Camellia's — Restaurant in Holyoke

I went here with my boyfriend for his birthday this weekend since we like trying new breakfast places. It was packed when we got there but we got a table within 10 minutes. They gave us a little plate with some finger sandwiches on some skewers and that was the best thing we ate. It took a while for our server to ask what we wanted to drink. I want to mention here that despite having a coffee machine behind the counter they don’t list any coffees or teas on the menu. They clearly make them as I saw other people ordering them, but I guess the price is just a fun mystery for when you get the bill. I got a water, my boyfriend got a Coke but it was just the can, no cup or ice. It’s took a while after that for our server to ask what we wanted to eat. We ordered an appetizer (cordon bleu balls), I got a breakfast burrito and my boyfriend got a breakfast combo. It took 50 minutes for our food to come. We were planning on paying for our drinks and leaving when we finally got our food. The cordon bleu balls were okay but there were some bits in the middle that weren’t fully warm. They also came out at the same time as the rest of our food which defeats the purpose of an appetizer. My burrito was dry and crumbly but edible. It was hard to find my server to ask for sauce as they don’t keep any on the table. My boyfriends food was kinda cold and his pancakes looked and felt undercooked. While we were waiting for our food the couple at the table next to us kept calling their server over and motioning to the food. They left without eating much of it and I can’t blame them. Despite a staff of at least 7, there were periods where none of them were checking on tables. They were all congregating in the kitchen but not to bring out food as they would be in there for 10+ minutes and come out with nothing. Our server was hard to find and only at our table when bringing something over. We didn’t see her for at least 30 minutes of our 50 minute wait. It’s not a big restaurant either, they have 10 tables at most. It seems like the priority here was an aesthetically pleasing space and not a functional organized restaurant. Despite how local it is, we will not...

It was a bit of a wait to get my food but they were so friendly and welcoming that I don't want to ding them any more than one star for service. The food was impeccable though. High quality, unique flavors, a clean presentation and... Look, imagine you've been breathing smog your whole life and finally got a breath of fresh air. That's what the food was like. We're all used to food having some variances that taste a little off. Not here! The whole experience is refreshing. I got the spicy crab stuffed avocado for my main dish and alcapurria as an appetizer. Alcapurria are mashed plantain fritters stuffed with minced meat and they are savory inside, subtly sweet outside, and complemented perfectly by a zingy seasoned mayochup sauce (I think I tasted dill in it, could have other herbs too). They are shaped kind of like mozzarella sticks, and around the size of spring rolls, for an idea of scale. The spicy crabmeat stuffed avocado, I was pleasantly surprised to learn, comes with a small salad and plantain chips--great for the last of the sauce that came with my appetizer. The crabmeat itself is reminiscent of a kani salad you might find at a Japanese restaurant. The spiciness is very subtle and the creamy texture of the avocado smooths it over beautifully. I got full half way through! I also had a large iced coffee with mocha, raspberry, and salted caramel syrup in it, whipped cream on top, and oat milk. Altogether the after tax price was $33-something; I paid 40 and let them keep the change. I fully expect to come...

With the desire to support the small business to thrive in my community, I’m always eager to see and try new place in my hometown of Holyoke. As a life long resident, my hopes to see this city regain its glory from when I proudly walked down the downtown strip high st. Continue its wishful dream. I’ve been curious to try this new place that you can’t miss with the bright pink welcoming front entrance. But once I walked through the facade of pretty gates, I was quickly let down with the misguided presentation of the mini pancakes spread, which should be rebranded as the kid’s sized pancake bites for $11.99. And to be confused by wondering if they know the difference of meal choices that they offered. My optimism what knocked down when I received a $12.99 chicken cobb salad that was overwhelmed with a pound of shredded cheddar cheese, making it worse when I in fact ordered a $9.99 chicken Cesar wrap with fries. I guess I should’ve known that something was going to go wrong when I was asked what kind of dressing I wanted, considering the fact that the titular attraction was indeed Chicken “CESAR” wrap. I would’ve overlooked the probability of mistaking the dressing. But the entire meal? I surely hope that Camellia find its groove to acknowledge its clientele that would show loyalty as long as they don’t become too arrogant for constructive criticism and always remembers to consider their customer’s expectations and want to return. Good...