Just moved back to this area from San Diego and wanted to enjoy a refined setting for a light lunch with my friend and goddaughter. Why didn't I check with citysearch first? Previous reviewers remarked on the rude treatment they received from the staff. Well, I could not agree more. First, I did not make reservations \r
(did not think it necessary for a Thursday) and just as another reviewer experienced, before letting the door close behind us, immediatley and snobishly (ie no smile or friendly hello just a raised eyebrow and a scowl) asked if we had one. Still, we were seated only a minute later. Hmmm, feeling self important? The setting was comfortable despite the very ""grandmothers house"" vibe of the main dinning room. We wanted to go the tradional route and ordered the high tea; two orders. Our waitress suggest ordering something for my goddaughter, but as three year olds are, she is a light eater who usually ends up sharing our plates.\r
The sandwiches were tasty, tea flavorful and the scones were good if not traditional . The desserts , though, should have been passed. Stale petite fours,sour out of season strawberries served three different times during our courses, and a creme brule that had a wierd taste (burn hair?) because of no caramel crust ; just a burnt cream top. Ugh!!!! Just thinking of it still repulses me. All of that does not compare to the final insult we endured. Remember, we each ordered a high tea and my goddaughter just nibbled on our food without receiving any extra table service. When we received our checks ( we split the bill) we were EACH charged a $5 split tab fee. Never, in any restaurant I have dined at previously was I charged a fee to split a tab. Really, I felt we were being penalized for sharing our food with a three year old. Not a nice thing to do and really not something I would mind overlooking for what amounts to a barely mediocre tea experience.
Pros: Hot tea, good sandwiches
Cons: Desserts, rude staff, unfair surprise fees
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