THE CONTAINER STORE IN KENDALL

So I walked into The Container Store last night at exactly 8 pm. I had one hour and thirty minutes to find a list of items I wasn't even sure was there. I'm know you have all experienced what I like to call the "late night customer sweep" at closing time. That's where the registers and customer service are shut down with at least 45 minutes left in the day, and the sales staff goes about cleaning up the store and ignoring the customers so they can close at exactly the designated time.
That was not my experience at here. As I strolled through the store, wondering aimlessly, approaching sales person after sales person, I was greeted with a smile, a hello and even a "may I help you". I rarely take them up on their offer, but this time I had no choice. The laundry basket I made the 30-minute trip for was at the top of an eight-foot display. Standing 5'1" with heels on, there was no way I was going to reach that. Brad not only pulled every laundry basket down to my level, but he waited patiently for me to choose the ones I wanted. He even helped me with my selection and made jokes about the experience.
Tick, tock. Tick, tock. Time was dwindling away, but still Brad waited. Once the selection was made, he helped me take them to the cash register where the cashier also treated me like the most important person in the store (never mind I was the only person in the store).
Five minutes before closing, I exited an unlocked door leaving smiles and waves behind me. I have no idea what happened once I turned the corner, but it doesn't matter. That was one of the best late night shopping experiences I've ever had.

THE BEVERLY HILLS CAFE IN MIAMI LAKES

We took up two long tables in an intimate space in the back of the restaurant. We'd been invited to the baby shower of a friend having their third child, and since she's a very sociable and popular young lady, the place was packed. I was wondering if, and how, the staff would handle this all-women brigade, but I must say they stepped up to the challenge.
First, they were patient. You can imagine in situations such as this, there was a whole lot of chatter and talking. The servers waited until the last period of the conversation before asking politely for our order, and not once did we receive an attitude. As they started to deliver our meals, we asked for everything from accompanying condiments to extra utensils and after the meal we asked for doggy-bags. Each request was met with a smile and an immediate response. Something I found particularly surprising considering our wait staff consisted of two young men who appeared to be a few days over two decades old (maybe). The water and soda flowed freely, and the smiles were plentiful. It was a fun time had by all.
I have to admit the food wasn't the best, but that is not what this blog is about. I recommend you go anyway. The service and ambiance makes it worth the trip.