Really yummy stuff!    [01 Dec 1999 19:42:51]

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     ­Anonymous   

Service is lacking
I've had four experiences at this establishment, three of which were characterized by service that was well-meaning but generally befuddled and lacking in professionalism.

Experience #1 - On a Sunday morning, we entered through the bakery entrance and were told we could select our pastries from the bakery counter and then sit in the cafe and have coffee served. We did that, but with a hostess and at least two servers passing by our table, all we received were confused looks..."Hhmmmm, where did those customers COME FROM anyway?" Common sense (and economics) would dictate that one of them stop by the table, offer beverages, and write a check for our food. Nope. Not only that, but just a few feet from our table, they seemed to have a conference about our sudden appearance and didn't seem to know what to do about it! We finally asked for and received coffee but with nary an offer of a refill. And yes, we did have to ask for a check too. (I'm not sure if they're open for breakfast any more.)

Experience #2 - Two of us were there for dinner. The live bluegrass music was a nice experience. The food was good but not great. Cookies automatically come with every meal and that's a pleasant surprise even when you know about it. So we finished dinner and ordered coffee. We received the coffee, but no spoon so we flagged someone down and asked for one. We had to repeat the request because the music was lively and she nodded and smiled (seemingly in acknowledgement) and left. And we waited. She passed by several more times and still no spoon. We turned a fork upside down, tines "waving in the wind" above the cup, and ceremoniously stirred the coffee. She never did remember to bring the spoon. Nor did anyone ever clear away the dirty dinner dishes.

Experience #3 - Three of us were there on a Sunday afternoon. We placed our orders and since they all came with salad, I ordered Italian for my mother and Caesar for me. My boyfriend Eric had something else. The plates arrived (salad being on the same platter as the meal since that is their customary lunch service) and the salad dressing was served on the side in little, clear plastic, covered cups. Interestingly, my mother's and mine looked the same and both appeared to be Italian vinaigrette. No problem, I like that too so I ate it. But I did inquire about it when the server reappeared, suggesting that she probably had forgotten that I had ordered Caesar. No, she assured me, she hadn't forgotten; I had received Caesar. OK then, my mother had received the Caesar instead of Italian right? No, she assured me, my mother had indeed received Italian. But, but....wait a minute, we got the same stuff, right? Yes, she agreed, we both did receive the very same item. That's right folks. We had received EXACTLY the same dressing, but they call it Caesar when you order Caesar and they call it Italian when you order Italian. I just couldn't let it go so I pleaded with the server to let someone know that this is not an acceptable practice. She was suitably sympathetic; she took my meal off and gave me a coupon for some free cookies. I didn't want free stuff, I just wanted them to cease this bizarre practice.

We haven't been back in a while but have heard that they were closing for a short time for remodeling. Hopefully the revamp will include training for the waitstaff. The food is ok, but not good enough to overshadow the inadequate service.    [01 Dec 1999 18:06:24]

Food:    Service:    Ambiance:    Overall: 

     ­unk