In Review: The Old Spaghetti Factory

Old Spaghetti Factory

Johnston Terminal

The old spaghetti factory is a classic. It has the distinction of being in a beautiful building in one of Winnipeg’s top tourist attractions. It has a model replica of a street car on the patio. It is filled with antiques and a collection of stain glass that would make a church feel inadequate (although that is an exaggeration) but is certain to make you feel like you are in an old parlour somewhere in the recesses of 1912 (as long as you don’t over think it).

As a bonous they serve a beer that is exclusively made for them by Fort Garry Brewing Company: Cobblestone Lager and Cobblestone Pale Ale. The internet suggests that Cobblestone Lager is made by Granville Island. I couldn't be 100% sure either way. Regardless, it was citrusy, light, and enjoyable. Nothing special, but it was worth ordering.

Apart from the Cobblestone Lager, my wife and I ordered:

·         1 Mojito

·         Veggie Lasagne

·         Spaghetti with Browned Butter and Mizithra Cheese, a la Homer

What came along with the order:

·         Classic Sourdough Bread (with whipped garlic and plain butter)

·         Greek Salad (for an extra 2$)

·         Regular Salad (with raspberry vinaigrette)

·         2 servings Spumoni ice cream

·         2 cups of tea

In other words, it was a whole heck of a lot of food for just about $50 (including a 15% tip).

The sourdough was very good, the Greek salad was night and day better than the regular salad, and the ice cream was delightful.  Of the two entrées we ordered the Veggie Lasagne was probably the better of the 2 dishes we ordered.

With 7 vegetarian options (which is a little bit intimidating) and even an entrée that looks vegan, as well as gluten free choices, and options for children, it would be pretty hard to find a reason you couldn't eat here. It’s a good price, the food is pretty good, and you get enough of it to feed an army (or me), and the atmosphere is fabulous. It’s a little piece of Winnipeg culture which might not warrant a special trip but so few of Winnipeg's food Meccas do. Like the (former) paddlewheel, and (former) kelekis, it was somehow comforting to know they were there when you needed them to be.

Until next time,