Le Bistro - Cuenca

It took so long to bring the croissant that the coffee got cold... And the croissant was also cold.

About 8 indoor tables plus 6 outdoors. Came in at around 4pm on a rainy day. It was not full. There is no sign with instructions about seating. I approached the front counter. I stood there for about three minutes before an employee, who would later identify themself as “el encargado,” asked me what I needed. I politely asked whether it was open seating and, hence, would be able to take any of the open tables. They replied, “donde guste” (as you please). From my count, there’s 4 employees (1 front, 1 semi-front, 1 chef, 1 sous chef). Once seated, they told me (or warned me) that it would be about 10’ minutes before they could take my order. I was dreaming of a sumptuous crêpe and, since the place bills itself as a french bistro, I had no issue waiting. When it came time to order, I felt things starting to turn sour. I ordered the crepe confiture du lait (my favorite since its impossible to botch dulce de leche or manjar as they call it in Ecuador). Next, I asked whether they could make the hot chocolate with almond milk. El encargado’s reply, “trabajamos lo que es leche” (we only serve dairy). At this time and age, a place that charges $3.15 for hot chocolate should accommodate customers with allergies (you may be wondering, rightly so, if a client such as myself, who is going to have a crepe confiture du lait has a milk allergy). You are right, I don’t have an allergy, but me, like so many others, are highly sensitive to unprocessed milk. I wasn’t really annoyed by the bistro’s choice (who knows why they choose not to accommodate customers with food sensitivities; there’s no sweetener or stevia on the tables either), but I was definitely threw off by the framing of the response that I got. There wasn’t an “I am sorry, unfortunately, we don’t carry or serve almond milk; however, I could offer you a selection of juices or teas that you may find inviting.” I expected more customer service and less “this is THE way how we do it; deal with it.” Anyway, I was still dreaming of the crepe. I settled for a glass of mora juice and waited. I did tell the “encargado” that I would have expected them to kindly make suggestions for clients with food allergies or sensitivities. To which they replied, “this is what the business determines, not me.” I explained to them that it was not about the fact that they only use dairy for their hot beverages, but rather about the lack of customer service. I asked if there was a manager. They replied they were the manager. I asked whether I could have the contact information for the owner (in case I wanted to make suggestions afterwards such as the one that I’m posting on google right now). The owner is Thomas Bâcle (if you reading it, Thomas, hi). The crepe? The base crepe was solid: A pinch of sweet with a buttery texture that softly crumbles in one’s mouth. The filling: subpar. Not even distinguishable as confiture. Its body was caramel-like, the color butterscotch. Flavor-wise, it was lacking. The mora juice was one of the best I had in Cuenca (no acid aftertaste). While I was waiting for my order, I overheard “el encargado” getting other clients orders or checking them out. I was slightly surprised when I heard them use words such as “tal vez (perhaps),” “gustaría (would you like instead),” or “lo siento (I am sorry).” In situations such as this one, when I hear an employee provide to other customers the type of consideration I would expect them to provide anyone, I have but to wonder, “why not to me?” Often, I have to consider whether me being visibly transgender has anything to do with how I am treated. I can never know for sure. However, evidence is hard to disregard. May Le Bistro consider clients with food allergies and sensitivities in the future. Two tables (6 customers) left without being served (I am not sure why) while I was here. Yes, I did leave el encargado a tip.

Excellent location in central near the cathedral, in a plaza with other restaurants. Excellent choice for a good coffee , breakfast or lunch. Reasonable priced, very clean and well decorated. No Ecuadorian authentic dishes as it’s theme is more French cuisine however the end result somewhat international. Good espresso and selection of beers. All made to order food, servers very friendly and attentive. Had a Pollo panini which was ok, not very French, the baguette needs some work and the paninis grill lines were missing, however overall Highly recommended!

When I walked by the quiche cooling in the window, I knew we had to eat here. It was delicious as was the croissant, éclair, Nutella crepes, coffee and baguette we brought home! We will be back, next time I’m trying the tres queso panini and crème brûlée.

A nice place for coffee but mother’s food wasn’t great.