Foodie Review: Knead Rosebank Sunday Market
Photo Courtesy of Knead website
I am sure almost everyone appreciates a taster (small bite of a food item used to entice one to purchase), but it is not good etiquette to sell a customer part of a taster food item!
On Sunday 30th August 2015, I decided to go to the Rosebank Sunday Market at the Rosebank Mall to view the trade. While browsing around, I spotted Knead - as in Knead Bakery & Cafe - and remembering how much I loved it in Cape Town, I darted to that stall. I was approached by a friendly guy who had tasters of some type of chocolate cookie - It was delicious.
So there I was, loving that Knead is now in Johannesburg and deciding if I should give them a try. After all, I believe that South African brands and businesses should be given more of an awareness as mentioned in my previous article. The aroma of the breads were overpowering so I decided on a loaf of ciabatta as it looks like good value for money - it was R20. But, Nicholas, one of the guys working there who gladly served us samples, decides to put 2 packets in our hands as well, basically coercing us to buy those chocolate cookies which we later found out was R20 each. I did not appreciate that. I do not like being forced into buying anything especially if I know I cannot afford it.
When I sell something, I feel bad to push customers into buying anything from me (doing the 'hard sale' ) because I can understand economical situations especially when I'm in it myself and yes I feel bad for the seller as well because I am in their situation trying to make a living. But I am buying something, do not guilt me into spending more money that I don't have.
It was also a bit of an awkward feeling as I felt compelled to buy something and I previously had a conversation with my husband regarding this topic. I mentioned to him that I do not like to go shopping while in our unfortunate frugal state because when the salespeople try and sell me something (me understanding their situation), I feel obliged to buy. His response was "don't feel obligated to buy from anyone, because no one feels obligated to buy from us."
So the one who told me not to feel obligated, was also the same one who felt pressured when Nicholas already handed him those 2 packets of biscuits. In the end, I compromised and decided on buying just one of those chocolate cookies and the loaf of ciabatta. Done. Perturbed a bit by that service, I left the Knead stall pleased that I would get a taste of what I enjoyed in Cape Town, right here at home.
I carefully transported the packet on my lap and when I got home, took the goodies out of the bag.
I was not impressed. That R20 chocolate cookie looked like it was bit into. There were no other pieces in the bag, that was it! They gave us a small reject piece. No, I was highly unimpressed. It looked like it was part of the taster biscuit because part of it was broken off.
I grudgingly decided to taste it. To my dismay, it was delicious - even more so because I warmed it a little so the chocolate was melted and the biscuit had a 'brownie' taste to it. It even smelt great but because it was part of a taster, the experience was over before I knew it and all I could think of was the 'rip-off' chocolate biscuit for a freakin' R20 all because I felt forced into buying it. I did not even feel like mentioning how delicious it was and the fact that the ciabatta was fresh and wholesome but I do believe in giving credit where it's due.
The introduction to Knead in Joburg did not get off to a good start for me. I think I am put off, for a while, or maybe just the one at the Rosebank Sunday Market.
