Marc G.
Yelp
Would probably go 3.5, but I'm okay with the 4 star review and I'll give you the good and the not so good and tell you why. Nothing was "bad."
It's tough reviewing restaurants these days because they are really struggling. And yes, the costs have gone waaayyy up, but it also makes it much harder for the average diner to go out. Places like this now become special occasion, once in a while spots, whereas even a few years ago, they would be a regular and maybe weekly drop in.
As a Yelper, you need to be honest and hopefully provide any critiques in a nice and respectful way. That's the goal... to tell it like it is, and hopefully let a place know where there is room for improvement, and also point out what they are doing that is great. But I want places to stay afloat and thrive, so it can be challenging. With that said...
The staff is really great and friendly. Top notch and A+ for that. Did not really see the inside, but the patio and location (where Le Pain used to be) is comfortable and it is quite pleasant to sit outside. Another A+
The food was delicious, but... $19 for an Egg White Frittata that did not come with anything is steep. Like not even one piece of bread? Isn't that part of what you're famous for? It's in your name. And it might bring people back to shop at the bakery and get some things to go.
What about potatoes? Something else? It is cleverly put on a plate so that it fills the whole thing up and it did look and taste great, but come on... it should come with something else.
The frittata has avocado, cherry, tomato, cheddar, watercress, radish, chili, turmeric vinaigrette and was quite aesthetically pleasing, as well.
The Chicken Chopped Salad clocks in at $21 and was completely legit and a very big portion. But you know... over $20. That came with romaine + gems, pepperoncini, garbanzo, grilled corn, radish, cucumber, roasted onion, fresh mozzarella, house torn croutons, and a za'atar vinaigrette. Really tasty!
So, aside from the prices being high (and yes, I know the cost of everything is up, thus the dilemma), here are my other gripes. It was my friend's birthday and when I called to make a reservation it seemed like dessert would be comped. It wasn't. Maybe that was only for a baked good or pastry, so that might be on me, but still.
The Butter Pecan Ice Cream made in house was phenomenal but we probably would not have ordered it. For taste it gets an A+.
$7.50 for a bottle of sparkling water that probably costs them $1. Ugh.
And the real thorn in my side, which I have NOT seen on a bill in a while, is a Happy + Healthy Surcharge. Only 3% and pretty minimal, but still. Why am I paying your employees health benefits??? You pay your employees health benefits and then add that into the cost of each item. This drives me crazy.
Anyway, there is the good and the meh. With so many great brunch places around, whose prices are similar but offer more on the plate, it makes choosing a bit easier.