Blame the Apple Strudel
I was thinking a while ago that I'd give anything to have an independent coffee shop go up somewhere in the downtown Gables area. Starbucks, while a prime location for people watching (big bonus) and good enough coffee in a pinch, is still so ubiquitous that it depresses me a bit.
And anyway, I picture a place that is totally low-key, laid-back and inviting. Cozy, warm, and quasi-bohemian. I have a beautiful plan, really; I just need loads of cash to make it a reality (any takers? I'm open to talk to investors). Ah, I've got it: my dream shop is the Neutral Ground kicked up a notch. That remains, to date, my favorite coffeehouse ever.
Right now, though, we also have The Cafe at Books and Books, which is really lovely (but there's room for some competition from my dream shop, I think).
And there's also Cafe Demetrio, which is really what this post is about: Cafe Demetrio and how much I dislike the place.
All right, let me be fair: it's a lovely little shop. The narrow corner shape is a bit odd for me, but the courtyard is really just sweet. It looks and feels like it should be the ideal coffee shop. Except that it's so ridiculously expensive that it negates everything nice I just said about it.
I'm biased. My husband and I had a bad experience there, and it has forever tainted my perception of the place. On a walk home one night, Ben decided he wanted some dessert. We thought it'd be nice to get something from Cafe Demetrio. We walked in and he spotted an apple strudel-type dessert that looked yummy. It was a piece about 4-inches across. He asked for it, and while we were chatting (and not paying attention), they wrapped it up and charged us. We thought the $5.25 price was a bit high, but whatever, fancy coffee shop and all. The two ladies who helped us, by the way, were about as warm and friendly as a block of frozen meat. I mean, maybe they were tired after a long day at work, but damn.
We got home and he eagerly unwrapped his gourmet apple strudel-like thing - and to his dismay, he saw that he had not been sold the 4-inch piece he saw, but rather, a sad little sliver of that 4-inch piece. It was awful: a tiny piece he ate in two bites, and we paid five-freaking-twenty-five for it. SO not worth it. Not for the size of the piece, nor even the taste, since it was fine, but not particularly delicious and divine.
That experience pretty much soured us on the place. We haven't been back, and I don't see why we would go back.
So this takes me back to my earlier point: the Gables could really use a cool, funky coffeehouse. And in a perfect world, I'd be just the woman to provide it.
And anyway, I picture a place that is totally low-key, laid-back and inviting. Cozy, warm, and quasi-bohemian. I have a beautiful plan, really; I just need loads of cash to make it a reality (any takers? I'm open to talk to investors). Ah, I've got it: my dream shop is the Neutral Ground kicked up a notch. That remains, to date, my favorite coffeehouse ever.
Right now, though, we also have The Cafe at Books and Books, which is really lovely (but there's room for some competition from my dream shop, I think).
And there's also Cafe Demetrio, which is really what this post is about: Cafe Demetrio and how much I dislike the place.
All right, let me be fair: it's a lovely little shop. The narrow corner shape is a bit odd for me, but the courtyard is really just sweet. It looks and feels like it should be the ideal coffee shop. Except that it's so ridiculously expensive that it negates everything nice I just said about it.
I'm biased. My husband and I had a bad experience there, and it has forever tainted my perception of the place. On a walk home one night, Ben decided he wanted some dessert. We thought it'd be nice to get something from Cafe Demetrio. We walked in and he spotted an apple strudel-type dessert that looked yummy. It was a piece about 4-inches across. He asked for it, and while we were chatting (and not paying attention), they wrapped it up and charged us. We thought the $5.25 price was a bit high, but whatever, fancy coffee shop and all. The two ladies who helped us, by the way, were about as warm and friendly as a block of frozen meat. I mean, maybe they were tired after a long day at work, but damn.
We got home and he eagerly unwrapped his gourmet apple strudel-like thing - and to his dismay, he saw that he had not been sold the 4-inch piece he saw, but rather, a sad little sliver of that 4-inch piece. It was awful: a tiny piece he ate in two bites, and we paid five-freaking-twenty-five for it. SO not worth it. Not for the size of the piece, nor even the taste, since it was fine, but not particularly delicious and divine.
That experience pretty much soured us on the place. We haven't been back, and I don't see why we would go back.
So this takes me back to my earlier point: the Gables could really use a cool, funky coffeehouse. And in a perfect world, I'd be just the woman to provide it.
Labels: coffee, coffee shops, coffeehouse, coral gables, food
posted by Tere at
7/24/2007
10 Comments:
hhmmmm....i wonder what the rent would be on miracle mile?
Man! You don't come across as that smart! First you get burned by the high prices in JJ's, then this apple strudel post. Do you ever look at the menu? Or look while something is being wrapped for you? Both times you could have controlled the situation, but both times you failed. It's not the system. It's you.
I haven't written about eating at JJ's.
And I already stated in this post that we were chatting and not watching them cut the piece. We saw the price of the dessert, we just didn't see them cut it up.
Also, I never blamed "the system". Some places are too expensive for my taste - doesn't mean I won't give it a shot before criticizing it.
I may not "come across" as smart, but I'm pretty sure I could dance circles around you.
Oh, and you should consider some lessons in reading comprehension. My writing seems to be above your current comprehension skills. I could recommend a few centers in and around the Gables if you need it.
Cafe Demetrio should be "the really cool coffehouse." But I agree it's not - not quite sure why I feel that way. Never had the type experience you mentioned.
I've just never thought much of their menu, menu/price combination, or something. It's just not a relaxing 'hangout' type of place to me.
too stuffy, maybe?
oh - and I think anon above confused Gables Diner with JJ's that used to be at that location.
I agree, moonchild, that there is something about the place - despite the lovely courtyard - that doesn't scream "welcoming, really cool coffeehouse", which is a shame.
The experience we had was a minor one, and had we been eagle-eying the lady as she boxed our dessert (as anon implied we should have), we would have caught it and the whole thing could've been avoided. Still, it was unpleasant because if you had seen the piece of dessert we got, you too would've been like, WTF?
Oh, and I had figured what anon meant, but their snide and rude attitude didn't merit my patience or kindness. Not very Zen of me, but there you have it.
Yes, but very real of you. I don't blame you for feeling ripped off because you were in so many ways. I hope your dream coffee house sees the light of day-- just don't get to pricey for your own good.
Hi Tere!!
I agree with the CD review up to a point...they're just , I dunno, weird....I can't explain also, it's just....weird ...LOL... but their spanish tortilla and their creme brullee are fantastic, you should give it a try! I know exactly the ladies you're talking about...I think it's because they don't speak english very well and I guess they feel intimidated...but that's definetly a managerial problem.
Talking about managerial problems...have you tried Graziano Market? It's across the street from your beloved cheap eatery Gables Dinner..heheh..they have great meats for great prices and the pastries are fantastic, you should try the dulce de leche croissant.....one of the most delicious things i have ever tried. The only thing is the customer service (except for the meat guy), it kinda sucks, they just aren't worried about pleasing the customer, and i've been going there for ages!!!
Anyway, the other day I was there specially for one of their heavenly croissants, asked for one to the counter girl and she went inside to grab a box.....when she came back, another girl that worked there had half of my croissant in her mouth!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! i couldn't believe in what I saw!!!!She just did not care and I was so upset but there's never any manager there to complain that I just let it go...also my husband went there last week and nobody was there to help him, he stood at the counter for 10 minutes and just quit...
I just hope your coffee shop is going to be better than that!!!! LOL
xoxo Fernanda
They've been friendly to me, but I've only been there twice. I agree the prices are high, but you can get a brownier for a few dollars.
Does anyone remember Java Centrale-- that was a funky coffee house it was located on the corner of Ponce and Aragon across from the Colonade what is now a Sushi restaurant.
Agree on the Demetrios assesment way too stand offish-- you'd think with the quaint look you would find the same warmth within but unfortunately it is reminiscent of the many plastic surgery clad beauties of Miami--beautiful on the outside and empty inside.
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