Jackie P.
Yelp
It truly pains me to write this about an establishment that I frequent, love their delicious food, and don't mind paying their ridiculous prices because of the wonderful experiences I've had. However, today, I think was the very first time I've ever seen the owner and head chef Leah. As much as I have visited over the years, I'm actually very surprised that I've never noticed or seen her. It wasn't super crowded when we walked in but it was a bit busy. While in line, waiting to order, Leah was managing the kitchen, I heard her bark an order to one of the employees to move the tip jar from one register to the the active register. Figured, "hey, not a big deal, it's her employee and she's just giving a direction". My turn to order, I love the Vegan options they offer, so I ordered an Avocado toast w/Just Egg and Vegan bacon. Ordered a small chicken salad for my mom and that was that. Afterwards, made my way to the coffee and pastry area, ordered a coffee, some pastries, smoothie, and refresher for mom and daughter. When I returned to our table, my daughter was playing with the flowers in a jar sitting on our table. I noticed Leah, staring her down and giving her the look of DEATH. Leah was legit standing by the entrance of the kitchen, staring down at this 9 yr old girl. I looked at Leah, she noticed me, and it seemed as if she didn't think it was worth saying anything, so she walked in to the kitchen to continue to micromanage her staff. I moved the jar away from my kid to avoid any issues. Food was delivered to our table, we started to dig in. As always, the food was phenomenal! I stood up to ask for extra silverware for my daughter's pastry, the staff was very friendly despite having Leah breathing down their necks about little things here and there. We continued to eat. A bit later, Leah walks in from the side door with a big black dog, sits down by corner of the coffee end-bar, looks like she's gonna work on some things.
I don't know about you guys, but... I get the ick when pets are in a food establishment (inside), I think that the risk of pet hair in an enclosed area is higher than outside in the patio area. No issues with pets being outside in patio areas if allowed by restaurants but inside? Yuck. We were about done, so it was whatever. I got up to get a to-go box, staff again - very friendly, provided a box, no issues. A lady that ordered food before us, asking for a to-go container, not so lucky. She was waiting in the ordering line for a LONG time to just ask for a container, in a desperate attempt to get assistance, she stopped an employee in his tracks and asked for a to-go container. The employee, gladly was willing to help her. Oh no, not if Leah could help it. Leah, immediately got up, and told the customer that "he was very busy and could not help her but that she could assist her, what could she help her with?" Customer told her she needed a to-go container. She got her one and gave her a forced smile. Customer walked away very unhappy. The feeling of being a burden was uncanny from the customer. When I tell you guys, that Leah gave her the look of DEATH as she walked away, I am not even joking. It seemed as if it enraged Leah to have to service her client that most likely paid over $100 dollars for her family of 4 to dine in.
I know this is a super long review, but I think it's necessary to point out all the things that went bad during this experience. As much as it pains me, I highly doubt I will return to this establishment, I enjoy taking family and friends to places that I have great experiences at. I have no desire to support a business where employees fear their boss and walk on egg shells because of her (they look super unhappy when she nags at them), where the owner treats her customers as a burden, and where health and cleanliness is not a top priority.
So sad, so very sad.