Laura M.
Yelp
This place is an example of how things can go awry if expectations and experience are out of whack--and not in the right direction. I visited for lunch today on a bike ride--I'd seen their signs on the path, so I looked them up on Yelp, and saw that most people seem to like them. I also looked up their menu ahead of time, and saw that they offer soup in a bread bowl and macaroni and cheese--two of my favorite comfort foods with particular appeal at this time of year, when it's getting cooler. According to their website, they're open on Sat. until noon, so I timed my ride so I could stop by.
Upon finding the place (which took some doing), I walked in and stood by the counter. There were several other customers, and one employee was busy getting their food, and the other (an owner/manager, I assume) was chatting with them (I assume they're regulars). After several minutes, the owner/manager asked me if I'd been helped, and I told him I hadn't, so he asked me if I'd prefer to eat in or take out, and I told him I'd like to eat in. He told me I could have a seat and the other employee would be right with me to take my order, so I picked a table and sat down. The table had a menu at it labeled "Saturday Menu" that had the same selections listed as the website. When the other employee came over after a couple of minutes, I asked her what soups they had. She explained that they don't offer soups on Sat. Unfazed, I asked her about getting a sandwich/side combo, and she told me that they don't offer sides on Sat., either. She then proceeded to tell me that they only offer breakfast and lunch sandwiches on Sat. (Umm, then why are sides, soup, etc. listed on the "Saturday Menu?") I asked her if she had a recommendation, and she said that she liked all the sandwiches she'd tried. I asked her what she thought of the muffaletta, and she said she hadn't tried it yet, but since I hadn't ever had one, I decided to order it.
The sandwich came out after a few minutes. According to Wikipedia, muffalettas are traditionally served cold, but can be heated--this one came as a panini. I thought the flavor was decent, though, as I mentioned, I don't have a standard to judge by. When I finished, my waitress came by and asked if I wanted anything else. Since this place is known for their baked goods, I checked what was available, and a cinnamon roll muffin caught my eye, so I decided to get it. Without asking if I'd like it boxed up for takeout, the owner/manager boxed it up, so I paid and left. Upon arriving home, I heated the muffin briefly (as the owner/manager suggested) proceeded to eat it. The first bite was stale and bland, and I couldn't taste any cinnamon. Even the middle of the muffin contained very little cinnamon--the only saving grace was the cream cheese icing. Since it was the last one, I'm guessing that the muffin had been sitting around since at least yesterday. As someone who's no stranger to eating several-day-old baked goods, this muffin didn't age well.
Overall, I'm sorry to say that this was a rather disappointing lunch, in light of the lack of selection and food quality. I'm guessing that the food selection and quality--and possibly also the service--is much better during weekdays. Unfortunately, I live and work (9-5) in Oakland, so it's impractical for me to visit during weekdays. While I applaud the owners for opening the business in an out of the way location and for having some weekend hours, I'd advise them to be upfront about item availability on Sat. If you're only going to serve sandwiches and breakfast items on Sat., then please make a Sat. menu that includes only these items and post it on the website and at the tables. If you're going to bill yourself as a cakery, then please offer at least some fresh baked goods every day (including Sat.). As for potential customers, while this place may be worth visiting on weekdays, I'd advise you to stay away on Sat. until the management makes some changes. 2.5 stars.