Went for breakfast. They were busy, so I anticipated the service to not be as good as it could have been from the moment I walked in and adjusted my expectations accordingly. I have worked extensively in the industry and therefore consider myself a very reasonable, understanding, and forgiving customer. Being busy is HARD and I totally get it, but this experience tested even my patience.
We walk through the door and there’s no host stand or even a sign as to seat yourself/wait to be seated. Not a ton of room in there (only a total of 7 tables plus the bar- super small place), so okay I get it. But multiple staff members walk by multiple times and do not even acknowledge our presence, and I DONT get that. Another group of customers comes in and stands behind us and we’re all confused over what we should do, and entirely in the way due to the size of the restaurant. After quite a while of patient waiting and no one even saying so much as “hi we’ll be right with you” as they walked by, we awkwardly stop someone and ask for instructions. She begrudgingly takes the time to seat us, but doesn’t grab any menus on the way. We sit waiting patiently for over 20 minutes before anyone comes back to our table. FINALLY someone comes over and she gets us menus, but doesn’t bother to take a drink order or anything before scurrying off. Another 15-20 minutes she comes back and takes our order. Due to their level of busyness, I don’t mind so much that our food took 30-35 minutes to come back, but after having been waiting for so long to even get an order in, boy were we hungry. No one refilled our drinks once while we were there. The food was okay! Not the best I ever had but I have no complaint. While waiting, we observed a lot of things that could have made a big difference in how much they were in the weeds… lots of “work smart not hard” advice I could give. Again, I’m a VERY forgiving customer- but I don’t think it’s ever acceptable to be completely ignored for so very long either. We could have had a much better time with only a few simple adjustments. We asked for our check earlier than we felt we actually needed it so that we wouldn’t have to wait even longer to break out of the place. With only 7 tables, a small bar, and maybe 3 tables outside… the service was absolutely abhorrent even considering how busy they were. Staff needs more training and honestly, a quick comment and a smile would go a long way in extending customer patience and overall happiness when...
Read moreUnfortunately, I did not have a good experience. Went with a fellow aviator over the weekend and we chose outside seating. Ordered a mimosa which was fine, although I prefer more champagne than oj. I ordered a side salad to come out as an appetizer and the 'Favorite Faby' meal for the entré. I asked that my eggs be cooked over medium. The waitress confirmed. While drinking my mimosa, we're noticing other people's food (specifically salads) coming out before ours who were seated after us. I remained patient and continued to enjoy the weather. About 15min later, my salad comes out together with my entré when it was requested the salad come out first. We've already been waiting long... Anyway, as I cut into my (should be over medium) eggs, no yolk is running out like usual. The waitress comes back and I kindly inform her my eggs are cooked incorrectly. She tries to convince me that they indeed were cooked over medium. Wow... I kindly asked if I could have new eggs this time cooked over easy. Also if she could bring butter. The eggs come back out 15mins later cooked the exact same way as before, boiled center and no runny yolk. By this time, my meal became cold and I had to ask again for butter. I was not enjoying the service or food. The chef and manager were sent out at 2 different times; both nice but they were still trying to convince me that over-medium and over-easy eggs have boiled centers. Google can confirm otherwise. At this point, there was no way I was going to leave nourished/understood as the time spent there already was cutting into preparing for my flight. Another manager extended 50% off my meal which I was very grateful for. It seems their crepes are the...
Read moreOMG!!!! If you are in downtown Tampa area you have to stop at Chez Faby 🇫🇷🥖 the taste is out of this world, very fresh, light yet very fulfilling. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ A True French Gem in the Heart of Tampa! Chez Faby is an absolute delight! Nestled in vibrant downtown Tampa, this charming French café transports you to Paris with its cozy yet chic atmosphere and authentic cuisine. From the moment I walked in, I was greeted with warm smiles and the irresistible aroma of freshly baked croissants. The menu is a love letter to French breakfast classics. I indulged in the Paris Croissant, which was perfectly flaky, buttery, and paired with fresh, vibrant fruit that elevated the experience. The Croque Madame was a standout—fluffy bread layered with savory ham, creamy béchamel, and a perfectly cooked egg, all washed down with a rich French press coffee that hit all the right notes. Their sweet crepes, especially the Nutella with strawberry and banana, are pure decadence and a must-try for anyone with a sweet tooth. The service was impeccable, with attentive staff who made us feel like regulars, and the owner’s personal touch added a heartfelt charm. The outdoor seating along the sidewalk is perfect for people-watching, especially after a morning stroll along the Tampa Riverwalk. Chez Faby’s commitment to fresh ingredients and authentic French flavors makes it a standout. I’m already looking forward to my next visit to try their burrata salad and almond croissant! If you’re in Tampa and craving a breakfast that’s equal parts elegant and comforting, Chez Faby is the place to go. Highly recommended for a taste of...
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