We live in the area part-time and visited this French bakery in Keene Valley for the first time on July 11. Unfortunately, the woman behind the counter seemed far more interested in starring in her own private conversation than serving actual customers.
When we arrived, there was only one other customer in the shop. This customer and the employee were engaged in a lengthy conversation--mostly about the employee herself--while we stood visibly waiting at the counter for an astonishing eight to ten minutes. We thought it was rude, but decided to be patient.
When their conversation finally ended, we assumed it might at last be our turn to place a simple takeaway order. How optimistic of us.
Instead, the employee continued pretending we did not exist. Then two new customers walked through the door and stood behind us at the counter. She walked quickly and directly past us (three people), warmly greeted them, and asked what they wanted. How rude!
At that point, we pointed out that she had skipped us. Her response? She knew we were there. This was delivered with a smirk and odd mannerisms, as though ignoring customers who had been standing at the counter for ten minutes was part of the bakery's signature French experience. Not even an apology, just a sneer. A place like this doesn't deserve business.
We should have walked out. Regrettably, we still purchased an item. The food turned out to be every bit as warm and inviting as the service: dry, bland, and remarkably forgettable.
The whole encounter felt like a deleted scene from Meet the Parents, starring Amy Hohn except the passive-aggressive ticket agent has relocated to Keene Valley and taken up residence behind the counter of a French bakery.
Save yourself the awkwardness and drive down the road to Cedar Run Bakery. The food is better--and, based on this experience, so are the basic manners. read more
