The second Dine Out '09 experience was at a family restaurant, the Old Spaghetti Factory at Gastown. I went to the one in Whistler in Feb 2008, and honestly, I wasn't impressed by its food and service at all. However, the $18 menu seems rather decent and I wanted to give it another shot. With a little hope that it could redeem itself, I walked into the dinner without much expectation.
On Food
The food was actually not bad! I remember the pasta I had in Whistler was dry and lukewarm. Perhaps it's the sauce, or the cook, or something else, but this time around the taste has improved vastly. The food didn't blow me away or anything, but it's definitely at a standard where I would consider returning to the restaurant at a later time.
On Presentation
Because it's a family restaurant, it's not big on plating (see photos below). In a way, I think it's very appropriate given its positioning. I'd be surprised if I saw fancy plating just because it's "Dine Out"...
On Environment
It's very cozy in the restaurant. And I really liked the trolley car in the middle of the restaurant. I wish I had dined in the car!! While I was there, two groups of diners were to celebrate a birthday. I enjoyed listening to the staff sing "happy birthday" and how everyone in the dining room would clap for the birthday boy/girl afterwards.
On View
The street view of Gastown would have been nicer had it not been so foggy that evening. And the street became really quiet in the evening and it got a little creepy...
On Service
Great service, I must say. The server greeted us with a loaf of sour dough and garlic butter AND plain butter as soon as we sat down. Then came back with our order of drinks and took our dinner order. In addition to the attentive server, there was a bus boy who came and collected our dishes as soon as we finished them. It's not in a rushing way, but showing you that he had paid attention to the table and got them out of your way when you're done.
Old Spaghetti Factory - Gastown
Food: 8
Presentation: 6
Environment: 8
View: 8
Service: 8.5
Overall: 7.7
Photos
The Dine Out menu - it actually has more offering than what you saw on Tourism Vancouver's website
Each menu also comes with a choice of Green Salad or Minestrone Soup, making it a 4-course dinner.
Appetizer: Chicken Dipper
Appetizer: Boston Clam Chowder
Entree: Linguine with Thai Red Curry and Prawns
Dessert: Spumoni ice-cream
Dessert: Caramel Pecan Flan. Each meal also comes with a drink, coffee, tea or pop.
The 59-year old trolley car that was once a passenger car then a work car. Now it's on display at the restaurant.
