Shabu Shabu Buffet
After visiting a little eatery called Shabu Shabu on Lonsdale St a few weeks ago I wrote a smallish review and posted it on the blog that had referred me there, tummyrumbles.com.
I did this for three reasons:
- to payback the site for pointing us in Shabu Shabu's direction
- to payback Shabu Shabu for an awesome meal; and
- as a small writing exercise
What I didn't realise is that there would be many, many others who would find tummyrumbles.com the same way I did, that they would see my review and that they would check out Shabu Shabu based solely on my favourable comments. But they did.
Ange and I walked into Shabu Shabu on Saturday to find the place packed out. What few seats they had left were marked with a small, triangular Reserved sign. One of the staff (the owner?) recognised me and ushered us over to the counter. He gestured to the bustling restaurant, the horde of people ripping plates of food off the train as quick as they could be replenished and told me my review did that. With 500 or so words I'd managed to turn a slow burning eatery into a break away hit in just three weeks!
To make up for the lack of seats he gave us a card for 25% off the next bill. incredibly generous given the discount I'd already had the first time I was there. He also told me I should book for next time. I told him I would and that it'd be awful nice if he had some sort of golden chair ready for me when I came back.
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November 4th, 2008 at 7:41 am
Welcome to the power of blogging!
The Shabu Shabu Buffet post has been one of the more popular posts on tummy rumbles in recent months, and it has elicited much comment and review from many different people.
I think there are a number of reasons why Shabu Shabu Buffet has become popular (notwithstanding your review, or that of the others on the post). Firstly, it's a kooky and novel idea that appeals to the Asian student population found close to the location. It is both customisable and all you can eat - you choose your soup, sauce and everything you want to put in your pot, and eat as MUCH of it as you want. Lastly, it is wonderfully conducive to good night out with mates; getting involved in the preparation of your food with others is a hoot!
I have been twice now, but am yet to write up my experience. Damn..I just have too many posts sitting in drafts waiting to be written ;-)
November 4th, 2008 at 10:36 am
Great work man! How'd they now it was you that wrote the review?
November 5th, 2008 at 6:48 am
Exactly what I was thinking Sutter ;-)
November 5th, 2008 at 10:45 am
mellie - Thanks for your comment! I only put emphasis on my original review because that's the only thing the staff brought up. I do think you're right on the money about the other factors that've seen Shabu Shabu packed out every night. But one thing that should be mentioned is 'word of mouth', which I'm sure trumps every other reason for Shabu Shabu's popularity.
Can't wait to read your review of the place.
Sutter - There was enough "tells" in that first review I think. Being last people there on the first day of opening it wouldn't have been that hard to put one and one together.
November 8th, 2008 at 2:48 pm
[...] last month before it had even opened, and since then I’ve had some rather glowing reports and reviews in the comments. I’ve actually been twice, smitten by the fact that it makes eating fun! But [...]