Self-Taught Vegan Chef :: Food Network Champion :: TV Host
This past weekend I decided to FINALLY use my Groupon for Mariebelle Cacao Bar/Tea Salon.
Before we get into the review of Mariebelle, let me just say that I bought this Groupon in August and decided to use it NOW only because I had remembered to star it in my gmail inbox. Otherwise, that would’ve been a complete waste of $15.
Anyways, so I had a $15 for $30 worth of food & drinks at Mariebelle. There are 2 locations: Broome St or 6th Ave, we went to the Broome St location, which is the original location. I did browse the menu before going, because I thought “how high can the prices be?” Well, the prices are reasonable for the food and drinks they serve, but if you look at them objectively, then it can seem a little pricey. That’s when the discussion of this Groupon comes in. As a post-undergrad, poor and still mooching off her parents girl, I’m on a pretty tight budget and Groupon lets me fine dine and wine without the rich people prices! I probably wouldn’t have eaten a MEAL at Mariebelle if it hadn’t been for the Groupon, because it’s honestly out of my price range. Hot chocolate prices range from $6-10, sandwiches from $8-14 and other entree items between $9-15. That being said, it’s a great place for brunch, lunch or that mid-afternoon (odd hour) snack!
Quick Rates: (out of 10)
- Food: 7
- Beverages: 9
- Service: 3
- Ambiance: 5
- Prices: 6
What I ordered:
Since with the Groupon I could spend a whole $30, I decided to go with my boyfriend for a mid-afternoon lunch. I mean, I could’ve eaten all $30 worth of food by myself, but I decided to not act obese and to take him along with me 🙂 Here’s what I ordered:
- Dark Hot Chocolate- small ($6)
- Tomato & Spinach Quiche ($9)
What Sagar ordered:
- Mochaccino- double ($6)
- Mozzarella Tomato Basil with homemade Pesto on a Pizza Bianca Panini Bread ($8.50)
I REALLY liked my Dark Hot Chocolate and it reminded me of when I had rich Hot Chocolate at Angelina’s next to the Louvre in Paris, France. All that was missing was a bowl of fresh whipped cream and raspberries! But the consistency and taste were near perfection. If you’re a chocolate connoisseur like me (yes, I am a self-proclaimed chocolate connoisseur), then you’ll definitely like Mariebelle’s Dark Hot Chocolate. Oh, also make sure to order dark- the true way of indulging in pure hot chocolate!
Sagar wasn’t too satisfied with his drink-I told him to get a Hot Chocolate, but of course he refused. Anyways, the Mochaccino wasn’t bad, it just wasn’t exciting. To be honest, it was worth the $6. It was something I could probably make at home- plus $6 is like $2 more than Starbucks!
My quiche was surprisingly tasty! I say surprisingly because sometimes I become quite flustered at restaurants and end up ordering something I really didn’t want. I ordered the quiche and 2 minutes later I got up to change it to the Leek & Goat Cheese Crepe (because I love crepes and thought this might complete my French-ish meal), but they had already started preparing my quiche. It came out on a rectangular white plate- a nice THICK and crusty slice filled with spinach, cheese and fresh sliced tomato. Accompanied with a garden salad tossed with homemade vinagerette. It was really good and very filling. It was definitely worth the $9.
Sagar’s sandwich was really good too! It was fresh thin slices of pizza bread, stuffed with layer fresh mozzarella, tomato and pesto, also accompanied with a garden salad. The portion was great- enough for a boy!
Overall, the Mariebelle Cacao Bar was a lovely experience- great for dates, couples, girlfriends or just to grab some hot chocolate to go! I don’t recommend going in a large group because the cafe is small. It’s a great atmosphere, and if you’re not looking to have a whole meal, they have an enormous selection of cookies, cakes and sweet treats to accompany your already sweet Hot Chocolate and Coffee beverages.
Some Complaints:
- Service: not so good. Slow, people who arrived after us were served their food/drinks before us. Also, the waiter had a bit of an attitude.
- Stuffy Seating: I know the atmosphere and feel is supposed to be European and quant, but the seating is WAY to stuffy- and my boyfriend and I are NOT huge people! I felt like I was sitting on top of the couple next to us. Not cool.
- Pricey: Prices aren’t ridiculous, but I probably wouldn’t go without a Groupon.
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