In the Filipino culture, turo-turo is a term used for cafeteria-style restaurants that have multiple dishes prepared and showcased behind a display counter or sneeze guard. The English translation of turo-turo is point-point, which means you literally point at hot & ready-cooked entrees of your choice. On any given day, the line up behind the counter can range from Chicken or Pork Adobo, Sisig (chopped and seasoned pig parts mixed with onions and chilies), Sinigang (tamarind-based sour soup), or Pinakbet (mixed vegetables cooked with shrimp paste). They also serve silog breakfast plates in the morning. Make sure to visit early in the day because dishes will run out. I always hope my favorites are behind the glass when I visit... -Their Bistek reminds me of home-cooked comfort food. I can't have enough of this citrusy beef steak dish topped with caramelized onions, or slightly raw. -For my vegetable dish of choice, their Laing hits the spot with the mild spiciness and creaminess of stewed taro leaves in coconut milk and shrimp paste. -Pancit here is top notch and mom-approved! Definitely one of the better pancit noodle dishes in the area, and they give you a good amount in their combo plates. -I'm not a Caldereta fan, but their version of this rich tomato-based stew converted me. Yes to both beef or goat! I appreciate the other dishes that you normally don't see at Filipino restaurants, like Dinakdakan (a cousin of Sisig), Beef Pinapaitan with tripe (not as bitter as I expected), and Igado (when I feel like liver). Next up is their lechon! For now, gonna drown in my own drool. read more

Zero (0) stars! They supposedly close at 7pm. It is 6:20pm right now, they locked up the store already and the door sign says closed! The worker said they ran out of food! Really?! lol read more

Jam’s Kitchen - They already closed at 6:20pm! - Filipino Near Me - San Jose, California

One of those hole in the wall fast food Filipino spots. Catering is also available. It's neighbors to Duc Huong. I tried the two item combo with: Half White Rice & Half Pancit Bistek (Beef was not fresh, just the onions were) Forgot the name of the other item but it was my first time trying it and I enjoyed it for the veggies! There were okra, green beans, and pumpkin (Was just a little salty) Parking can be difficult if on the weekend and early mornings. Not my favorite plaza but will come to try something new. Service was quick. Good place to grab a bite and take home for later. A lot of seating but for smaller parties or else it may seemed packed. They had a variety of entrees that looked delicious! I would come back to try other selections. read more

Jam’s Kitchen - Two item combo - Filipino Near Me - San Jose, California

I've been to this plaza so many times and never known there's a Filipino restaurant nearby. I went inside and they had a variety of baked goods and dishes. They had ukoy, grilled fish, short and stubby egg roll, bbq skewers, bbq pork and other dishes I can't recall their names. I wish they had a sign on what each dish was, as I kept pointing at them based on familiarity. Their medium size container was $11. There were a few people dining inside, decent sized space too. Service was quick and he packed as much as he could in the containers. read more

Their food is really home cooked not commercialized kinda food! You feel like you're eating your Mama's food. It gels like you're home!

Jam's Kitchen is located in the shopping plaza with Cardena's, Duc Huong, McDonald's, etc. Loads of parking in this plaza. So, no problem there. Small Hole-in-the-wall restaurant with a lot of heart serving Filipino cuisine. I got their combo plate that had Pansit (Noodles), white rice, & Longaniza. The noodles had a good flavor of peppery yet soft noodles. The longaniza sausage was plump, slightly sweet and juicy. Don't forget the chili/garlic vinegar for dipping or to pour over your rice. The service was friendly, welcoming, and helpful! Overall, 3.5 stars. I'll be back to try their other dishes. read more

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More 4.5 because i believe still they need more improvements... like a bigger space so that they can have more diners to try their food. I am not much of a filipino restaurant eater because I grew up with my mom's cooking and was eventually helping her out in our once catering business in the Philippines. But man... my parents, who first tried this place, gave their thumbs up and so like a good daughter, i tried hesitantly... and the dinakdakan bowled me over. It was authentic and just like the character in ratatouille... sparks flew in first bite and my childhood memories came rushing back. If food does that to you... you know its good. I tried their other offerings. The beef kaldereta, papaitan, sisig and buko pandan were on point. Being ilocano, u can't make me eat somebody else's pinakbet outside family - unless your ilocano too. Their prices are affordable and the servings are hefty for the price. I am still picky with my filipino dishes but if I would recommend a place... go here. read more

We have a new champion of Filipino food in the South Bay, and I'm happy to report that it's within walking distance of my house. Fil-Am East Siders rejoice! Jan's Kitchen is a small joint located in the old Kohl's / K-Mart plaza on McKee. Yeah, it's a 24-Hour Fitness now, but I don't care. Bring back K-Mart. Anyway, again, the place is small. I don't come here to eat. I come here to order a la carte items and bring them home. I haven't tried everything yet, but everything I've had is good. Sisig - Solid. When I first had it, they didn't do much as far texture or spices. It was flat and flat. Now, it actually does have various chilis and onions to add better texture to it. Kalesa is the king, but this isn't bad. Dinakdakan - Amazing. They use real pigs' brain too. Not mayo. Caldereta - Also amazing. The chunks of beef melt in your mouth and the use liver pate to thicken the sauce. Chicharron Bulaklak - HUGE. Not much to say other than the fact that it's so good but so bad for you. Pinapaitan - There is SOME bitterness but after a few bites; it's gone. Probably the best version I've had at a restaurant. Lechon Kawali - Solid. You can't really mess this up. Kasava Cake - Good. Not too sweet. Puto Pack - Good. Not too sweet. This Christmas I'm making a big order. If I don't figure out how to cook Filipino food on my own, this place will be the spot whenever I need it. The prices are definitely not "cheap" but they're really fair especially compared to a lot of other places in the Bay Area. read more

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Solid home style cooking if you are looking for Filipino food. They have a few tables in the restaurant if you want to dine in. Good friendly service read more

Just okay food. Food was not up to proper temperature. Cold food really. I dont know if that meets health dept standards

It good and they have lots of Filipino food varieties from breads, snacks and viands. More Ilokano vibes so don't expect too much if you're a Manilenyo or Cebuano. Their sisig is different from what I grew up eating but I buy it and take it home and I just add what is missing like minced lechon, fresh egg, and mayo. The bomb!! Glenda the cashier is really sweet, nice and helpful! read more

This place reminds me of home cooked meals as a kid. Great sinigang flavor. I always get half rice half pancit and 2 entrees. This time I had bistek and sisig. Also added a 3 piece longanisa because why the heck not!! I will have to share a photo next round. I ate my foot to fast. read more

Wow their food is delicious. We passed by last night to buy some Kaldereta and pancit and it tasted just like mom's cooking and it brought back memories. I highly recommend this place for authentic Filipino food. read more

Another good find by my boyfriend! He frequents this area for his haircut and spotted this Filipino restaurant. He, one day, came home with a to-go order of their sisig and adobo and I've been obsessed since! This is the second time he's ordered there and we have not been disappointed. This place definitely reminds me of home. read more

Jam’s Kitchen - Mango Juice - Filipino Near Me - San Jose, California

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You never fail. Ang SARAP!!! I'm here almost every week. The food is quality. It really is one of the best Filipino food place here in the Bay Area. Tara na... read more

Jam’s Kitchen - Breakfast Bangus and Monggo with to go Dinakdakan, Bopis, Bistek, and Lumpiang Gulay. - Filipino Near Me - San Jose, California

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They should've named their Igado & Sisig "Saksakan ng taba na Igado/Sisig". Service is very bad, unlike before when the lady owner was the one manning the front end. The severs are suplada and bastos. Very bad customer service. read more

Husband orders from here a lot. He'll place his order, go to the gym, and pick it up so it's hot and ready for lunch. They cater as well and we have ordered party trays in advance for our family birthday parties. Good food and service. read more

Food is mediocre and expensive for the kind of food they serve. Bought bananacue the banana is hard maybe they recycled the banana from previous day. read more

Bottom layer is all cabbage. Small tray not worth $178.22 . I felt duped for very little meat only shown on top layer and all cabbage thick layer on bottom. Place is small but not a place I recommend at all. Wish I could say one good thing about this place or even the young guy that helped us out (he was rude and no help). read more

Jam’s Kitchen - Tray not what we ordered, and food was cold. - Filipino Near Me - San Jose, California

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We finally had the chance to try Jam's Kitchen this week and the food is amazing!! For a combo plate of two viands + pancit or rice (or half/half) at $13, it was not bad at all! The portions were enough for leftovers!! - Kaldereta - their best seller and it's no wonder why! - Sisig - yummo! - Lechon Belly - tender chunks of pork yumminess - Laing - close to what my Bicolano mom makes!! - Bistek: a bit salty but it was good - Pancit - delish! The lady behind the counter was so nice when I inquired about catering. She even let me taste Dinakdakan since I've never had it before! We'll definitely be back to order for our party in a few weeks!! Oh, and grab a halo halo for dessert too! read more

Jam’s Kitchen - Kaldereta, Sisig and Half Rice + Half Pancit - Filipino Near Me - San Jose, California

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It is so difficult to find quality Filipino food in SJ. This was my first time trying this restaurant. Immediately when we walked in, it was super packed for a Saturday during lunch. All of the tables were occupied and there was a long line to order, which were all good signs that the food must be good. I ordered the 2-item plate with half pancit/half rice, beef kaldereta, and pinakbet. Everything tasted authentic and home made. Meat was tender and the vegetables were cooked perfectly. The food was not greasy compared to other Filipino places. Service was fast and friendly. They definitely did not skimp on the portions. The only downside is that there is a fee if you pay with card. Regardless, I love supporting local, family-owned businesses. Would definitely come back to try the other dishes! read more

Jam’s Kitchen - Beef kaldereta, pinakbet, pancit, rice - Filipino Near Me - San Jose, California

Nothing left by the evening. Not particularly nice service either. I know Filipinos to be kind and warm. This isn't what I experienced here.

Delicious Filipino food! Friendly professionals and great portions. Highly Recommend Jam's Kitchen!

I feel bad leaving this review but having driven 40 minutes (round trip) only to come home and not being able to eat any of the food was beyond disappointing. The pancit had a horribly bitter aftertaste and the sisig was so salty I had to give us after two fork bites. Everything, including the money I spent, went down the trash. Also, I had originally come for the lechon only to find out it was not supposed part of the combo meal and had to be purchased extra. Glad I passed on that given how the rest of my non-meal turned out. The girl working behind the counter was nice (hence the 2-stars) and maybe I caught them on a bad day. I wish them the best of luck, but will probably not return. read more

Jam’s Kitchen - Desserts - Filipino Near Me - San Jose, California

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IMHO Jam's Kitchen took over the location of our former favorite Chinese BBQ take-out place. They have been open for about 3 months. I was curious to check out the new food and ownership. We were warmly greeted when we first entered. All of the in-dining tables were full of customers in this small establishment. That's a good sign. We asked about the former owners and were told they had retired. With a smile on her face, the nice lady told us they were now selling all Filipino food! I scanned the hot deli section, full of many different food choices. I am not Filipino so I was not familiar with a majority of the dishes. The only one we recognized was the pancit, so we ordered a big box of that. The place was bright and clean. There is an ATM and beverage chiller in the back. I wish them much success. read more

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I'm not in this part of town often, and here laid a Filipino Island in the middle of a Vietnamese/Hispanic ecosystem. Let's give the cuisine another try. There's always tomato beef stew to fall back on. So I'll be honest. I previously haven't had a lot of good Filipino food. My old work had lunch catered to us on Fridays and we've had some real bad options. In the words of Uncle Roger, the Filipino options were generally mabu-haiya. With the Jacky Chan meme. This place though, pretty good. It's your usual hole in the wall sort of scoop-N-serve, pretty typical of many Filipino places. I've been here twice. First time, I got an... Onkoy? I could be wrong on the name, but just think kakiage con camarones. I also got a 2 item, laing and kalderata with rice. The guy behind the counter was surprised I knew the dish by name, saying that even Pinoys didn't know... Guys, what are you doing? Rep your culture... Are you not eating your vegetables? Spa ghetti sauce on your Jollybi order does not count. I might've wanted to try the onkoy, but I was intimidated by the shrimp, whole shrimp, shell on. Last thing I need are scars on the roof of my mouth. Things turned out fine. The fritter was well fried but not overly so. The shrimp didn't claymore in my mouth and the whole thing was very good without being oily. The laing was good and the sweetness was kept in check by a subtle salty, umami background from, I believe, bagoong. It being a heavy stew of taro greens and coconut milk though, if you're a heavy eater like me, watch out, you could be dealing with indigestion, just like the other times I've enjoyed it. I've never seen chickpeas in kalderata. I know, I know, who am I to say anything? I never visited or immersed or did anything deep to earn my Filipino card, but you know, it's an observation. It was nice and chunky though. The sauce was thick like gravy, and flavorful but not overpowering. The big hunks of beef had the perfect tenderness for me. I got another 2-item combo on my second visit, with pancit instead of rice. First item: bistec Tagalog. TBH, I was fearing for my choice. You see, my previous bistec tagalog experience at another shop was way worse than this place. The flavors at that other place was sharrp, saltie. My dad could make better food than that other place... Point is, I feared, PTSDed, as if I would have the same experience again. But the flavors this time melded together, worked together, as if time was given for the different ingredients to mingle, chit chat, break the ice. I didn't taste the harrsh sharrpness of the prepper, the sharrp tarrtness of the calamensi, and sharrp salltiness of the soi, I tasted soy working its magic on the beef while moderated by the calamansi, with a twist in flavor woken by the black pepper. I will say though, the beef has a good chew. I like a piece of beef that doesn't just give in, and I mean it, I truly do, but if you're expecting American standards of tenderness, I wouldn't say it was there. Second item: kalderata. No, I didn't specifically ask for it. I didn't recognize it because there were no chickpeas this time. And it looked less intimidating than the few other dishes still available. It was the end of the day so options were limited. You think one good Filipino food experience is going to cure my phobia? No way, San Jose. Especially with an offal heavy cuisine. I won't touch offal when I'm with my own culture, what makes you think I'm open to it with another culture? I know, I know, I could've asked what the dishes were, but I was sensing a language barrier, and it was late. About the (lack of) chickpeas though, I guess they didn't really have a fixed recipe, but rather with whatever they have on hand, which is a sign of skill, and of home cooking... Don't knock it and call it gheto. Remember, the fanciest restaurants out there have prix fixe menus that change daily. I've had people who married into Filipino families rave about the food, and I've had Pinoy coworkers mention that Pinoys don't eat Filipino food when they go out... I guess that explains a lot of my previous experiences, as well as this place with its home cooking. I'll try to arrive earlier next time. And ask about the different items if there's no line. And not miss out on the pastries that everyone else is posting pictures of. read more

I am 50/50 on this place. I ordered twice at this restaurant and it is a hit or miss. I ordered Kare Kare which I was told would be oxtail but there was no oxtail in it. It was cubed meat and pretty hard. The vegetables in most of the food is a little more on the raw side which is okay for vegetables but I like my veggies more cooked. I think in general all the beef items are pretty hard and if you can see in some of the photos it looks dry. read more

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I found this place last year and tried the pansit and it was really good better than most Filipino places I gone too. This weekend I ordered pansit but vegetarian since my family are vegetarian I ordered 2xl containers because I had to place a big order for them to cook it vegetarian! Took it home and we ate it. Shortly afterward my whole family was running to the bathroom and that was me the next day since I ate it later in the day. Too bad it was like that because I will never come here again. Waste my money and wasted the food a lot of it read more

This is one of my mom's favorite places to get food after work. Friendly ladies behind the counter, especially Glenda who my mom loves to interact with. My mom loves their combos as they are budget friendly and this place is not greedy with the portion. I especially like how they make their sisig, I know everyone has their own fave type of sisig, but for me their sisig is one of the best especially with hot fluffy rice *drools*. I also love their ukoy, but I wish they make their vinegar a bit sweeter, but that's juts me. They also have different types of desserts. I recently tried the pichi pichi and it was good, not too sweet so it's perfect for people who doesn't like sweet desserts. Jam's has become our go-to for Filipino food since it's closer to us, affordable and friendly enviroment! read more

Hindi naman yang container Ang binili Kong large. Sa inyong dalawang nasa kaha Tandaan nyo nasa customer service kayo Kaya wag kayong magtaka kung may nagtatanong sa inyo. Nagtanong ako kung meron pang kelawin parang manghang mangha Yong cashier. At Yong tiga takal ng food order ko large pero Ndi ibigsabihin na container lang Ang large. Advices ko lang sa inyo pag may customer kayo Mas Ganda atang say "hi or hello" kesa makipagtitigan kayo sa mamimili. At wag kayong masyadong mataas Ang tingin. Mga tiningin mapanghusga tangagalin nyo yan. Humble lang kayo. Baka nakakalimutan nyo kung wala kaming mamimili wala kayo sa kinatatayuan nyo. Good day read more

Jam’s Kitchen - I paid for Large "Kelawin" not for almost Large. $30 yan grabe naman kayo. Di bale Ndi naman din kayo magtatagal saganyang style nyo. - Filipino Near Me - San Jose, California

After coming back from Vegas, I wanted to treat my dad for his help with watching my dog. He mentioned he'd been wanting to try this out because of their goat kaldereta, so we ventured out to San Jose to try it out. We got: Goat Kaldereta Goat Siningang Vegetable Lumpia Chicharon Bulaklak Rice My sister wanted silog but they ran out of eggs. My dad's rating is 7/10 My rating is 2.5/10 The sinigang was very gamey- yes I understand goat is gamey but this was just too gamey and was missing the sour taste of sinigang or the vegetables. The kaldereta was a little too sweet for me- so this is definitely preference. The goat wasn't so gamey in this dish. The vegetable lumpia was good, not too grease-y and still had a nice crunch. The veggies weren't mushy, and I appreciated that they added the corn and string beans. Chicharon Bulaklak...this one missed the mark, too. It was way too greasy (the vinegar couldn't even cut the grease) and I couldn't finish it. It didn't have the crunch and the fatty texture was too much for me. The customer service was...what can I say? The young gentleman was friendly but the young lady who served us seemed to be in a mood? She was not friendly at all, and it just dampened the mood. Overall, I wouldn't return but my dad might, because he wanted to try the kilawin but they ran out of that, too. Hopefully, if the young lady serves my dad again, she'll be in a better mood. read more

My go to place for some filipino food while working! when I don't have time for making lunch or dinner and i'm craving some filipino food, Jams Kitchen is my go to place! I will order a combo plate with white rice or pancit with their beef kaldareta and pinakbet! Still waiting to try their Turon! they are always sold out which means it's delicious!! read more

I used to come to this place with the previous owner, missed the ownership change and ended up here by chance. First visit, the husband was working the front and was so welcoming and proud of the shop and his wife. I got whole fried fish and the potato pancake. Not many of there other food was ready because it was fairly early and it was within the first couple weeks of opening. The potato pancake is so good- I was hooked! I've never had it before but the vinegar is the perfect accompaniment. Second visit was at lunch time several weeks later. Wife was working the front, I don't have a ton of experience with Filipino food so asked what she recommended. She seemed annoyed and did not actually give me any recommendations literally said she doesn't know. Luckily an OG who was in the shop stepped in and gave me some tips. (It was not busy) -Pancit: delicious, there are 2 types of noodles, good flavor, I could eat lbs of this -Topsilog: I'm sure this isn't made in house, if it is I'm impressed but it was so good, so fatty, sweet but savory -Beef stew: tender beef, vegetables were soft but not mushy, very good flavor Third visit: husband and daughter were working the front it was fine, a busy Sunday, had a good flow. I like to support small Asian businesses, so I've put in a fairly large catering order for work. They have good food. But if my interaction with the wife was my first, I probably would have never returned. I will say, I'm not sure what their hours are since it's not correct on Google. I called, they were closed but answered anyway, she said to call back during business hours to get catering menu. I had someone call back the next day for it. So I appreciate them answering even on their day off. read more

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Manangs were very funny and cheerful food is how Lola used to make growing up here in the US they brought the flavor of the PI here to the South bay ... read more

The combo plate is decent but don't get the Sisig, the majority was fat that we didn't eat, which was disappointing considering the price. Other than that, food is ok. read more

I had to give this place a try and support a Filipino business. It's a casual quick service restaurant. They have a few tables if you'd like to dine in. I ordered a Tocilog TO-GO. Good portion,good for 1-2 people. You can also add a protein for an extra cost. Tocilog is Tocino ( sweet Filipino style bacon) with a garlic rice and fried egg. It was delicious! I didn't get to take photos because I was really hungry but will definitely come back. I heard the Sisig is on point. That's what I'll get next time. read more

Their pichi pichi was really good. I got a small size of food from them which I think it's was overpriced ( 9$ for a small container) and it wasn't that good read more

The Pork Menudo is amazing. It taste fresh and it honestly tastes WAY BETTER than Pinoy BBQ located in Milpitas. The sauces texture is great, the sausage is huge and the cooks put a huge portion of meat. I can't wait to go back to try the other dishes. Thank you! read more

Jam’s Kitchen - Pork Menudo - Filipino Near Me - San Jose, California

The food tasted really good. It was well-seasoned but not at all salty or greasy. The person who was serving gave such big portions. She was also nice. I also bought Bilo Bilo, Kaldereta and Tocino for tomorrow's breakfast and lunch. The restaurant's ambiance is like a typical dining area in the Philippines. It is clean, organized, and homey. read more

Jam’s Kitchen - Two item combo - Ampalaya with Shrimps and Pork Sisig - Filipino Near Me - San Jose, California

I came in to make a large party order and rang it up. My dad decided we needed more food so I came in within 30 minutes to get an exchange. Winnie said she would need to charge it separately cuz the clover system "doesn't do exchange". This should have been my first red flag! So, I went ahead and charged the new order and when she tried to do the refund for the first order she couldn't. She called someone to assist her, it was still not working. Apparently the system was telling them to "refund in cash instead" which I said yes that would cuz at the end of bookkeeping it would "balance" but the insisted on. They said they will call me once it's fix. Next day I called them it was still not fixed. Monday came around I get a message, ma'm you can come to pick up your cash because the system is denying the refund. So now I have to drive myself back to San Jose to get my cash back? Then we decided we needed more food so I called and said I needed to "add-on". The add on was no greater than the amount of my refund. So, they held on to my cash still. Come around to the day to pick up my cash, J came into the Store mind you I was the second person in I waited 30 minutes. I was watched the demeanor of Glenda irritated and agitated with the line piling up. Remember I was second in line there was only 3 people when I came in! But since I wasn't there to get food but for my refund I had to wait! Apparently she needed to do calculations on the clover! After 30 minutes I asked when can you assist me cuz this line will not stop? After 5 minutes is when she finally calls me. Then starts making calculations on clover. I was thinking to myself. I thought you guys had my order already why is it being reentered? Come to when she was done with her "Recalculation" they had my order on a piece of paper! Then try to explain to me my refund. I questioned Glenda her explanation because it seemed wrong but she insisted that she was correct! I was at that point irritated with the poor customer service. Come to counting the money she tries short change me. It's not the amount but the principle! Telling I do not know how to count and asking the whole crowd in the store to recount it and that is the correct amount when clearly it was not. When I asked her if we can step aside because the whole store was waiting on us to finish she asked me to recount my full amount before the add on of $462, and it was short $20! And all she gave me was a snobby response and attitude. Not taking accountability. Got my supposed refund that "Glenda said is my refund" but when I got home I quickly looked at the receipt and realized I got played. She gave me the amount that the restaurant should have been paid ! I called and to tell them and in the middle of my sentence said my order is cancelled! They wanted me to come pick up my refund immediately like I was under their mercy. Gaslighting me for their mistakes. Next morning I see a text for the owner. No apologies. Just the explanation of the refund situation and the amount I will be getting back. Went to the store. I asked for my refund apparently "Robert the owner had my refund" so they were holding me under their mercy! Waited 30 minutes! TIL another man came and gave me the money who was not Robert! When I contacted Robert he insisted that employee did Nothing wrong. Didn't want to apologize. So basically, enabling bad customer service. read more