When I was little every year for my birthday our family would end up at ShowBiz Pizza, “Where everyone can be a kid.” There was never a truer statement. I remember waiting in the ski ball line behind many a grown-up. That place was an experience… the “gourmet” pizza, the dazzling animatronic performers singing their imaginary hearts out, and don’t get me started on my favorite games (air hockey) and top notch prizes. It was heaven!
I was reminded of our family tradition the other night when my best friend Jaimie and I ventured out to Ginza of Tokyo for her birthday dinner. Little did I know that for a large portion of our evening I would feel like that five-year-old again at ShowBiz, needing reminders to eat because I’m so distracted by the entire experience.
We experienced our “show,” I mean dinner, with eight other hungry folks surrounding a very entertaining Hibachi expert. He engaged us all… from spinning hard boiled eggs on spatulas centimeters from our noses, to throwing shrimp in all of our mouths, one by one. (Even though I don’t like shrimp, I ate it! Parents, try this with your picky eaters!) He tossed food into his hat, warmed our chilly faces with the heat of the flames a number of times, while also sticking his hand in the flames to drag the fire across the grill. (Don’t try that at home!) It felt like we were at STOMP, with his drum-like knife work and creative use-age of the salt shaker. He made jokes and we all laughed and laughed as if we had all had far too much sake. It was a blast!
As we start our fourth day of our 12 Days of Wishmas, (read about Day 3 here) it excites me to think about the experiences we are giving our customers. We’ve had quite a few “No, thanks, I don’t have any kids with me” replies when we invite them to try our fun childlike activity. When we give them permission to do it anyway, the inevitable response is a big cheesy grin. It really doesn’t take much convincing, usually just a simple invitation, which proves our theory that we are all “aching for a little silliness.”
Blue squares have been transformed into beautiful snowflakes, gingerbread men have been donned with frosting and sprinkle clothing, and bags of reindeer food have been prepared for the “big night.” Shopping is shopping… whether it’s Wal-Mart or Macy’s, it all gets pretty stressful this time of year, but I’m thrilled to know that a visit to the Kim & Jason store is an experience. You may not be able to exchange tickets for a giant pencil or foam hand, but you won’t walk away empty handed.
What sorts of childlike experiences have left you smiling lately?
[tags] Ginza of Tokyo, Kim & Jason, Wal-Mart, Macy’s, Hibachi, ShowBiz Pizza, silliness, experiential marketing[/tags]
That place sounds like a blast! When a business adds fun and playfulness to their work, they add joy. I’d eat there any day. :0)
I agree… It’s a big deal when you get a free serving of joy with your meal. Too bad we don’t live closer, it’d be fun to share a meal there together!
Have a place like Ginza’s near me as well and it is one of my favorite places to eat. Not only is the food good but the “show” is awesome :)
I’m glad you get to enjoy this type of fun in your region too. Hope you get to go there soon. It’s a great way to fight off the looming Adultitis that sneaks up around the holiday busyness.
I went to check out the Ginza web site, but alas, the link was broken. I’ll have to check that out sometime. Is it this? http://www.ginzaoftokyosteakhouse.com/ Or there’s this… http://www.yelp.com/biz/ginza-of-tokyo-madison
Sorry about the bad link. The latter one you found is correct. I updated it in the post. Thanks for bringing it to my attention. Wish they had a better site – pictures would be awesome!
Three things that took place in the last week, left me feeling like a kid again. The first was taking a trip to a city up island from us, going to this huge park with my kids and spinning until I was too dizzy to stand. My kids (4 and 2) thought it was great to see mommy let loose. Then on the way to taking my 4 yr old to pre-school we saw a double rainbow, and talked about what we might find at the other side. Left me smiling all morning. Last but not least, last night was went to the Navy Dockyard where they have annual contest lighting up all the ships and buildings. It was beautiful, and the whole family loved it. All these things left me in childlike wonder.
Selina, sounds like you have two little experts in your midst and that you are able to renew that childlike wonder and awe with their help. What a blessing! I bet the conversation about what was at the end of the rainbow was priceless.
I miss the days when I would spin and spin for no reason.
Thanks for sharing these great examples!