Initially, I came in to host a brief interview and fell in love with the ambiance at Ms Dahlias. There was a cute little (assumingly Asian) host ready to serve with a smile and an adorable caramel complected cashier who made me almost forget that he was taking money from me. The food was great, my caramel coffee was perfect. I came back maybe two or three weeks later with my best friend who is a blogger with a great following to get her to write an article. NOT SO GOOD experience. My friend 'Sarah' and I got to the counter. After receiving a scantily delivered welcome, 'Sarah' asked for espresso with a hint of caramel. The "Prestigious Afrocentric Coffee Maker" decided to give 'Sarah' a brief lesson on espresso explaining that "...it is not like Starbucks where they give you big cups of coffee, you know?". She underestimated my big haired- trendy friend and explained the "European origins" of espresso without knowledge of her fair education on Italian cultures and Cuban background, reiterating that "it won't come in a BIG cup".
Aside from that, the cashier from my first visit ended up being the great chef I met on my second visit. It was awesome to see such a talented crew. I left my tip and went off to enjoy my meal. Not too soon after, the "Prestigious Afrocentric Coffee Maker" interrupts as we watch the chef at work to inform us that the caramel shot was an additional dollar which we hadn't been charged. Instead of giving us a one time courtesy, she asked the cashier to take the payment.
Throughout the course of our stay, we were able to hear (without the slightest bit of straining) corrective conversations... "You REALLY shouldn't..." blah blah blah... Although it IS a small establishment that may not have a back area, I'd appreciate if they'd speak outside or away from customers... It's a total mood killer and environment changer. Not mention
Interesting experience. I must say. I may re-visit but, I will admit, I'm somewhat slighted by that experience. Knowing that I've lived in Bed-Stuy for over twenty years, seeing establishments come and go, favoring stapled locations like Tiny Cup, Peaches, and others, BEING a young black NY'er with South American entrepreneurial parents, its a great desire to be supportive in my community.
Let's fix this, guys! Sincere customer service is the key to successful establishment!
