Boulette's Larder

02/17/2008 Posted by LMG321

After waiting 30+ minutes for a table at the tail end of brunch service today my party of 7 sat down and enjoyed a decent (if over-priced) meal with friends visiting from overseas. After a friend paid the bill (which apparently already included a 16% or 18% service charge), we got up to leave. The busboy staff swooped in an took it upon themselves to take the $4 cash change from the cash payment of the bill and without any thought we told them to go ahead (thinking we'd also already paid an additional $20+ in service charge/tip). We began to walk away and were approached by a short-statured man who worked at the restaurant, and at first he asked nicely if the service was OK. We said yes and he then got quite aggresive and waved the $4 we'd just given the busboy in the faces of my overseas guests and said "In this country, our waitstaff has to pay taxes on their tips and you are only giving them THIS? That is all you are paying them to wait on you all this time?" What the ...? But the member of our pary who had paid the bill had left to use the restroom so the remaining friends didn't realize he'd already tipped via the service charge. So, faced with this aggression they gave an additional $20 cash. Afterward, we compared stories and learned that the waitstaff played us for not only the service charge and change from our cash payment (both totally acceptable) but also by sending someone else out and cornering a different member of our party who hadn't seen/paid the bill, they scored another $20. Now come on! Overpriced food and snooty-ness aside, is swindling your customers necessary? It was rude and embarrasing to hear this recounted from our friends who now will go back home with this experience part of their vacation stories of when they visited San Francisco. I am embarrased I took them to this place and will NOT frequent again. What a horrible way to treat customers! Pathetic and not worth the over-priced food.

Pros: tasty food

Cons: horrible/dishonest service; over-priced; sold out of 50% of menu

06/06/2007 Posted by agentred

This is my favorite place in the morning when I want to zone out, eat a hearty oatmeal with huge plate of topping choices, and sit by the warmth of a kitchen with preparations underway for the busy day. During lunch, I always request one of the individual tables in the hallway and always have decent service there. Nobody is fawning over you, but you get your bread, water, menus, and meal. I don't recomment coming with a party larger than 2. If no tables are available, I order carryout from the lunch menu. You can walk around while the carryout is prepared (10-15 min). However, the cashiers/front counter staff are really bad at multi-tasking and don't speed up people that are endless undecided browsers. The food is just plain wonderful and will keep me going back when the crowds are not enormous.

Pros: Wonderful food

Cons: Crowds, lots of slow undecided browsers

02/12/2007 Posted by crimmera

I've had things 'to go' from Boulette's Larder several times, but haven't made it in for a proper sit down meal. So I am familiar with the communal table, the flimsy chairs, and the slightly haughty attitude of the waitstaff. Still, we had a terrific meal. I didn't realize that Boulette's didn't serve wine, so I nipped down the Ferry Building to the wine merchant their to select a nice little half bottle, once we'd settled on our order. The waiter accomodatingly opened the wine for us, provided glasses, and didn't charge for corkage. We had a terrific lunch of pulled pork sandwich with coleslaw - seemingly mundane by Boulette's standards, this was elevated through the use of pimenton de la vera (which I will try in my next batch of pulled pork). An excellent flavor combination, even if a bit untraditional, which is where Boulette's really excells. My beef tongue with puy lentils, and tiny pasta, was absolutely meltingingly delicious. My friend is still recalling this dish days later. I am not a huge fan of tongue, but know how well this type of meat (cheeks, tongue, etc.) can be used, which is what tempted me towards something I would generally be put off by. Desserts and coffee looked delicious, but I'm afraid we're regulars at Miette, so we had to pass. An absolutely terrific meal, and my friend and I are planning our next visit.

Pros: Rickety tables, short menu

Cons: Amazing food - that's what you're here for!

11/14/2006 Posted by queenlaurinh

We came here for sunday brunch last weekend and after waiting 30 minutes for a seat, we got a call from the hostess saying we had a seat at the communal table. We showed up, gave our name and waited to be told we could sit down. Another couple shows up and the older waiter (who seems to rule the roost) decides to seat that couple where we were suppose to sit. When I mentioned it to him, he looked at me in disbelief and asked me who told us we could sit at the communal table. I pointed out one of the hostesses and he conceded and asked the other couple to get up. It did not end there, however. It was clearly his fault for not checking in with the hostesses before seating people, so I did not understand why he felt compelled to take it out on us. This waiter acted very miffed and proceeded to ignore us. He served everyone who came after us first before giving us our drinks and food. It took almost an hour to get our $14 scrambled eggs. The eggs were good but definitely not worth being made to feel like we were somehow at fault for his blunder. Fortunately, we were not in any hurry so getting an unexpected leisurely brunch did not hinder our afternoon plans. So, if you are looking to experience some interesting scrambled eggs and being able to take your time savoring every sip of your $5 orange juice and cup of tea, this is the place for you. Just don't forget to make it like you were the cause of his blunder and you will enjoy the same service.

Pros: interesting food

Cons: very rude waiter

08/05/2006 Posted by escaplevalley

This place is overwhelmed by its success. The cashier and waitress were rude and accused me of lying to them to get a table (get over yourselves!). $14 for a plate of eggs is just not worth it--especially when the staff are so hostile. The food is delicious, but why go when it's such an unpleasant experience?

Pros: Overpriced high quality food

Cons: Exceptionally rude staff

07/09/2006 Posted by jbrandon5

I recently went in for lunch, and ordered a tenderloin steak and heirloom tomato salad. It has been quite a while since I so thoroughly enjoyed a meal! There was incredible attention to detail in every ingredient, and the flavor and presentation of the dish was something I would expect at a high end restaurant. I agree that for a first timer, Boulette's can be a bit confusing, but give it a chance - you won't be disappointed!

05/17/2006 Posted by shakaZOLO

I agree that Boulette's takes a few visits to totally figure out. I also agree that the gentleman host can be icey cold. Indeed, this is a place for foodie elites. But, once you break through the chill, they offer so much for the culinary community. First and foremost, Lori and Amaryll offer excellent advice. If you are planning a dinner or party, grab them and ask for suggestions and you will leave with a bag full of wonderful foods. The breakfast and lunch are always outstanding, espcially the Beignets. The private dinners are one of the most unique and exception events you could have. Give Boulette's a second, third and fourth try and you'll see what I mean.

Pros: Amazing Food, Great Suggestions, Cool Events

Cons: Expensive, A Little Snobby, Confusing (at first)

04/07/2006 Posted by mixrg

My experience, without going into too much detail, leaned toward the average side. The food, while very tasty and creative, was almost cold upon delivery. Our host was not talkative at all so on his two visits to our table we had to initiate the conversation both times. This was after he initially took our entree orders and turned to leave before we had finished ordering our complete meal. I tend to enjoy a bit of hospitality from the host of an establishment, or at least a hello, would you like to know more about our menu? Understandably we skipped appetizers and dessert. My hopes are that service will improve. Boulette's has alot going for it. Poor service tends to make me not return, regardless of the food.

Pros: creative food, fresh ingredients, pantry selections

Cons: service, food consistency

09/07/2005 Posted by theeater

Boulette's is quite beguiling with it's gorgeous appointments, wall of spices and eccentric offerings, but one step inside and you'll wish you hadn't bothered. Besides the astronomical markups (you'll find many of the same products elsewhere in the city for less), ask the wrong question, or perhaps don't fit the mold, and the chilly response you'll receive from the owner is enough to freeze ice crystals in August! I love so many of the merchants in the ferry building, so it was quite surprising to find this place so elitist. Not mention that it's downright confusing--you'll have a hard time figuring out how to interact with it. Is it a cafe? a deli? a cooking school? a vanity project? Good luck!

Pros: beautiful space, exciting food

Cons: snobbish, expensive