The Adore (CLOSED)

I felt like I was part of a Seinfeld episode continuation of the the Soup Nazi... I came to Adore for the second time and received completely different service than I did previously when I was alone. First thing was I ordered a sopressata sandwich that had really bland mozzarella on a hard toasted French baguette. Because there wasn't too much flavor and the overall sandwich was dry I asked for mayo or mustard from the waitress. She proceeded to say that she wasn't going to give it to me because mustard is "supposed to be on roast beef..." or something to that effect. She told me the only thing I was allowed to have on this sandwich combination was olive oil. When I told her I still wanted the mustard she again refused where I proceeded to tell her that I no longer want the sandwich and to take it back and stated the fact that if I took the sandwich to go, they'd have no control over what I added to it. I've dined in 5 star restaurants and have a friend who worked with Jean George and other high end restaurants who has never acted as snooty and condescending as she was to me and my guest. The second issue I had was while we were eating we were also doing some work at the table (as were 2 other tables that arrived BEFORE us). While we were there (which was about an hour...not a long time for the amount of food we had: we had soup, an entree, drinks and a dessert each!) we were approached by another rude waitress, while I still had dessert on my plate and we were basically told we couldn't do work there (in otherwards leave) because they needed tables for people waiting outside...we left less than 5 mins after and there was no one waiting. The worst part of the whole ordeal is that they did not say the same remark to the table beside us. I was not dressed like a bum or am a penniless student.

I have been to Japan a half dozen times on business, and this little restaurant very much reminded me of Japan. European-style pastry shops are popular there, though they always have a certain Japanese twist, and this was exactly that sort of a place. The intimate space (the restaurant is tiny but very well laid out), the menu, the all-Japanese wait-staff -- everything reminded me of my time in Japan. The food was delicious. I know some reviewers here have said this, but then complained about the "bizarre policies" and the "annoying" wait-staff; but even that is part of its charm. In Japan, rules are your friends. Everyone follows the rules because people are taught to think of others' needs, and not their own. Stepping into this environment was an adjustment, coming from New York’s "my way or the highway" mindset; but the shift was one I was happy to make; and it honestly made my lunch-break all the more enjoyable. I will definitely go back again.

This place is truly great. They make amazing sandwiches and their tarts and croissants are excellent. It's a little annoying that it is cash only but it's worth going to the ATM for. The mozzarella and prosciutto sandwich is great, everyone loves their veggie sandwich, and the hungarian melt is filling and delicious, I would also try their quiche. Yeah, they have serious issues with substituting things but that's just something to keep in mind - if you don't like what they've got go somewhere else.

My cup of snap pea soup seemed rather suspiciously like ordinary split pea soup with maybe a few fresh peas added but I can't say for sure. Then strange but true I asked for minor changes to my sandwich a croque-madame and they could not be made . I was told that the egg on top of it would only be served lightly cooked. Having then removed the egg I found the sandwich dry (they only offer dry white bread or a baguette) and asked for some mustard or mayonnaise, items which were on the menu for other dishes. I was told that the chef forbade it. I sent the sandwich back. They put it on the bill anyway. When I objected as we were leaving they insisted I pay for half of the sandwich because I had a eaten few bites of it. How else would I know it I liked it or not? I told the chief that the chef should please the customer not the customer please the chief and he said, "Not any more." I couldn't wait to get out of there! A young man trying to order a sandwich to go was being given a real run around. I was tempted to tell him to head for a deli because he looked like a hard working fellow who might be rather hungry after having one of their little 7 dollar sandwiches. Anyway I doubt they deigned to sell him one. In any case it is a charming old building with an Anais Nin connection. Having a tea or coffee there might be a safe adventure. The waitresses were very sweet but seemed terrified of the chef so they couldn't be advocates for the customer's wishes.

I've been going to The Adore since it opened. I love it and highly recommend it, BUT BEWARE! of it's totally illogical and rigid policies. For instance, if you want to add avocado to your sandwich, you have to forfeit an ingredient that's already on the sandwich. You can't just add something (and of course pay for it)- you have to subtract something! Policy of the Owner I was told. There was clearly no getting around it. I was also told I couldn't have a lemon slice that I wanted for my water because they thought I wanted it for my green tea (I would never put lemon in hot green tea). Things like that. But the place is super cute and so is the staff. Very friendly and nice, but bizzaro rules are enforced.