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While passing through Toledo, OH we arranged to meet someone at this Tim Horton's for convenience. My son ordered a large flavored coffee and selected 1/2 dozen of his favorite donuts to take out. I...
While passing through Toledo, OH we arranged to meet someone at this Tim Horton's for convenience. My son ordered a large flavored coffee and selected 1/2 dozen of his favorite donuts to take out. I selected 2 donuts for take out and purchased an iced tea. I was impressed with the extremely high prices and average quality.
I was not impressed with the donuts as they were too sugary coated and overly sweet. The donuts were relatively fresh but were too full of air and little cake to the donuts: very similar in price and quality to Crispy Cream Donuts which I also find extremely high priced and average quality. I am a maple lover and thought I would find many maple cookies and donuts to choose from instead I found only 1 maple donut available: it was mediocre quality. My feeling find a local family owned bakery and the quality will generally far exceed this restaurant run by high school students working their first job. Drive on by and find a good local, family owned restaurant or bakery.
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Monroe, Michigan's Big Boy is beautifully decorated in Big Boy memorabilia from the 1950's, 60's and 70's. It is conveniently located closed to I-75 and has extended hours until 1 am.
The Big Boy...
Monroe, Michigan's Big Boy is beautifully decorated in Big Boy memorabilia from the 1950's, 60's and 70's. It is conveniently located closed to I-75 and has extended hours until 1 am.
The Big Boy restaurant is new, very clean and well kept. Manager and staff are very friendly and helpful but service is a little slow. The woman at the next booth to us tried to get the waitresses attention for about 12 minutes for a refill of her drink. Waitresses could use to glance over at their tables and return for drink refills in a more timely manner.
The Big Boy menu offers a large selection of burgers, sandwiches, dinners and breakfast available at anytime plus a well stocked salad and soup bar. My son and Dad love to order breakfast late in the evening while I order my favorite Slim Jim combination. The Slim Jim is a grilled thick sliced ham sandwich with lettuce, tomato and pickles on a long grilled, seeded bun. The sandwich is served with French Fries and comes with a tossed salad.
Big Boy also offers some of their great desserts such as Hot Fudge Ice Cream Cake, Coconut Cream Pie, Strawberry Pie, Chocolate Silk Pie and other delectable sweet treats served up with memories of your childhood!
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Barb's is a cornerstone of Clawson. A small establishment they quietly make some of the best pasties and pizza available in Michigan. Barb's is so good that many of their regulars place orders for...
Barb's is a cornerstone of Clawson. A small establishment they quietly make some of the best pasties and pizza available in Michigan. Barb's is so good that many of their regulars place orders for chicken or beef pasties to take to family and friends in Northern Michigan and all over the country. We regularly place our order for a dozen beef pasties and bring them back to Houston with us.
My spouse is a longtime lover of Anchovy and Mushroom Pizza growing up in the Ann Arbor/Saline Area. He too agrees Barb's makes some of the best he has had in years.
For those of us that are NOT anchovy lovers: Barb's offers fresh homemade crust and many toppings of the finest ingredients. Toppings are generous and mouthwatering. Saturday afternoon Barb's was doing land-office business: back to back orders by phone and walk-in. Every pizza handmade to your specifications and delivered with a smile. This is a family owned business served up with love---no first job high school kids who don't care here---only friendly, hardworking adult staff who love to cook and make the world's best pizza. We wish Barb's the continued success they so deserve.
NOTE: my son is one of the world's most finicky eaters. At first he was unwilling to try Barb's pasties and pizza thinking only Domino's could serve up good pizza or the Hideaway in Stillwater, OK with a little cajoling he tried a small Barb's pizza with his favorite toppings: Bacon, ham and Hamburger. He also tried a Beef Pastie. Instantly, with one bite he was smiling ear to ear and saying this pizza is really GREAT! The past 3 months he has been begging to return to Barb's at every turn for the Beef and Chicken pasties, homemade pizza AND the World's Best Carrot Cake, Coconut Oatmeal, Chocolate Chip and Peanut Butter cookies...Now if I can only get my son to love their salads like I do too! Barb's also serves up some of the best coleslaw and Antipasto salads you've ever had also.
When you walk in this tiny shop ask for the discount coupons they also have available. We have taken Barb's Pasties, Pizza, Cookies, Antipasto Salads and Carrot Cake to family and friends all over Michigan, Illinois, Indiana, Oklahoma and Texas: the response has been a resounding BOY is this GREAT! Give Barb's a try. Everything made from scratch with the finest ingredients. Feel free to ask for extra sauce, light sauce or any specific modifications you prefer: BARB's is the BEST around and deserves the repeat business they receive.
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My son and I are extremely pleased with this Marriott Hotel. I asked for a room with refrigerator and microwave. The friendly, helpful staff easily accommodated all of our special requests.
The...
My son and I are extremely pleased with this Marriott Hotel. I asked for a room with refrigerator and microwave. The friendly, helpful staff easily accommodated all of our special requests.
The staff have gone out of their way to make this hotel experience extremely positive. We were pleasantly surprised to find besides the full breakfast every morning, Monday through Wednesday the manager also offers a dinner buffet from 6-8:30pm!
The dining area and rooms are very clean.
The cleaning staff has offered to get us extra blankets, work around our schedule and not bang on the door while my son is taking a nap.
The cleaning staff, front desk staff and maintenance people all go out of their way to smile, address you by name and reach out to make your stay exceptional. The staff does not just answer questions but also offers to assist you and make your stay even smoother. I was offered a tray to carry the dinner back to our room as my son was resting and would have missed diner. I was also offered food options which I would not have located on my own to handle a picky eater.
I also noted the staff smiled and waved to patrons that stay regularly in the hotel. There is a lot of repeat business here which speaks well for the hotel. Fresh cookies are also available nightly next to the front desk.
This is a very well managed hotel. The Manager has made exceptional choices in staff. I rarely have had the service offered by this hotel, especially for such a reasonable price. The services provided here are more like that of a 4 star hotel.
My son loves the fresh waffles in the morning, great new mattresses, high speed wi-fi internet in our room and expanded choice of cable channels. We will stay here again on other trips to the Detroit suburbs. This hotel is conveniently located to the General Motors Tech Center and Daimler Chrysler plant.
NOTE: I was unable to see the Fairfield Inn from Van Dyke: it is hidden behind the Chili's and a Saturn Dealership on Convention Blvd South of 14 Mile Road.
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We have stayed 6 days at the Madison Heights Fairfield Inn by Marriott. Check in Staff was friendly and helpful. Beds are very comfortable. Bedspread and pillowcases are worn with a few holes....
We have stayed 6 days at the Madison Heights Fairfield Inn by Marriott. Check in Staff was friendly and helpful. Beds are very comfortable. Bedspread and pillowcases are worn with a few holes. Bathtub is worn and dated (should be replaced) even though these rooms were supposedly renovated a year ago.
Rooms are not as nice as surrounding hotel rooms at next door Hilton and alternate Marriott Hotels. Marriott Fairfield Inn Website advertises all rooms have microwaves, mini refrigerators and a daily dinner buffet in the lobby from 6- and daily breakfast buffet.
The first room we were assigned did not have a mini microwave or refrigerator. I asked the desk clerk at check in where the dinner buffet would be served. I was told the Manager had decided to cancel this week's buffet as it is before a holiday weekend and occupancy would be down. I have noted the hotel and parking lot has been full every night.
I regularly used to travel on corporate business and travel a lot for personal business. My spouse regularly travels worldwide for corporate business. Due to yesterday's experience with the Manager of this establishment I can honestly say I am in shock and have had my worst EVER hotel stay which I intend to report to Marriott Corporate Headquarters and PRICELINE. I am thankful that I am able to write a review for Judy's Book so I can share my experience and let you decide for yourself.
I am staying here with my 13 yr old son while preparing my parents home of 54+ years for sale since my Mother's death of uterine cancer. I asked my Dad to give my Brother in Law's youngest daughter my bedroom set. He was told to keep the relatively new mattress set as I would move it to TX for us to use at his TX home. My Dad decided to give my Brother in Law the mattress set. We arrived home in MI to no mattresses. My Dad suggested my son and I sleep on the floor while we prepare my childhood home for sale.
I decided to use PRICELINE.com to obtain local 2-3 star hotel accommodations.
http://www.judysbook.com/members/38735/posts/2006/6/389800/
We were able to spend 5 days next door at the Hilton equivalent 2.5 star hotel with great service and accommodations. (I will review the Hilton Hotel shortly). My PRICELINE reservation stated extra days available near end of stay click here to extend your stay. I clicked on the link 2 days before reservation was due to end and immediate response was no additional days available. I then rebid using different days and received accommodations at this Fairfield Inn by Marriott Hotel.
Yesterday morning my son went to get our breakfast as I have been having extreme pain and swelling in my hip, feet, joints, legs and thighs. My son mentioned that at about 9 am the breakfast buffet area was full of friendly workers who were passing our room as they went to work paving/roofing the Big Fish Restaurant next door. My son's comment is they are sneaking over here to eat the free breakfast.
All morning I heard people passing our room, banging doors on either side of us and above us. I heard different people talking outside the door to our room. A Ryder truck had backed into the parking space next to us and I heard parents angrily talking to kids saying don't do that. I continued with my phone calls to arrange roofing, tree trimming and locating supplies for our repair projects on my parents. I was sitting in the window next to the door with sheer curtains closed and drapes open about 6 inches while my son rested. My son felt sick so I decided to let him lay down before we proceeded to mow the lawn, etc.
I heard further noise outside the door but was not concerned because our do not disturb sign was up. A few minutes later I received a call from a man who did not identify himself and said don't you ever throw trash outside your room or I'll have you thrown out of my Hotel. I asked to speak to the Manager the man stated he WAS the Manager and I that I had better quit dumping trash all over the pavement or he would call the police on me! I said please let me speak to your boss. He said I AM the boss around here and I want you to leave if you ever make a mess again.
I said wait a minute---I don't know what you're talking about. You haven't even bothered to identify yourself! We've been in our room all morning with many people passing, banging doors, arguing outside our door, etc. Don't jump to conclusions check your facts first...maybe some of the area workers who snuck in for the free breakfast buffet made a mess. How dare you call a paying customer on the phone and accuse them of negligence and threaten to throw them out! Who do you think you are? didn't you see our do not disturb sign on the door? He said yes. Then I said why are you calling, making unfounded accusations and disturbing us! If you are the manager you need training in tactful handling of employees and customers!
My son had to go up to the desk early this evening to ask for a roll of toilet paper as we were out. He commented the same Manager was chewing out desk clerk for some unknown reason. A Manager sets the tone for a business:the Manager of the Madison Heights Fairmont Inn is the WORST Hotel Manager I have ever come in contact with. I am very thankful I can share this info with Judy's Book members and intend to pass this experience on to Priceline.com, Marriott Corporate Headquarters and local corporations who often recommend this establishment to service companies, vendors, etc. Times are very tight in the Detroit Area therefore hotels are competing for the few business travelers. This is exactly how to runoff business!
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My Father retired as an engineer from GM Tech Center after 40 yrs and then worked for Ford Research facilities until he retired 2 years ago. My Dad's GM company cars which he purchased have been...
My Father retired as an engineer from GM Tech Center after 40 yrs and then worked for Ford Research facilities until he retired 2 years ago. My Dad's GM company cars which he purchased have been service by GM Fressard since 696 closed the GM Woodward Avenue dealership across from the Detroit Zoo in the 1960's/70's.
Every experience I have had on my Father's behalf at Jim Fressard has been high priced, mediocre service requiring multiple trips back to correct warranty or repair problems.
My spouse and I recently took my Dad's Pontiac Grand Am in on Ladies Day. The treatment we received is representative of every encounter I have had with this dealership. I drove in to the Service Writer's entrance at 2 pm with 3 service writers present and no other customers in site. All service writers remained seated at their desks reading personal non-work related articles such as the Detroit Free Press and did not bother to glance up from their reading. After about 5 minutes of standing next to their desks waiting for assistance my spouse and I requested assistance. Grudgingly 1 service writer stopped reading long enough to say parts were available from the parts counter. We asked the price to install 2 side markers light bulbs on the front of the car next to the 2 turn signal bulbs which had burned out. The service writer shrugged and said maybe parts can help you. I then left for the parts counter. My spouse stayed to discuss installation price with the lazy, unfriendly service writers.
The parts clerk quickly looked up the parts on the computer. I explained we usually get the employee discount. The other parts clerk reached in the drawer and pulled out the 2 amber bulbs. The parts clerk whistled as he said I have to give you the employee discount as the 2 light bulbs cost about $5 a piece. He also said these are a b__ch to replace...you have to remove the headlights and other front end pieces to get the lense covers off to replace the bulbs! I said you don't mean it! He said yes and I said can I see the schematic of the parts on your computer? He said yes I'll print it out for you.
I paid for the 2 amber side marker light bulbs at the Cashier's window and returned to my spouse. The Service Manager had walked over to discuss the fact that they charge $40 labor PER bulb ie $80 to install the 2 light bulbs because the front end must be taken apart to install the side marker bulbs. All service writers are still sitting on their stools never budging, reading their newspapers. It is 2pm in the afternoon on Ladies/Seniors Day.
I again realize why we buy Toyota's and do not do business with GM Dealers anymore. My Dad the engineer says what fool designer let this design flaw through---our Toyota turn signal lense covers come off in less than 5 minutes! No wonder why GM is loosing it's foothold on car sales!
I am always the one to change air filters, wiper blades, light bulbs, etc on all of our vehicles. My usual experience with the Toyota Dealers is friendly, helpful Service Writers and Parts Counter Assistance. My experience at Jim Fressard is always extremely unfriendly service with extremely high prices and a frustrating negative experience. Reason enough to never buy a car from them or return to Jim Fressard for service. I go in open minded and again find they still have the same poor service: sign of bad management. I will be very glad when my Dad sells the Grand Am! I would try any other GM Service Department in the area before using Jim Fressard in Royal Oak. Directly across the street is Billings which offers the best sales and service for lawn equipment I have found in the U.S. possibly the Billings owner needs to train the Jim Fressard Staff: a fine example of how management leadership sets the tone for a business.
http://www.judysbook.com/members/38735/posts/2006/9/451778/
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This is my all time favorite Lawn, Feed and Gardening equipment store for repair and purchase. Billings has been a cornerstone of Royal Oak businesses for many years...I think actually since the...
This is my all time favorite Lawn, Feed and Gardening equipment store for repair and purchase. Billings has been a cornerstone of Royal Oak businesses for many years...I think actually since the 1920's-1940's when they were located on the corner of Lincoln and Main Street as a major feed store. Today, their new equipment facility is located North of 11 Mile Road on the west side of the street.
I have been doing business with Billings since the 1950's. They are my standard for comparison for all lawn and garden equipment stores wherever we live in the U.S.
Prices compare to power equipment sold at WalMart, Sam's Club and COSTCO but service is exceptional. Billings provides factory authorized service for many major brands of power and lawn equipment. Residential AND commercial equipment is available for sale.
The service department will patiently remind me how to use our gas 14 inch power saws, gas edgers and weed eaters every time I return to my childhood home to visit. I don't use these items on a regular basis and often forget from year to year which oil to get to mix with the gas and how to adjust the gas 14" Poulan versus McCullough Chain Saw. How to operate the Craftsman vs Stihl vs Ryobi gas weed eaters, etc.
The parts counter and service department will eagerly assist in re-teaching me the fine points of our power equipment at no charge. I can always feel that the supplies I purchase from them will not inadvertently damage expensive tools.
Last Fall I dropped off the used Poulan chain saw to have the blade sharpened. When I picked up the saw the serviceman took 20-30 minutes to patiently show my Dad and I how to use it again. He also said the choke was slightly out of adjustment and fine tuned some other features for no additional charge. He also gave me a special wrench to use for adjusting the tension of the chain, choke, etc. My outlay for this superb service: $8 for sharpening the chain! While the Serviceman made final adjustments in the back I perused a complete line of many name brand lawn mowers, tractors, leaf blowers, leaf vacs, snow blowers, etc. Much more complete than any other similar store I have ever seen.
I do have a touch of my Dad's mechanical skills and love to browse the equipment. My son wishes he lived in RO so he could stop in regularly and work here in the future---a boy's dream job. Oddly most of the employees in this store are fully experienced middle aged adults with experience using all of the power equipment: no young inexperienced kids who don't know the products. I find Billings employees much more knowledgeable than Lowe's, Home Depot similar employees OR most car salesman. The staff tends to know their stock backwards and forwards.
Billings is an exceptionally well managed business with friendly, honest and helpful staff. Every time I leave Billings I have a warm fuzzy feeling inside and often comment to others on today's superb service. I'll be back over and over again bringing my spouse, friends, family, etc. I wish more businesses provided this high standard of quality and friendly service.
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We have been to this IHOP restaurant many times since they opened many years ago because of their late night service.We took our kids to this restaurant when we had a few late evening visits to...
We have been to this IHOP restaurant many times since they opened many years ago because of their late night service.We took our kids to this restaurant when we had a few late evening visits to Beaumont Hospital, etc and again in July after finding everything in Ferndale, Royal Oak, Birmingham, Hazel Park, Berkeley, Troy and Madison Heights closed on a Sunday Evening. The sidewalks roll up now days after 9pm in the Detroit Northern Suburbs!
This IHOP is dirty, smells musty and moldy, has dirty windows, floors and restrooms and has unfriendlly, lazy staff.
You are given a choice of breakfast, lunch OR dinner entrées which always arrive at the table room temperature as the wait staff tends to be very slow to distribute food. Portions are extremely small and very high priced.
The Cooks and most waitresses act as if they are doing you a big favor to take your order, prepare the food etc. Service is always extremely slow no matter how empty the restaurant or how full.To get a drink refill, napkins, or condiments my spouse usually has to get up after 10-15 minutes and go to the register or counter to request assistance, beverages, etc.
When it is time to leave you are presented with an extremely high, bill for a poorly prepared meal, usually delivered cold on dirty dishes. This is the business model for how NOT to run a business. We have been forced to eat here due to no other restaurant alternatives open. I have wondered for years how this IHOP can stay in business.
Recently we have found the secret hot spot where local EMS, Fireman and Policemen eat on a regular basis. Read my review of New York Red Hot's Coney Island about 10 minutes away on 14 Mile Rad and Stephenson Highway for 24 hour superb food and service. A local favorite.
http://www.judysbook.com/members/38735/posts/2006/8/451764/
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This McDonald's is slow on drive thru service, food is average compared to other McDonald's, staff is average and cleanliness is slightly below average: another mediocre McDonald's with high prices...
This McDonald's is slow on drive thru service, food is average compared to other McDonald's, staff is average and cleanliness is slightly below average: another mediocre McDonald's with high prices for poor quality junk food.
Take 2 extra minutes and drive around the corner 2 building away from the drive thru on 14 Mile Road and Stephenson and have exceptional food 24 hours a day at New York Red Hot's Coney Island...why go to McDonald's when you can have GREAT, home cooked food ?
http://www.judysbook.com/members/38735/posts/2006/8/451764/
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We discovered this restaurant in July after finding everything in Ferndale, Royal Oak, Birmingham, Hazel Park, Berkeley, Troy and Madison Heights closed by 9pm on a Sunday Evening. The sidewalks...
We discovered this restaurant in July after finding everything in Ferndale, Royal Oak, Birmingham, Hazel Park, Berkeley, Troy and Madison Heights closed by 9pm on a Sunday Evening. The sidewalks roll up now days after 9pm in the Detroit Northern Suburbs!
This Coney Island is frequented by the Royal Oak, Madison Heights and Troy Police, EMS and numerous neighborhood regulars. The menu is exceptional: 24 hour choice of breakfast, lunch OR dinner. All entrées are always superbly cooked to perfection. Portions are extremely generous and very reasonably priced.
The Cooks are friendly AND great---I want my son to learn to cook here! Most waitresses are extremely friendly, prompt and helpful. If you show up again they remember you and greet you accordingly remembering your favorite beverages, etc.
This family owned business goes out of it's way to make your visit superb and to cater to repeat business. The restaurant is frequented by families, dating couples, singles of all religions and nationalities. You can tell other patrons seek out the great homecooked food on a regular basis.The local Marriott, Hilton and other hotel patrons and staff also frequent this restaurant on a regular basis and openly say this is THE best, most reasonably priced family restaurant in the area. They go out of their way to return on their days off with their families.
My son loves the omelets, scrambled eggs, pancakes, sausage, bacon, Gyros plate, chicken noodle soup, loose hamburgers, fish and shrimp dinner (which serves 2!)homemade rice pudding and iced cream sundaes.
My favorites are the Greek salad, Gyros plate, Greek rice, Gyros omelet, loose hamburgers, homemade onion rings, fish dinner, shrimp and seafood dinner, chicken dinner, Reuben sandwiches, club sandwiches, chicken salad and homemade rice pudding.
Due to their exceptional cooking and service, quality ingredients, cheap prices we have been back almost once a day for the past 10 days...we still have many items we want to try. The shrimp and fish dinner served with salad or soup choice of rice, mashed potato's, hash browns, etc, and choice of rice pudding or ice cream is priced at $6.80!
If you want something different search out New York Red Hots Coney Island (NYRHCI)24 hours a day anytime! NYRHCI is located next to a Mc Donald's, and Applebee's and around the corner from Bennigan's they beat any of their prices hand down with loose hamburgers for $2.40!
The restaurant can reached from I-75, 14 Mile Road Exit and is found next to the gas station on the SW corner of 14 Mile Road at Stephenson (Stephenson is 1 light west of I-75 on 14 Mile Road).
NYRHCI also offers a complete take out menu available at the cash register of all menu items! This is a wonderful NY style family owned restaurant that deserves it's strong repeat business. A truly great find!
Note: this review has been read and approved by my 13 year old son. NYRHCI has won over a Katy, TX picky teenager!
I just came across a 15% off coupon you can print out on clickon detroit.com good thru Fall, 2006:
http://www.saveondining.com/detroit/search.php?featured=0&categoryID=0&cityID=27&cityRadius=0&zipCodeID=0&zipRadius=5&searchID=571696
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