I happened in a few times recently to check this place out to determine if there'd been any improvement in the general ambiance and attitude. On my first visit back I noticed a wooden "Ilima" award on the counter. The Ilima flower is the official flower of the island of Oahu (where Honolulu is located). These awards are garnered by businesses who get the most votes from citizenry who bother to fill out lengthy ballot and fax or mail it in. Theoretically one vote is allowed per citizen. I ordered a chocolate brownie with chocolate chips on the top. It was okay. The 'new face' that served me was exceedingly nice. My second visit was pleasant as well. On my third visit, I struck out--encountering a residual 'Ms. Nasty' from the bunch that are "no longer working here". I am afraid that the "Ilima" awards are plagued by the same lack of voter participation as our national political elections. It is time for coffee house consumers to give the truly excellent coffee houses their due and not allow a 'groupie' minority to vote this place in again next year unless of course it changes drastically for the better and actually deserves the award.
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