For once, I should write something positive. Not everything in this world annoys me.
So, why not write about the brands, products, and stores that I actually like and would recommend?
Yes, I am somewhat loyal to certain big bame brands, even if I do try to support local businesses and smaller labels, rather than large multinationals
DAIRY QUEEN
I eat a lot less fast food than I did before the turn of the century. When I do want something quick and easy, Dairy Queen is my favourite large chain, by far.
Even if DQ served only Skor Blizzards (for you Americans, your HEATH bar is a close comparison), I would still rank it #1. Skor Blizzards and ice cream cakes are manna from heaven, and the most delicious thing the human tongue has ever had the pleasure of tasting.
I love the Skor ice cream cakes so much we had one at our wedding!
The chicken strip basket is also a big winner, and the burgers, which are actually grilled, are acceptable.
Most big chain's burgers are rather 'meh', but I never get that sinking feeling of shame eating a DQ burger that I do from McRonalds or Burger Tsar.
DQ seems to be able to walk the fine line of being not-too-unhealthy and greasy, yet still serve you a meal in about 2 minutes.
TACO TIME
This is more local to Western Canada and the Pacific Northwest of the US, but it has become my go-to place for something 'Mexican'.
First, realize that Vancouver has very few actual Mexican restaurants, and Taco Bell, thankfully, has no presence here. There are very few choices when you want meat, lettuce, rice, and salsa.
Taco Time is so much better than Taco Bell for the simple fact that Taco Time food does not give you instant, explosive diarrhea. Taco Time food is quite a bit healthier, fresher, and does not contain more grease than edible matter.
Taco Time also has something called Mexi-Fries, which is one of my bigger fast-food cravings. Yes, you can buy Tater-Tots at the grocery store freezer, but they never work out nearly as well.
HONDA
When it comes to automobiles, I have a pretty small list of things I need looked after.
1. Reliability
2. Fuel Efficiency
3. Customer Care
Let's face it, the cars, themselves, are fairly interchangeable between most brands, and I don't need to compensate for a lack of manliness or hair with an Lamborghini or Hummer.
When it comes to my experiences with Honda, they win all three categories. My wife's last Civic lasted 15(!) years, and rarely had to go through major repairs, or a string of constant small ones.
For customer care: A big shout-out to Westwood Honda in Port Moody for their excellent service. The repair shop tells you exactly what needs to be done, doesn't try to upsell you needless stuff, and is honest about when you actually need to do things.
Toyota? Only if you want your vehicle recalled.
American brands? Forget about it. Between planned obsolescence of the parts to their attention to gas guzzlers, there is no reason to ever consider buying one.
ARM & HAMMER
No, I'm not a Communist :)
A&H makes my list for one very simple reason: THEY MAKE STUFF THAT DOESN'T BLOODY STINK!
It seems product manufacturers think people want their cleaning products to reek of artificial flowers. Walking down the laundry deterigant aisle at the grocery store always makes me feel nauseous. Yes, I've ranted about this way too many times.
A&H is one of the few that produces unscented products, and they generally do it right. Some other brands' 'unscented' products will still have a very strong chemical smell or they'll just mask it with some other noxious miasma.
I use A&H for anti-perspirant, toothpaste, laundry soap, and, of course, baking powder.
There, four brands I can get behind and have earned my loyalty (for now....)
What brands are you partial to?
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