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Penzeys Catalog, Tampon String, etc.
Anyone else take a gander at the cover of Penzeys Holiday 2004 catalog, the one
supposedly depicting a Thanksgiving turkey dinner... am I the only one who thinks that's the saddest/sorriest looking plate of food, what an awful presentation... all that white-ish food on a white plate too (must be Norwegian), couldn't even afford a measly sprig of parsley. Just look at that turkey (guessing it's turkey - actually looks more like over done pork), looks like really dried out scraps that were hacked with the dullest of knives... potatoes look lumpy, and the dressing, if that's what it is, looks exactly like the hairball vomit my cats cough up... don't even want to mention that the gravy looks more beefy than turkey, and well congealed. That plate of food sure doesn't look very appetizing, makes me feel like forgoing the turkey thing this year and having a ham sandwich instead. I'd love to know who they paid to cook that meal, I'd fire the kitchen fraud on the spot, along with whoever did the hiring. On another MORE SERIOUS topic; a few days ago I placed an order to Penzeys, not very much stuff, only five items... a pound of peppercorns, 8oz msg, 4oz oregano, 4oz marjoram, and 4oz bay leaves. Immediately upon opening the package I knew instinctively that something was wrong, all I could smell was cardboard, there wasn't even a hint of spice aroma. As soon as I looked at the big bag of bay leaves I was very disappointed, they were kinda brown and very broken, not just a few broken leaves, but I'd guess about 30% were broken, and not just a piece broken off here and there but lots of itty-bitty slivers. These are the worst bay leaves I've ever seen, looks like a herd of elephants trod all over them, but the box arrived in perfect shape and well padded. Perhaps not many order so large an amount of bay leaves so these are really old and well handled. In fact the order taker kinda admonished me by asking in a rather stern tone if I had any idea how many bay leaves are in 4ozs... yeah, must be a friggin' million of em I thought to myself... right there I missed the clue not to order large quantities of anything from Penzeys... most orders are from cheapo *******s who typically order the smallest [sampler] size, so the bulk sizes get no turnover, they sit around 'bout forever. My next disappointment was the marjoram, it's more dust than leaves... but the worst part (or the best part, depending on point of view), upon closer examination I noticed something thin, long, and white inside the bag intertwined with the marjoram, and then upon even closer scrutiny it hit me, yup, sure looks like the twisted string from a tampon. I didn't open the bags. Was too late to call yesterday so this morning I called Penzeys to complain. Naturally they will replace the items (figured they would) and they will include a remailer so I can send back the products in question... I guess they'd rather I didn't destroy the evidence. But now I am very nervous about using Penzeys products... I mean I can actually see the tampon string but what else is in there that I can't see? Reminds me why I grind my own meat... do I need to grow *all* my own herbs too? I also for about the umpteenth time suggested that Penzeys date stamp their products, and for the umpteenth time my suggestion was met with defensive indignance. I suppose a date stamp is pretty meaningless anyway, who knows at what point the product would be dated. I am among Penzeys very first customers, from since long before they had a retail store, a website or even a real catalog, for about ten years now... and have always in the past did my best to give them good press, especially here on rfc. But I can no longer in good conscience recommend Penzeys... I suppose success has gone to their heads, they are way too busy counting long green instead of ensuring the green of their products. I don't know if that is really a tampon string but it sure looks like one, and there definitely should not be any kind of string chopped up in a bag of marjoram. Also, I re-examined the oregano this morning, better light now (it was dark out last evening when I opened the carton so only had artificial light). Last evening I simply tossed the unopened oregano bag into the freezer as I still had some in my spice bottle. Upon closer examination this morning the oregano looks kinda brown and very dusty, like floor sweepings. I will be calling Penzeys back momentarily to tell them about the oregano too. The peppercons look okay, they're the special extra bold, expensive ones. The msg looks okay too, simply white powder. But now I'm ascared, very ascared... I'm thinking maybe I should tell Penseys not to replace anything, that I will be returning my order and they can credit my Visa. I don't know what I'll do yet, I'll wait to see what kind of replacements they send. I hope they haven't become so full of themselves with all their growth that they turn away repeat customers and kill a good thing. ---= BOYCOTT FRANCE (belgium) GERMANY--SPAIN =--- ---= Move UNITED NATIONS To Paris =--- ********* "Life would be devoid of all meaning were it without tribulation." Sheldon ```````````` |
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PENMART01 wrote:
> > On another MORE SERIOUS topic; a few days ago I placed an order to Penzeys, not > very much stuff, only five items... a pound of peppercorns, 8oz msg, 4oz > oregano, 4oz marjoram, and 4oz bay leaves. Immediately upon opening the > package I knew instinctively that something was wrong, all I could smell was > cardboard, there wasn't even a hint of spice aroma. As soon as I looked at the > big bag of bay leaves I was very disappointed, they were kinda brown and very > broken, not just a few broken leaves, but I'd guess about 30% were broken, and > not just a piece broken off here and there but lots of itty-bitty slivers. > These are the worst bay leaves I've ever seen, looks like a herd of elephants > trod all over them, but the box arrived in perfect shape and well padded. > Perhaps not many order so large an amount of bay leaves so these are really old > and well handled. In fact the order taker kinda admonished me by asking in a > rather stern tone if I had any idea how many bay leaves are in 4ozs... yeah, > must be a friggin' million of em I thought to myself... right there I missed > the clue not to order large quantities of anything from Penzeys... most orders > are from cheapo *******s who typically order the smallest [sampler] size, so > the bulk sizes get no turnover, they sit around 'bout forever. > > My next disappointment was the marjoram, it's more dust than leaves... but the > worst part (or the best part, depending on point of view), upon closer > examination I noticed something thin, long, and white inside the bag > intertwined with the marjoram, and then upon even closer scrutiny it hit me, > yup, sure looks like the twisted string from a tampon. > > Also, I re-examined the oregano this morning, better light now (it was dark out > last evening when I opened the carton so only had artificial light). Last > evening I simply tossed the unopened oregano bag into the freezer as I still > had some in my spice bottle. Upon closer examination this morning the oregano > looks kinda brown and very dusty, like floor sweepings. I will be calling > Penzeys back momentarily to tell them about the oregano too. > I bought a pound of marjoram from <http://www.butcherpacker.com> about a year ago, and it was very good stuff. Nice fragrant leaves, no stems, and not much dust. Do you have any idea how much dried marjoram is in a pound??? =(8-O Most of it is in my freezer packed in vacuum bags. It might be a lifetime supply. I bought a big bag of bay leaves from a local Indian (Pakistani?) market a few months ago. They were not nearly a pretty as the bay leaves you buy in fancy little 1/2 ounce bottles for Big Buck$ -- a lot of broken leaves, they are kind of thin, and some of them are brown -- but they have a very good strong flavor and aroma. (I was pleasantly surprised) Best regards, Bob |
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>Melba's Jammin' wrote:
>> >>(PENMART01) wrote: >> >> My next disappointment was the marjoram, it's more dust than >> leaves... but the worst part (or the best part, depending on point of >> view), upon closer examination I noticed something thin, long, and >> white inside the bag intertwined with the marjoram, and then upon >> even closer scrutiny it hit me, yup, sure looks like the twisted >> string from a tampon. > >OK, I'll bite: Do we want to know why you have such a familiarity with >such an item, Sheldon? Hmm, at least, unlike you, Barb, I don't bite. LOL ---= BOYCOTT FRANCE (belgium) GERMANY--SPAIN =--- ---= Move UNITED NATIONS To Paris =--- ********* "Life would be devoid of all meaning were it without tribulation." Sheldon ```````````` |
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PENMART01 wrote:
> all I could smell was cardboard, there wasn't even a hint of spice aroma. As > soon as I looked at the big bag of bay leaves Sounds like y'all had a bad day. I guess I'm just lucky. Most of the herbs & some spices I can grow, even got a vanilla vine. No beans yet, just the vine. Anyway my bay leaf tree is 30 feet tall and needs more pruning. Shall I send you a bag full? It smells a great deal spicier than anything I can buy fer sure. Edrena |
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PENMART01 wrote:
> all I could smell was cardboard, there wasn't even a hint of spice aroma. As > soon as I looked at the big bag of bay leaves Sounds like y'all had a bad day. I guess I'm just lucky. Most of the herbs & some spices I can grow, even got a vanilla vine. No beans yet, just the vine. Anyway my bay leaf tree is 30 feet tall and needs more pruning. Shall I send you a bag full? It smells a great deal spicier than anything I can buy fer sure. Edrena |
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>The Joneses:
> >PENMART01 wrote: > >> all I could smell was cardboard, there wasn't even a hint of spice aroma. >As >> soon as I looked at the big bag of bay leaves > >Sounds like y'all had a bad day. I guess I'm just lucky. Most of the herbs >& some >spices I can grow, even got a vanilla vine. No beans yet, just the vine. >Anyway >my bay leaf tree is 30 feet tall and needs more pruning. Shall I send you a >bag >full? It smells a great deal spicier than anything I can buy fer sure. Thank you, but it's not just about the bay leaves, this incident is representitive of how the quality has deteriorated with all the rest of Penzeys products too... I mean like 3 out of the 5 items I ordered were losers, but I haven't tried the peppercorns yet so who knows, and I don't really know how to judge if msg is up to par... who knows what other white powder they cut it with. hehe I never minded paying Penzeys prices so long as I was receiving top shelf quality. Okay, so I complained, but now I wonder how many don't complain and maybe don't know better, so there could be many thousands each day receiving inferior merchandise and they've paid premium prices. This is not right, it translates to a giant windfall for Penzeys. And that is why I am truly hoping my post has alerted folks to be more discriminating. Penzeys will send me preplacements but I'm pretty certain they will be specially picked from their freshest stock, in hopes my complaint will go no further, but then I've solved nothing and helped no one... Penzeys needs to be reminded of how powerful a resource the internet is and not just one way, for them to sell more product. I suppose as with all companys, once the business volume passes some certain point the product quality has to suffer, and Penzeys has passed that point of diminishing returns regarding quality... I think they are now passing off the same *old* crapola you can buy at the stupidmarket for 1/3 their prices. When companys get so big that the're required to buy and keep a huge amount of stock they can't really afford to dump the unsold portion as its useful shelf life expires. It's definitely not the same Penzeys anymore. ---= BOYCOTT FRANCE (belgium) GERMANY--SPAIN =--- ---= Move UNITED NATIONS To Paris =--- ********* "Life would be devoid of all meaning were it without tribulation." Sheldon ```````````` |
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>The Joneses:
> >PENMART01 wrote: > >> all I could smell was cardboard, there wasn't even a hint of spice aroma. >As >> soon as I looked at the big bag of bay leaves > >Sounds like y'all had a bad day. I guess I'm just lucky. Most of the herbs >& some >spices I can grow, even got a vanilla vine. No beans yet, just the vine. >Anyway >my bay leaf tree is 30 feet tall and needs more pruning. Shall I send you a >bag >full? It smells a great deal spicier than anything I can buy fer sure. Thank you, but it's not just about the bay leaves, this incident is representitive of how the quality has deteriorated with all the rest of Penzeys products too... I mean like 3 out of the 5 items I ordered were losers, but I haven't tried the peppercorns yet so who knows, and I don't really know how to judge if msg is up to par... who knows what other white powder they cut it with. hehe I never minded paying Penzeys prices so long as I was receiving top shelf quality. Okay, so I complained, but now I wonder how many don't complain and maybe don't know better, so there could be many thousands each day receiving inferior merchandise and they've paid premium prices. This is not right, it translates to a giant windfall for Penzeys. And that is why I am truly hoping my post has alerted folks to be more discriminating. Penzeys will send me preplacements but I'm pretty certain they will be specially picked from their freshest stock, in hopes my complaint will go no further, but then I've solved nothing and helped no one... Penzeys needs to be reminded of how powerful a resource the internet is and not just one way, for them to sell more product. I suppose as with all companys, once the business volume passes some certain point the product quality has to suffer, and Penzeys has passed that point of diminishing returns regarding quality... I think they are now passing off the same *old* crapola you can buy at the stupidmarket for 1/3 their prices. When companys get so big that the're required to buy and keep a huge amount of stock they can't really afford to dump the unsold portion as its useful shelf life expires. It's definitely not the same Penzeys anymore. ---= BOYCOTT FRANCE (belgium) GERMANY--SPAIN =--- ---= Move UNITED NATIONS To Paris =--- ********* "Life would be devoid of all meaning were it without tribulation." Sheldon ```````````` |
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PENMART01 wrote: > >The Joneses: > >PENMART01 wrote: > >> all I could smell was cardboard, there wasn't even a hint of spice aroma. > >As soon as I looked at the big bag of bay leaves > > > >Sounds like y'all had a bad day. I guess I'm just lucky. Most of the herbs > >& some >spices I can grow, even got a vanilla vine. No beans yet, just the > vine. > >Anyway >my bay leaf tree is 30 feet tall and needs more pruning. Shall I send > you a >bag > >full? It smells a great deal spicier than anything I can buy fer sure. > > Thank you, but it's not just about the bay leaves, this incident is > representitive of how the quality has deteriorated with all the rest of Penzeys > products too... That's the nice thing about the farmer's markets, one can visit with the actual growers. I sold pounds of bay leaves this summer, both fresh & dried, and other herbs. Our market is over for the season, drat. Maybe your rantin & ravin will wake 'em up there at Penzey's. Made a pitcherful of pesto yesterday, several handfuls of basil with dew shaked off, ditto with the flat parsley, package of local pinon nuts, olive oil, market garlic.grated parmesan. And I thought too much salt...but that all disappeared on the speghetti squash. Very nice. Froze the leftovers in 4 oz jars. Can look forward to smelling summer basil in the winter. Edrena |
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PENMART01 wrote: > >The Joneses: > >PENMART01 wrote: > >> all I could smell was cardboard, there wasn't even a hint of spice aroma. > >As soon as I looked at the big bag of bay leaves > > > >Sounds like y'all had a bad day. I guess I'm just lucky. Most of the herbs > >& some >spices I can grow, even got a vanilla vine. No beans yet, just the > vine. > >Anyway >my bay leaf tree is 30 feet tall and needs more pruning. Shall I send > you a >bag > >full? It smells a great deal spicier than anything I can buy fer sure. > > Thank you, but it's not just about the bay leaves, this incident is > representitive of how the quality has deteriorated with all the rest of Penzeys > products too... That's the nice thing about the farmer's markets, one can visit with the actual growers. I sold pounds of bay leaves this summer, both fresh & dried, and other herbs. Our market is over for the season, drat. Maybe your rantin & ravin will wake 'em up there at Penzey's. Made a pitcherful of pesto yesterday, several handfuls of basil with dew shaked off, ditto with the flat parsley, package of local pinon nuts, olive oil, market garlic.grated parmesan. And I thought too much salt...but that all disappeared on the speghetti squash. Very nice. Froze the leftovers in 4 oz jars. Can look forward to smelling summer basil in the winter. Edrena |
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>The Joneses writes:
> >>PENMART01 wrote: >> >The Joneses: >> >PENMART01 wrote: >> >> all I could smell was cardboard, there wasn't even a hint of spice aroma. >> > >> >Sounds like y'all had a bad day. I guess I'm just lucky. Most of the herbs >> >& some spices I can grow. >> >Anyway >my bay leaf tree is 30 feet tall and needs more pruning. Shall I send >> > you a bagfull? >> >> Thank you, but it's not just about the bay leaves, this incident is >> representitive of how the quality has deteriorated with all the rest of >Penzeys products too... > >That's the nice thing about the farmer's markets, one can visit with the actual >growers. I sold pounds of bay leaves this summer, both fresh & dried, and other >herbs. Our market is over for the season, drat. Yes. that's another consideration, the growing season of most locales is not perpetual, therefore folks eventually need to frequent the retail stores. I maintain a huge vegetable garden but no one can grow everything. I would be happy to plant a laurel tree of my own but I don't think it would survive the winters of northern NY. >Maybe your rantin & ravin will wake 'em up there at Penzey's. Ahhhh... now why didn't I think of that? ---= BOYCOTT FRANCE (belgium) GERMANY--SPAIN =--- ---= Move UNITED NATIONS To Paris =--- ********* "Life would be devoid of all meaning were it without tribulation." Sheldon ```````````` |
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>The Joneses writes:
> >>PENMART01 wrote: >> >The Joneses: >> >PENMART01 wrote: >> >> all I could smell was cardboard, there wasn't even a hint of spice aroma. >> > >> >Sounds like y'all had a bad day. I guess I'm just lucky. Most of the herbs >> >& some spices I can grow. >> >Anyway >my bay leaf tree is 30 feet tall and needs more pruning. Shall I send >> > you a bagfull? >> >> Thank you, but it's not just about the bay leaves, this incident is >> representitive of how the quality has deteriorated with all the rest of >Penzeys products too... > >That's the nice thing about the farmer's markets, one can visit with the actual >growers. I sold pounds of bay leaves this summer, both fresh & dried, and other >herbs. Our market is over for the season, drat. Yes. that's another consideration, the growing season of most locales is not perpetual, therefore folks eventually need to frequent the retail stores. I maintain a huge vegetable garden but no one can grow everything. I would be happy to plant a laurel tree of my own but I don't think it would survive the winters of northern NY. >Maybe your rantin & ravin will wake 'em up there at Penzey's. Ahhhh... now why didn't I think of that? ---= BOYCOTT FRANCE (belgium) GERMANY--SPAIN =--- ---= Move UNITED NATIONS To Paris =--- ********* "Life would be devoid of all meaning were it without tribulation." Sheldon ```````````` |
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PENMART01 wrote:
> Anyone else take a gander at the cover of Penzeys Holiday 2004 catalog, the one > supposedly depicting a Thanksgiving turkey dinner... am I the only one who > thinks that's the saddest/sorriest looking plate of food, what an awful > presentation... all that white-ish food on a white plate too (must be > Norwegian), couldn't even afford a measly sprig of parsley. Just look at that > turkey (guessing it's turkey - actually looks more like over done pork), looks > like really dried out scraps that were hacked with the dullest of knives... > potatoes look lumpy, and the dressing, if that's what it is, looks exactly like > the hairball vomit my cats cough up... don't even want to mention that the > gravy looks more beefy than turkey, and well congealed. That plate of food > sure doesn't look very appetizing, makes me feel like forgoing the turkey thing > this year and having a ham sandwich instead. I'd love to know who they paid to > cook that meal, I'd fire the kitchen fraud on the spot, along with whoever did > the hiring. > > On another MORE SERIOUS topic; a few days ago I placed an order to Penzeys, not > very much stuff, only five items... a pound of peppercorns, 8oz msg, 4oz > oregano, 4oz marjoram, and 4oz bay leaves. Immediately upon opening the > package I knew instinctively that something was wrong, all I could smell was > cardboard, there wasn't even a hint of spice aroma. As soon as I looked at the > big bag of bay leaves I was very disappointed, they were kinda brown and very > broken, not just a few broken leaves, but I'd guess about 30% were broken, and > not just a piece broken off here and there but lots of itty-bitty slivers. > These are the worst bay leaves I've ever seen, looks like a herd of elephants > trod all over them, but the box arrived in perfect shape and well padded. > Perhaps not many order so large an amount of bay leaves so these are really old > and well handled. In fact the order taker kinda admonished me by asking in a > rather stern tone if I had any idea how many bay leaves are in 4ozs... yeah, > must be a friggin' million of em I thought to myself... right there I missed > the clue not to order large quantities of anything from Penzeys... most orders > are from cheapo *******s who typically order the smallest [sampler] size, so > the bulk sizes get no turnover, they sit around 'bout forever. > > My next disappointment was the marjoram, it's more dust than leaves... but the > worst part (or the best part, depending on point of view), upon closer > examination I noticed something thin, long, and white inside the bag > intertwined with the marjoram, and then upon even closer scrutiny it hit me, > yup, sure looks like the twisted string from a tampon. > > I didn't open the bags. Was too late to call yesterday so this morning I > called Penzeys to complain. Naturally they will replace the items (figured > they would) and they will include a remailer so I can send back the products in > question... I guess they'd rather I didn't destroy the evidence. But now I am > very nervous about using Penzeys products... I mean I can actually see the > tampon string but what else is in there that I can't see? Reminds me why I > grind my own meat... do I need to grow *all* my own herbs too? > > I also for about the umpteenth time suggested that Penzeys date stamp their > products, and for the umpteenth time my suggestion was met with defensive > indignance. I suppose a date stamp is pretty meaningless anyway, who knows at > what point the product would be dated. > > I am among Penzeys very first customers, from since long before they had a > retail store, a website or even a real catalog, for about ten years now... and > have always in the past did my best to give them good press, especially here on > rfc. But I can no longer in good conscience recommend Penzeys... I suppose > success has gone to their heads, they are way too busy counting long green > instead of ensuring the green of their products. I don't know if that is > really a tampon string but it sure looks like one, and there definitely should > not be any kind of string chopped up in a bag of marjoram. > > Also, I re-examined the oregano this morning, better light now (it was dark out > last evening when I opened the carton so only had artificial light). Last > evening I simply tossed the unopened oregano bag into the freezer as I still > had some in my spice bottle. Upon closer examination this morning the oregano > looks kinda brown and very dusty, like floor sweepings. I will be calling > Penzeys back momentarily to tell them about the oregano too. > > The peppercons look okay, they're the special extra bold, expensive ones. The > msg looks okay too, simply white powder. > > But now I'm ascared, very ascared... I'm thinking maybe I should tell Penseys > not to replace anything, that I will be returning my order and they can credit > my Visa. I don't know what I'll do yet, I'll wait to see what kind of > replacements they send. I hope they haven't become so full of themselves with > all their growth that they turn away repeat customers and kill a good thing. > > > ---= BOYCOTT FRANCE (belgium) GERMANY--SPAIN =--- > ---= Move UNITED NATIONS To Paris =--- > ********* > "Life would be devoid of all meaning were it without tribulation." > Sheldon > ```````````` Say Sheldon, did you find any rodent feces as well ; ) Some time ago, I nearly was decapitated by the NG, by stating that I found Penzeys expensive. I still consider them expensive, and continue to buy my spices (carefully inspected of course,) from my wholesale sources. Rich -- "Dum Spiro, Spero." As long as I breath, I hope. Cicero (Ancient Rome) ø¤°`°¤ø,¸¸¸,ø¤°`°¤ø,¸¸¸,ø¤°`°¤ø,¸¸,ø¤°`°¤ø,¸¸¸,ø¤° `°¤ø,¸¸,ø¤°`°¤ø ><((((º>`·.¸¸.·´¯`·.¸.·´¯`·.¸. ><((((º> ·´¯`·. , .·´¯`·.. ><((((º> Let there be fish!!! |
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PENMART01 wrote:
> Anyone else take a gander at the cover of Penzeys Holiday 2004 catalog, the one > supposedly depicting a Thanksgiving turkey dinner... am I the only one who > thinks that's the saddest/sorriest looking plate of food, what an awful > presentation... all that white-ish food on a white plate too (must be > Norwegian), couldn't even afford a measly sprig of parsley. Just look at that > turkey (guessing it's turkey - actually looks more like over done pork), looks > like really dried out scraps that were hacked with the dullest of knives... > potatoes look lumpy, and the dressing, if that's what it is, looks exactly like > the hairball vomit my cats cough up... don't even want to mention that the > gravy looks more beefy than turkey, and well congealed. That plate of food > sure doesn't look very appetizing, makes me feel like forgoing the turkey thing > this year and having a ham sandwich instead. I'd love to know who they paid to > cook that meal, I'd fire the kitchen fraud on the spot, along with whoever did > the hiring. > > On another MORE SERIOUS topic; a few days ago I placed an order to Penzeys, not > very much stuff, only five items... a pound of peppercorns, 8oz msg, 4oz > oregano, 4oz marjoram, and 4oz bay leaves. Immediately upon opening the > package I knew instinctively that something was wrong, all I could smell was > cardboard, there wasn't even a hint of spice aroma. As soon as I looked at the > big bag of bay leaves I was very disappointed, they were kinda brown and very > broken, not just a few broken leaves, but I'd guess about 30% were broken, and > not just a piece broken off here and there but lots of itty-bitty slivers. > These are the worst bay leaves I've ever seen, looks like a herd of elephants > trod all over them, but the box arrived in perfect shape and well padded. > Perhaps not many order so large an amount of bay leaves so these are really old > and well handled. In fact the order taker kinda admonished me by asking in a > rather stern tone if I had any idea how many bay leaves are in 4ozs... yeah, > must be a friggin' million of em I thought to myself... right there I missed > the clue not to order large quantities of anything from Penzeys... most orders > are from cheapo *******s who typically order the smallest [sampler] size, so > the bulk sizes get no turnover, they sit around 'bout forever. > > My next disappointment was the marjoram, it's more dust than leaves... but the > worst part (or the best part, depending on point of view), upon closer > examination I noticed something thin, long, and white inside the bag > intertwined with the marjoram, and then upon even closer scrutiny it hit me, > yup, sure looks like the twisted string from a tampon. > > I didn't open the bags. Was too late to call yesterday so this morning I > called Penzeys to complain. Naturally they will replace the items (figured > they would) and they will include a remailer so I can send back the products in > question... I guess they'd rather I didn't destroy the evidence. But now I am > very nervous about using Penzeys products... I mean I can actually see the > tampon string but what else is in there that I can't see? Reminds me why I > grind my own meat... do I need to grow *all* my own herbs too? > > I also for about the umpteenth time suggested that Penzeys date stamp their > products, and for the umpteenth time my suggestion was met with defensive > indignance. I suppose a date stamp is pretty meaningless anyway, who knows at > what point the product would be dated. > > I am among Penzeys very first customers, from since long before they had a > retail store, a website or even a real catalog, for about ten years now... and > have always in the past did my best to give them good press, especially here on > rfc. But I can no longer in good conscience recommend Penzeys... I suppose > success has gone to their heads, they are way too busy counting long green > instead of ensuring the green of their products. I don't know if that is > really a tampon string but it sure looks like one, and there definitely should > not be any kind of string chopped up in a bag of marjoram. > > Also, I re-examined the oregano this morning, better light now (it was dark out > last evening when I opened the carton so only had artificial light). Last > evening I simply tossed the unopened oregano bag into the freezer as I still > had some in my spice bottle. Upon closer examination this morning the oregano > looks kinda brown and very dusty, like floor sweepings. I will be calling > Penzeys back momentarily to tell them about the oregano too. > > The peppercons look okay, they're the special extra bold, expensive ones. The > msg looks okay too, simply white powder. > > But now I'm ascared, very ascared... I'm thinking maybe I should tell Penseys > not to replace anything, that I will be returning my order and they can credit > my Visa. I don't know what I'll do yet, I'll wait to see what kind of > replacements they send. I hope they haven't become so full of themselves with > all their growth that they turn away repeat customers and kill a good thing. > > > ---= BOYCOTT FRANCE (belgium) GERMANY--SPAIN =--- > ---= Move UNITED NATIONS To Paris =--- > ********* > "Life would be devoid of all meaning were it without tribulation." > Sheldon > ```````````` Say Sheldon, did you find any rodent feces as well ; ) Some time ago, I nearly was decapitated by the NG, by stating that I found Penzeys expensive. I still consider them expensive, and continue to buy my spices (carefully inspected of course,) from my wholesale sources. Rich -- "Dum Spiro, Spero." As long as I breath, I hope. Cicero (Ancient Rome) ø¤°`°¤ø,¸¸¸,ø¤°`°¤ø,¸¸¸,ø¤°`°¤ø,¸¸,ø¤°`°¤ø,¸¸¸,ø¤° `°¤ø,¸¸,ø¤°`°¤ø ><((((º>`·.¸¸.·´¯`·.¸.·´¯`·.¸. ><((((º> ·´¯`·. , .·´¯`·.. ><((((º> Let there be fish!!! |
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PENMART01 wrote:
> Anyone else take a gander at the cover of Penzeys Holiday 2004 catalog, the one > supposedly depicting a Thanksgiving turkey dinner... am I the only one who > thinks that's the saddest/sorriest looking plate of food, what an awful > presentation... all that white-ish food on a white plate too (must be > Norwegian), couldn't even afford a measly sprig of parsley. Just look at that > turkey (guessing it's turkey - actually looks more like over done pork), looks > like really dried out scraps that were hacked with the dullest of knives... > potatoes look lumpy, and the dressing, if that's what it is, looks exactly like > the hairball vomit my cats cough up... don't even want to mention that the > gravy looks more beefy than turkey, and well congealed. That plate of food > sure doesn't look very appetizing, makes me feel like forgoing the turkey thing > this year and having a ham sandwich instead. I'd love to know who they paid to > cook that meal, I'd fire the kitchen fraud on the spot, along with whoever did > the hiring. > > On another MORE SERIOUS topic; a few days ago I placed an order to Penzeys, not > very much stuff, only five items... a pound of peppercorns, 8oz msg, 4oz > oregano, 4oz marjoram, and 4oz bay leaves. Immediately upon opening the > package I knew instinctively that something was wrong, all I could smell was > cardboard, there wasn't even a hint of spice aroma. As soon as I looked at the > big bag of bay leaves I was very disappointed, they were kinda brown and very > broken, not just a few broken leaves, but I'd guess about 30% were broken, and > not just a piece broken off here and there but lots of itty-bitty slivers. > These are the worst bay leaves I've ever seen, looks like a herd of elephants > trod all over them, but the box arrived in perfect shape and well padded. > Perhaps not many order so large an amount of bay leaves so these are really old > and well handled. In fact the order taker kinda admonished me by asking in a > rather stern tone if I had any idea how many bay leaves are in 4ozs... yeah, > must be a friggin' million of em I thought to myself... right there I missed > the clue not to order large quantities of anything from Penzeys... most orders > are from cheapo *******s who typically order the smallest [sampler] size, so > the bulk sizes get no turnover, they sit around 'bout forever. > > My next disappointment was the marjoram, it's more dust than leaves... but the > worst part (or the best part, depending on point of view), upon closer > examination I noticed something thin, long, and white inside the bag > intertwined with the marjoram, and then upon even closer scrutiny it hit me, > yup, sure looks like the twisted string from a tampon. > > I didn't open the bags. Was too late to call yesterday so this morning I > called Penzeys to complain. Naturally they will replace the items (figured > they would) and they will include a remailer so I can send back the products in > question... I guess they'd rather I didn't destroy the evidence. But now I am > very nervous about using Penzeys products... I mean I can actually see the > tampon string but what else is in there that I can't see? Reminds me why I > grind my own meat... do I need to grow *all* my own herbs too? > > I also for about the umpteenth time suggested that Penzeys date stamp their > products, and for the umpteenth time my suggestion was met with defensive > indignance. I suppose a date stamp is pretty meaningless anyway, who knows at > what point the product would be dated. > > I am among Penzeys very first customers, from since long before they had a > retail store, a website or even a real catalog, for about ten years now... and > have always in the past did my best to give them good press, especially here on > rfc. But I can no longer in good conscience recommend Penzeys... I suppose > success has gone to their heads, they are way too busy counting long green > instead of ensuring the green of their products. I don't know if that is > really a tampon string but it sure looks like one, and there definitely should > not be any kind of string chopped up in a bag of marjoram. > > Also, I re-examined the oregano this morning, better light now (it was dark out > last evening when I opened the carton so only had artificial light). Last > evening I simply tossed the unopened oregano bag into the freezer as I still > had some in my spice bottle. Upon closer examination this morning the oregano > looks kinda brown and very dusty, like floor sweepings. I will be calling > Penzeys back momentarily to tell them about the oregano too. > > The peppercons look okay, they're the special extra bold, expensive ones. The > msg looks okay too, simply white powder. > > But now I'm ascared, very ascared... I'm thinking maybe I should tell Penseys > not to replace anything, that I will be returning my order and they can credit > my Visa. I don't know what I'll do yet, I'll wait to see what kind of > replacements they send. I hope they haven't become so full of themselves with > all their growth that they turn away repeat customers and kill a good thing. > > > ---= BOYCOTT FRANCE (belgium) GERMANY--SPAIN =--- > ---= Move UNITED NATIONS To Paris =--- > ********* > "Life would be devoid of all meaning were it without tribulation." > Sheldon > ```````````` Say Sheldon, did you find any rodent feces as well ; ) Some time ago, I nearly was decapitated by the NG, by stating that I found Penzeys expensive. I still consider them expensive, and continue to buy my spices (carefully inspected of course,) from my wholesale sources. Rich -- "Dum Spiro, Spero." As long as I breath, I hope. Cicero (Ancient Rome) ø¤°`°¤ø,¸¸¸,ø¤°`°¤ø,¸¸¸,ø¤°`°¤ø,¸¸,ø¤°`°¤ø,¸¸¸,ø¤° `°¤ø,¸¸,ø¤°`°¤ø ><((((º>`·.¸¸.·´¯`·.¸.·´¯`·.¸. ><((((º> ·´¯`·. , .·´¯`·.. ><((((º> Let there be fish!!! |
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PENMART01 wrote:
>>Melba's Jammin' wrote: >> >>>(PENMART01) wrote: >>> >>>My next disappointment was the marjoram, it's more dust than >>>leaves... but the worst part (or the best part, depending on point of >>>view), upon closer examination I noticed something thin, long, and >>>white inside the bag intertwined with the marjoram, and then upon >>>even closer scrutiny it hit me, yup, sure looks like the twisted >>>string from a tampon. >> >>OK, I'll bite: Do we want to know why you have such a familiarity with >>such an item, Sheldon? > > > Hmm, at least, unlike you, Barb, I don't bite. LOL > > > ---= BOYCOTT FRANCE (belgium) GERMANY--SPAIN =--- > ---= Move UNITED NATIONS To Paris =--- > ********* > "Life would be devoid of all meaning were it without tribulation." > Sheldon > ```````````` I believe that is a joke I've heard about a Jewish genie and a man? Depends on the type of sport you are, it can be funny or offensive. Rich -- "Dum Spiro, Spero." As long as I breath, I hope. Cicero (Ancient Rome) ø¤°`°¤ø,¸¸¸,ø¤°`°¤ø,¸¸¸,ø¤°`°¤ø,¸¸,ø¤°`°¤ø,¸¸¸,ø¤° `°¤ø,¸¸,ø¤°`°¤ø ><((((º>`·.¸¸.·´¯`·.¸.·´¯`·.¸. ><((((º> ·´¯`·. , .·´¯`·.. ><((((º> Let there be fish!!! |
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lol...
the silence is deafening. "Thomas" <scythicon311@yahoo(dot)com> wrote in message ... > If you're looking for bay leaves, my wife has 4 very large bay trees with > far more bay than we can ever use. I'll be happy to sell you some, and > guarantee them as well. If you don't mind receiving them in an old and clean > "spice islands" bottle. I'll ship them from our little farm here in North > Texas. I guarantee these bay leaves to be fresh and aromatic. > Just trying to help.... > Why don't you grow your own marjoram in a small pot? Even a brown thumb can > grow it, and especially easy to grow is oregano, especially in winter. > ;-) > I'll also offer for sale my own mesquite smoked and dried habanero peppers > along with dried chile pequins....damned hot, but absolutely wonderful > finely chopped on pizza or in a salad. > How about a "sampler"? I'll gladly send you a few bay leaves along with 3 > or 4 habaneros and a small handful of chile pequins for...hmmm say $ 5.00 > plus shipping? > You won't be disappointed. > Thomas > "PENMART01" > wrote in message > ... > > Anyone else take a gander at the cover of Penzeys Holiday 2004 catalog, > the one > > supposedly depicting a Thanksgiving turkey dinner... am I the only one who > > thinks that's the saddest/sorriest looking plate of food, what an awful > > presentation... all that white-ish food on a white plate too (must be > > Norwegian), couldn't even afford a measly sprig of parsley. Just look at > that > > turkey (guessing it's turkey - actually looks more like over done pork), > looks > > like really dried out scraps that were hacked with the dullest of > knives... > > potatoes look lumpy, and the dressing, if that's what it is, looks exactly > like > > the hairball vomit my cats cough up... don't even want to mention that the > > gravy looks more beefy than turkey, and well congealed. That plate of > food > > sure doesn't look very appetizing, makes me feel like forgoing the turkey > thing > > this year and having a ham sandwich instead. I'd love to know who they > paid to > > cook that meal, I'd fire the kitchen fraud on the spot, along with whoever > did > > the hiring. > > > > On another MORE SERIOUS topic; a few days ago I placed an order to > Penzeys, not > > very much stuff, only five items... a pound of peppercorns, 8oz msg, 4oz > > oregano, 4oz marjoram, and 4oz bay leaves. Immediately upon opening the > > package I knew instinctively that something was wrong, all I could smell > was > > cardboard, there wasn't even a hint of spice aroma. As soon as I looked > at the > > big bag of bay leaves I was very disappointed, they were kinda brown and > very > > broken, not just a few broken leaves, but I'd guess about 30% were broken, > and > > not just a piece broken off here and there but lots of itty-bitty slivers. > > These are the worst bay leaves I've ever seen, looks like a herd of > elephants > > trod all over them, but the box arrived in perfect shape and well padded. > > Perhaps not many order so large an amount of bay leaves so these are > really old > > and well handled. In fact the order taker kinda admonished me by asking in > a > > rather stern tone if I had any idea how many bay leaves are in 4ozs... > yeah, > > must be a friggin' million of em I thought to myself... right there I > missed > > the clue not to order large quantities of anything from Penzeys... most > orders > > are from cheapo *******s who typically order the smallest [sampler] size, > so > > the bulk sizes get no turnover, they sit around 'bout forever. > > > > My next disappointment was the marjoram, it's more dust than leaves... but > the > > worst part (or the best part, depending on point of view), upon closer > > examination I noticed something thin, long, and white inside the bag > > intertwined with the marjoram, and then upon even closer scrutiny it hit > me, > > yup, sure looks like the twisted string from a tampon. > > > > I didn't open the bags. Was too late to call yesterday so this morning I > > called Penzeys to complain. Naturally they will replace the items > (figured > > they would) and they will include a remailer so I can send back the > products in > > question... I guess they'd rather I didn't destroy the evidence. But now > I am > > very nervous about using Penzeys products... I mean I can actually see the > > tampon string but what else is in there that I can't see? Reminds me why > I > > grind my own meat... do I need to grow *all* my own herbs too? > > > > I also for about the umpteenth time suggested that Penzeys date stamp > their > > products, and for the umpteenth time my suggestion was met with defensive > > indignance. I suppose a date stamp is pretty meaningless anyway, who > knows at > > what point the product would be dated. > > > > I am among Penzeys very first customers, from since long before they had a > > retail store, a website or even a real catalog, for about ten years now... > and > > have always in the past did my best to give them good press, especially > here on > > rfc. But I can no longer in good conscience recommend Penzeys... I > suppose > > success has gone to their heads, they are way too busy counting long green > > instead of ensuring the green of their products. I don't know if that is > > really a tampon string but it sure looks like one, and there definitely > should > > not be any kind of string chopped up in a bag of marjoram. > > > > Also, I re-examined the oregano this morning, better light now (it was > dark out > > last evening when I opened the carton so only had artificial light). Last > > evening I simply tossed the unopened oregano bag into the freezer as I > still > > had some in my spice bottle. Upon closer examination this morning the > oregano > > looks kinda brown and very dusty, like floor sweepings. I will be calling > > Penzeys back momentarily to tell them about the oregano too. > > > > The peppercons look okay, they're the special extra bold, expensive ones. > The > > msg looks okay too, simply white powder. > > > > But now I'm ascared, very ascared... I'm thinking maybe I should tell > Penseys > > not to replace anything, that I will be returning my order and they can > credit > > my Visa. I don't know what I'll do yet, I'll wait to see what kind of > > replacements they send. I hope they haven't become so full of themselves > with > > all their growth that they turn away repeat customers and kill a good > thing. > > > > > > ---= BOYCOTT FRANCE (belgium) GERMANY--SPAIN =--- > > ---= Move UNITED NATIONS To Paris =--- > > ********* > > "Life would be devoid of all meaning were it without tribulation." > > Sheldon > > ```````````` > > |
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lol...
the silence is deafening. "Thomas" <scythicon311@yahoo(dot)com> wrote in message ... > If you're looking for bay leaves, my wife has 4 very large bay trees with > far more bay than we can ever use. I'll be happy to sell you some, and > guarantee them as well. If you don't mind receiving them in an old and clean > "spice islands" bottle. I'll ship them from our little farm here in North > Texas. I guarantee these bay leaves to be fresh and aromatic. > Just trying to help.... > Why don't you grow your own marjoram in a small pot? Even a brown thumb can > grow it, and especially easy to grow is oregano, especially in winter. > ;-) > I'll also offer for sale my own mesquite smoked and dried habanero peppers > along with dried chile pequins....damned hot, but absolutely wonderful > finely chopped on pizza or in a salad. > How about a "sampler"? I'll gladly send you a few bay leaves along with 3 > or 4 habaneros and a small handful of chile pequins for...hmmm say $ 5.00 > plus shipping? > You won't be disappointed. > Thomas > "PENMART01" > wrote in message > ... > > Anyone else take a gander at the cover of Penzeys Holiday 2004 catalog, > the one > > supposedly depicting a Thanksgiving turkey dinner... am I the only one who > > thinks that's the saddest/sorriest looking plate of food, what an awful > > presentation... all that white-ish food on a white plate too (must be > > Norwegian), couldn't even afford a measly sprig of parsley. Just look at > that > > turkey (guessing it's turkey - actually looks more like over done pork), > looks > > like really dried out scraps that were hacked with the dullest of > knives... > > potatoes look lumpy, and the dressing, if that's what it is, looks exactly > like > > the hairball vomit my cats cough up... don't even want to mention that the > > gravy looks more beefy than turkey, and well congealed. That plate of > food > > sure doesn't look very appetizing, makes me feel like forgoing the turkey > thing > > this year and having a ham sandwich instead. I'd love to know who they > paid to > > cook that meal, I'd fire the kitchen fraud on the spot, along with whoever > did > > the hiring. > > > > On another MORE SERIOUS topic; a few days ago I placed an order to > Penzeys, not > > very much stuff, only five items... a pound of peppercorns, 8oz msg, 4oz > > oregano, 4oz marjoram, and 4oz bay leaves. Immediately upon opening the > > package I knew instinctively that something was wrong, all I could smell > was > > cardboard, there wasn't even a hint of spice aroma. As soon as I looked > at the > > big bag of bay leaves I was very disappointed, they were kinda brown and > very > > broken, not just a few broken leaves, but I'd guess about 30% were broken, > and > > not just a piece broken off here and there but lots of itty-bitty slivers. > > These are the worst bay leaves I've ever seen, looks like a herd of > elephants > > trod all over them, but the box arrived in perfect shape and well padded. > > Perhaps not many order so large an amount of bay leaves so these are > really old > > and well handled. In fact the order taker kinda admonished me by asking in > a > > rather stern tone if I had any idea how many bay leaves are in 4ozs... > yeah, > > must be a friggin' million of em I thought to myself... right there I > missed > > the clue not to order large quantities of anything from Penzeys... most > orders > > are from cheapo *******s who typically order the smallest [sampler] size, > so > > the bulk sizes get no turnover, they sit around 'bout forever. > > > > My next disappointment was the marjoram, it's more dust than leaves... but > the > > worst part (or the best part, depending on point of view), upon closer > > examination I noticed something thin, long, and white inside the bag > > intertwined with the marjoram, and then upon even closer scrutiny it hit > me, > > yup, sure looks like the twisted string from a tampon. > > > > I didn't open the bags. Was too late to call yesterday so this morning I > > called Penzeys to complain. Naturally they will replace the items > (figured > > they would) and they will include a remailer so I can send back the > products in > > question... I guess they'd rather I didn't destroy the evidence. But now > I am > > very nervous about using Penzeys products... I mean I can actually see the > > tampon string but what else is in there that I can't see? Reminds me why > I > > grind my own meat... do I need to grow *all* my own herbs too? > > > > I also for about the umpteenth time suggested that Penzeys date stamp > their > > products, and for the umpteenth time my suggestion was met with defensive > > indignance. I suppose a date stamp is pretty meaningless anyway, who > knows at > > what point the product would be dated. > > > > I am among Penzeys very first customers, from since long before they had a > > retail store, a website or even a real catalog, for about ten years now... > and > > have always in the past did my best to give them good press, especially > here on > > rfc. But I can no longer in good conscience recommend Penzeys... I > suppose > > success has gone to their heads, they are way too busy counting long green > > instead of ensuring the green of their products. I don't know if that is > > really a tampon string but it sure looks like one, and there definitely > should > > not be any kind of string chopped up in a bag of marjoram. > > > > Also, I re-examined the oregano this morning, better light now (it was > dark out > > last evening when I opened the carton so only had artificial light). Last > > evening I simply tossed the unopened oregano bag into the freezer as I > still > > had some in my spice bottle. Upon closer examination this morning the > oregano > > looks kinda brown and very dusty, like floor sweepings. I will be calling > > Penzeys back momentarily to tell them about the oregano too. > > > > The peppercons look okay, they're the special extra bold, expensive ones. > The > > msg looks okay too, simply white powder. > > > > But now I'm ascared, very ascared... I'm thinking maybe I should tell > Penseys > > not to replace anything, that I will be returning my order and they can > credit > > my Visa. I don't know what I'll do yet, I'll wait to see what kind of > > replacements they send. I hope they haven't become so full of themselves > with > > all their growth that they turn away repeat customers and kill a good > thing. > > > > > > ---= BOYCOTT FRANCE (belgium) GERMANY--SPAIN =--- > > ---= Move UNITED NATIONS To Paris =--- > > ********* > > "Life would be devoid of all meaning were it without tribulation." > > Sheldon > > ```````````` > > |
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"PENMART01" > wrote in message ... > >The Joneses: >> >>PENMART01 wrote: >> >>> all I could smell was cardboard, there wasn't even a hint of spice >>> aroma. >>As >>> soon as I looked at the big bag of bay leaves >> >>Sounds like y'all had a bad day. I guess I'm just lucky. Most of the >>herbs >>& some >>spices I can grow, even got a vanilla vine. No beans yet, just the vine. >>Anyway >>my bay leaf tree is 30 feet tall and needs more pruning. Shall I send you >>a >>bag >>full? It smells a great deal spicier than anything I can buy fer sure. > > Thank you, but it's not just about the bay leaves, this incident is > representitive of how the quality has deteriorated with all the rest of > Penzeys > products too... I mean like 3 out of the 5 items I ordered were losers, > but I > haven't tried the peppercorns yet so who knows, <snip> > Sheldon > ```````````` ================================= Their Black Sarawak peppercorns are amazing! We didn't care for the White Sarawak... but the Black was terrific and the Tellicherry is great, as well. We also love the Sunny Paris, Northwoods, and the French Basil is delicious, too. Cyndi |
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"PENMART01" > wrote in message ... > >The Joneses: >> >>PENMART01 wrote: >> >>> all I could smell was cardboard, there wasn't even a hint of spice >>> aroma. >>As >>> soon as I looked at the big bag of bay leaves >> >>Sounds like y'all had a bad day. I guess I'm just lucky. Most of the >>herbs >>& some >>spices I can grow, even got a vanilla vine. No beans yet, just the vine. >>Anyway >>my bay leaf tree is 30 feet tall and needs more pruning. Shall I send you >>a >>bag >>full? It smells a great deal spicier than anything I can buy fer sure. > > Thank you, but it's not just about the bay leaves, this incident is > representitive of how the quality has deteriorated with all the rest of > Penzeys > products too... I mean like 3 out of the 5 items I ordered were losers, > but I > haven't tried the peppercorns yet so who knows, <snip> > Sheldon > ```````````` ================================= Their Black Sarawak peppercorns are amazing! We didn't care for the White Sarawak... but the Black was terrific and the Tellicherry is great, as well. We also love the Sunny Paris, Northwoods, and the French Basil is delicious, too. Cyndi |
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For the curious...
About a week ago I received the three replacements from Penzeys... the bay leaves looked much nicer, more uniformly colored and sized and very few were broken.... the oregano looked fresh, was a nice shade of green and the package contained no dust... the marjoram was also a nicer color, contained practically no dust and best of all contained no tampon stringie thingie. I was happy, so I thought. Let me back up a bit, my original phone call to Penzeys concluded with the agreement that they would include a USPS postage sticker with the new products and I would return the questionable items (returning the products was at my suggestion, the person I spoke with never suggested any such thing). And so I packed up the three items in the original Penzeys carton, included a copy of the statement, taped the carton and placed it in my car, all ready to ship when on my trip to the post office the replacements would arrive. A few days passed and I drove to the post office to retrieve my mail and the replacement package was there, great... or so I thought. I quickly opened the carton, the replacement products were fine, there was even a sample of prime rib seasoning (of course I had plenty at home - guess they don't check customer history before choosing a sample), but no return postage sticker was included, rats.... what to do. I thought I really didn't want to bring the return package home, have to make another call to Penzeys explaining how their imbecile neglected to include the sticker and then have to make yet another trip to the post office and perhaps they still wouldn't remember the postage sticker... and so I said frig em, and I offered the products to some guy who happened to be in the post office and was admiring my spices, I didn't know him. I explained how there was nothing wrong (except for the questionable string), the packages were sealed, but I wasn't satisfied having to pay full price for what I considered less than first quality products... the fellow was happy to take the products off my hands (he said hunting season was nigh and he could use them... hmm, perhaps someone who actually ate the deer). When I arived home I called Penzeys to tell them what had transpired, that there was no postage sticker and that I gave the products away because I was not about to make another trek to the post office (2.6 miles each way) for naught. The person on the phone essentially said "no biggie" and I figured it was all over. I went to the post office a week later (yesterday) and lo and behold, there was an envelope from Penzeys containing the postage sticker... what kinda flip-flopping Kerry Imbeciles work for Penzeys... I voted for the postage sticker before I voted against it... sheesh! Just thought some may be interested... also included the original post for those may have missed it. >29 Oct 2004 18:50:20 GMT (PENMART01) wrote: > >Anyone else take a gander at the cover of Penzeys Holiday 2004 catalog, the >one >supposedly depicting a Thanksgiving turkey dinner... am I the only one who >thinks that's the saddest/sorriest looking plate of food, what an awful >presentation... all that white-ish food on a white plate too (must be >Norwegian), couldn't even afford a measly sprig of parsley. Just look at >that >turkey (guessing it's turkey - actually looks more like over done pork), >looks >like really dried out scraps that were hacked with the dullest of knives... >potatoes look lumpy, and the dressing, if that's what it is, looks exactly >like >the hairball vomit my cats cough up... don't even want to mention that the >gravy looks more beefy than turkey, and well congealed. That plate of food >sure doesn't look very appetizing, makes me feel like forgoing the turkey >thing >this year and having a ham sandwich instead. I'd love to know who they paid >to >cook that meal, I'd fire the kitchen fraud on the spot, along with whoever >did >the hiring. > >On another MORE SERIOUS topic; a few days ago I placed an order to Penzeys, >not >very much stuff, only five items... a pound of peppercorns, 8oz msg, 4oz >oregano, 4oz marjoram, and 4oz bay leaves. Immediately upon opening the >package I knew instinctively that something was wrong, all I could smell was >cardboard, there wasn't even a hint of spice aroma. As soon as I looked at >the >big bag of bay leaves I was very disappointed, they were kinda brown and very >broken, not just a few broken leaves, but I'd guess about 30% were broken, >and >not just a piece broken off here and there but lots of itty-bitty slivers. >These are the worst bay leaves I've ever seen, looks like a herd of elephants >trod all over them, but the box arrived in perfect shape and well padded. >Perhaps not many order so large an amount of bay leaves so these are really >old >and well handled. In fact the order taker kinda admonished me by asking in a >rather stern tone if I had any idea how many bay leaves are in 4ozs... yeah, >must be a friggin' million of em I thought to myself... right there I missed >the clue not to order large quantities of anything from Penzeys... most >orders >are from cheapo *******s who typically order the smallest [sampler] size, so >the bulk sizes get no turnover, they sit around 'bout forever. > >My next disappointment was the marjoram, it's more dust than leaves... but >the >worst part (or the best part, depending on point of view), upon closer >examination I noticed something thin, long, and white inside the bag >intertwined with the marjoram, and then upon even closer scrutiny it hit me, >yup, sure looks like the twisted string from a tampon. > >I didn't open the bags. Was too late to call yesterday so this morning I >called Penzeys to complain. Naturally they will replace the items (figured >they would) and they will include a remailer so I can send back the products >in >question... I guess they'd rather I didn't destroy the evidence. But now I >am >very nervous about using Penzeys products... I mean I can actually see the >tampon string but what else is in there that I can't see? Reminds me why I >grind my own meat... do I need to grow *all* my own herbs too? > >I also for about the umpteenth time suggested that Penzeys date stamp their >products, and for the umpteenth time my suggestion was met with defensive >indignance. I suppose a date stamp is pretty meaningless anyway, who knows >at >what point the product would be dated. > >I am among Penzeys very first customers, from since long before they had a >retail store, a website or even a real catalog, for about ten years now... >and >have always in the past did my best to give them good press, especially here >on >rfc. But I can no longer in good conscience recommend Penzeys... I suppose >success has gone to their heads, they are way too busy counting long green >instead of ensuring the green of their products. I don't know if that is >really a tampon string but it sure looks like one, and there definitely >should >not be any kind of string chopped up in a bag of marjoram. > >Also, I re-examined the oregano this morning, better light now (it was dark >out >last evening when I opened the carton so only had artificial light). Last >evening I simply tossed the unopened oregano bag into the freezer as I still >had some in my spice bottle. Upon closer examination this morning the >oregano >looks kinda brown and very dusty, like floor sweepings. I will be calling >Penzeys back momentarily to tell them about the oregano too. > >The peppercons look okay, they're the special extra bold, expensive ones. >The >msg looks okay too, simply white powder. > >But now I'm ascared, very ascared... I'm thinking maybe I should tell Penseys >not to replace anything, that I will be returning my order and they can >credit >my Visa. I don't know what I'll do yet, I'll wait to see what kind of >replacements they send. I hope they haven't become so full of themselves >with >all their growth that they turn away repeat customers and kill a good thing. >--- ---= BOYCOTT FRANCE (belgium) GERMANY--SPAIN =--- ---= Move UNITED NATIONS To Paris =--- ********* "Life would be devoid of all meaning were it without tribulation." Sheldon ```````````` |
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For the curious...
About a week ago I received the three replacements from Penzeys... the bay leaves looked much nicer, more uniformly colored and sized and very few were broken.... the oregano looked fresh, was a nice shade of green and the package contained no dust... the marjoram was also a nicer color, contained practically no dust and best of all contained no tampon stringie thingie. I was happy, so I thought. Let me back up a bit, my original phone call to Penzeys concluded with the agreement that they would include a USPS postage sticker with the new products and I would return the questionable items (returning the products was at my suggestion, the person I spoke with never suggested any such thing). And so I packed up the three items in the original Penzeys carton, included a copy of the statement, taped the carton and placed it in my car, all ready to ship when on my trip to the post office the replacements would arrive. A few days passed and I drove to the post office to retrieve my mail and the replacement package was there, great... or so I thought. I quickly opened the carton, the replacement products were fine, there was even a sample of prime rib seasoning (of course I had plenty at home - guess they don't check customer history before choosing a sample), but no return postage sticker was included, rats.... what to do. I thought I really didn't want to bring the return package home, have to make another call to Penzeys explaining how their imbecile neglected to include the sticker and then have to make yet another trip to the post office and perhaps they still wouldn't remember the postage sticker... and so I said frig em, and I offered the products to some guy who happened to be in the post office and was admiring my spices, I didn't know him. I explained how there was nothing wrong (except for the questionable string), the packages were sealed, but I wasn't satisfied having to pay full price for what I considered less than first quality products... the fellow was happy to take the products off my hands (he said hunting season was nigh and he could use them... hmm, perhaps someone who actually ate the deer). When I arived home I called Penzeys to tell them what had transpired, that there was no postage sticker and that I gave the products away because I was not about to make another trek to the post office (2.6 miles each way) for naught. The person on the phone essentially said "no biggie" and I figured it was all over. I went to the post office a week later (yesterday) and lo and behold, there was an envelope from Penzeys containing the postage sticker... what kinda flip-flopping Kerry Imbeciles work for Penzeys... I voted for the postage sticker before I voted against it... sheesh! Just thought some may be interested... also included the original post for those may have missed it. >29 Oct 2004 18:50:20 GMT (PENMART01) wrote: > >Anyone else take a gander at the cover of Penzeys Holiday 2004 catalog, the >one >supposedly depicting a Thanksgiving turkey dinner... am I the only one who >thinks that's the saddest/sorriest looking plate of food, what an awful >presentation... all that white-ish food on a white plate too (must be >Norwegian), couldn't even afford a measly sprig of parsley. Just look at >that >turkey (guessing it's turkey - actually looks more like over done pork), >looks >like really dried out scraps that were hacked with the dullest of knives... >potatoes look lumpy, and the dressing, if that's what it is, looks exactly >like >the hairball vomit my cats cough up... don't even want to mention that the >gravy looks more beefy than turkey, and well congealed. That plate of food >sure doesn't look very appetizing, makes me feel like forgoing the turkey >thing >this year and having a ham sandwich instead. I'd love to know who they paid >to >cook that meal, I'd fire the kitchen fraud on the spot, along with whoever >did >the hiring. > >On another MORE SERIOUS topic; a few days ago I placed an order to Penzeys, >not >very much stuff, only five items... a pound of peppercorns, 8oz msg, 4oz >oregano, 4oz marjoram, and 4oz bay leaves. Immediately upon opening the >package I knew instinctively that something was wrong, all I could smell was >cardboard, there wasn't even a hint of spice aroma. As soon as I looked at >the >big bag of bay leaves I was very disappointed, they were kinda brown and very >broken, not just a few broken leaves, but I'd guess about 30% were broken, >and >not just a piece broken off here and there but lots of itty-bitty slivers. >These are the worst bay leaves I've ever seen, looks like a herd of elephants >trod all over them, but the box arrived in perfect shape and well padded. >Perhaps not many order so large an amount of bay leaves so these are really >old >and well handled. In fact the order taker kinda admonished me by asking in a >rather stern tone if I had any idea how many bay leaves are in 4ozs... yeah, >must be a friggin' million of em I thought to myself... right there I missed >the clue not to order large quantities of anything from Penzeys... most >orders >are from cheapo *******s who typically order the smallest [sampler] size, so >the bulk sizes get no turnover, they sit around 'bout forever. > >My next disappointment was the marjoram, it's more dust than leaves... but >the >worst part (or the best part, depending on point of view), upon closer >examination I noticed something thin, long, and white inside the bag >intertwined with the marjoram, and then upon even closer scrutiny it hit me, >yup, sure looks like the twisted string from a tampon. > >I didn't open the bags. Was too late to call yesterday so this morning I >called Penzeys to complain. Naturally they will replace the items (figured >they would) and they will include a remailer so I can send back the products >in >question... I guess they'd rather I didn't destroy the evidence. But now I >am >very nervous about using Penzeys products... I mean I can actually see the >tampon string but what else is in there that I can't see? Reminds me why I >grind my own meat... do I need to grow *all* my own herbs too? > >I also for about the umpteenth time suggested that Penzeys date stamp their >products, and for the umpteenth time my suggestion was met with defensive >indignance. I suppose a date stamp is pretty meaningless anyway, who knows >at >what point the product would be dated. > >I am among Penzeys very first customers, from since long before they had a >retail store, a website or even a real catalog, for about ten years now... >and >have always in the past did my best to give them good press, especially here >on >rfc. But I can no longer in good conscience recommend Penzeys... I suppose >success has gone to their heads, they are way too busy counting long green >instead of ensuring the green of their products. I don't know if that is >really a tampon string but it sure looks like one, and there definitely >should >not be any kind of string chopped up in a bag of marjoram. > >Also, I re-examined the oregano this morning, better light now (it was dark >out >last evening when I opened the carton so only had artificial light). Last >evening I simply tossed the unopened oregano bag into the freezer as I still >had some in my spice bottle. Upon closer examination this morning the >oregano >looks kinda brown and very dusty, like floor sweepings. I will be calling >Penzeys back momentarily to tell them about the oregano too. > >The peppercons look okay, they're the special extra bold, expensive ones. >The >msg looks okay too, simply white powder. > >But now I'm ascared, very ascared... I'm thinking maybe I should tell Penseys >not to replace anything, that I will be returning my order and they can >credit >my Visa. I don't know what I'll do yet, I'll wait to see what kind of >replacements they send. I hope they haven't become so full of themselves >with >all their growth that they turn away repeat customers and kill a good thing. >--- ---= BOYCOTT FRANCE (belgium) GERMANY--SPAIN =--- ---= Move UNITED NATIONS To Paris =--- ********* "Life would be devoid of all meaning were it without tribulation." Sheldon ```````````` |
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"PENMART01" > wrote in message ... > For the curious... You get the Times Union article i sent ya 'bout the PEN show/display/whatever last week? Van |
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"PENMART01" > wrote in message ... > For the curious... > > About a week ago I received the three replacements from Penzeys... the bay > leaves looked much nicer, more uniformly colored and sized and very few > were > broken.... the oregano looked fresh, was a nice shade of green and the > package > contained no dust... the marjoram was also a nicer color, contained > practically > no dust and best of all contained no tampon stringie thingie. I was > happy, so > I thought. Let me back up a bit, my original phone call to Penzeys > concluded > with the agreement that they would include a USPS postage sticker with the > new > products and I would return the questionable items (returning the products > was > at my suggestion, the person I spoke with never suggested any such thing). > And > so I packed up the three items in the original Penzeys carton, included a > copy > of the statement, taped the carton and placed it in my car, all ready to > ship > when on my trip to the post office the replacements would arrive. A few > days > passed and I drove to the post office to retrieve my mail and the > replacement > package was there, great... or so I thought. I quickly opened the carton, > the > replacement products were fine, there was even a sample of prime rib > seasoning > (of course I had plenty at home - guess they don't check customer history > before choosing a sample), <snip> As to the samples: they don't check. I had 6 'samples' of Pasta Sprinkle in my cabinet. Handed 1 or 2 out, dumped the rest in a bigger container. |
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PENMART01 wrote: > For the curious... > > About a week ago I received the three replacements from Penzeys... the bay > leaves looked much nicer, more uniformly colored and sized and very few were > broken.... the oregano looked fresh, was a nice shade of green and the package > contained no dust... the marjoram was also a nicer color, contained practically > no dust and best of all contained no tampon stringie thingie. I was happy, so > I thought. Let me back up a bit, my original phone call to Penzeys concluded > with the agreement that they would include a USPS postage sticker with the new > products and I would return the questionable items (returning the products was > at my suggestion, the person I spoke with never suggested any such thing). And > so I packed up the three items in the original Penzeys carton, included a copy > of the statement, taped the carton and placed it in my car, all ready to ship > when on my trip to the post office the replacements would arrive. A few days > passed and I drove to the post office to retrieve my mail and the replacement > package was there, great... or so I thought. I quickly opened the carton, the > replacement products were fine, there was even a sample of prime rib seasoning > (of course I had plenty at home - guess they don't check customer history > before choosing a sample), but no return postage sticker was included, rats.... > what to do. I thought I really didn't want to bring the return package home, > have to make another call to Penzeys explaining how their imbecile neglected to > include the sticker and then have to make yet another trip to the post office > and perhaps they still wouldn't remember the postage sticker... and so I said > frig em, and I offered the products to some guy who happened to be in the post > office and was admiring my spices, I didn't know him. I explained how there > was nothing wrong (except for the questionable string), the packages were > sealed, but I wasn't satisfied having to pay full price for what I considered > less than first quality products... the fellow was happy to take the products > off my hands (he said hunting season was nigh and he could use them... hmm, > perhaps someone who actually ate the deer). When I arived home I called > Penzeys to tell them what had transpired, that there was no postage sticker and > that I gave the products away because I was not about to make another trek to > the post office (2.6 miles each way) for naught. The person on the phone > essentially said "no biggie" and I figured it was all over. I went to the post > office a week later (yesterday) and lo and behold, there was an envelope from > Penzeys containing the postage sticker... what kinda flip-flopping Kerry > Imbeciles work for Penzeys... I voted for the postage sticker before I voted > against it... sheesh! Were the phone people based in India? Doesn't sound too dissimilar to my experiences in calling tech support with a problem, i.e. a mishegoss :-| Someone surely mentioned this before, but have you taken a gander at: www.thespicehouse.com Might be worth a try, they have good spices... -- Best Greg |
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In article >, PENMART01
> wrote: > "Life would be devoid of all meaning were it without tribulation." > Sheldon > ```````````` Sounds like Penzeys is just trying to give your life some meaning. |
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In article >, PENMART01
> wrote: > "Life would be devoid of all meaning were it without tribulation." > Sheldon > ```````````` Sounds like Penzeys is just trying to give your life some meaning. |
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