Kanti Carolyn Ramamurti

Review of Cafe Flora

Never going back.

Never going back.

Cafe Flora is a great place to eat with people you don't like, because with the staff constantly reminding you that there is a wait for your table, you can wolf down your food, pay quickly and get out without even getting the chance to chat.

I have been a devoted patron of Cafe Flora since the early 1990's, but after breakfast there this morning, I wont set foot in the place. I was about 10 or 15 minutes late and the friend I was meeting told me that the waiter actually said something about needing the table because a number of people were waiting. He "approached" her twice before any order was placed!

After an admittedly fine breakfast, the waiter grimaced when I asked for more coffee and my friend wanted more hot water for her tea. He then said something about people waiting for the table. When we lingered a few minutes longer, he actually told us that "they had reservations"! Which is not true, because they only take reservations for six or more (it has been their policy forever) and we were at a table which was small for two.

Lest you think that the pressure to eat fast and go came from this individual waiter, when I told him I would never be back, he called a woman I recognized as a long-time manager over and SHE reiterated that she was "sorry", but there were people waiting for the table.

In case you were wondering how long we were there: about an hour and-a-half, from the time I arrived.

Cafe Flora, I am sorry that you are now so greedy that you are willing to ruin your customers' dining experience to sell more stuff. I have spent half of an hour and more waiting patiently for a table in part to enjoy your food, which is good, but also to savor a meal with friends and family. You have lost this long-time customer and the many people who joined her for special brunches and dinners on birthdays, Mother's Day, etc.