Havana reopening when? Now Open!

[Ohiogirl]

Did a search, but didn't find anything new, maybe I missed it. In today's help-wanted ads is one for food service - says a "new concept" restaurant and to apply at Lopez Legacy. I had heard somewhere that the new management for Havana is the current management at Lopez.

Another friend had told me it would be months before reopening, but since they are advertising now for employees, doubt that is true.

Anyone?

[KathieI]

Did a search, but didn't find anything new, maybe I missed it. In today's help-wanted ads is one for food service - says a "new concept" restaurant and to apply at Lopez Legacy. I had heard somewhere that the new management for Havana is the current management at Lopez.

Another friend had told me it would be months before reopening, but since they are advertising now for employees, doubt that is true.

Anyone?

I believe it should be reopening soon, my friend was already hired as a waitress, she had worked there before the new management. I think she said they will reopen in April sometime. Yes, the new owners of Havana are the current owners of Lopez. We are hoping for a wonderful new place for dinner now.

[buggyone]

I was talking with a young lady who has been hired there. She told me it was April 15.

It will be called Hemmingway's at Havana.

Owned by the same person as Lopez - it will be excellent.

[RErmer]

Wasn't this the original concept of the restaurant when it first opened (and failed, due to the bad food and service) - or am I mis-remembering (which happens to me more often the older I get).

[graciegirl]

Wasn't this the original concept of the restaurant when it first opened (and failed, due to the bad food and service) - or am I mis-remembering (which happens to me more often the older I get).



I am guessing since one of the nines of the golf course is called Hemingway that the "theme" was Cuban and of the era of his living there. AND the other nines are Kenya and Kilamanjaro.

I know nothing about Cuban food, but I do know that a good cook can cook anything and a good manager can manage anything.

I don't remember clearly either exactly what happened but there was a great chef on board there five years ago, at the beginning, and for about three weeks and then Poof he was gone and the rest is history.

[buggyone]

The chef's name was Poof? Sounds like a magical dragon. :ho:

Hey, my golf got cancelled today and it isn't nice enough to get to the driving range.

Anyhow, I really hope the new restaurant is a big success so there can be something of Lopez quality at the Southern end.

[Bonny]

A friend just got a job there and is starting her training Saturday. Today she said April 9th. they will open.

[Bonny]

I am guessing since one of the nines of the golf course is called Hemingway that the "theme" was Cuban and of the era of his living there. AND the other nines are Kenya and Kilamanjaro.

I know nothing about Cuban food, but I do know that a good cook can cook anything and a good manager can manage anything.

I don't remember clearly either exactly what happened but there was a great chef on board there five years ago, at the beginning, and for about three weeks and then Poof he was gone and the rest is history.
I think you may be talking George Steller.

[jhrc4]

The chef's name was Poof? Sounds like a magical dragon. :ho:

Hey, my golf got cancelled today and it isn't nice enough to get to the driving range.

Anyhow, I really hope the new restaurant is a big success so there can be something of Lopez quality at the Southern end.

It is " Puff " the Magic Dragon :sing:

[jhrc4]

A friend just got a job there and is starting her training Saturday. Today she said April 9th. they will open.

I really hope that that " Her " isn't going to Sing ..:blahblahblah:

[jhrc4]

I believe it should be reopening soon, my friend was already hired as a waitress, she had worked there before the new management. I think she said they will reopen in April sometime. Yes, the new owners of Havana are the current owners of Lopez. We are hoping for a wonderful new place for dinner now.

Perhaps Lunch as well. I understand that during the job interview the First questions asked is " Can You Sing " if the person's answer is NO...it is an automatic Hire. ZERO Singing .

[Bonny]

I really hope that that " Her " isn't going to Sing ..:blahblahblah:
???

[PaPaLarry]

According to a spokesperson for Legacy Restaurant (where we had dinner last night) he said the restaurant will have Cuban and South Florida recipes. He mentioned the chef that runs Legacy will be running Hemmingways. He said they want the dining room atmosphere, somewhat like Legacy. They are changing kitchen right now to update for easier operation in Cuban recipes etc. It could be finished within 2 weeks, but not setting a certain date, in case they will not be prepared. If you like Legacy (he said) you will like "Hemmingways" (new name). He was very generous in his information, without having to be quoted, per say. I thought he mentioned about an outside bar ( but not too sure) I was on my second wine then! hehe Anyway, it sounds good, and can't wait for the opening. A few recipes at Legacy, will be available at Hemmingways. I hope we all give them the time to get situated, and get the wrinkles out, before there are criticism's. !!!!!! Let's wish them well

[Skip]

I think you may be talking George Steller.

No, George Stella. He's still around.

Skip

[Bonny]

According to a spokesperson for Legacy Restaurant (where we had dinner last night) he said the restaurant will have Cuban and South Florida recipes. He mentioned the chef that runs Legacy will be running Hemmingways. He said they want the dining room atmosphere, somewhat like Legacy. They are changing kitchen right now to update for easier operation in Cuban recipes etc. It could be finished within 2 weeks, but not setting a certain date, in case they will not be prepared. If you like Legacy (he said) you will like "Hemmingways" (new name). He was very generous in his information, without having to be quoted, per say. I thought he mentioned about an outside bar ( but not too sure) I was on my second wine then! hehe Anyway, it sounds good, and can't wait for the opening. A few recipes at Legacy, will be available at Hemmingways. I hope we all give them the time to get situated, and get the wrinkles out, before there are criticism's. !!!!!! Let's wish them well
This is what they said in the write up in the paper last week.

[Bonny]

No, George Stella. He's still around.

Skip
Yep, I don't know why I wrote Steller. :(

[Ohiogirl]

Thanks, all - nice to get the lowdown!

[schoochntl34@yahoo.com]

It will be very interesting to see what comments you will all say regarding the new restaurant. Just saying......................

[skip0358]

I for one hope they're very successful as they're right down the road. Great location an outside bar would be a great thing. Your also right let's give them a chance to get settled in before we start bashing them. Try and remember back when we started working, it took us all a while to get our acts together. JMO

[Ohiogirl]

Are they putting in an outdoor bar?

[bonitaboy]

Are they putting in an outdoor bar?

They are opening next Monday(April 7th) and they will have an outside bar. Happy hour till 6:00 P.M

[Cathy H]

Lopez quality? Then you will be blown out by Lopez prices. The local folks can't afford that.

[ilovetv]

Lopez quality? Then you will be blown out by Lopez prices. The local folks can't afford that.

Lopez is always full of people who live here, plus their guests.

People will pay for good food and service and there's no reason why Havana can't make it in the middle of the built-in market they're situated in.

[Russ_Boston]

Lopez quality? Then you will be blown out by Lopez prices. The local folks can't afford that.


Is the Lopez area of TV any more affluent for some reason? Don't think so.


Not sure what you mean.

[skip0358]

Lopez quality? Then you will be blown out by Lopez prices. The local folks can't afford that.

Give me a break not even open yet and we haven't seen a menu and we're going to start ? So what IF it costs a little more as long as the place is clean, the food is hot and good and the beer is cold. It was still be cheaper then New York was. JMO

[ronat1]

Lopez quality? Then you will be blown out by Lopez prices. The local folks can't afford that.

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[Bogie Shooter]

Give me a break not even open yet and we haven't seen a menu and we're going to start ? So what IF it costs a little more as long as the place is clean, the food is hot and good and the beer is cold. It was still be cheaper then New York was. JMO

Wait until the day after they open; slow service, confusion, waiting in line,etc...............it will start. I get so damned tired of the restaurant whiners!

[Bonny]

Wait until the day after they open; slow service, confusion, waiting in line,etc...............it will start. I get so damned tired of the restaurant whiners!
ME TOO !!! They should just stay home !:blahblahblah:

[golf2140]

ME TOO !!! They should just stay home !:blahblahblah:

Bonny, my bet would be that the dine out only once in awhile. For those who dine out most night we just roll with the punches.

[JP]

We went to Lopez for brunch last sunday and the food was excellent and I thought the prices were very reasonable.

[buggyone]

Lopez quality? Then you will be blown out by Lopez prices. The local folks can't afford that.


Lopez Legacy is definitely the best restaurant in The Villages or the surrounding area. Prices are NOT Washington DC or New York City prices. It is more expensive than Golden Corral or Hungry Howie's but is excellent food and service.

Who are "the locals"? Go up to Lopez Legacy any night and see all the locals lined up to eat there.

[Bonny]

Bonny, my bet would be that the dine out only once in awhile. For those who dine out most night we just roll with the punches.
Yep, we're easy. Not to critical. It's that or I stay home and cook, NOT ! LOL

[PaPaLarry]

Lopez Legacy is definitely the best restaurant in The Villages or the surrounding area. Prices are NOT Washington DC or New York City prices. It is more expensive than Golden Corral or Hungry Howie's but is excellent food and service.

Who are "the locals"? Go up to Lopez Legacy any night and see all the locals lined up to eat there.
I agree wholeheartedly. We don't eat out every day, but when we do, we like excellent food. I think "Hemmingways" will catch on quick, and people will appreciate good food. I again, wish them well!!!

[MelZ]

I find it amazing that the place hasn't opened and no one has seen a menu yet but folks on here are slamming the place.

[Ceafolks]

We went to Lopez for brunch last sunday and the food was excellent and I thought the prices were very reasonable.

I agree. We bring all our out of town guests to Lopez...:pepper2: :eclipsee_gold_cup:

[buggyone]

I find it amazing that the place hasn't opened and no one has seen a menu yet but folks on here are slamming the place.


No one has said anything negative about the new restaurant to open. I am looking forward to another great venture by the Lopez Legacy team. Folks at the Southern part of The Villages deserve a good restaurant.

[dengid]

Will open Sat. for lunch and dinner, Open for dinner only Sunday. (Soft opening)
Open for regular business starting Monday,

[skip0358]

Will open Sat. for lunch and dinner, Open for dinner only Sunday. (Soft opening)
Open for regular business starting Monday,

Oh Boy get the Popcorn & a Comfortable chair ready.

[MelZ]

No one has said anything negative about the new restaurant to open. I am looking forward to another great venture by the Lopez Legacy team. Folks at the Southern part of The Villages deserve a good restaurant.

Really!!!!!

I am looking forward to trying it and hope it will be successful. I would just like the nay Sayers to give it a chance before the negativity starts.

[jdsl1998]

I, for one, can't wait....very exciting!

[johndamelio]

Hemingway at Havana is open. Just got back from there.
Place was full, food was good, service good.

[waynet]

Open now. Also just got back. Food good service good and the place looked clean.

[golf2140]

Hemingway at Havana is open. Just got back from there.
Place was full, food was good, service good.

How was the menu and price?

[Maryc7878]

Went to Havana tonight, we were just driving by after golf. Were told official opening tomorrow April 7. Food was excellent as was the service. I had stuffed chicken with a delicious mushroom sauce, asparagus and mashed potatoes. and M had lobster macaroni, said it was great. 2 sodas. Cost $35, a very good value

[ilovetv]

This is very good news. Is there a bar outside?

[Skip]

The Villages Gourmet Club website (http://thevillagesgourmetclub.com) has all the details. (As usual!)
They're always in the know about these things, it seems.
Menu looks great but pricey.
They list it as Caribbean and Continental.
Can't wait to stand in line.

Skip

[johndamelio]

How was the menu and price?

The menu had quite a few different items on it. It is a bit more expensive than the other country clubs but I think it's well worth it. You usually get what you pay for.
The tap beer hasn't been installed yet nor the outside bar. But both are on the way.
We had a very enjoyable night there.

[TomOB]

Hemingway's at Havana is open. Here is a review from The Villages Gourmet:

The Villages Gourmet Club Restaurant Reviews Page 1 (http://thevillagesgourmetclub.com/page1.html#A029a)

[jblum315]

That is a description in the Gourmet Club page, not a review

[JSR22]

Hemingway at Havana is open. Just got back from there.
Place was full, food was good, service good.

Ate lunch there today with a friend. The food was very good, the service excellent and the restaurant is extremely clean. The great soups from Lopez are on the menu. The desserts are form the Cotillion in Wildwood. I give it an A+.

[Indy-Guy]

this is very good news. Is there a bar outside?



no !

[villages07]

Ate lunch there today with a friend. The food was very good, the service excellent and the restaurant is extremely clean. The great soups from Lopez are on the menu. The desserts are form the Cotillion in Wildwood. I give it an A+.







Yey, that's what I was hoping for .... Lopez soups.... assume you are including their mushroom brie??? Great news.

[JSR22]

Yey, that's what I was hoping for .... Lopez soups.... assume you are including their mushroom brie??? Great news.

Yes, the mushroom brie is on the menu!

[mommullr]

Had lunch there today. Happy hour 3-6. 6$ pitcher of beer golfer special noon to three I think.

[Golf-Tinker]

We had dinner at Hemingway at Havana tonight. Fabulous menu, great service and excellent meals: she the Corbin, I had the swordfish. It's everything the old Havana should been. Nice to have quality place to dine nearby. Still a soft opening so there may be bumps. Support them.

[shcisamax]

We just got back from a very nice dinner. My husband had the duck which he said was unexpectedly good and I had the linguine with shellfish in a spicy red cream sauce. I liked it very much and the linguine was al dente. Service was good. The manager said at some point they will do Monday night lobster as they do at Lopez. Yippee! I hope the rest of the menu is as good and they maintain their standard.

[Skip2MySue]

Ate lunch there today with a friend. The food was very good, the service excellent and the restaurant is extremely clean. The great soups from Lopez are on the menu. The desserts are form the Cotillion in Wildwood. I give it an A+.

Might just go there to get the great desserts :icon_hungry:
Skip 2

[Annie01]

went there was not impressed...along with the lopez manager...came the lopez prices...and still the dark depressing colors...brown black and gold...uggggggggg no happiness in that place.....cost of food $$$$$$$$$$$$ no thanks

[Celebrator]

Our dinner experience for 8 of us on a Wednesday last week has mixed reviews. The primary issue was the long wait, first 20 minutes for our drinks and then another wait of over an hour for our meals which were good. They were out of two of the meals we ordered and it was only 4:30. The manager came around and said she would check on our meals. Hope they get the logistics straightened out as the food was good.

[Bonny]

I hope people give them a chance and realize they just opened.
They need to get a handle on everything. They are coming into a place that had a lot of problems.
They have no idea how the business will be yet.
Be patient !!

[geobar]

Havana at Hemingway is open as of Sunday, 4/6/2014 under Lopez Management.
Great food NOW. and no Singing Waiters.

[geobar]

"Havana at Hemingway" at re opened on Sunday 4/6/14 under the Management of Lopez.
Great food and no Singing Waiters.