Gwen N.
Yelp
Oh Banana Mousse, you held such promise on a hot summer night - but all I got was disappointment.
The product: Mediocre at best. I went to Banana Mousse with a couple friends because I was craving dessert and it was something new. I was intrigued by the description that it is "a cross between ice cream and pudding, but taste like neither" but see the reason is - it taste like nothing. Got the chocolate flavor and my friends got birthday cake. The only actual flavor came from the cookies/cake on top. (-2 Stars)
The business practices: Only two bites in to my flavorless mistake, I took a glance at the lid only to notice that the month and day of the expiration date had been crossed out with marker. To confirm what information was missing, I looked at a friend's to see his expiration date was there (28/6/19). Sickened by this and knowing they were about to close, I quickly returned to the store in search of a refund. Paying $7 for a little bucket of crap, that I'll do... but $7 for an expired bucket of crap is down right disrespectful. When I returned to speak to the manager, I explained the situation. She was well aware that this food safety transgression has taken place. (-2 Stars)
The customer service: Despite this, she stated she could not issue a refund because the factory seal on the product they "make fresh daily" was broken. She suggested that if I didn't think it was fresh I throw it away. (-2 Stars)
Here are all the peculiar things about her response:
1. If you are making products fresh daily, why are they factory sealed and dated in a European format? Who in Europe knew what date you were making these?
2. If you are making products fresh daily, why would the two products purchased the same time have "best used by" dates in different years?
3. If you are making products fresh daily, why wouldn't you refund a purchase made 30 minutes before closing? Wasn't it about to end up in the trash so you can make tomorrow's fresh batch of mush?
4. If you are the manager of an establishment, why would you ever be so unprofessional as to end an interaction with a customer by suggestions they throw your product away?
In conclusion, there's not enough quality dessert in West Philadelphia. Banana Mousse has done nothing to change that. Realistically this establishment deserves a -1 Star rating, but in adherence with Yelp standards this is the lowest score allowed. Luckily there's a Fresh Grocer a 7 minute walk from this rubbish place, and for $7 you can more than satisfy your sweet tooth there.