest, but healthy local businesses mean a healthy community.

But I think I’ve had enough and can no longer tolerate take the lousy service at one local business.  I have been a premiere member (sounds fancy, I know) of Bally Total Fitness since 1994.  I’m not one of those guys that just pays for his membership and never shows his face.  I use the facility.  My wife and mother are both members, too.  I love Bally for the price and location.  Everything else leaves a bit to be desired.

First and foremost, customer service there can be awful.  In the last few years, I’ve asked dozens of times for the music to be turned down.  I understand that supposedly loud music “motivates” people to work out harder, but sometimes that music is so loud that  I have to yell for the person 5 feet away from me to hear me.  That was the case this morning.  I was practically screaming to be heard by one of the other regulars, who agreed that the music was too loud, and I once again had to be the bad guy and ask the front desk to turn it down.  My request was ignored.  I was told that it had already been turned down when the desk help came in this morning.  I want to hear my music and the people that I’m talking to and I’m tired of requesting this and being treated like I’m a fool for asking.

I just spoke to the manager on the phone about it and was told the volumes are kept at “acceptable levels. “  That was the response I expected.

Second, I’m sick of the rank amateurishness amongst the management and/or staff.  While recently it has been better, in the past it was not uncommon to have the person in charge of opening the location in the morning arrive late.  It was also not uncommon for some of those morning employees to be pissy, whiny and unfriendly.  Again, that has been better in the recent past.  It should never happen and it took plenty of time to correct it while it was occurring.

Theft, disarray, weird behavior in the locker room shower areas, poor  condition of the equipment are all things that I have experienced or seen.  Obviously theft and weird behavior are not caused by Ballys.  But a gym, like any other service, should provide the best atmosphere possible.  It’s getting to a point that I’m strongly considering not renewing my membership.

If you are thinking of joining a local gym, I would suggest you take these things into consideration before joining Bally Total Fitness.

Suburban Harvest about ready to open?

The website says to look for the store to open “late June.”  Well, we’re about as late as it gets in June.

http://www.suburban-harvest.com/

Perhaps I’ll put in a call over there, see when we can expect the grand opening.

Next up: Fourth of July Parade

The annual July 4th parade will happen, not surprisingly, on July 4.  This is, I think, one of Plymouth’s cooler traditions.  Many cities have fireworks but no parades.  Fortunately, the holiday falls on a Saturday.  Here’s the parade info which, by the way, is sponsored by the Kiwanis Club:

Good Morning USA 4^th of July Parade sponsored by the Kiwanis Club of Colonial Plymouth

Saturday, July 4, 2009

Parade begins at 7:30 am on Main Street from Theodore to Hartsough

I Heart My Chiropractor

If you’ve read this blog lately, you will have seen that I’ve been injured the last few days.  I’m happy to report that I’m feeling a lot better.  I mean a lot better!  Since Monday I’ve seen my chiropractor twice and I’m done.

What does this have to do with this blog?  Well, nothing directly.  Although I try to stick to people, places and happenings in Plymouth, I must make an exception and recommend my chiropractor, Dr. Kathleen Rohlig, whose office is in Northville.

She’s wonderful.  She doesn’t overtreat.  She doesn’t bring you back for needless appointments.  If your spine looks better and you feel better she says, “See you later.  You’re all set.”  That’s rare these days.

If you need a chiropractor, go see her.

Northville Chiropractic

412 N Center St.

Northville, Michigan 48167

Telephone: (248)248-6166

Sidelined

I’d love to be writing more right now, but I’m a bit sidelined with an injury.  I’ll keep my eye open for interesting things going on around town and report back when I’m feeling a bit better.

Thanks to those of you that take the time to read this blog.  I appreciate it.

Penn Theatre has its new marquis

I drove by the Penn Theatre this morning and noticed that the new marquis is in place.  It looks great!  It’s a definite improvement over the old one.  It has a traditional/historic look and fits the architecture of the building very nicely.

The message on the marquis says that it will be lit on June 25.  I presume there will be some sort of lighting ceremony.

I will try to get photos of it this evening.

My new favorite dessert

I’m not claiming this is the best dessert that can be bought here in town.  I’m just saying it’s my favorite at the moment.

Dairy-Go-Round offers “Muds,” which are basically what are known as “Flurries” at other ice cream stores.  My favorite Mud is “Chocolate & Cherry.” It’s got chunks of cherries mixed with cherry sauce (pure sugary goodness) and chocolate syrup, the kind that hardens on cones.

It’s really, really good.  I’m going to have one for dessert tonight.  Yum.