Update: I spoke with the manager of the Flying Biscuit and super nice Peace alum this afternoon. She was extremely understanding and helpful. She said that the same server screwed up like that three other times today and that it was being taken care of. She also said that she'd hook Katey and me up the next time we go in. I hope it's as good as everyone says it is.
This morning I went to the Flying Biscuit in Cameron Village with my best friend, Katey. I have been hearing about how amazing their breakfast is for the past few years and have never gotten the chance to try it out. Needless to say, I was super stoked about finally going. I haven’t had any blog-worthy food in about two months so, I couldn’t wait to taste the infamous biscuits and maybe even have some BACON.
Walking into the café, I noticed the bright and colorful table coverings. It appeared to be a pretty laid back place. It was drizzling outside but part of the outdoor seating was covered, so people were still dining out there, which I thought was nice.
We walked inside and were greeted by a "less than friendly" hostess without a smile. She didn’t say hello, she only said “two?” I jokingly said “and a half,” and pointed to the toddler resting on my dear friend’s hip. She didn’t seem to think that my hilarious joke was funny in the least and just turned and walked away to get a high chair. She sat us down and slapped two menus on the table and asked if we wanted crayons for the baby then went on her merry way.
There were a lot of interesting things on the menu. I was looking forward to trying the Egg-Ceptional Eggs, which consist of two large farm fresh eggs over medium, on black bean cakes topped with oven-roasted tomatillo salsa, feta cheese, and sour cream served with grits or oven-roasted rosemary potatoes, while Katey was going to order the eggs Benedict breakfast.
We waited and waited and waited and waited with the hungry child. I myself was especially parched due to a wine hangover... the worst kind of hang over there is, but we were never helped.
For fifteen minutes we waited for a server to bring us at least a glass of water before ordering our meals and it was as if we were invisible. Nobody even looked in our general direction while they cleared and set plates at the tables near us. (The place was not at all that busy, either.)
At least three servers walked past our table multiple times, only one ever made eye contact and yet our waterless tabletop was still ignored. The inhospitable hostess stood, just a few feet from our table and swept nothing. I suppose to appear busy, but she never asked if we had been helped.
After about twenty minutes with a hungry baby, who is usually incredibly well behaved in restaurants, we were all getting a little antsy so we finally got up and left. We went to the Brueggers Bagels off of Avent Ferry instead, where an extremely friendly woman promptly greetedus with a smile.
I completely understand that hipsters have an aloof attitude and too-cool-for-school image to uphold but that is absolutely no excuse for bad service. I’m positive that even hipsters could use a few extra dollars to put towards their bills, cigarettes, or grungy vintage clothes. I am a server myself and I understand that sometimes, especially in the morning, it can be hard to face and deal with people. However, I personally try my very best to force a smile and put in just a little extra effort for that one measly extra dollar every time I work.
I can’t see myself ever returning to this restaurant, I wouldn’t want to give them my hard earned money. I MIGHT go if somebody offered to pay for my meal, but I wouldn’t count on it. I’d much rather eat a crappy meal and feel comfortable and welcome than eat the best breakfast on the face of the planet while having to deal with such unhelpful, unfriendly people. I was so disappointed by this restaurant that I have heard nothing but great things about. Next time I’ll pass on this one… I’d rather just have Waffle House.
