Typical coffee offerings with some elegant but high priced pastries. Not a very clear pathway for the customer journey. I had to ask where and how to order without being greeted until I initiated conversation.
The employee at the register was abrupt and indifferent to the customer experience. Both my partner and I had to repeat our drink requests multiple times before they were correctly acknowledged. Initially, my partner had requested their beverage in a "to go" format, but after I ordered a beer they informed us that because beer is only available as a "dine in" option (understandable), my partner would also be required to have their beverage served in "for here" ware (why though?). I attempted to explain that my partner would be returning to work while I remained at the cafe, but was repeatedly cut off with false platitudes and the unsympathetic line that, "...it is our policy". Are we to believe that a customer cannot order a non-alcoholic drink to go and another drink (alcoholic or not)to enjoy in the moment? If this is correct, it seems a strange and very specific policy. Also, why weren't we offered an alternative solution? It seemed as if they were so intensely bound by the need to be right, that could not be sympathetic to the customer's perspective. It's my interpretation that they don't quite grasp the spirit of their own policy. If it is designed to ensure that customers remain indoors with alcohol, then why is there a requirement to keep caffeine bound to the confines of the cafe? Not to mention, one could have easily circumvented this policy simply by paying on two separate transactions one after the other. If we had entered as two customers and paid separately, would we still be forced to use "for here" ware for the non alcoholic beverage?
In the end, I simply approached the barista that had been tasked with crafting our non alcoholic beverage on my own, and requested that he put the coffee in a "to go" cup. To which he promptly did so, and without a single complaint, question, or snarky retort like his colleague had provided us. If it was such a strict policy, why did this other employee not patronize us like some kind of school child being reprimanded? It is for the second employee's sake that I provided their service score with two stars.
The cafe/patio were tidy, upscale, and warm. The coffee was crafted with attention to detail but very similar overall to something I could purchase elsewhere. The beers are served in what seemed to be either a 12oz or 14oz glass, but at the price of a 16oz sleeve that would be offered anywhere else. They should consider selling them by the full bottle at that price.
I will most likely avoid this location in future in favour of their Mount Pleasant location at the corner of Watson St and 10th Ave. The service and store layout is much more focused on the...
Read moreThierry Alberni is an exceptional coffee shop that my friends and I frequently visit. We are always greeted with warm smiles and impeccable service. What keeps us coming back time and time again is their delicious Spanish latte, which has become our ultimate favorite.
The Spanish latte at Thierry Alberni is a true masterpiece and my go to each visit. It is expertly crafted with a perfect balance of rich espresso and velvety milk. The combination of flavors is simply heavenly, and it has become my preferred choice every time I visit. It's the kind of drink that warms your soul and makes you feel instantly energized.
But the Spanish latte is just the beginning of the culinary delights that Thierry Alberni has to offer. Their incredible variety of desserts, pastries, cakes, handcrafted chocolates, and macarons is a true feast for the senses. The moment you step into the shop, you are greeted by a display case filled with an array of mouthwatering treats.
From delicate pastries to decadent cakes, each item is a work of art. The attention to detail and the quality of ingredients are evident in every bite. The desserts are not overly sweet, allowing the flavors to shine through beautifully. Whether you're in the mood for a fluffy macaroons or a rich chocolate cake, Thierry Alberni has something to satisfy every craving.
What sets Thierry Alberni apart is the passion and dedication of their staff. The baristas and pastry chefs are true artisans, putting their heart and soul into every creation. They are always willing to provide recommendations and take the time to ensure that each customer has a memorable experience.
The ambiance of Thierry Alberni is also worth mentioning. With its cozy and inviting atmosphere, it's the perfect place to unwind and enjoy a cup of coffee or indulge in a delightful dessert. The seating is comfortable, and the decor exudes elegance and charm. Also have great outdoor seating.
If you're a coffee lover or have a sweet tooth, Thierry Alberni is a hidden gem that you must visit. The combination of their delicious Spanish latte and incredible variety of desserts, pastries, cakes, handcrafted chocolates, and macarons will leave you craving for more. I highly recommend this coffee shop to anyone looking for an unforgettable...
Read moreWas excited since i love to visit patisseries while i travel. I have studied patisserie extensively for years and knew this place was famous for their chocolates and cannot deny that they know their chocolate well. It has a snap that reminds you of brittle ice and you can FEEL the snap of chocolate. I was browsing their pastry bar and noticed that their eclairs (especially the coffee one) looked very sad and deflated, much like how my initial excitement became.
However, they dont appear to pay much attention to the composition of their miniature entremets (the little desserts you see in the case). Whether it has a slight sloppy presentation (things appear to be sliding or blended into other things) or the technique behind the component of the dessert is very off par or unelegant, it seems to be missing the thing that will make this place a store i will visit again. We got the black forest and the marquise. On the black forest, whipped cream was 2 seconds away from turning into butter, it was way too overwhipped. The chocolate "cup" that was holding the cake inside was deformed and had a huge excess of chocolate pooled on the bottom, not delicate at all. When you bite into the cherry, you cannot taste the natural sweetness and flavor of cherry. Just rum or brandy that they soaked too much. The marquise had a wonderful chocolate mouse and the glaze on the outside was well done, but the caramel was too thick, and prevented our forks from breaking through to the hazelnut dacquoise underneath. Caramel flavor and dacquoise had a wonderful flavor however. But after a while, the weight of the chocolate mousse caused the caramel to squish out, and the mousse started sliding off the top, which was a bit unappealing but didnt take away from the taste or texture. As a side note, if youre going to be paying $10 per dessert, they should provide you some napkins or forks to take out. Just a suggestion, since even hole in the wall teriyaki...
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