Cafe Fleuri

This place is beautiful. However, despite the hotel's British roots, the Langham Hotel is HORRIBLE at tea service.

The staff is disorganized and far from polished. We had reservations, but they were slow to figure out where to seat us in the mostly empty dining area. They asked if we'd like a table by the window while walking us toward them. Then, the staff member told us to sit at another table while he set a table by the window. It was awkward. Waitstaff clumsily cleared the table we were sitting at while we perched there uncomfortably still in our coats. A few minutes passed and a window-side table was finally set. When we were motioned over, we sat and waited several more minutes during which I noticed that the tablecloth was only 'somewhat' clean. Several more minutes passed before we were handed menus. By the time a waiter showed up, we had been there 20 minutes past our reservation time of 3pm -the beginning of their tea service. The waiter, without introducing himself, apologized for the wait by saying that he had been "trying to wait on an Italian man who don't speak no English". I asked about the differences between 2 of the tea offerings. He had no idea and didn't offer to find out. I ordered one type of tea and 'The Windsor Castle' for myself and my 10 year old companion. He couldn't tell me how much food that was. He never mentioned that the teapots were only 2 cups each. When the food arrived ages later, I was greatly disappointed. It looked thrown onto the stacked display. I asked him for tea for my companion and a different one for myself. He only brought one. As for the food; 3 mini open-faced sandwiches, 2 cold, bad scones with cream and jams & 7 tiny desserts. The sandwiches were sad, bland and tiny --certainly not enough to share. And one of the pastries was burned!

On the positive... the tea itself was decent. That's the only thing they got right.

Posted 04/16/07

This was a terrific brunch. The setting was elegant, but not stuffy. Folks were dress in everything from casual to Sunday best. The wide selection of food included standard breakfast items, an ample seafood bar, carving stations, crepes prepared to order and everything inbetween. All was of superior quality and presented well. On the downside, the jazz ensemble was situated in the room with the buffet tables and we could not hear the music when we were eating because we were in one of the two other dining rooms. The constant shuffle of people and waitstaff by our table, was a little distracting, but overall I would highly recommend this brunch.

Pros: excellent food, beautiful setting, attentive waitstaff

Cons: couldn't hear jazz, slightly expensive

Posted 03/11/06

I had a comparable brunch at the Peacock Alley @ Waldorf Astoria, Cafe Fleuri simply blew WA away. Food selection was extensive, quality was excellent, ambience was airy & pleasant. I'd go back again if I can afford it.

Posted 08/01/02