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Elle Cafe - CLOSED
Category: Food Coffee & Tea Coffee & Tea [Edit]
321 Water StVancouver, BC V6B 1B8
Neighbourhoods: Downtown, Gastown
(604) 633-3880
2 reviews for Elle Cafe
2 reviews in English
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Review from Bob D.
Vancouver, BC
6/20/2009
I have to strongly disagree with Rachel T's acidic review of the newly opened, locally owned Elle Cafe. I was really impressed by the new location and the staff's friendliness and williness to go out of their way to modify my drink to specifications. The Americano I ordered was fantastic and its hotness was a nice contrast to the tepid and weak froth the big green corporate cafe is pumping out. It was refreshing to be in this cafe. I was made to feel like a good friend by the staff. I hope people can experience Elle Cafe for itself and not rely on the amateurish insecurities of people who 'feel overlooked' without taking it into consideration that a new business sometimes woos costumers with free food. I had to pay for my stuff to. Sorry your feeling were hurt.
Just a Customer supporting a local business -
Review from Rachael T.
Toronto, ON
6/16/2009 3 photos
This newly opened coffee shop in gastown will definitely attract the everyday corporate workers and tourists who thinks that this place sells ice cream..... at least 2 families walked in asking for some.. when in fact.. the ice cream was NEXT door... so how does such a beautiful place get TWO STARS?
Atmosphere = 5 stars - beautiful lighting, the menu boards are framed with food items and coffee offerings. There are hightop tables and lovely fabric chairs with nice round side tables. And to top it all off, national geographic magazines while I listed to the Beyoncee CD being played!
Offerings = 4 stars - prices were reasonable, comparable to Starbucks. Their gourmet sandwiches cost $6.50.. and although there were some in the display case, not sure if they are custom made. IN the ready to eat case, there were some exotic and never heard of drinks.. looked very cool.
Hidden Entrance = 3 stars - this can be so misleading... there is a very large window with a poster of coffee and gourmet sandwiches.. no official sign indicating that this was in fact a coffee shop.. and you have to walk into the office building corridor to see the actual entrance.. trust me you can miss it.
Coffee = 1.5 star = I got a soy latte..... I usually like my coffees super hot.. but didn't request it this time... however, when I got it.. it was scorching that I burnt my tongue... the more I tasted it.. the more I felt like I was tasting steamed soy milk... where was the espresso? Maybe my tastes have gotten stronger and more accustomed to medinas or java cat (still too strong for me).. but it was soooo bland and boring.
Service - from 5 to ?... The baristas were super friendly when I walked.. they were smiling as I ordered and even brought the drink to where I was sitting... I was in the cafe for a while by myself.. and then a few others came in... looked in their 40s... successful business people.. maybe regulars... I don't know... and the manager happened to be in the store... she takes a pastry and gives it to them for free........ I don't know if they were friends or whatnot.. but I felt like the manager would look over at me and notice me watching... and how can i not notice... and feel a little short-changed........ I may not be a high- rolling professional.. and I may be only starting my career.. but I feel like at the end of the day.. I deserve the same service as everyone. I mean at Starbucks.. there are always sample offerings for everyone.. not individual special treatment. Maybe I'm over reacting and I'm totally open to any one's opinions about the whole situation.. but that's how I felt.... and a new coffee shop may be trying to build up their regular customers.. but now.. i'm writing it on Yelp.
To me service is key... so although everything was gorgeous and I had a nice break from work, I walked out not impressed.
Please feel free to send me your thoughts, I would appreciate it :)
