Farine Bakery & Café — Restaurant in Redmond

The food is ok but honestly I'm really fed up with the service. We've been there many, many times and every single time we got really bad service. My main issue is with the lady doing take out (ALWAYS the same lady and always super rude). This happened TWICE: I'll give her my name and she'll look and says she can't find my order, then I'll wait and wait for them to "finish my order," only to find that it was sitting there the entire time when I asked someone else to look. This ALSO happened TWICE: I asked her for my order and it actually wasn't ready this time - so then I stand RIGHT outside the door where she can clearly see me and wait and wait and wait. I get impatient after a looooong time so I ask someone else to check on my order, only to see that it had been ready a while ago but she didn't feel compelled to hand it to me, knowing that I was there, waiting. We've eaten A LOT of luke-warm soggy food because of it...so I'm not entirely sure if the food is actually good or not. This other time, I asked her for some disposable utensils so we can eat in the car. She had me wait for an insane amount of time just to tell me they didn't have any. I asked if we could use some silverware if we bring it back and she rudely told me no. So then I asked the cashier person who was really nice and said yes if I promised to bring it back, which I did, of course. We always order online and leave a decent tip as if we dined in, so I'm sure that's not the problem we're getting bad service. Also, we've been there during different times - right when they open when no one's there AND when it's busy. There's no difference in service. It wasn't like we were always there during busy times and my orders got lost/confused. Additionally, the two times I ordered lattes, both times it got messed up. Once I ordered a mocha and got a latte instead - not realizing until after I got home. The second time was SUPER fun because I got real milk instead of the milk alternative I requested. And since it was an orange mocha, the flavor was really strong and masked the milk taste, so I didn't realize until 30 mins later when I was dying on the toilet, if you know what I mean. It messed me up for a looooooong time that day. (I know it was the latte because we got it for breakfast at like 8am and I hadn't had anything yet that day.) We keep going back because they kids like the dipping waffles (they don't care about luke warm soggy food), but I've finally put my foot down and said we can't go anymore. It's not...

I think this bakery/café has the potential to a 5 star, but there are a number of kinks to be worked out first. As a Redmond resident, I was excited to give this new bakery a try. I have tried the food here a number of times, but there is always something off. The first visit I got a breakfast tartine with a salad, and my partner got a liege waffle (Yeast risen waffle with pearl sugar). The tartine was good, but I had at least three rotten spots in my salad, and my partner got a different type of waffle - something made with croissant dough. Whatever type of waffle, it was dry and did not come with any accouterments (No jam/syrup). We were at one of the outdoor tables for that brunch. It was heated very well, but the table wobbled quite a bit - to the point where the our waters were spilling. Next visit I got a cheddar kale scone and my partner got a chocolate croissant. My scone was a bit quiet on the flavor, but the flavors were still quality. It was a dense biscuit textured scone. Maybe just a bakers preference to style vs my preference to lighter textured scones. The chocolate croissant had good texture and flavor. The third visit my partner got a croissant and I got a breakfast sandwich. The croissant was good in texture and flavor. The service was a bit odd. They set the breakfast sandwich at a table that was not a service or working counter. After about 5 minutes, we asked if the breakfast sandwich there was ours. The staff seemed surprised as if realizing they forgot to put it on the service counter. The sandwich was pretty good, but there was a shock when I finally got to a condensed section of tomato relish. It was not spread throughout the sandwich. So it was an average breakfast sandwich, with three overpowering bites in the middle. Also, there was supposed to be beecher's cheddar cheese, and there was none. I can see how the intent of the café is to have good ingredients with well-thought-out flavor dynamics, but they are unfortunately missing the bar. As a new business, I am hoping that they are just in the growing pains stage of starting a new venture and there is improvement. The location, café environment, and quality of the baked goods are strengths that keep me returning to give it another chance. I am really pulling for their success, but they need to figure out the finer details! We will see...

The Ambiance: A Slice of Europe in Richmond

Step inside Farine, and you’re instantly transported to a Parisian boulangerie. The aroma of freshly baked pastries mingles with the soft hum of conversations. Rustic wooden tables, vintage posters, and the occasional accordion tune create an inviting atmosphere. It’s as if the Eiffel Tower decided to take a vacation in Richmond.

The Croissants: Butter Dreams Unfold

Ah, the croissants! Each flaky layer whispers “bonjour” as you bite into it. The classic butter croissant is perfection—crisp on the outside, tender within. But don’t stop there. Try the almond croissant, a sweet revelation with its almond paste filling and delicate powdered sugar dusting. Pair it with a latte, and suddenly, your morning feels très chic.

The Baguettes: A French Love Affair

While the baguettes lack the crusty allure of their French cousins, they still hold their own. Grab one for a picnic by the nearby Sammamish River Trail. Slather it with creamy Brie or smear it with raspberry jam—the choice is yours. Just imagine the ducks quacking their approval as you savor each bite.

The Coffee: A Refuge for Caffeine Seekers

In a land of lackluster coffee, Farine stands tall. Their baristas wield their magic wands (or espresso machines) to create silky lattes, bold Americanos, and velvety cappuccinos. The beans? Locally roasted, of course. And if you’re feeling adventurous, try the Belgian mocha—a symphony of dark chocolate and espresso that’ll make your taste buds dance the can-can.

Service and Lines: A Test of Patience

Farine’s popularity means lines snake out the door during peak hours. But fear not! The staff moves swiftly, and the wait is part of the experience. Chat with fellow coffee enthusiasts, discuss the weather (because, Seattle), and soon enough, you’ll be sipping your latte.

So, whether you’re a Redmond local seeking a taste of Europe or an Aussie missing Melbourne’s café culture, Farine Bakery & Café awaits. Bon...