07/12/09

God Awful Customer Service

by gaeats

I arrived at Beleza 5 minutes before it open and was told to wait outside by the Bartender. Although their doors were open, and there were others (non employees) standing inside talking, laughing and having a jolly old time. No problem, I understand an establishments hours.

As I'm waiting outside one of the Beleza employees came outside and got me in a very apologetic manner and asked me to have a seat anywhere I'd like in the location.

Once I was seated (4 minutes later during serving hours). I had to walk up and asked for my order to be taken. And then I had to walk up for a 2nd time and asked to place my dessert order. I had to get the waitress's attention to pay.

I had the Shrimp Moqueca, and a dessert. The Shrimp Moqueca was good, but the dessert was not so hot.

I give the guy who came out and got me off the sidewalk 5 stars for doing his part for customer service.

But that one guy's efforts didn't over ride my total experience with Beleza. It's no way I will go back there. There are other restaurants with in walking distance (of Beleza) with better food, lower prices and customer oriented employees.

• Pros: Location
• Cons: Customer Service

04/07/09

Lounge Lizard Hot Spot

by KeithKNOWS

After an evening of groundbreaking performances by the Alvin Ailey Dance Theatre, my guests and I decided to dine out at a nearby restaurant, of course, most of the restaurant closed at 11pm, next choice a lounge/bar, we decided on “BELEZA” (means Beauty) on Juniper in Midtown. BELEZA Restaurant & Lounge is a trendy hotspot in Midtown known for it’s Brazilian flair small plates, creative cocktails, incorporating local and organic ingredients. As we entered the door, we were greeted by a friendly host, who escorted us quickly to our table. Bossa Nova, global beats filled the air, as we swayed back n forth in our plush, comfortable chairs. It’s a really cute, well designed..a bit small, however, cozy place to hang out with friends, grab a drink, a quick bite before or after the theatre. My guests and I, were starved, we decided on the same dish, Moqueca(Bahian Seafood stew, organic coconut milk, organic extra virgin olive oil, Mologueta peppers, cilantro, cashews) it was very good. To quench our thirst, we decided on a brazilian natural soda(Elderflower with lemon). I must admit, I visited Beleza on Friday also, where I devoured their Acai Sorbet topped with granola, fresh blueberries, and bananas. If you dig creative cocktails, small plates, funky entertainment on the weekend, Beleza is the place to be! Its sister restaurant is “Cuerno” which is next door, it features Flamenco dancing on Sunday and authentic Spanish tapas. Whatever you decide, you’ll enjoy every moment, minute, hour.

• Pros: networking, good music, creative menu

02/24/09

Beautiful BELEZA

by keithknows

After an evening of groundbreaking performances by the Alvin Ailey Dance Theatre, my guests and I decided to dine out at a nearby restaurant, of course, most of the restaurant closed at 11pm, next choice a lounge/bar, we decided on ?BELEZA? (means Beauty) on Juniper in Midtown. BELEZA Restaurant & Lounge is a trendy hotspot in Midtown known for it?s Brazilian flair small plates, creative cocktails, incorporating local and organic ingredients. As we entered the door, we were greeted by a friendly host, who escorted us quickly to our table. Bossa Nova, global beats filled the air, as we swayed back n forth in our plush, comfortable chairs. It?s a really cute, well designed..a bit small, however, cozy place to hang out with friends, grab a drink, a quick bite before or after the theatre. My guests and I, were starved, we decided on the same dish, Moqueca(Bahian Seafood stew, organic coconut milk, organic extra virgin olive oil, Mologueta peppers, cilantro, cashews) it was very good. To quench our thirst, we decided on a brazilian natural soda(Elderflower with lemon). I must admit, I visited Beleza on Friday also, where I devoured their Acai Sorbet topped with granola, fresh blueberries, and bananas. If you dig creative cocktails, small plates, funky entertainment on the weekend, Beleza is the place to be! Its sister restaurant is ?Cuerno? which is next door, it features Flamenco dancing on Sunday and authentic Spanish tapas. Whatever you decide, you?ll enjoy every moment, minute, hour.

• Pros: Funky vibes, Diverse crowd, convenient parking
• Cons: small menu