My day at Ruelo
I got a Groupon for my birthday so that I could finally see what all the fuss was about. I had been waiting and waiting to try afternoon tea in all it's grandeur.
Visions of women in dresses and gloves and fancy hats engulfed my brain, and I knew this was something I needed to try.
And just like me I completely forgot that I had the Groupon until five days before it expired.
I knew two things: I had to go, and I had to go soon!
The reason why I had forgotten was because I wanted to use it for my friends birthday and I did not know that you needed to book 24 hours in advance. When I called to book the appointment the lady on the other end of the line treated me so poorly that I put the Groupon away and thought it was just not worth it- on principle.
But then weeks later when I remembered that I still had it I decided to give it another chance.
I called them again only to be treated poorly again!
The girl literally picked up the phone when I called and answered me in this manner: ....RING RING...."I am too busy right now! What's your number I'll call you back when I can"
I was dumbfounded that someone who must deal with customers and clients would actually answer the phone in this manner!
I gave her my phone number and decided even if she called me back I would not go there to give her my business. That's when I glanced at the Groupon I noticed that there were two locations. I decided to give them one more chance.
I called RUELO in Toronto and the young woman who answered the phone was nothing short of delightful. I knew that's where I had to go!
I booked the appointment and the next day my girlfriend and I were headed for a long trip all the way to finally try afternoon tea.
I cannot speak for other people, nor can I understand why people complain about overpriced macaroons. If you downloaded a recipe online and tried making them yourself- would they taste as good as these?
I highly doubt it.
One cannot measure the price of fine delicacies based on their size- one must also take into consideration time, effort, and technique!
Everything that we put in our mouth was a celebration for our palettes . Not only will I take the drive back there but I will also recommend it to everyone I know!
You just have to taste and see to know that the owner-chef does this because of joy and not to make an extra buck!
I will gladly pay for good food and great service!