Rose E.
Yelp
I read the raving reviews and saw some amazing pics from this place, so I came with very high expectations...
From the pics on Yelp, the place looked really nice...and seemed a bit larger too? Well, the place was quaint...and very small, with a cramped layout. The tables were set WAY too close to one another. From where the diners sat, you can also see these unsightly boxes down the long hallway. BTW, I often do weekday lunches alone, prior to hitting the gym...and well, as a lone diner, they wanted me to sit at the bar...or right behind the hostess stand (OMG?!?). Nope...I insisted on a table...they eventually led me to a tiny table for 2. Even my table was dirty upon arriving...my waitress had to wipe it down. It's odd that they didn't clean the table first thing...before diners arrived. BTW, I was one of the first ones to arrive. Really bad first impression.
I found it odd that they had like 6-7 staff workers there...just standing around in a cramped space...in the bar area, facing the diners. I guess they were expecting the place to get super-busy. When I was there (9:15 am?), there were only about 2 tables full...and yet, so many staff workers! I'm a claustrophobic person...and this cramped space, with all these people facing the diners, made me feel VERY uncomfortable.
Anyway, I ordered their Ube Pancakes with Fried Chicken on the side...plus this Matcha Latte. As expected, the Ube Pancakes were delicious...but a little underwhelming (for the hefty price). Despite the fact I asked for lots of sugar sprinkles on the pancakes, mine came with very little bit of sprinkles. They did give me more powdered sugar on the side...but it was so thick and chunky. Why couldn't they just add more finely milled powdered sugar unto my pancake prior to delivery?!? The Fried Chicken was good, but it didn't taste super-crispy (or fresh...as in possibly microwaved?). BTW, my overall bill for this breakfast was nearly 36 bucks with tip...so yes, I expected more.
The Latte was REALLY disappointing. Unlike others I saw on Yelp, which came with really nice "Latte Art", mine was delivered to the table all messy, spilling over (huge mess!)...with no artwork whatsoever. One of the staff members noticed my reaction to it, and was nice enough to redo it, with artwork. Unfortunately, the art just wasn't there. Still, I appreciated her efforts to redo it. The first ugly/messy cup was just ridiculous (I wish I took a picture before returning it!)! I actually saw one of the staff members spill it before delivering it to me. *SIGH* Luckily, the Latte tasted pretty good...though not super-rich in Matcha flavor.
So Yeah... things were just not that smooth on this day. Definitely disappointed with the overall dining experience. Still, I appreciated their unique menu, and what they had to offer. Seemed they also offered Red Velvet Pancakes, another one of my fave flavors. For their pancakes alone, I may give them another try.
It's unfortunate because I came expecting to LOVE the place and the foods...but everything (service, ambiance, presentation...even the foods) fell short of my expectations. Maybe it was an off day?? I'll probably make an attempt to return at least one more time. Since I found their cramped-in, crowded indoor space super-uncomfortable, I may try to sit outside next time (very nice patio areas!).