My great aunt recently celebrated her 90th birthday. Not that long ago I would have never imagined that we wouldn't be with her for such a big event. But we live far away and with covid it was decided that it was best for all that we not make the trip.
Having celebrated "90" with 2 grandparents I know how hard it is to think of a gift since there is rarely much that they need or want. When my gram turned 90 her room looked like a flower shop - which was lovely but in a week they were all mostly dead and a lot to clean up - so I knew I didn't want to send flowers! I did however have a different idea....
Italian pastery for my Italian Aunt! But from where? And - how? I'm far away and didn't know anything about the area. I started searching online.... looking at maps of the area and reading reviews. That's how I stumbled on Importicos of Stuart! They had AMAZING reviews and pictures of things that were mouth watering! I called them and explained the situation... and was initially devestated that they didn't deliver. They were however quick to explain that I could use a service called Bitesquad to get something to my aunt.
I started to look over the offerings and they had all the things I was looking for - my aunt's favorites - Napoleon, Canolli, Tiramisu, Lobster Tails and adorable Fruit tarts. Several were available in full size or mini - so I made a list of items to make up a little box. The truth is I would have bought more but the delivery fees with Bitesqaud (Not Importico's fault) were HIGH - that said - I was grateful to be able to get it to her - so no choice.
The next issue was how to put a message with it. Unlike flower delivery - there was no way to put a message with my purchase through the delivery service when I orderd. When I called the bakery the first time I had asked about this and was told I could send them an email when the time came so it could be put with my selections. So - the day before I wrote up my message and emailed it - then I called the bakery again - this time I got Michelle on the phone - I explained what I was trying to do - and told her I had sent an email - she went to check right away - found it and said her boss had printed it out. She then said not to worry - that she would be in early the next morning and would personally make sure the message got put with my order and that all would look nice. She completely put my mind at ease - I was/am so very grateful to her!
On the day - Bitesquad actually delivered a bit earlier then I had scheduled but that was fine - the best part was the excited call from my aunt right after the order arrived - she said she could smell the pastery before she even opened the box! She said everything looked beautiful - and she couldn't wait to dive in!!
I realize I'm reviewing a bakery from which I have never tasted a thing - but the raves from those that have is what led me to them - the tears of joy from someone so very special to me and the great customer service from Michelle made it very easy to leave 5 stars!
If I had one suggestion it would be that perhaps for orders of $50 or more that the bakery would have their own delivery service - without the crazy delivery fees from Bitesquad I could have spent more on pastery.... and definitely would have! Perhaps someday soon we can make a trip to the area to finally visit my aunt - when we do we will certainly come in to pick up some goodies to bring her when we visit!
Can't thank Importico's of Stuart and Michelle in particular for helping me do something special for someone very special to me - At a time when being apart was so very hard...
My suggestion - Go to - or order from this fine establishment - I trust you will not be disappointed - I certainly was not... Bravo Importico's! And Thank...
Read moreOrdered food for a breakfast meeting for which I was speaking As I was new to ordering for this organization, the bakery assured that they had provided “ catering” prior… they picked small quiches, bread, fruit and coffee They were late, had to go back and get plates, napkins, utensils. So embarrassed that the organization’s chair pointed out that quiches were cold..bread cold ( so frozen butter packets were useless) and several members pointed out their disappointment and strongly suggested I ask for money back Well, the exchanges were nothing I expected. The GM tried to justify … NEVER APOLOGIZED And when I said I was speaking to Organization directly she rushed over there and tried to made a “ deal” @ how much refund should be. She wanted to CYA. When I said terms not acceptable she ghosted and never engaged again . Never do business ( at least “catering”) and please get a guarantee of freshness and refund policy in writing . I had to go thru my cc and bank and BBB so remains in limbo ( over $500)
“The chamber’s misrepresentation of our bakery is a problem they created. We never asked to be listed as a catering company. If you truly thought you were hiring a catering company, how would you ask zero questions about set up inclusions or anything? I guess being ignorant is bliss. “
Above was the response I received from the GM : Uhm ( GM put it out there… and blamed organization and me and ZERO responsibility taken by them … very unprofessional and disrespectful)
I asked originally if they had catered these Events for the organization ..? Answer yes So you do everything & know what’s involved? Yes What would you suggest ? They responded little quiches, fruit and coffee There is an inquiry on line “ do you cater? Answer Yes Maybe I should have asked.. will the food be pleasing, tasty or edible ? Didn’t think to ask @ food arriving cold & sponge like texture which means sat for awhile and bread not warmed at all and frozen butter packets so couldn’t spread and minimal fruit … decoration not a side. So disappointing in their service, presentation and unprofessional response to dissatisfaction of customers. And to speak so badly of an organization which does such great work in our community. ...
Read moreI have been coming here for the past 28 years. Back in the day it was called “Mr. Bread.” It was my go to bakery, and I went here regularly. A few years ago I wrote a review that was not good. The pastry case had dwindled down to practically nothing, and their counter service was rude and inefficient. In fact, it had gone downhill to the point where I thought they would soon put a lock on the door. I didn’t go back for at least 2 years. It is very evident that the ownership and/or management changed sometime in the past couple of years. It was nice to see the pastry case full of delectable treats, well organized, and prices on everything. The bear claw is one of my favorites - chocolate and cheese filled, and the best I’ve ever had anywhere! It is actually enough for two people. I’ve also had their apple strudel and sticky buns. Both are excellent, and their quiche is as well. If you like good quality pastries, you will want to give this place a try. Good bakeries are rare. That being said, their new prices are shocking! Although I now love this bakery again, the prices will keep me from coming here regularly. I may drop in once every few months, as opposed to every week. If the prices were not so insane, I would have...
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