1116 South Hemlock Street


Average Overall Rating:

(3 out of 5)

Average Coffee Refill Rating:

(2 out of 5)

(4 out of 5)

Review by: PDXovereasy on 8/21/2006

Overall Rating:

Coffee Refill Rating:

Expense Rating:

(read more at PDXovereasy.blogspot.com)

Grower Street Bistro's French Flair (Service Laissez-Faire)

To cap off a romantic overnight in Cannon Beach, we celebrated with brunch at the Gower Street Bistro on a delightful sunny Sunday. This French style bistro shares the ground floor of the Cannon Beach Hotel which shares in it's simple light and bright decor. As we waited for 10 or more minutes for service we commented on the nice wide plank flooring and tile inlay. After we placed a coffee order (one cup brewed, one cappucchino), we commented on the tin ceiling, the beautiful flowers outside, discussed current events and some 25 minutes later both drinks arrived. The server then returned to take our orders. Another 20 minutes later the food arrived.

Simple preparations with a French/Northwest twist. It seemed like mostly boutique/artisan-style ingredients were used. A big plus. The portions didn't overwhelm us, but at the same time there seemed to be enough served to savor. The roasted new potatoes weren't so much roasted as they were warmed, oiled, herbed and limply presented. And the sour dough bread was lightly buttered and similarly toasted (we'll come back to this point).

Now for those of you who read the Ground Rules know a few of the criteria used when critiquing.
1) Coffee - Coffee was fine. Not great, but fine. Plus, the 25 minute wait sure didn't help their rating. Fortunatly, the friendly folks over at the Sleepy Monk got us what we needed when brunch finaly got put out of its misery.
2) Vegetarian Menu Items - The vegetarian quiche was served with a side salad garnished with panchetta. I believe ham is a type of meat, even if it has a fancy multisyllabic Italian name. This clearly pissed off Amber, therefore a major rule violation.

Sure, rule violations are rule violations, but here's the kicker (though splitting hairs, I believe there's a principle at stake here). The reviewer's entree came with the choice of bread or potatoes. 1st: this shouldn't be an ultimatum. The reviewer believes it's a god-given right to get both. But, I digress; 2nd: the ala carte price of the bread was $2 and the potatoes $3.50.

When I ordered, I chose the potatoes and later asked for the sour dough bread - clearly expecting to be charged extra. But, when the bill finaly arrived (it was the most prompt item served us), we had been charged the ala carte price for the potatoes! Now if this restaurant is struggling so much for that $1.50 of extra revenue that it needs to bait-and-switch its patrons - then I'm happy to help them. However, after such slow service, I can only imagine why they're in such dire straits.

Go to this restaurant if you like bistro-style interior decoration as a complement to regional/sustainable cuisine. Just be prepared for laissez-faire service.



Award Nomination: Worst Service

Review #8314


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Reviews submitted here are meant to pertain to breakfast only. While Mr Breakfast cannot vouch for the validity of each restaurant review, he feels pretty good vouching for the excellent character of the residents of Cannon Beach, Oregon - who are primarily responsible for the review(s) you see above for Gower Street Bistro.