Pasta Pirate or The Flame

Last time I went to the flame, waiter was terrible. Slow service, he wasn't happy about the coupon, awful experience! I have been there several times, with really good experience, however, this one visit has soured me and probably will not be back!!

Last time I was at the Flame, mind you it was 4 years ago, there were three of us and our server let us use both the ACG and LVA coupons. It was her idea as I thought I could only use one. She saw my POV book(4 years ago!) on the table and said she would take them both as I had already given her the ACG coupon. The service was outstanding and the food excellent value. Sorry tfcoach72 had a bad experience but that seems to be a rare occurence and not the norm based on my four times there and the other responses to your post. Enjoy!

DF

I like both - The Flame is more in the line of fine dining and the Pasta Pirate is casual - Both are good values using our LVA Coupons - I'll be coming to LV in Feb and intend to go to both. L.

I'll probably end up calling, but we will have 3 couples (all LVA subscribers) eating at the same table. Is there a problem with using 3 coupons at the same table? There will be separate checks for each couple.

I have done 2 couples at same table, they were glad to do it. I'm sure they would do 3 couples.

Last Jan I ate at the Flame with two of my brothers and used the LVA coupon.When we were leaving the hostess came up to me and ask my name which I gave to her.I ask her why and she said that she wanted me her next husband.I laughed and told no one.I went back with a buddy in May with a ACG coupon and no reservation.I bet my buddy$10.00 she would remember my first and last name.When we arrived she said "Hi .... first and last name" He paid up which I handed it over.I`m not all that,so it was fun.

As others have said, it is hard to compare the two. We have eaten at both several times and they are both good in their own ways. Pasta Pirate is a really neat room with interesting decor--the name does not do it justice. And the food is very good. I think it depends on what type of food you are interested in.

I agree, very different kinds of restaurants. We never miss The Flame, real old-school experience, good food, consistently good service (except for one particular waiter, maybe the same one that Coach had, he's been there for a couple of years and I'm VERY surprised that he hasn't gotten canned yet; white guy, 40-ish, dark hair). Good beef, great king crab legs, great walleye pike (a real treat if you're not from the Great Lakes area). They used to be better about honoring multiple coupons (one time, I think they paid us to eat there); their current policy seems to be to not allow multiple checks, but to allow a large party to use multiple coupons and give a single check with a mandatory 18% gratuity (we always tip our waitress more than that, she's a peach).

Pasta Pirate is okay, reliable, not really memorable, and there's always a coupon. We like Redwood Grille better; their minimally-advertised porterhouse special is a good deal, and they've apparently moved a lot of the old menu over from the defunct Pullman Grille at MSS. Our favorite at the Cal, though (well, my favorite) is Aloha Specialties, the mom-and-pop Hawaiian place up on the mezzanine.

Never did PP but have done the Flame with coupon either MRB or ACG by myself.

Always a good steak, but they took the rib eye off the menu last time I was there.

I was told take off my hat please there are no hats allowed. Easy enough.

V

As jstewar22 says: "(except for one particular waiter, maybe the same one that Coach had, he's been there for a couple of years and I'm VERY surprised that he hasn't gotten canned yet; white guy, 40-ish, dark hair)."

That's the one----

As I said, have had some really good service and meals at the Flame and when it was Roberta's, but that one experience really put a damper on things. Will try Pasta Pirate in March.