[PennBF]

Regarding the comment that the "Food may have been cooked Italian style".
I have spent a great deal of time in Italy both traveling over the years and spending time in a Villa South of Florence near Lugano. I am familiar with Italian cooking and the practice of not providing the same amount of sause as they do in the US, (e.g. a portion just on top of the pasta). Given this knowledge it makes the fact that I thought they were being very short on providing sause on the pasta we ordered to go was based on some true Italian experience and not just a shot in the dark.

[Sunshine Mary]

I well stick with the Olive Garden I know there food is GOOD

[The Villager II]

Originally Posted by PennBF

Regarding the comment that the "Food may have been cooked Italian style".
I have spent a great deal of time in Italy both traveling over the years and spending time in a Villa South of Florence near Lugano. I am familiar with Italian cooking and the practice of not providing the same amount of sause as they do in the US, (e.g. a portion just on top of the pasta). Given this knowledge it makes the fact that I thought they were being very short on providing sause on the pasta we ordered to go was based on some true Italian experience and not just a shot in the dark.

Well, then I would say that experience comes from Italian fast food and not find dining. I spend a fair portion of my life in Italy, and my Italian mother always cooked the home country way, which is very little sauce on very good pasta.

[PennBF]

I will stop this silly discussion regarding sauce on pasta. My wife's relative owned a restaurant in Rome, some lived in a village (Arce) just south of Rome between Rome and Naples and I am sure all would be totally insulted to hear they may be "fast food" people. In fact when we were in Arce they killed fresh chicken, have their own wine, all fresh veg's and their pasta was true hand made Italian. As originally said the amount of sauce was less than I would have expected on a good Italian pasta dish but rightfully not at the level that would fit the mold of American expectations. I did think their [Luigino's's] sause was good (see original note) but felt they skimped just a little too much on a to go pasta dish.
Having said all of this I will cease participation in the silly subject and go on to more meaningful and interesting issues.
As an aside and a humorus story. We were living in a Villa in Tuscany and bought our groceries in town. I bought a ceral which was American and excellent. When we returned to the States I bought some and it was different than the one in Italy. I call the Co. in Grand Rapids to inquire why
there was a difference and they told me that tastes differ between countries so the cereal I received in Italy, (same name and advertising) was not the same as in America. So much for believing advertising.

[Bill-n-Brillo]

Regardless of where we go and have a pasta dish of any kind, I always order it with the sauce "on the side". That way I can dole it out to my taste - - - I like very little sauce.

Bill

[The Villager II]

Originally Posted by Bill-n-Brillo

Regardless of where we go and have a pasta dish of any kind, I always order it with the sauce "on the side". That way I can dole it out to my taste - - - I like very little sauce.

Bill

Now thats the best idea I have heard lately. I always seem to have too much sauce when serviced pasta IN AMERICA. LOL.

[Uptown Girl]

As we all know down deep inside, every kind of ethnic cooking varies in style, presentation, and ingredients from region to region. Even mineral content in water and soil can change flavor from region to region.
As many know, there are some places in Italy where pasta is NEVER served as a main course, as it is here. But we like what we like... and that's fine.

I know this thread was about skimpy sauce on a take out order. That was unfortunate and I am sure the experience was disappointing.... especially when you are anticipating something wonderful. But I wouldn't consider the restaurant a failure because of it.

Hubby and I have had good experiences there, and at many other places around. Some places we liked better than others. We go where our taste buds are happiest....
If the place is clean and we see people striving to make things work well, they have our respect. Owning/running a restaurant is no small feat. Besides a huge investment, your name and reputation is on the door. I can't imagine that any owner in their right mind would go that far and then risk it all by being stingy on purpose.

[PennBF]

I agree with you and would go back as the food was fine and the sauce we very good..Would not just order take out again..

[BlueHeronFan]

A resturant without repeat customers, is doomed for failure.

We went once with table of 8. Will not return. Nuff said.

[kentucky blue]

Originally Posted by PennBF

I agree with you and would go back as the food was fine and the sauce we very good..Would not just order take out again..

I went today to check it out for myself.Food was very good and service was just fine.Can't understand people who go just once and say they will never go back.Give the new restaurant a chance to establish itself and work out the problems.My favorite restaurant in Lexington sucked the first time i went,now it's the best in town.

[PennBF]

It is interesting to see some of these notes. We actually went there today for lunch and it was very good and not too pricey..I had one of the specials for Wed and it was very good. I am sure there are some dishes which are not terrific but so far we have had 4 different dishes (lunch) on various weeks and they were all good. I was not excited with their "to go" stuff but eating at the establishment has proven to me to be very good.

[paulandjean]

Geezzzz,Give them a chance. So you had one bad meal,try another. I am sure mom and dad prepared something you do not like.Its not your last meal. "Lighten Up" Be nice its the holidays.

[jojo]

A group of us went Saturday evening. We were slow to get seated because folks just sat at the table they had reserved for us after their dinner. Everyone - 7 of us - liked our food. Service was just OK. They were packed. Would definitely go back.

[tommy steam]

Is this place located in LSL..on the cornor with an out door bar?
Thank, T

[KathieI]

Originally Posted by tommy steam

Is this place located in LSL..on the cornor with an out door bar?
Thank, T

No, its in Spanish Springs. On the corner opposite Marg. Republic right across the street from the square.

Four of us went a few weeks ago and the food was good, not great, service very slow that we had to ask another server to help us, but the worse part was my booth seat was the Most uncomfortable seat I have ever sat on. I told the manager about it as I thought it was broken and he didn't seem to be very concerned about it.

I will go back just to give them another chance, but not with any sense of urgency.