We went in and inquired about dessert.  They seated us in their newly remodeled bar area at a table.  The four of us ordered three Blueberry Ice Creams and one Cheesecake for a total of four servings.  The ice cream consisted of 2 scoops, and we found it to be creamy and tasty.  The cheesecake, though quite small and not as excellent as what you’d get at Ambrosia, was good.  But then we got the bill – $27.  Ouch. 

At a nice restaurant, we’re prepared to fork over 4 or 5 bucks for a really fancy dessert.  Our son is a pastry chef, and has worked in top New York restaurants, so we’re aware of fine dining desserts.  But Baldwinsville, whatever its merits, is not a city, is not in an area of top-tier real estate, and is not surrounded by a thriving scene.  So we felt that an average of $6.75 per dessert was uncalled for.   Again, compare this to Ambrosia, which is in the thriving Armory Square area, amongst nightlife, in downtown Syracuse, next to the MOST theatre, and has its own nightclub.  Paying real money for dessert makes a lot more sense at a place like this.

The owner had actually spoken at length with us earlier, having been acquainted with one member of our party.  We inquired with the waiter, who went to speak with the owner.  He came back, saying something about having pressed the wrong button.  The new check was reduced by a whopping 3 dollars, and though just 20 feet away, suddenly the owner had no interest in speaking with us anymore.  Maybe that’s what the max discount is if you complain and the owner knows you?  We paid, and left a decent tip for the waiter; it certainly wasn’t his fault.

Hey, it’s a free country, and maybe the owner wants to recoup some of that remodeling cost.  But we’ll be thinking long and hard before going back again.  And based on his behavior, I would guess that it doesn’t matter to him one bit.