Cianci

the previous post (DELETED BY BARISTA) is all true. I worked there too, I was refused my pay for the last two weeks(including your generous credit card tips) after I couldn't show up to my last shift. They are dirty people in all uses of the word. Don't support their business.

I have to agree with both posts. I am also a former employee who recently quite because I watched them time and time again, unethically fire people and withhold pay for reasons left unknown. Once I found out the truth about their food and their business practices I no longer wanted to be a part of their establishment because I quickly lost respect for them. I have worked in the restaurant business for years and this was the first time that I saw people fired and removed from the schedule without prior warning. Then these people were told that they had to return their uniform in order to get their last pay. If that is not unethical I don't know what is. This is besides the fact but the bus boys only make $4/hr and are fired without notice as well so if they have families they are out of luck. To make it even worse everyone is paid under the table so none of these people have any chance of getting unemployment benefits if they are fired. I will never step foot in their establishment again, and I will continue to let people know the real truth about Cianci.

As another former employee of Cianci, and as an individual with 6 years restaurant experience and having never before left a job with less than a glowing recommendation, I was fired by the management at this establishment with no warning or reason. Perhaps all of these posts seem like simple, embittered servers who like to gripe about their former bosses, but I hold no grudge against Laura or Marilyn or anyone else from Cianci. I just want people to realize what is really going on there. Apparently, even though I told both the manager and the owner that I would be going on vacation, but that I would be back in time for my normal weekend shift, I was put on the server schedule for a weekday shift. I was already out of state and obviously could not come in to work, and the shift was covered by someone else, to no detriment of the restaurant. When I returned on Thursday and prepared to go in to work the Friday evening shift I had been working there since August, I was told that my name had been removed from the schedule with no explanation. I did not even receive a call letting me know that they did not want me to work there anymore. That seems rather cowardly and unethical to me. And to second others' comments, everything about the food is true, I would never eat there again because I don't find it to be clean, nor are the ingredients of high quality. I have seen customers return plates not only because of wilted salad greens, but also because the meat was off color or the chicken was raw inside. It is not worth the risk! Everything about the employees being paid off the books is true, especially the fact that even long time employees )who apparently may be fired for no reason, with no warning) are not able to collect unemployment for their families. Sadly, the story I'm writing is all too common among former employees at Cianci. I hope that the management there cleans up their business practices (and kitchen) and that current and future employees are treated fairly. Until that happens I will continue to strongly recommend that no one support the restaurant.

Comment deleted by BARISTA: Posters cannot attribute someone else's name to their post.

People reading your posts have no way of knowing if anything you say about Cianci is true. But please note the following about ANY rogue employer that does not withold taxes, social security, etc. -- If you're paid under the table, file and pay your taxes anyway. Identify them as the employer. File for unemployment, too, and identify them as the employer -- it's not your fault if an employer breaks the law. If let go for no reason, you are entitled to unemployment compensation. Similarly, you are owed the employer's share of social security payments.

Your filings should then cause appropriate investigations to be made by tax authorities -- problem solved.

Why would these people ALL post if they weren't telling the truth. It sounds like they are actually trying to make people aware of what this restaurant is actually like and how it is ran! I used to work in restaurants and know that the same kind of "what they don't know, won't hurt them" mentality is used in many of them. The last (meaning final) time I went to Cianci, I ordered the “broccoli and cheddar cheese omelet” without broccoli. When it came to the table, it had broccoli in it and was undercooked. I returned it, and when it came back, it was the same omelet, with the broccoli removed and thrown back in the pan to cook longer. When we received our bill, I noticed that the instruction of “no broccoli” was on the printed receipt, making it clearly the kitchen's mistake. Had I known about the lack of hand washing and gloves prior to this experience, I would not have eaten the omelet, which I am now sure they "fixed" with their hands. Also, Marilyn said she quit her job, which wouldn't allow her to file for unemployment. Secondly, by trying to receive instate tuition, it indicates that she has not been a resident of the state of New Jersey for more than 18 months, another requirement for qualifying for unemployment.

Wow... I am very surprised to be reading these comments as I am a former employee who had nothing but a GREAT experience at Cianci and I can't wait to go back this coming summer... I was treated fairly and both Laura and Marilyn are great people.. I believe by reading the first comment signed by "marilyn" the person who wrote that did not have the courage to put their name and instead put Marilyn's name. She is still the manager there and still doing a great job. Most of my customers were very pleased and always enjoyed what they had. I believe that the people who are writing these negative comments are disgruntled employees who are simply upset and have nothing better to do. I am sorry that they have posted something so negative in this public forum. Emily

PLEASE READ!!!! I am a customer and have been since Suzette!...now Cianci.. I have always had a great experience. The place is always clean, food is always fresh and the kitchen staff always wears hats and gloves... I am happy to say that I have something positive to write about Cianci European Eatery and always recommend it to my friends and family!

...I frequent Cianci at least 4-5 times a week for my Extreme sandwich and their soup of the day..!!! If you haven't been...you must go and experience...

Hey everyone, all those reading these comments, that is... This is the first time I have visited this site and I must say that I am indeed shocked at the comments left by these former employees. Although I am still currently employed at Cianci, I beg to differ on what these former employees have commented on. I am a strong believer on the notion that the only reason these individuals have posted such heinous comments on this establishment is simply because they got fired. What bothers me the most however, is not only the fact that they bashed this place along with those who run Cianci, but it's the fact that these individuals left such negative comments on the food served, when all during their employment they were graciously given a free meal at the end of their shift and, from experience, they sure enough did enjoy the meal, being that these individuals would dine on their day off as well. I must say that all employees at any establishment have their share of problems with employers however not all restaurants give their employees free meals or so i have been told by others whom have worked in other food related businesses. I would never hold a grudge with my employers even if i were let go tomorrow, the fact that these women, both the owner and manager have worked their way up shows a lot of who they are, as well as the dedication given to this establishment. I love them and hope that all goes well for them especially in the franchising of this establishment. So for all those whom tend to listen to the advise given from employees, dine here.. not only do celebrities enjoy the friendliness of the staff but they love the food we have to offer and so will you. Don't hesitate, not only will you make our day, but we'll make yours, if you give us a chance. Enjoy all we have to offer... By the way, we have a dinner menu too... It starts at 5...come in for a good meal and a little romance provided by yours truly and some candle light romance to set the mood... *smile*

all i can say is "karma". the owners will get what is coming to them, hopefully in the form of an irs audit. since it is obvious that marilyn and laura have read this, let me just say that TAX EVASION IS A FELONY!

This just seems like a disgruntled employee.
I have been eating there since the day she opened as Suzetts. The owner Lara, her family and the employees are the nicest people and the food is always good. I have never had a problem and I have eaten from there more times than I can recall. I especially like their burger with the bacon, cheddar and bbq sauce as well as the extreme and the scirocco.
I highly recommned this place.

I am a current employee at Cianci and I guess it's my turn to express my thoughts on this establishment. I have been working for Laura and Marilyn for three months and I couldn't be happier with my employment. The feel for the restaurant is very welcoming and the staff is just the same. In regards to the management, I'd have to say that they are very professional while friendly all the while. I appreciate that I am approached immediately after I do something incorrectly. They voice their concern and from that I learn my lesson and continue working. It is a place of business and as an employee you have to go their to work. I like where I am and I like to work for them. No problems, no complaints. Do your job, accept constructive criticism, and enjoy a free meal at the end of the night.

vegetarians may want to avoid the soups because they contain chicken stock (made from powder), which does in fact contain chicken. the staff is informed that they are veggie-safe by the chefs, but i've stood and watched them add the flavoring...it is in a white container kept above the grills or sometimes the ledge above the crepe machines. vegetarians/vegans stay home and make your own soup. all they do is boil the veggies, puree them in a blender and add seasonings...but of course you'll leave out the chicken ;)
for those of you that will say i’m just a disgruntled employee, believe what you want.

We love this place - every time we have eaten here, the food has been fresh and consistently tasty, the service is friendly and quick, and the smoothies to die for! About the comments from "former employees" all I can say is that the current employees all seem pretty happy - when a place is badly run by management, you can usually tell in the employees' attitudes and service, all the people in Cianci seem very happy and professional!

I just wanted to say that I have been eating at Cianci since it was Suzette's and prior to the change loved it. Once the changes happened, I went there once with my husband, and we were seated in those uncomfortable one side booth, on side chair seats. It was uncomfortable so we asked to move to one of the 3 empty booths. We were told that on the weekends the booths were reserved for parties of four or more. So once the round table by the counter emptied, we moved there. Not two minutes after we switched seats did a party of two come in an occupy the booth we had asked to sit in. I got furious, and my husband thought about saying something. Then a bit later, on the way to the bathroom I noticed that a second booth was now occupied by a party of 2. At this point I told my husband that we should definitely say something as they were not accomodating to us even though my husband said he couldn't fit his legs under the table in the first place we sat. So he went to talk to a woman who we think was the manager, and she didn't really apologize, but our waiter gave us free desert because he said he felt bad. My husband got no satisfactory answer as to why one minute the booths were reserved for parties of 4 or more and the next minute other paying customers were allowed to sit there without having to complain about being too tall to sit at their very low tables. I thought it was the worst I have ever been treated at a restaurant, and any place that does that to people is screwed up somewhere in the area of customer service!!!

Aha....my sentiments and intuition may prove correct--as Suzette's morphed into Cianci, I noticed a decline in sanitary conditions, quality of food (I returned orders on so many occasions that the wait staff and management grew to know me) and an increase in negative energies, rampant running and screaming young children and personal indigestion.
I go there only infrequently to get a cup of coffee or eat a crepe if I dare. (Well, it is April, "the cruelest month...."
Certainly, with the plethora of fine and not so fine dining in the Church Street area, Cianci can be deleted. I will think before I chance it again.

I LOVE CIANCI IT IS THE BEST PLACE EVER!!!!!

I definately have no hard feelings against the owners and employees of Cianci, and truly, I was very happy working there for most of the 8 months I was employed. Also, many customers are happy with their food (particularly sandwiches and smoothies, the former specialties of Suzettes). They seem to have more trouble with dinner items. I have been a customer at Cianci since the day they opened as Suzette's and when I worked at Cianci I did enjoy my free meals (which were very generous of the employers to offer) and I was also a frequent customer on my days off. However, on many occasions I have seen outraged customers walk out because of poor food quality or inconsistent seating policies, or simply poor service because of it being very crowded or disorganized. Therefore, I wish Cianci the best of luck, but I do hope they clean up their kitchen because I have seen a lot of unsafe food handling and I know that their ingredients are not of a very high quality. They do indeed put chicken broth powder in the "vegan" soups (or they did while I worked there at least) so beware if that is important to you. Again, I was very happy at Cianci most of the time that I worked there and I thought that I had a great relationship with the owner and manager, but they proved me wrong by being extremely disorganized with the schedule and firing me without any notice or even a call to let me know. I have worked at quite a few restaurants in Manhattan and Montclair, all of which I happily visit to eat and say hello, and from which I was seen off with extemely high recommendations for my next job. Cianci has truly been my only unsatisfactory job experience, but whether people continue to eat there is up to them.

I have eaten at Suzette's/Cianci for the last two years and here is my experience: at both named places I found the smoothies to be rather sour (fruit out of season or not ripe). So I now only get the sandwiches and crepes. The crepes are delicious and the sandwiches have been for the most part very good. Lately I have noticed that the wait staff doesn't seem too happy (except the summer help seems upbeat) and have been known to argue over who gets what customer outside (or cutomer stealing). Also the food has been inconsistent this summer. My usual sandwiches sometimes come out with an ingredient missing without any indication from the waitstaff or kitchen. when I have asked what's going on, they say "oh we don't have carmel today." Seems unethical to serve a dish where one of the key ingredients is missing and pass it off as the same dish. After that I got a fanatic without pesto; that time they just forgot it and gave me some on the side. I don't know about the hiring practices of this place but I hope that it isn't true. Also, if there really is a growing problem as I have noted, then I hope it gets better not worse, I really enjoy those crepes.

I had breakfast here on Sunday. I ordered an egg white omlette which was excellent! my bf got a smoothie, which was good but a little chunky, it needed a few extra seconds in the blender. Overall everything was good, the waitress was attentive, and I would come back again.

Dirty roach infested shit hole, dont even get me started on the human rights violations going on.

Like many nearby restaurants, caters to the "I have way too much disposable income to use on crap" crowd.

So-so coffee, blah sandwiches. Way too pricey for a lite snack after a movie.

Do I need to move to Sussex County to get a good yet affordable meal?

just go across - plenty of good eats on the south side of church & no labor strife at any of 'em

I ate brunch here a few Sundays ago and was disgusted with the dirty walls, tables and server uniforms. This place should be investigated by the Health Department. What a horrible restaurant. I will never return and think this establishment is deplorable.

you people that have a grudge with Cianci should grow the HELL UP. Obviously you have issues in your personal lifes that you have to cut down someone else to make you feel better. Those who were fired this was probably the best job you have had, you crack whores.

You know, you never know who's watching. Both my boyfriend and I work for the Food Network in the city and will certainly pass along our experience here to our coworkers and friends.

We just returned from brunch at Cianci's and were entirely disappointed. We ordered two crepes (one with mushrooms & fontina, the other a nutella & banana) and waited nearly an hour for them to arrive. Our server forgot my coffee, the bus boy never refilled our waters and we just sat and waited. And waited. When the food finally arrived, there was no cheese in the crepe and my boyfriend's had no nutella. The side of bacon he ordered was deep fried. I mean, is there really a need to deep fry bacon? I sent back my crepe, ordered something else and watched as our server gestured to the manager about how she couldn't understand why I sent it back, and then watched as they both turned around so that the server could point me out. If the management knew what they were doing, they would have come over and apologized, but no such luck. I felt worse for a pregnant woman there with her husband who waited twenty minutes to get her juice.

Cianci's is the most ridiculous place I've ever had the displeasure of dining at. By the look of the interior decoration, the haughty faces of the mediocre waitresses, and the wasted time for food, you can immediately tell that the restaurant is striving to hard for "upscale", rather than striving for "friendly" and "humble".

I've eaten here once before with a friend and was shocked to see the manager refuse service to a man who wasn't "dressed properly". He had a five dollar bill in his hand, asking for coffee, and this woman shunned him! I understood that he appeared homeless, but to refuse him a cup of coffee, when he obviously had money to pay for it? It's immoral and rude.

I never returned there again after that. I paid over ten dollars for a sandwich I didn't even want to order. Apparently, they were out of a few things and some items on the menu were "out of stock". Morons. Try getting them in stock.

A great place to eat!

i like to go to Cianci because of the extensive outdoor seating. however, service is hit or miss -- sometimes i have a great server (like this past weekend when the server made up for the fact that the kitchen had forgotten to make our food without us even having to ask), and then sometimes the hostess ignores us for twenty minutes (is is because we don't look rich enough or something?). the latte's and cappuccinos are subpar, as well, which is too bad for a european eatery. however, i keep coming back for the ham and gruyere crepe. we take our french friends here when they're really jonesin' for a crepe, and they greatly enjoy themselves. my suggestions would be: better coffee products, and quicker refills on water, coffee, everything.

Too expensive for the service and decor. Food is OK, nothing special. The wait staff needs more training and the interior needs some sprucing up. Is anyone managing this place?

Had a crepe craving this weekend, but Bounjour M. was filled up, and we ended up giving Cianci a try. Didn't start out well as both glasses of water we were given had things floating in them and it took a while to get our juice. The crepes were decent, but nothing special (the fruit one I ordered had nice fresh fruit, but the crepe itself was too tough). I'd go back to try a sandwich or salad, but I'm leaving the crepes to Bounjour Montclair (when I can get a table).

Nobody does crepes like Bonjour Montclair.

Great lunch spot... Healthy choices and some interesting taste combinations make it a very cool place to eat. The wait staff was excellent both times I have been there.

I've been going to Cianci for years, more out of habit than anything else. They have a couple of salads I love to eat, and I'm a fan of any place that makes me want to eat salad.

That said, a lot of what folks say here rings true with my experience. There's one woman who works there who's been there forever--Miriam--and she is absolutely wonderful. Everyone else on the waitstaff is very hit or miss, and some of them are bizarrely bad. The goofy waiter with a beard (James?) recently hit on my friend during our meal, which seemed kind of inappropriate.

They do often try to pass off dishes that are missing key ingredients. Last time it was *salad dressing*. When I asked for it on the side, they told me they were out. Of salad dressing.

Ummm, yeah.

It seems to continue to do well thanks to its location and the fact it's been around for a while... but I wish the owner would put more effort into improving the consistency. I have spent a lot of money there over the years, and every time I have a questionable meal there or encounter another weird/inattentive/rude server, I wonder why I keep going back.

They should promote Miriam! I bet she's running the place anyway.

Kate, I have it on very good authority that the waiter you're referring to James [Rubino] is quite the flirt. He may have had a bigger incentive for hitting on your friend of course since that is the business he's in. He's good for a story (or storytelling) so next time you're there at Cianci ask him where he's living now, or ask him about his ex-wife in Long Island or ex-girlfriend in West Orange if you really want to be entertained by a good sob story over crepes and fresh squeezed juice. By the way, beware the sob stories (it's one of his M.O.'s), before you know it some poor unsuspecting gal might be feeling sorry for this quirky waiter and take him in. His girlfriend finally threw him out this month (July), and so he's constantly prospecting for a new (sucker) one.

A quote from Katie:
"I have spent a lot of money there over the years, and every time I have a questionable meal there or encounter another weird/inattentive/rude server, I wonder why I keep going back."
I've said it before on this site and I say it constantly to people who have complaints about restaurants. Why DO you keep going back to places when they're not very good or you find the staff annoying or (fill in the blank)? There are so many GOOD restaurants owned and operated and staffed by people who actually care about their customers, their experience, and their product. Why support those who don't? The fact that it's convenient isn't really a good excuse! In this economy it's harder than ever for individual owners to keep their businesses (of all kinds) running and still make a good profit. PLEASE stop spending $$ in any store/restaurant/coffee house/whatever where you ask yourself "Why do I keep going there?" after you leave!