Yifei Du (Cathy)
WR100 Professor Kim
10/28/14
Paper3–Observation of a Special Café
Tatte, a rustic but modern café, locates at 1003 Beacon Street. It sells different types of bakery, cookie, cake, sandwich and coffee. The location is very convenient for people since it’s near the subway station. I consider Tatte café as a special café because it keeps the taste of original Europe and it focuses not only on high quality food but also on services and environment.
I went Tatte café on Monday morning and Sunday morning and the situation that I observe is totally different. On Monday morning, people seem very busy and energetic, buying their breakfast and having a quick bite, so it’s not hard to find a seat and eat indoor. But on Sunday morning, people seem lazy and relaxed, buying their brunch, chatting with each other and seating for one afternoon.
When I interview with the customers, I find that almost everyone approves the food that Tatte serves have high quality and keep its uniqueness. “If you miss European café and a rich Israeli or French breakfast, this is the best option around!” This is from a European American who has an acute taste towards coffee and food. In fact, a lot of café in Boston are very much the same because they all adjust their food and coffee to the taste of American so that they lose the original quality. However, Tatte is different. It keeps its own style to attract more and more people who come from Europe or prefer the taste of Europe. “Coffee was one of the best I’ve ever had. I went to Italy this summer and I must say that this was the best cappuccino in America. I would recommend and will definitely love to go back!” We see that not only Europeans miss the taste of their hometown; a lot of Americans are addicted to the European style café.
Do people spend their money just on drinks and foods that have high quality and contain the European style? The answer is no. People spend their money also on the high-rate service and comfortable environment. The atmosphere of Tatte is incredible since the owner clearly has an eye for details. Handwritten chalkboard menu is the first thing that comes into my sight. Then the lights along the ceiling, the beautifully bloomed dahlias along the tables, and the arrangement of all the pastries are also super-unique. The branding of “Tatte” is on mugs, napkins and pastry packing. Even the Wi-Fi passcode is printed on little sheets of paper to the corner of every table. It’s really sweet when I find it. Tatte café always has great music playing. The music is soft and cozy, letting you want to stay for longer and longer. The service in Tatte café is as superior as its food and environment. The server is very helpful and kind since he guides me by asking me what kind of flavor would I like when I have no idea about what I want. He carefully pick the cake for me since all the instruments for holding food are dedicate and expensive.
Many people say that Tatte is a great place to sit and chat with friends. “If you are looking for a quaint bakery with a comfortable atmosphere, look no further than Tatte café. I come here almost every week with my friends. We order brunches and coffees, talking about what happened in one week, and sometimes we have a sweet double date here! It’s really nice!” This is from a university student who loves Tatte and always comes here. Indeed, the atmosphere in Tatte is quite and calm. It’s not like the normal café. For example, in Starbucks, people will stop by and buy a coffee before they work or study. I find it’s a kind of routine for American and people who live in America. But why people choose to enjoy their beautiful Sunday on Tatte instead of Starbucks? People who are interviewed with me say that there is a huge difference between Starbucks and Tatte café. They will not stay in Starbucks for a long time because they think it’s crowded and clamorous. Starbucks indeed have some delicious desserts and tasty coffee but it’s not an exquisite place for people to relax themselves.
Although bakery and café are everywhere in America and the price of Tatte café is remarkably higher than others, people still want to spend their money on it because of the quality and unique food, first-rate service and comfortable environment.