So today for lunch our first choice was actually Panera Bread, but figured we would branch out a little bit and try this new place. The restaurant is located in what used to be a former Quiznos Subs in the Rim shopping center (Thank God Quiznos is gone, yuck). We had to park in the movie theatre parking lot since it is almost impossible to locate a parking space in the general area of the strip mall.
Upon entering, the feel was that of a small diner like environment and it boasts a shorts but inviting menu. The cashier greeted us properly and was very pleasant. After taking a few minutes to finalize our choices, we were ready to order. We went with the Mr. President Crepe (sausage, onions, mushrooms, olives), the Club Panini and the Ham & Cheese Crepe.
The best part of our experience was how the food was handled and made; it is an open kitchen environment and all the cooks and food preparers utilize plastic gloves while handling and preparing orders. I most times have to gag or run out when I see meals being prepared by individuals touching the food with their grubby paws. Our order was out a few minutes later and the presentation was nice.
After digging into our selections and tasting first bites, all three of us were disappointed - yes, even my 11 year old. Both crepe dishes were below average with way too much batter in the crepes and little to no "wow" taste factor, all in all just very plain. We both ate small portions taking the majority of each dish home in a box which, more than likely will end up being fed to the neighborhood dog.
The Club Panini was also a huge disappointment. Although it too had a fantastic presentation, the taste itself was bland and nothing more that I can make at home - simple cold cuts with lettuce and tomato. Once again, it lacked any type of "wow" taste. I mean come on, put something on there to differentiate your product and come up with some creative name to make it different and appealing. For example, "Tunisian Blue Cheese" - many restaurants use this concept and it works.
So we left disappointed and felt as if we wasted $27 dollars. In the parking lot after pulling up local reviews, I was shocked. Seemed like the majority of people who wrote reviews loved the place, one even eating there 2 times a day. While everyone is entitled to their opinion; there are two things I know in this world - eating and my job.
Overall, the place is nice, clean and the customer service was good. The prices were average but the food was terrible. When I go to a new place and try it, I need to taste the "wow" factor, the "what is going to keep me coming back" factor - I got neither today. I may be enticed to go back and try the sweet crepe menu and see how that fares, but as for their lunch crepes and sandwiches, I won't be back anytime soon.
