Ricardo's,/Brownwood

[hulahips]

Went to Ricardo's tonight with two girlfriends. Not one of us liked it. One ordered pizza and said it was too spicy. The other ordered pasta and did not like it. I try to eat healthy and it was a struggle. The Salmon (which would normally be my choice came on top of pasta only. I asked if I could have a baked potato instead with vegs. They have no potatoes and vegs would be an extra charge of $2.00. That annoyed me since pasta is cheap and for $20.00 a salad and vegetable should be included. I ended up ordering sliced tomatoes with mozzarella and put my own small serving of olive oil on it. $10.00 was not worth it since I ate very little cheese. Grilled chicken breast on side ran $3.00. Bottom line came out Hungry and bill was $14.00 plus tip. Would not recommend

[fred53]

Hmmm...couldn't find "Ricardo's", but did find "RICCIARDI’S"...it's difficult to take someone seriously if they can't even spell the name of the restaurant correctly...or even close...try again? :-)

[kas52]

Did you take a look at their menu online to see if there were items you might like? They do have a website Ricciardi's Italian Table - Gourmet Italian Dining The Villages, Fl - Menu (http://www.ricciardisitalian.com/menu/) and a Facebook page Ricciardi's Italian Table - Gourmet Italian Dining The Villages, Fl - Menu (http://www.ricciardisitalian.com/menu/).

[DougB]

Try the Mertz's restaurant next time.

[Buffalo Jim]

Try the Mertz's restaurant next time.

Good One !

[Cobh521]

Went there yesterday with my golf group. Everyone loved their choices. The tomato and mozzarella was actually very good. We will definitely go back.

[RedChariot]

Went to Ricardo's tonight with two girlfriends. Not one of us liked it. One ordered pizza and said it was too spicy. The other ordered pasta and did not like it. I try to eat healthy and it was a struggle. The Salmon (which would normally be my choice came on top of pasta only. I asked if I could have a baked potato instead with vegs. They have no potatoes and vegs would be an extra charge of $2.00. That annoyed me since pasta is cheap and for $20.00 a salad and vegetable should be included. I ended up ordering sliced tomatoes with mozzarella and put my own small serving of olive oil on it. $10.00 was not worth it since I ate very little cheese. Grilled chicken breast on side ran $3.00. Bottom line came out Hungry and bill was $14.00 plus tip. Would not recommend

If you mean Ricciardi' s we love it there. Food is great. We have gotten used to smaller servings here in The Villages vs NJ. That was our disappointment when they first opened. But now we go all the time. Husband orders an appetizer first and then he's happy. Best Tiramisu around. They accommodate my DINE around group of 8-10 nicely. Your review is coming across a bit "picky." Give them another try.

[Northwoods]

I think Riccardi's is a great restaurant. Been there several times and I've always had an excellent meal.

[hulahips]

Hmmm...couldn't find "Ricardo's", but did find "RICCIARDI�S"...it's difficult to take someone seriously if they can't even spell the name of the restaurant correctly...or even close...try again? :-)

After a very stressful day at the hospital and an invitation by two friends to try Ricciardi's I just didn't take the time to study the spelling of the restaurant for friendly villagers like yourself. Nor did I have time to study the menu on line. Maybe next time when my dad isn't having a heart attack I'll have more time to post a review more to your liking and approval

[JoMar]

After a very stressful day at the hospital and an invitation by two friends to try Ricciardi's I just didn't take the time to study the spelling of the restaurant for friendly villagers like yourself. Nor did I have time to study the menu on line. Maybe next time when my dad isn't having a heart attack I'll have more time to post a review more to your liking and approval

Good news is you tried it, didn't like it and won't go back. That's why there are choices here, I'm sure you can find a place that meets your specific requirements.

[Villager Joyce]

After a very stressful day at the hospital and an invitation by two friends to try Ricciardi's I just didn't take the time to study the spelling of the restaurant for friendly villagers like yourself. Nor did I have time to study the menu on line. Maybe next time when my dad isn't having a heart attack I'll have more time to post a review more to your liking and approval

I am sorry about your father. I hope everything is going to be okay. I was a daddy's girl so I get that, but you can't use that as a excuse. You didn't have to trash the restaurant. It is not a requirement to post a critique of every meal or experience we have. You were having a bad day. None of you liked the food. Oh well. You went to the square and had a good time.

[mickey100]

Plenty of people post critiques on TOTV. I see threads that say avoid this or that contractor, or landscaper, or restaurant,. There is a long thread that critiques Winn Dixie. People critique the golf courses, the Sharon, the roundabouts. I wish I had seen this thread before we took our daughter-in-law to Ricciardi's. Maybe we hit it on a bad day, but it was really bad Italian food. We would never go there again. I think posters do the community a service when they let others know their experiences. Obviously restaurant food is very subjective, so you take these critiques with a grain of salt, but don't slam the poster because he or she had a bad experience and is willing to share that with others.

[hulahips]

The purpose of my critique was to help those (who prefer to eat healthy) as I do. It is not a restaurant I would recommend unless you personally don't mind your healthy salmon arriving at your table heaped on a pile of pasta. I, also. Appreciate when friendly villagers critique a restaurant even if they give it a poor review. Not every restaurant deserves four stars and there is absolutely nothing wrong with sharing your experience with other "friendly" villagers. Also remember two other women were with me and this could be a critique from four of us as after dinner we walked to the square where one of the wives met up with her husband. She gave him the remainder of her pizza which he tried and said it was terrible and proceeded to toss in garbage. All of us said never again. I'll happily return to Bonifay. (See my critique on that one)

[keithwand]

Their lasagna pizza is great. They have won numerous awards for their pizza in Orlando at their Pizziara Valdianos stores.
Better stick with Papa Johns or Little Causars. Might be more to your liking.

[Ecuadog]

I've been to Ricciardi's a few times, with friends. Thank goodness the company was good. My food wasn't. I don't like writing bad reviews and generally tend to keep my mouth shut when I'm not happy, but I side with hulahips on this one.

[dewilson58]

Why attack a poster???

Didn't like the food............it's the poster's opinion.

If you disagree and like the food, post a positive food review.

[TheVillageChicken]

Ate there once. The food wasn't horrible, nor was it remarkable. My main memory is that our waiter was a fat guy whose shirt was saturated with sweat.

[RickeyD]

Very good eggplant parmigiana. It's what I always order.

[mickey100]

Ate there once. The food wasn't horrible, nor was it remarkable. My main memory is that our waiter was a fat guy whose shirt was saturated with sweat.

Eeeww. That's a memory I would be glad to forget!

[missypie]

Ate there once. The food wasn't horrible, nor was it remarkable. My main memory is that our waiter was a fat guy whose shirt was saturated with sweat.

That's an unkind thing to say about the waiter. We've had him several times and he's very nice. Perhaps a quick comment to the manager could be more helpful concerning the saturation of his shirt.

[TheVillageChicken]

That's an unkind thing to say about the waiter. We've had him several times and he's very nice. Perhaps a quick comment to the manager could be more helpful concerning the saturation of his shirt.

If you read the thread where I posted about the flies at Sonrise Caf�, you would know that I have no interest in being a consultant to restaurant managers. I vote with my feet and just find somewhere else to eat. As for the unkind words, yeah, I'm rough around the edges.

[Bogie Shooter]

After a very stressful day at the hospital and an invitation by two friends to try Ricciardi's I just didn't take the time to study the spelling of the restaurant for friendly villagers like yourself. Nor did I have time to study the menu on line. Maybe next time when my dad isn't having a heart attack I'll have more time to post a review more to your liking and approval

In a hurry...........go to Wendy's!

[Bogie Shooter]

Plenty of people post critiques on TOTV. I see threads that say avoid this or that contractor, or landscaper, or restaurant,. There is a long thread that critiques Winn Dixie. People critique the golf courses, the Sharon, the roundabouts. I wish I had seen this thread before we took our daughter-in-law to Ricciardi's. Maybe we hit it on a bad day, but it was really bad Italian food. We would never go there again. I think posters do the community a service when they let others know their experiences. Obviously restaurant food is very subjective, so you take these critiques with a grain of salt, but don't slam the poster because he or she had a bad experience and is willing to share that with others.

Where have I heard that before?

[Bogie Shooter]

If you read the thread where I posted about the flies at Sonrise Caf�, you would know that I have no interest in being a consultant to restaurant managers. I vote with my feet and just find somewhere else to eat. As for the unkind words, yeah, I'm rough around the edges.

And still looking for a restaurant that I like!

[asianthree]

The place is always busy, there must be a reason. We have been several times and had carry out. I would not put a Italian restaurant on my eat healthy list. I found when we first came to TV would would go to the country clubs for dinner when we had guests. Now not so much.

[TheVillageChicken]

And still looking for a restaurant that I like!

Actually, BS, I ate at Arnold Palmers for the umpteenth time at lunch today. Also like Nancy Lopez, Mallory Hill, Lighthouse, RJ Gators, Red Sauce, Bonefish, Confessore Pasta, Alfies, Braised Onion and Harrys in Ocala, Catfish Johnny's, Fishermans, and the little burger joint up 441, Sunset Delights. Drive to Tampa for a good Polish meal, Mt Dora for English, but I am still looking for a terrific gumbo like we had back in Rooster Poot.

[Shimpy]

After a very stressful day at the hospital and an invitation by two friends to try Ricciardi's I just didn't take the time to study the spelling of the restaurant for friendly villagers like yourself. Nor did I have time to study the menu on line. Maybe next time when my dad isn't having a heart attack I'll have more time to post a review more to your liking and approval

My best wishes for your dad. Not all Villagers are friendly as you have seen. Spelling a restaurant wrong is hardly a big deal and there are some people that you just have to ignore.

[Coal Miner]

Well said hulahips. Theres always got to be a wise guy. I would have said smart ass but I try to be nice.

[hulahips]

Yes thank you. I can see that here on this site. The last thing I had on my mind while standing out front waiting for two friends was to look up above to check spelling of restaurant. Had to much on my mind to think of anything else. And I thought this was Florida's friendliest home town? An apology is due here but I won't hold my breath and shall move on

[mickey100]

I'm sorry you had to be harassed over a simple restaurant post. Most people in The Villages are pretty nice. On TOTV, not so much. We've all learned to ignore some of the posters. I think they feel threatened if someone criticizes anything relating to The Villages, even if it is just a restaurant in the Villages. As others have mentioned, there are some decent restaurants around if you get the chance. Bonefish and Carrabas, Harry's and Cuvee in Ocala, a couple of the Mt. Dora restaurants just to name a few. Thanks again for posting.

[Barefoot]

...

[costagrande]

Ate there several times. Initial chef was awesome! After that, not so much. Not great, not even good. Too bad, love great Italian food!

[missypie]

If you read the thread where I posted about the flies at Sonrise Caf�, you would know that I have no interest in being a consultant to restaurant managers. I vote with my feet and just find somewhere else to eat. As for the unkind words, yeah, I'm rough around the edges.

Yes absolutely vote with your feet, but to call someone names because of weight is sad. This is where compassion is learned or not.

[dotti105]

We have enjoyed Riccardi's.

We have found their salads to be excellent and very filling. Often hubby and I will even split a greek salad there.

I am not a Salmon fan, although I know most people love it, so I can't comment on it. But their "Chicken Ashley" is very good. Nicely prepared, with spinach. Yum!

Hope your Dad is doing well. People here on the Forums often hide behind their computers and show the inconsiderate, rude side of their personality that they might not show in person. I have seen a lot of that on here lately. I will apologize for the rude behavior that you received. It was not necessary. In fact, immature and inconsiderate.

Most people in The Villages are much nicer than what you see on the forums. A few bad apples can certainly give the wrong impression quickly.

[TheVillageChicken]

Yes absolutely vote with your feet, but to call someone names because of weight is sad. This is where compassion is learned or not.

Didn't call anybody a name...just accurately described someone.