A review of Wal-Marts in Lakewood Colorado - when you want something quickly---SLOW!

My general experience with Walmarts just about everywhere has been their lack of customer service - it's quite piss poor no matter which Walmart you're at.... but amazingly enough, there is one Wal-Mart in the Greater Broomfield area near FlatIrons Mall that is the exception and not the rule.  When it comes to Wal-Mart - you generally know what you get:  Cheap prices on low quality goods, long lines, piss poor customer service (returns that take forever), and perhaps employees who do not get paid enough.  I like wal-mart's prices for the run of the mill products but they are quite the pain to deal with when you try to use a coupon or do returns.  Target and King Sooper's has the best policies when it comes to those two things.  In any case, we end up still shopping at Wal-Marts so I decided to take a shot at rating the different Wal-Mart stores.

I have visited a Wal-Mart in Arvada (Sheridan and 72nd), in Broomfield (near Flat Irons mall), in Lakewood (2 locations- one right off of 6th Avenue and one on the corner of Wadsworth & Colfax), and one in Wheat Ridge (not a super Walmart and a great in and out place).  My worst experiences, thus far, are the Wal-Marts in Lakewood.  I am not sure if the customers who frequent there are just as strange as the employees but repeatedly, I get the worst service, the worst assistance, and can never find what I am looking for.  It seems like it takes an eternity whereas at the other locations, it just seems easier.  Maybe it's cause I am running my errands at the Lakewood stores at lunch and that is a buiser time.  In any case, whatever the factors and variables may be, I have concluded that it is not easy to get in and out of Wal-Mart.  First, if you want to get in and out of a Wal-Mart, pick a location that is not a SUPER one unless you need a grocery item.  Second, try not to go to the ones in Lakewood if you can possibly avoid it, and Third, pick off-hours to do returns - times when you think the least amount of person would be there - lunch is a bad time, and perhaps first thing when they open. 

The Octopus Car Wash- Lakewood Colorado on Wadsworth & Colfax

The Octopus Car Wash is quite prominent- can't miss it.  They are on the corner of Wadsworth and Colfax in Lakewood, Colorado.  This car wash is amazing!  I have been going there for a couple years now.  For $6.99 the basic wash is so extensive, I am amazed- you get the inside vacuumed and cleaned and the outside washed and dried.  I gotta say, this is a screaming deal!

The lines are often long though so get there early or after the lunch crowd but even with a line, you can get through in 30 minutes.  When it's not busy, try 10 minutes.  It is a great place to get your car cleaned especially if you have kids who are ready to throw down immediately after its clean.  There is no rain guarantee on the outside wash but at $6.99 for what you get, it is so worth it.  They have other deals on the full car washes too (which also include an air freshener and wax).  At these prices, and with the friendly staff, Octopus Car Wash is the perfect place to get your car cleaned.  Mine looks like new right now and I love it!

Old Town Arvada- Wadsworth- Movie Theater $5 DEAL!!!

Last night I went to see Eat, Pray, Love with my girlfriends.  We went to the Old Town Theater in Arvada- it is off of Old Wadsworth Blvd right near I-70 and Wadsworth.  This theater has been taken over by AMC and was formerly Kerosotes.  I thought that spelled trouble for this theater because AMC tends to gouge people and Kerosotes did not.  Well, I was surprised to learn that this theater has a $5 special for ALL MOVIES, Monday through Thursday. That's right folks!   You can see any move fir $5 anytime Monday through Thursday.  What a great deal.  Their posted ticket prices were also not bad and I saw that they had a $1.00 discount for Students, Military (with ID), and Seniors.  So, if you see a movie during the matinees, the prices were reasonable and on the weekends, $10 or $9 (with discounts).

If you see a before noon on the weekends, it is also $5.   What a great deal!   You can save that money and use it towards a small $4.25 popcorn.  Yes, concessions are outrageous but that is the only way it seems the movie theater makes its money these days.  You can't beat the $5 deal at the Old Town Arvada Theater (now AMC) -- corner of 58th and Wadsworth in Arvada.   AND BY THE WAY,  This is the only AMC theater in the area that does this deal so don't delay and go watch your favorite new release.

Tokyo Joe's - new location in Westminster/Arvada

Tokyo Joe's just opened up a new location on the corner of 88th and Wadsworth on the Arvada, Westminster border.  Tokyo Joe's ia a hip, trendy Asian Fusion diner which is quite good but I am not sure worth the price you pay for the food.  The bowls are approximately $6 to $8+ and are loaded but will it last you two days?  Probably not.  Everything else is extra.  Unlike family-owned, non-chain delivery/carryout Chinese or comparable Asian Fusion restaurants in the area Tokyo Joe's charges for everything and there are no extras.  No soup with your meal or salad - the salad menu is extensive and ranges in the $7-8 range.  Moreover, there is no egg roll or other perks.  You get a yummy, organic, healthy meal but it does not come at a premium. 

This place was packed though on a Monday night and I wonder if the rush will continue or will the novelty wear off.  In a city where so many restaurants have gone under, can a fast food Asian Fusion joint that boasts a trendy atmosphere with high prices survive?  We will have to wait and watch but in the meantime, enjoy the different sauces.  Curry is my favorite and next time, I want to try the Gyoza with a side of sushi (a plate of 4 sushi pieces is a whopping $3.40!).  I have to say I am impressed with the veggie, gluten-free, and dairy-free selections at Tokyo Joe's. 

Bear Creek Lake Park - Lakewood Colorado- awesome!

This weekend we went to Bear Creek Lake Park in Lakewood- it is a park that does not honor the State Parks Pass but it is a cool park with a lake and a swim beach.  You can also rent kayaks and non-motorized boats to take around the lake.  The beach is nice but rocky and the rest of the park boasts hiking trails, horse stables (including pony rides for kids), an archery range, and a marina.  I really thought it was a nice park with a lot of amenities and the beach area was a lot of fun for kids and adults alike.

I definitely recommend a trip out to Bear Creek Lake Park's Soda Lake and Beach area.  What summer is complete without a trip to the beach?

Comcast Sucks in Denver- what do you think?

When it comes to Comcast in Denver I have NEVER - I mean NEVER had good luck getting a good technical representative or anyone for that matter to help me.  I only seem to have good luck reaching them when I want to buy something or add service.  Lately I have been thinking of completely removing cable and going dish - of course, I read all the horror stories with Dish and Direct TV and wonder why cable companies like Comcast have monopolies over such a service.  Shouldn't this be competed out? 

Today I called three separate times because the download speed I pay for is not the one I am getting at home- go figure!  What suffers? My voice over IP (voip) along with Internet speeds.  It is a frigging nightmare and what happens when I call Comcast?  NOTHING!  I am beyond frustrated with Comcast and their illiterate customer service reps.  I can only hope they improve or there is another way soon -- because honestly, it seems wrong to "settle" for a service simply because its the only game in town.  So frustrating!  If you have suggestions on how to get cable or TV service without dealing with Comcast, please do share.  Or, alternatively tell me what you've done with Comcast to maybe "make the relationship work?"  Thanks!

Copeland's Baton Rouge- a review

We ate at Copeland's in Baton Rouge and their menu has changed since I last ate there several years ago.  But yummy!  As always their side dishes rock - Red Beans and Rice, Potatoes, etc., but their salads remain the same- crispy, spicy, and exciting!  I love their Onion Mum but we skipped that this time.  All in all, Copeland's is a good place to eat for out of towners who want a taste of the South without all the fuss.  It is a casual place and the wait staff is generally friendly and knowledgeable. 

One warning if you go there with kids though- the mac n cheese is not what it seems.  Copeland's mac and cheese is in a heavy rue sauce (white) and they sprinkle cheddar on top.  So, if your child is picky, they may not like this mac 'n cheese.  For kids, I would recommend the sides- they are so much more fun and tastier.  Bon Appetit!

Denver International Airport- I like it, I love it, I want some more of it

 As promised, I needed to do a review of Denver International Airport (DIA).  I am partial because I fly in and out of Denver often.  With a cozy executive lounge and a fully stocked USO Lounge, I am spoiled rotten at this airport.  The food selection is out of this world too.  At the check-in area (before security) there is a plethora of fast food and quick gourmet dining- Panda Express, Taco Bell, Burger King, and a French Place.  There is a coffee house on the first level near security and a post office- yes, a full post office!  I mailed something there once and it got there the next day!

The drive to DIA from Denver sucks - you wonder why someone built an airport this far from a major city and interstate but if you can survive this, then you are okay.  After you check-in, you proceed towards your gate but if you need any help, there are two information booths and volunteers waiting near the security areas to assist you.  So, if you want to know what food places/drink places/services are near your gate or concourse, just ask.... someone will help!   Security - I know people talk trash about security but I have never had a problem with assistance and rudeness from security.  It is quite the opposite.  When I take the family line, I have had nothing but assistance and friendly TSA folks helping me out and when I travel for business, I have not had a problem getting through in a timely manner. 

I have to say, as far as airports go, I like DIA.  The only problem I have had is lack of 3G coverage for my iPhone and signing onto the wireless server in DIA costs too much.  All in all, though, as airports across the country go, kudos to you, DIA!

New Orleans Airport- review of places to eat & the airport itself

Being that is a consumer blog, I decided to add in a new twist to it:  Review of the major airports I travel in and out of.  Denver's review is coming soon.  We recently travelled back from New Orleans and I gotta say, while the airport has been renovated many many times since Katrina and before, it is still a dump.  The facilities are not that great but the eating places are even worse!  PJs coffee is yummy but why is it that every person behind a register at New Orleans International Airport is completely rude?  I am not sure- maybe it's the oil and water they've had in the past few years but come on!

The ACME Oyster House - forget about it!  If you want something vegetarian, order a bun - wait!  You may have to pay $5 for it OR leave there without it because they cannot figure out how to give you plain bread.  It is a tough airport and the services are not plentiful.  There is a beignet stop inside the airport in case you missed your fix and it looked reasonable.  I did not get to try it because we were running behind.  As airports go, New Orleans is not the best one for long layovers-  get your food on the outside, and definitely leave yourself plenty of time to get through rental car returns and check-in. 

Frontier Airlines - Economy Seats are akin to Lepers and BEWARE MILITARY FLYERS

I made reservations on Frontier Airlines for our family to travel to a wedding (first mistake), and immediately afterwards since I could not get seats, I called them.  They said I should be able to choose seats 24 hours in advance.  But low and behold, 24 hours prior, here I am trying to get seats for our family of four and NO GO!  I get a system error in Frontier and when I call agents, no one can seem to help me.  There is absolutely no reason for this but it is so frustrating.  This is the 2nd time this has happened with Frontier and I am thinking that it will be the last I travel with them on a personal flight.  Moreover, their agents cannot get anything straight- one agent promised she would seat us together even in the Classic Plus area, another agent is now yelling at me saying she was wrong.  Wow....

At the airport, I was reminded for the 10th time that I had an "economy" ticket.  Like I was not told enough on the phone that I was the leper with the "economy" (AKA CHEAP) seats.  Come on!  That does not excuse the fact that when I arrived at the airport, we had three middle seats scattered throughout the plane.  If it was not for an awesome GATE AGENT at Denver International Airport, our 3-year old may have sat with strangers.  She put us all together in Row 1 -- what a nightmare.  After 3 phone calls to three separate agents, and a 35 minute discussion with the guy who checked us in at the reservations desk, finally, it took one GATE AGENT who was awesome to put us together.  Moral of the story:  Skip all the steps, show up and ask the gate agent who may be nice enough to put you all together.  If not, do what we did on the return, asked some folks to move and they were nice enough to do so.  If people do not move for you, have your child frequently touch them or throw food at them.  That outta work.  Ha!

Another caveat about Frontier Airlines- they are a strange animal indeed-- so, military with ID and their dependants get to check bags for free... no matter where they go or come from.  We have done this for over 2 years now- to and from Denver, Washington National, and Austin, Texas.  Well, not New Orleans.  I was asked to show my ORDERS in New Orleans.  So be careful - while Frontier has a policy that military with ID fly bags free, some airports and their agents have not gotten the word and communication is piss poor with Frontier Airlines so rely on some good luck and fortitude and .... BON VOYAGE!