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| - I grew up going to the Old Spaghetti Factory in Gastown, in Vancouver. My boyfriend and I made the Calgary location our date night destination tonight. I had never been to this location. What a disappointment. The wait was reasonable:15 minutes. However, the hostess offered us full menu service and a "GREAT server" in the lounge, so we took her up on it.
To start, the air-conditioning seemed to be on full. Even on a warm-ish February night, it was overkill, and I had to keep my coat on. The server was friendly, if a little over-eager to up-sell every part of our meal. We ordered full meals and extra drinks. Our soup/salad arrived timely, but without the yummy sourdough bread that is a signature (and INCLUDED) part of Spaghetti Factory meals. We finished our starters, and were halfway through our entrees (which were cooked well, and arrived hot), when we expressed our curiousity about the bread. We were informed that we could have it if we wanted it. We did, and they brought it without an apology for the wait. There was no salt/pepper, nor was it offered.
We finished our meals and drinks when our server brought the bill. Again we expressed curiousity about the INCLUDED coffee/tea & ice cream. We were again informed that we could have it if we wanted it. We did. Coffee was brought, but the ice cream never arrived. After 20 minutes, coffees were finished, and we were tired of waiting.
When we expressed our disappointment in the lackluster service at the front, the same hostess explained that the lounge server was 'unique' and that things are a little different in the lounge. When we stated that had we known this upfront, we would have gladly waited the 15 minutes for a table, she did apologize, but that was the end of it. No offer for a discount. No effort to correct the service. We told them we will never be back.
And we never will. I will gladly wait for the few times I visit Vancouver and go for the original, quality experience
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