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| - Since I often feel that the natural world is out of balance without at least some negative comment to make, and because I couldn't find fault with either food or service, here's what I was left with..
Isn't it incorporated in the Uniform Articles Of Ambience that for a Cafe to operate as such, that it has to meet at least the minium expectations of comfort and cosiness?
While Bertha's for the most part delivers on these points, the glaring error to me is in their choice of servicewear; specifically the ubiquitous presence of plastic--- cups, bowls, plates, flatwear, et al.
Plastic is unnatural. It's the antithesis of comfort and not a bit eco-friendly, (you haven't heard?) regardless of recycle practices. It robs the patron of that tactile sense of solidity and well being that even the most humble ceramic and stainless provide. (Check out Cafe Zupas' attractive dinnerware.)
In patio use, it's totally impractical and frustrating, having to battle even moderate breezes for control of your food. Not exactly Zen.
Sure, Bertha's colorful and delicious offerings "show" very well against gloss black, and it's convenient for management, but is it really a fair trade to the customer?
Hey, if I'm slumming for chow at Arby's or Wendy's I expect cheap and easy and I'll go w/ the flow, but here I want and expect more. Bertha's Choice makes me feel as though I'm in that alternate universe where everything is pretty cool, except...
So, Bertha's, I wouldn't mention this if it didn't actually matter to me. Your exclusive use of plasticwear makes me feel like a teen with ketchup on my chin from the fries and with the napkins flying away to become litter.
Thing is, you're primarily serving grownups.
A minor warning to anyone ordering anything containing salami: while tasty, the salami is very potent and tends to overwhelm the more creative yet delicate ingredients. The same point was made by another Yelper as well, so I'm not alone in this view.
On the upside, my cashier went out of her way to accommodate my wish for a breakfast item I craved, well outside of breakfast service times.
Beyond the above, The imaginative and delish menu items, (take some baked goods to go) good service, and comfortable atmosphere are as real as the many positive reviews imply.
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