Yes, there's a vegan restaurant coming to the old Mi Scuzi location. It's called Sauce, and it's owned by Samantha Randall, who also runs the Sundae dessert truck .
"(Having a restaurant) has been my dream for many years now," said Randall, 37. "I know what I'm doing and I know I want it to be an immersive, sensory experience."
Not everyone in Erie is accepting her concept, and a recent Facebook post by Randall about her business plan has garnered passionate opinions both for and against it and her, personally.
The Sauce Facebook post
"No phones are allowed in Sauce," the post reads. "However, upon entering Sauce you will be able to have your photo taken before you get escorted to your table. The doms will have you sign the mistresses book and you will add your name to the secret sauce society. Your phones will placed in a velvet bag, you’ll get them placed on your table. Respect for our private intimate setting must be given. Intimacy and food are love languages and we want you to indulge in our food and each other. If photos are taken, you’ll be asked to leave.
"Reservation only. At the time you book your reservation you will be required to pay to secure your booking. No refunds. We have a reservation app that will go live on (Oct. 1).
"There is a dress code," it went on. "The energy is sensual seduction, dinner at a gothic French chateau in the 17th century, deadly, intoxicating and prominently rich. All Black. examples: black cocktail dresses or pant suits, Lace, VEGAN leather, velvet, latex, tulle. No jeans. No sweats. No khakis.
"Each table only seats two. If you’re in a poly relationship we can accommodate. You may also dine alone.
"Sauce is only for those 21 years and older.
"Sauce is an (erotically) charged sensual dining experience. Always keep this in mind.
"All doms as well as the mistress and her sacred space asks for respect at all times for everyone partaking, serving and slaying."
The uproar over Sauce
Many comments on the post were positive, and fans of the concept weren't hard to find. Others, however, were dripping with vitriol, and accuse Randall of intolerance and worse.
While she mentions "doms" and "mistresses," Randall went out of her way to say these titles are just plays on words and the establishment is just a restaurant with a unique ambience, as Room 33 in downtown Erie evokes the 1920s, or Oliver's on the bayfront has panoramic views.
Randall is unfazed.
"I've been planning this restaurant my entire life," she said. "I've waited for years to be able to do this and cultivate an experience for a demographic of people and helping the community."
She said she'll donate separately purchased materials to soup kitchens and homeless shelters in the equivalence of one meal for every meal served at Sauce. She is also working to make the restaurant at 2641 Myrtle St. not just vegan but also zero-waste.
"By dining with me, people will be helping the community in more ways than one," she said.
She expressed chagrin and pain in response to the negative posts on the restaurant's Facebook page.
"People hate and fear what they don't know," she said. "People are used to certain ways, and that's how they like to live their life. This is how I want to live mine."
She said the point of the rules she's put in place is to provide a new experience for her customers, and she's confident that those who try it will enjoy it.
"Things happen when time is right," she said. "And the time is right for this. I wish people would see the magic rather than be dismissive to what they don't know.
"It's going to be wonderful," Randall said. "You can't make everybody happy and that's perfectly OK."
The negative feedback hasn't dampened her spirits about fulfilling her dream for her restaurant.
"I'm excited," she said, adding that she believes there is a need in Erie for an experience like what she intends to provide. "One hundred percent, I'm the only one. And I'm going to be booked a year out."
Contact Jennie Geisler at jgeisler@timesnews.com . Find her weekly newsletter at profile.goerie.com/newsletters/erielicious/ .
This article originally appeared on Erie Times-News: New vegan restaurant post stirs excitement, controversy; Sauce owner excited, determined
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