la Madeleine — Restaurant in Lubbock

This bistro must cater to loyal regulars thoroughly familiar with its physical layout, and style of food service. We went with expectations raised by Le Madeleines' cozy, atmospheric online presentation. The experience fell short of this PR- generated anticipation. The host seemed rushed and uninterested in clearly communicating pay-in-advance instructions - although the instruction to tip was explicitly conveyed. His demeanor would be understandable if the place was packed, and a line ran out the door, but the direct opposite proved true. How to proceed was a mystery. We were handed two cups at the end of the transaction, after which the cashier disapperated. That's not a typo. Like a bit player in Harry Potter, he vanished. Due to the layout of the shop, and confusing signage which proved entirely useless as the staff weren't following even its oblique directives, we had no idea where to even get our drinks. The food is a mixed bag: Madeleines' self-lauded tomato basil soup is too acidic, the kale-quinoa salade is swimming in oil and surprisingly bland, and the chicken pasta dish, which I cannot find on the online menu to specifically name, my companion deemed "nothing remarkable." The one thing fully enjoyed is the chicken Friand, although I ate it wrong because the condiment-sized portion of house made cream of mushroom soup - intended to sauce the sandwich - is presented in a disposable cup and isn't- on my plate anyway - situated suggestively near the sandwich but next to the tomato soup. I thought it was a gratis sample. We talked of coming back for dessert and coffee after completing our errands, but decided we had given the bistro we dubbed "French Chipotle" enough of a look. I'll pass on this average experience. We've not enough disposable income to justify a...

SERVICE SPIRALLING DOWN

I was used to the 19th Le Madeleine but they closed their doors.

Today it was our first stop at the Kingsgate Le Madeleine. It was a tragic experience. Today is Saturday afternoon and I am still so annoyed to the waiter disrespect.

The young male waiter - skinny and very tall wit a purple cook hat (I never asked his name but now I wish I knew) - decided to pretend that he was not not hearing our calling. He was so close that he could be touched.

After around 8 times we were calling each time louder (the people in the salon amused, obviously), the young man decided to turn his head so candidly showing surprise it was with him.

We just needed a container for our soup.

The arrogance of this fellow was so palpable and I decided to look for the Lady Manager. She wasn’t paying much attention but this is how the previous Le Madeleine was too: no interest in the client.

That mocking eyes of the waiter is still in my mind and I felt powerless talking to the young lady manager because she looked more in feud with the waiter than a professional. Maybe they should have more adults working in there? I don’t know but I feel better now that I wrote this evaluation.

ZERO STARS Le Madeleine.

It occurs to me that he could be the cook? This is why he got in his autistic mode?

Could be...but what I try to tell is that even the manager or anyone would tell you any explanation.

Now I understand why the 19th Le Madeleine closed and I won’t be surprised if this one st the Kingsgste would close their doors either.

Their last focus is the client. It looks like we are there just to bother them.

By the way I don’t recommend their quiches: always dry...

I've been to La Madeleine a handful of times, several times for breakfast in the last couple weeks. The atmosphere is comfortable and inviting, it provides a quiet place to sit and enjoy the morning.

The food is good, provided it is delivered as written in the menu, which, unfortunately, seems to be inconsistent at best. In the last two weeks, I've gone for breakfast three times, and each time I ordered the same thing - the country french breakfast. This comes with eggs as ordered, a choice of meat, potato galette, a croissant, and two slices of tomato. Twice, the dish was delivered sans potato galette, and this morning, in addition to lacking the galette, the tomato slices were also absent. The dish is always delivered swiftly, so I can't imagine the dish is incredibly difficult to prepare, which makes the absence of key components all the more disappointing, especially at a $12 price tag per plate.

I attempted to submit this concern via their website, but the form appears to be broken and rejected my entry at the date/time selection.

Ultimately, the food is good, the atmosphere is to my liking, and barring some kitchen staff the overall attitude is pleasant - but, the repeated failure to serve a dish like this makes for a frustrating and...