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| - "too sexy for Milan, too sexy for New York and Japan"
That old 80's song pops into my head every time I walk into this place. It's so hip it hurts. It's been riding the wave for several years, based solely on being the only "French" cafe in town, not counting Cafe Monte, another faux French establishment. It's also located in a "very edgy" part of town, meaning there are non-white people on the streets.
The coffee and pastries are nothing special. You'd think they were ambrosial given some of the reviews but you can get better at Whole Foods. Even so, I'd still make the drive, except for the abysmal service, as it does make a nice change from the claustrophobic suburban paradise that is Charlotte.
It can take them upwards of 30 minutes to make a sandwich. Heaven forbid that you should ask that your pastries be boxed, rather than crammed into a bag. Yes, you say, but it's a French bakery, doesn't the attitude go with it? Frankly, no. I've been to French patisseries, in France, in US and European cities. I've yet to encounter the attitude I've experienced at Amelie's.
Go if you are bored out of your mind, as it is open 24/7, but don't make a special trip for the food. It really isn't that special.
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