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| - With one exception, this place has the worst customer service of any restaurant that I've been to in downtown Tempe. I usually buy only baguettes here. But the last 5 times out of 6 visits, I walked out with nothing. Why? They were out of baguettes. They used to have a basket of baguettes near the register, then they went to a smaller jar, and now nothing. I've had to ask for a baguette at the counter. But lately, their response is," We are out of baguettes." When I ask why, they say they make everything from scratch and don't have enough to sell--they need them for sandwiches. They don't act or say they are sorry, just a dismissive, "we don't have any." It's as if they feel they are doing me a favor by making the bread.
A bit of history with this place: I was happy to read about Delice in the New Times about a year ago I think. I will eat a whole baguette as a meal. It is the only place in downtown Tempe that has (had?) fresh baguettes. They aren't the best baguettes I've ever had, but as mentioned, options are limited in Tempe. Last year, after about my 4th visit, I decided to try a salad along with my usual baguette. It was a mixed-greens salad with a mustard-based dressing in a small container. When I tried to pour the dressing onto the salad, it stayed stuck in the container. It was as thick as mustard straight from the jar. It tasted like it too. I took it back and showed the staff. I was told the dressing was too cold and that was why it was so thick. I got a refund. I can get a bigger, better salad for the same price down the street at Sack's.
So I stayed with my usual order of just a baguette. I am at ASU 5-7 days a week. I usually walk over around lunch time to get a baguette. But it has been hit and miss about getting one. Lately, mostly a miss. I hate it when I take the time to walk to a vendor and find that the sole item I want is not available.
This last Friday was the last miss. I asked for a baguette and was told there weren't any. I asked to talk to the manager and it turned out he was the person "helping" me at the counter. I ran through my spiel about being irked when I've made multiple trips there only to be told they are out of baguettes. He was dismissive about my complaint and suggested I call ahead to see if there is bread. I don't own a phone so that doesn't work.
I walked out, but I did get a cheerful, "Have a good day" ringing in my ears as I left the place empty handed. I guess it's time to start baking my own bread again. I don't see any reason to waste time going there when it is a crap shoot trying to buy a loaf of bread.
I mentioned at the beginning that there is one exception to the bad customer service at this place. The exception is a dark-haired girl who is sometimes at the counter. When she sees me walk in, she already knows I want a baguette and is quick with the service. For some reason or coincidence, they have never been out of baguettes when she has been working. This place needs more people like her and less people who feel they are doing us a favor by being open.
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