Shila’s 4-star review:
Hidden away in a place in Gastown that one may not want to venture to unless on a mission or on a sunny day.
This place has been on my bucket list for a while, therefore, when my friend Simon set up a brunch date with 6 other people...I was all in.
I am the type of person that likes to have dessert as the main course, especially since I am on an eating plan in which I save my extra points for the weekend on fancy dessert.
For my brunch main I had creme brule 'cause I am a creme brule whore. The creme brule for $8.50 was a generous portion with a deep dish. That alone filled me up. Crust was perfect and the creme texture was just right.
For dessert I had Oranges in a Mint Caramel, Orange Blossom Sorbet. If you have a sweet tooth and want dessert, this is the best thing to get as it's very light and refreshing. Slice oranges marinated in mint caramel (not the caramel that you're thinking, trust me) was to die for. I wanted to drink the sauce off the plate, however, being a fancy place I just put it in my glass instead. Sauce this good doesn't deserve to be left behind. It was like a summer party in my mouth.
I had a bit of the melting chocolate which melted in my mouth perfectly. It had a light, rich and rustic texture.
The creme caramel, like flan was made to perfection as well.
Here is the reason why I cannot give it 5 stars but don't want to be a jerk and give it 3 stars (3.5 is what it should have). Two of my biggest pet peeves in the customer service department was sadly met.
I was slightly scolded and made to feel bad 'cause I didn't order properly the way that I should've.
I found our waiter efficient, however, not sociable and appreciative of the fact that we enjoyed the food. I complimented the plating, taste etc. and a few times received no thank you's or even a smile. He did try to make up for it by explaining a certain dish but clearly it was his way or the high way. I appreciate more relaxed people friendly chefs.
He also had an attitude of "it's my home and this is how it is going to go attitude". He denied my friend extra bacon. Instead of just saying, "sure no problem" and charging her for it, he just denied her.
Then came the part of the bill. Whenever I'm in groups of 4 or more it's has always been separate billing. We asked to have the bill separated (I even expressed my annoyance when we were trying to divide the bill) but they said, "oh we just don't do that." I asked again and they replied "oh we never do that." This is the first time that I've ever heard of this in an eatery.
15 minutes and frustration was wasted as everyone had to take a few minutes to figure out their bill. A waste of time for us and the waiter who had to double check and count the cash since most of us paid by cash. I was so furious inside with the attitude that I paid with a $100 bill even though I had $20's and $10's with me. It was a bill that I was saving to use to pay my hydro, however, would rather pay with smaller denominations since I get less bill payment attitude from them than here.
Come here but don't expect to make any modifications or be made to feel like a freak.
I will give props to the decor that makes you feel elegant and creates an ambiance. The food selections were fair priced and within financial reach of most who want a nicer brunch. Portions were generous enough that you come out feeling satisfied or stuffed.
Come for the food in pairs, not in groups (billing issue). Tip in accordance to the service and make sure that your server actually smiles and appreciates your presence.