Raena L.
Yelp
My last review was way back in 2019 when they had just opened. Since then, I had eaten here twice when each time had some "extra" put on my credit card on top of an already generous tip. (Long story ... called several times etc, but no one really cared or even apoloigzed about it ...) Once could be a mistake, two seemed a pattern. I never wrote about it as a review, although I have warned some friends, just use cash. So basically I do not care to come here anymore. My husband, however, loves the red velvet cake. And I'm a sucker for fun decor. So, we were in the area, in the mood for dessert, and decided to stop in. (And are paying in cash, ha!) And time has gone by (employees change), so I thought, yes, let's do it!
Went inside -- a Friday night, but their patio and inside did not look that busy; at least 60% of the tables were unoccupied. At the hostess desk, we greeted the young person behind the counter and said we did not have reservations, but just wanted coffee and dessert. The poor girl had to go "see if that is ok and if there is room." *sigh.* (Can I say also, we have been here before, were dressed appropriately for a nice evening out, having just come from another event, and do not need to be treated like street urchin riff raff in Carmel, ha! But that is the vibe here, as has been on other occasions, so it is what it is.)
Eventually she came out and yes, we could be seated. We ordered a marcaron, a slice of red velvet cake (comes complete with the pixie dust edible glitter) , and a french press for two. Then waited a fairly long while to be served, but whatever. We sat back and relaxed. Our server was sweet and pleasant, if not very attentive.
Is the place gorgeous? Absolutely. No one does a theme as well as they do, and the change seasonally so it is always fun and beautiful, a veritable wonderland. And the red velvet cake is a yum. So the experience can be lovely, and pretentiousness can be fun, just here it is always a little "ick." Gorgeous venue, decent food, but I never leave feeling like I want to go back anytime soon, when there are so many other places to enjoy. Sigh, because I really just wish that it would be a great experience to match the wonder of the decor and the beauty of the food -- then it truly would be magical.
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