However, Lewis was recently walking past the restaurant and noticed new signage (and a separate name) above the bar room (now called a tavern). We're not sure if ownership has changed (or a new generation of owners has come into power). The "We Heart Astoria" blog has been silent about it. But, other changes have occurred, not for the better. I'm saddened to report the today's Brunch Experience was miserable. It will be a long time before we return. (When there are SO MANY places in Astoria to choose from, its odd that restauranteurs would allow such a slip to occur).
Restaurants sell food. So, don't be cheap with the food. "If its not broke, don't fix it". You don't need a college degree to understand that. Just a understanding of Cost/Benefit Ratio, and an aversion to Cheapness. I've always enjoyed a filling and delicious meal there: brunch, Happy Hour, dinner, or just for desserts. That was then, and this is now.
My $12 chicken panini seemed to be made out only half a chicken breast that had been pounded flat, so that it covered both halves of the panini. Hardly anything existed between the bread! Had I walked literally around the corner, I could've brunched at Bare Burger for an organic/hormone-free chicken sandwich (loaded with ingredients and house-made sauces) for $8.90. The side of sausage links looked exactly as if they had been defrosted "Jimmy Dean" sausages from the freezer! A far cry from the succulent links that friends and I had enjoyed a few months ago. Looking at Brick's interior, you can't say that profits went into the renovation (see below). Its quaint--like a garage sale in a barn.
The see-into kitchen is exactly the same. Additionally, all the dependable waitstaff are gone. All new faces. Only the busboys warmly recognized us (because cooks and bussers tend to stay--even while waiters, who notice a loss in tips, move on to new places). The owners have hired a new dim-witted but pretty hostess (stereotypical). She blithely let us seat ourselves… and went back to twirling her hair, while forgetting to give us any menus. The new waitress didn't notice it either, until after she asked if we wanted booze. In fact, after we ordered, we didn't see her again… except for a cursory "How is everything? Good? Ok, bye". We had to beckon someone else to get our check. All the new waitresses spent most of their time huddled in a corner talking. So much so, that as I need to get through them to use the restroom, they didn't even notice me or part ways. I had to talk over them and step into their conversation to get through.
Nobody even offered us to order coffee! Until we asked for the check from another passing waitress. How do you not ask for a coffee or tea order during breakfast or brunch?! Isn't that a basic for food service?
Which was all a shame, because Lewis' birthday is in 2 days, and today's brunch was intended to relive the great brunch we had there, last year, for his birthday. Oddly, I had an earlier hunch that we should've brunched at The Shady Lady, one block north, but Lewis chose Brick Cafe. We'll be going to Shady Lady, next week!
However, as we left with disappointment on our tongues, I had another hunch that if we crossed the street to Café Madame Sousou, we'd have a much better experience. Lewis was up for it, so we did. LESSON: Don't let a sour note end the performance: go for a great crescendo elsewhere.
Approaching the eatery, the always-considerate manager was outside, tending to the "Daily Specials" chalkboard on the sidewalk. Wearing a robin's egg-blue sweater, he welcomed us inside.
Four customers relaxed amidst the cheerful environment, and Lewis perched on one of their clear-plastic stools by the window bar. I admired what the two lesbians were ordering in front of me.
Aside from great coffee concoctions and organic teas and juices, they sell handmade doughnuts from a local Queens small-batch baker, as well as a rather large assortment of breads and properly-made French pastry from Manhattan's Balthazar Bakery. Notice the perfectly-rounded Pullman loaf in the background of the picture, below! Imagine that sliced thick and slathered with jam, or made into French Toast or an "Egg in the Hole", or containing a flavorful sandwich! In the picture's right-side foreground, you'll see some perfectly-crusted apple tartlets. They are also the only place in Astoria that purveys cannélle (freshly moist from their copper molds).
Nonetheless, it was the instantly-good vibe that erased our disappointment from across the street. The manager quickly came around the counter to help the muscular barista (who was finishing up with the girls) to attend to me. I inquired about the girls' appetizing-looking coffee order: an almond milk frothed dark-roast coffee with espresso shot--three layers of delectability). Despite his thick neck, chest and arms, the scruffy barista was politely soft-spoken and gentle. I always like nice people. Two elderly men lined up behind me, talking French with the blue-sweatered manager. Two very tall young men entered behind them, eagerly wanting some gooey chocolate croissants and a carrot cake doughnut. The poor mustachioed hipster at the window bar began to feel crowded, as we all awaited our orders, but it was done with such finesse and shared courtesy (amidst fragrant aromas from the floral centerpiece) that we didn't mind. In fact, it gave a chance for everyone to share smiles and "Good Afternoons". I thanked the girls and the barista for my day's coffee choice, and the manager carefully placed my pastry (caramelized nutty cinnamon bun) into a bakery bag. He sincerely wished me a good day, with a parting compliment on my slouchy beanie and winter scarf. Lewis gallantly offered his window seat to the older gents, as we held the door for the next patron.
Feeling good from a jolt of good energy, we strolled and sipped, hand in hand, back to my place… where more nibbling occurred!
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