Blackberry Market Argenta — Restaurant in North Little Rock

Part of why I love coming here is because it's one of the only places in the area that I've found that makes a good matcha. I was a barista for 6 years and then a manager of a cafe, so I'm definitely the kind of person that's particular about how I like my drinks. I recognize that it can be annoying, so I often make my own at home. However, I was so excited when I found this place earlier this year as they use the same matcha powder that I use at home and it was the first cafe I found since moving here that make their matcha lattes how I like them. It's nice to have the option to have someone else make my drink and to be able to sit down and work in a cafe environment for a few hours-- and the food I've tried here has been pretty great as well! Lots of GF and vegan options which is awesome. Plus, the staff is friendly.

With that being said, as I've come here anywhere from 1-3x/week the past 6 months or so, I've noticed that what's missing is consistency. Every barista makes my drink differently, to the point where when I walk in I get excited if one of the baristas that I know makes it perfect every time is behind the bar. Besides occasionally changing the syrup flavor, I order my drink the same way every time. Even if it's not made quite right, I never say anything because it's usually still good and I also know there's nothing more irritating than an entitled regular.

Today I came in and ordered my drink as usual, and after drinking a few sips I just could not get past the fact that it really just tasted like milk, and it was pretty light green. I very politely asked the barista behind the counter if it would be possible to add a little more matcha because it tasted like milk, and I felt this was an easier solution than asking them to remake the drink entirely. Instead of answering the question, they proceeded to act defensive and explain the drink making process and that they “definitely measured” the powder. Okay, I believe them, I wasn’t accusing them of anything – I was asking them a yes or no question. I wasn’t attempting to call into question their integrity, just trying to make the expensive drink taste better. After a lot of awkward silence I had to ask them point blank if the answer to my question was yes or no, to which they politely explained that they’re not supposed to add "extra" unless I ask for it at the register.

Totally understandable on principle, but my annoyance comes from the fact that it usually tastes stronger when I order the same drink. I don't feel as though asking for enough matcha for a matcha latte to taste like something other than milk should be something that is considered "extra." I would understand if it was an issue of me doing this every time I order a drink, but this is the first time I've ever said anything after probably 50+ visits to this place. It's the first time it's ever felt it was necessary to say anything because usually the product and service is great. Imagine you ordered a vanilla latte and you couldn’t taste the coffee?

Maybe the other baristas are over measuring and they're putting more matcha than they're supposed to, I don't know. What I do know is that it's ridiculous to pay $8 for a matcha latte that doesn't taste like matcha. I should not have to add more matcha at home to be able to taste it. Ultimately I left feeling disappointed this time around. Between this and the fact that the past few visits the WiFi hasn’t been working, I'm gonna take a break from this place for awhile. I really feel if they were more consistent with their drink recipes that this cafe would be...

EDIT: We tried to go back and get the biscuits and gravy, they are out of gravy at 11:30am. What reason do we have to even attempt to patronize here?

In my opinion, there are certain restaurants that cater to different people. This restaurant caters to the more neutral palate. First the good, the atmosphere is incredible. Beautiful, inviting, and quite spacious. Comfortable chairs. The service was friendly and prompt. The Mixed Berry Lemon Iced Muffin was delicious, and the vanilla iced latte had just enough coffee flavor to sweet ratio. As someone who doesn't normally drink coffee, this hit the spot. On to the mediocre. First of all, they ran out of biscuits at around 12pm, while I'm not gonna hold that against them, if you are gonna be a brunch spot, biscuits should be a top priority in my opinion. I ordered the breakfast burrito that is served with potatoes/home fries. My first bite was mostly tasteless, I couldn't really taste anything but the cheese and the tortilla. The potatoes on the side weren't cooked all the way, or had been sitting out for awhile, they were lifeless and flavorless. My partner ordered the Turkey, Gouda, and Apple Sandwich. Once again, the flavor was mild to say the least, we forgot about the apples until one slice fell out. The bread was soft and the turkey had a nice sweetness to it, but the "chutney" was watery and sparse. My partner said the salad on the side was the most flavorful thing she had had. Also, the plating was done with little care or thought, in my opinion. For a place this beautiful, the food should look exciting as well. Would definitely come back for coffee and a pastry, but maybe...

The place was slammed. So for the service I got, I thought it was above par.

The place is cute, but it doesn't really easily sit 5-6 people. Maybe in their upstairs area. I didn't check it out while I was there.

Where this place falls flat is the food.

The biscuits and gravy were awful. I think they use cayenne to season it, and whoever made it thought extra cayenne was the way to go. It overtook the gravy

The bisquits are dense. That's not a bad thing, but they were overcooked on the bottom. To the point where you would need a knife to cut through it.

The bacon was undercooked by a lot. This was not just non crisp bacon. This was borderline raw.

The potatoes, while I think they may have been good, came soggy and not crisp. If they had been crisped up, I may have enjoyed them.

My father in law had the breakfast buritto and said it was good.

My wife had a salad and liked it.

My son also had bisquits and gravy, and he hated it. This is a teenage boy who never stops eating, and he didn't want to touch his plate.

My mother in law had the avacado toast and did not like it. She didn't expand on why, but my wife, who eats avacado toast every day tried it and said she didn't like it too.

My wifes parents and wife are a lot nicer than me. They think the food was bad because the place is new. They said give it 3 months and give them another try so they can iron the kinks out. I dont know if I will. It...