Special occasion restaurant

[ddumas10]

My husband and I want to go out to dinner somewhere special for our anniversary. Where would you recommend?

[Bonny]

Depends on where you want to go. Lopez if the Villages.

[Chatbrat]

Berns in St Pete--get a hotel room--its just about the best dining experience in Fl--check their website--make sure its in your budget

[Bonny]

Berns in St Pete--get a hotel room--its just about the best dining experience in Fl--check their website--make sure its in your budget
Berns is in Tampa

[Bonny]

Another awesome place is Capital Grille on I Drive in Orlando. We love it there. It is pricey though.

[CFrance]

You don't give a price range or how far you want to travel. If you want a good dinner in a nice, quiet atmosphere that won't break the bank, try Turner's in Leesburg.

[jnieman]

My husband and I want to go out to dinner somewhere special for our anniversary. Where would you recommend?

I like the Cotillian in Wildwood if you want to stay close to home.

Miz Kathi's Southern Cotillion Cafe & Sweetery (http://cafecotillion.com/)

[justjim]

Mission Inn at Howey in the Hills. They have a fine dining restaurant.

[Bonny]

I love Mission Inn. They have a wonderful brunch. It's pricey but it's delicious and it's a beautiful place !!

[tomwed]

You don't give a price range or how far you want to travel.
I'd like to find out what would work in the villages.

ABOUT YOUR STEAK: Ruth’s Chris specializes in the finest custom-aged Midwestern beef. We broil it exactly the way you like it at 1800 degrees to lock in the corn-fed flavor. Then we serve your steak sizzling on a heated plate so that it stays hot throughout your meal. Our steaks are served sizzling in butter – specify extra butter or none.

$42.00 Filet 12oz tender cut of corn-fed Midwestern beef, broiled expertly to melt in your mouth.
$37.00 Petite Filet 8oz equally tender filet
$43.00 Tournedos and Shrimp Two 4 oz. medallions of our filet topped with large shrimp that have been dusted with Cajun spices.
$52.00 T-Bone 24oz full-flavored USDA Prime cut
$40.00 Lamb Chops Three chops, cut extra thick
$44.00 Ribeye 16oz USDA Prime, well marbled for peak flavor and deliciously juicy
$51.00 Cowboy Ribeye 22oz bone-in well marbled USDA Prime
$46.00 New York Strip 16oz USDA Prime cut with a full-bodied texture. A favorite of many steak connoisseurs.
$87.00 Porterhouse for Two 40oz USDA Prime combining the rich flavor of a strip with the tenderness of a filet.
$26.00 Pork Chop Center-cut chop, fine-grained and flavorful, served with sliced cinnamon apples

This is the Ruth's Chris menu and prices.
It does not include appetizers, soups, side dishes or desserts.

Would a big night on the town, going to the Sharon and Ruth's Chris have a following in TV? They advertise The Sharon on the Gold 99 FM to outsiders quite a bit. I wonder if it's bring people in from an hour or so away?

[Bonny]

I love Ruth's Chris. We will be there the 21st. of this month for a special dinner. YUM !!!

[texasfal]

MarKS US Prime in Ocala. Steaks better than Ruth's Chris with same great service.

[tomwed]

I love Ruth's Chris. We will be there the 21st. of this month for a special dinner. YUM !!!
Could a Ruth's Chris fine dining experience make it here Bonnie? I think the Sharon changed things. It's luxurious. Does the Sharon draw outsiders traveling an hour away who are also looking for a yummy special dinner right here?

My hunch is that people with that kind of discretionary income don't "hang out" on TOTV but they live here.

[Bonny]

Could a Ruth's Chris fine dining experience make it here Bonnie? I think the Sharon changed things. It's luxurious. Does the Sharon draw outsiders traveling an hour away who are also looking for a yummy special dinner right here?

My hunch is that people with that kind of discretionary income don't "hang out" on TOTV but they live here.
I just don't think so. You need a lot of area repeat business to make it. I think most of us looking at Ruth's Chris, Capital Grille, etc. are going to go once every 6 - 12 months. Our last bill at one of those places was over $200.00 with tip and a bottle of wine.
They really need to be in areas where people are still working and making decent money & traveling from other area cities.

[tomwed]

I just don't think so. You need a lot of area repeat business to make it. I think most of us looking at Ruth's Chris, Capital Grille, etc. are going to go once every 6 - 12 months. Our last bill at one of those places was over $200.00 with tip and a bottle of wine.
They really need to be in areas where people are still working and making decent money & traveling from other area cities.

That's not the answer I was hoping for but it sounds right and I trust your intuition and experience.

I couldn't find prices for Legacy but the reviews are excellent.
Legacy Restaurant, The Villages - Menu, Prices & Restaurant Reviews - TripAdvisor (http://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaurant_Review-g1930048-d2633591-Reviews-Legacy_Restaurant-The_Villages_Florida.html)

For BoneFish [a menu sampling]
GRILLED FISH our fish is lightly seasoned and cooked over our wood-burning grill
We are committed to providing the finest fish as well as unique offerings.
For this reason, our menu changes regularly based on availability.
Chilean Sea Bass 28.3 / 24.8 sm
Atlantic Salmon 18.2 / 15.7 sm
Sea Scallops + Shrimp 18.3
Ahi Tuna Steak* 16.9
Rainbow Trout 16.5
Tilapia 15.5
Our Grilled Fish selections are served with a fresh seasonal vegetable + choice of one fresh side

WOOD-GRILLED STEAKS + CHOPS [ steaks served with seasonal vegetable + choice of fresh side ]
Filet Mignon* USDA center cut 6 oz 19.9 / 8 oz 22.9
Rib-Eye Steak* 13 oz USDA rib-eye 24.9
h Sirloin* + Crab Cake Dinner 6 oz center cut sirloin,
Maryland style crab cake 19.9
upgrade to filet mignon* add 6
The Angler's Sirloin Steak* 6 oz center cut sirloin 15.7
Grilled Lamb Chops* seasoned and lightly caramelized, with
crispy Yukon gold potatoes, balsamic demi-glace to finish 20.5
BBQ Glazed Pork Chop* grilled + seasoned with a spicy
chile rub, on a bed of sweet potato mash 16.4
Fontina Pork Chop* boneless pork chop, fontina cheese,
garlic, prosciutto, mushroom Marsala wine sauce 16.4

Dinner for 2 with wine, dessert and tip--$100 for either restaurant?
Does that seem right?

I haven't been to Bone Fish. I had a couple of very good meals at Legacy. I found the room very loud.
Is Bone Fish loud?
It could also be OES [older ear syndrome].


I enjoyed the Cotillion too. It's something a little different, charming and feels more southern. I don't think you will be disappointed. I'm not a dessert person but those that are rave about their desserts. [not as loud to me either--not the raves, the room]

[Navy (SSBN 633)]

Marks prime steakhouse in Ocala

[Bonny]

That's not the answer I was hoping for but it sounds right and I trust your intuition and experience.

I couldn't find prices for Legacy but the reviews are excellent.
Legacy Restaurant, The Villages - Menu, Prices & Restaurant Reviews - TripAdvisor (http://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaurant_Review-g1930048-d2633591-Reviews-Legacy_Restaurant-The_Villages_Florida.html)

For BoneFish [a menu sampling]
GRILLED FISH our fish is lightly seasoned and cooked over our wood-burning grill
We are committed to providing the finest fish as well as unique offerings.
For this reason, our menu changes regularly based on availability.
Chilean Sea Bass 28.3 / 24.8 sm
Atlantic Salmon 18.2 / 15.7 sm
Sea Scallops + Shrimp 18.3
Ahi Tuna Steak* 16.9
Rainbow Trout 16.5
Tilapia 15.5
Our Grilled Fish selections are served with a fresh seasonal vegetable + choice of one fresh side

WOOD-GRILLED STEAKS + CHOPS [ steaks served with seasonal vegetable + choice of fresh side ]
Filet Mignon* USDA center cut 6 oz 19.9 / 8 oz 22.9
Rib-Eye Steak* 13 oz USDA rib-eye 24.9
h Sirloin* + Crab Cake Dinner 6 oz center cut sirloin,
Maryland style crab cake 19.9
upgrade to filet mignon* add 6
The Angler's Sirloin Steak* 6 oz center cut sirloin 15.7
Grilled Lamb Chops* seasoned and lightly caramelized, with
crispy Yukon gold potatoes, balsamic demi-glace to finish 20.5
BBQ Glazed Pork Chop* grilled + seasoned with a spicy
chile rub, on a bed of sweet potato mash 16.4
Fontina Pork Chop* boneless pork chop, fontina cheese,
garlic, prosciutto, mushroom Marsala wine sauce 16.4

Dinner for 2 with wine, dessert and tip--$100 for either restaurant?
Does that seem right?

I haven't been to Bone Fish. I had a couple of very good meals at Legacy. I found the room very loud.
Is Bone Fish loud?
It could also be OES [older ear syndrome].


I enjoyed the Cotillion too. It's something a little different, charming and feels more southern. I don't think you will be disappointed. I'm not a dessert person but those that are rave about their desserts. [not as loud to me either--not the raves, the room]
Yes, it can get loud. The one thing we love about Bonefish is the free bread at the bar with pesto & oil dip. Add the Bang Bang Shrimp, nice inexpensive meal. They also have a great happy hour !!
I think a lot of the high end restaurants have added a nice happy hour with specials. It definitely attracts more people.
We are not big meal eaters anymore. If I get a full meal 1/2 - 2/3 is going home with me. Love it when I have left over filet and mashed potatoes. :)

[Bonny]

That's not the answer I was hoping for but it sounds right and I trust your intuition and experience.

I couldn't find prices for Legacy but the reviews are excellent.
Legacy Restaurant, The Villages - Menu, Prices & Restaurant Reviews - TripAdvisor (http://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaurant_Review-g1930048-d2633591-Reviews-Legacy_Restaurant-The_Villages_Florida.html)

For BoneFish [a menu sampling]
GRILLED FISH our fish is lightly seasoned and cooked over our wood-burning grill
We are committed to providing the finest fish as well as unique offerings.
For this reason, our menu changes regularly based on availability.
Chilean Sea Bass 28.3 / 24.8 sm
Atlantic Salmon 18.2 / 15.7 sm
Sea Scallops + Shrimp 18.3
Ahi Tuna Steak* 16.9
Rainbow Trout 16.5
Tilapia 15.5
Our Grilled Fish selections are served with a fresh seasonal vegetable + choice of one fresh side

WOOD-GRILLED STEAKS + CHOPS [ steaks served with seasonal vegetable + choice of fresh side ]
Filet Mignon* USDA center cut 6 oz 19.9 / 8 oz 22.9
Rib-Eye Steak* 13 oz USDA rib-eye 24.9
h Sirloin* + Crab Cake Dinner 6 oz center cut sirloin,
Maryland style crab cake 19.9
upgrade to filet mignon* add 6
The Angler's Sirloin Steak* 6 oz center cut sirloin 15.7
Grilled Lamb Chops* seasoned and lightly caramelized, with
crispy Yukon gold potatoes, balsamic demi-glace to finish 20.5
BBQ Glazed Pork Chop* grilled + seasoned with a spicy
chile rub, on a bed of sweet potato mash 16.4
Fontina Pork Chop* boneless pork chop, fontina cheese,
garlic, prosciutto, mushroom Marsala wine sauce 16.4

Dinner for 2 with wine, dessert and tip--$100 for either restaurant?
Does that seem right?

I haven't been to Bone Fish. I had a couple of very good meals at Legacy. I found the room very loud.
Is Bone Fish loud?
It could also be OES [older ear syndrome].


I enjoyed the Cotillion too. It's something a little different, charming and feels more southern. I don't think you will be disappointed. I'm not a dessert person but those that are rave about their desserts. [not as loud to me either--not the raves, the room]
Yes, it's usually always about $100.0 with a couple of drinks & the tip.
We never do dessert thank goodness ! :)

[Skip2MySue]

Berns in St Pete--get a hotel room--its just about the best dining experience in Fl--check their website--make sure its in your budget

We also did Bern's Steak House in Tampa for a special anniversary celebration and have never enjoyed a better special occasion dinner. Tremendous is how I'd describe it from the valet parking thru the separate Harry Waugh Dessert Room. As it was our 1st time there our waiter arranged for a kitchen tour for the 4 of us also. We look forward to celebrating many more special occasions just so we can return there. Wait today is Oct. 4th...that sounds like a special occasion to me :icon_wink:
Skip 2
P.S. You definitely need reservations and we also stayed overnight and went to the Tampa aquarium the next day that was well worth the adventure. Even stopped at the Hard Rock on the way home cause we hadn't spent enough money.....:)

[golfing eagles]

Never been to Bonefish, but thanks for the menu, Tom. I have no idea why our sales agent 2 years ago told us it was ultra expensive---looks pretty average to me.

[dbussone]

Never been to Bonefish, but thanks for the menu, Tom. I have no idea why our sales agent 2 years ago told us it was ultra expensive---looks pretty average to me.


The food is better than found in most TV eateries. And they take reservations which is a plus.

[golfing eagles]

The food is better than found in most TV eateries. And they take reservations which is a plus.

Sorry, I meant the prices look pretty average

[dbussone]

Sorry, I meant the prices look pretty average


No need to. The only issue I have with Bone Fish is that it can be quite noisy.

[justjim]

No need to. The only issue I have with Bone Fish is that it can be quite noisy.

Yes, Bonefish was real noisy the last time we ate there. As I mentioned before, Howey-In-The Hills @ Mission Inn for some quite dining and reasonable prices for "white tablecloth". My wife and I both recommend. BTW. Congratulations, OP, and enjoy your evening what ever the restaurant.

[Chatbrat]

The Bonefish--is part of the Carrabas & Outback Corp--they cater to the masses-food is Ok--nothing to get nuts over

Back in 95-the original Bone was in St Pete-that was a Bone of another breed-when the owner died in a boating incident--Outback acquired the bone
In 95 we lived in the Tampa/StPete neighborhood--thats why I kinda remember Bern's as in St.Pete

[dbussone]

Yes, Bonefish was real noisy the last time we ate there. As I mentioned before, Howey-In-The Hills @ Mission Inn for some quite dining and reasonable prices for "white tablecloth". My wife and I both recommend. BTW. Congratulations, OP, and enjoy your evening what ever the restaurant.


You are quite correct about the Mission Inn restaurant.

[Bonny]

The Bonefish--is part of the Carrabas & Outback Corp--they cater to the masses-food is Ok--nothing to get nuts over

Back in 95-the original Bone was in St Pete-that was a Bone of another breed-when the owner died in a boating incident--Outback acquired the bone
In 95 we lived in the Tampa/StPete neighborhood--thats why I kinda remember Bern's as in St.Pete
Is this a different Bern's ? The Bern's Steakhouse that most of us know is in Tampa.

[Polar Bear]

...The Bern's Steakhouse that most of us know is in Tampa.

Yep.

[dbussone]

Is this a different Bern's ? The Bern's Steakhouse that most of us know is in Tampa.


Bonny - you are correct about Bern's being in Tampa. And I do not believe it has been anywhere else. My wife and I started going there in 1991 when we moved to Tampa.

According to the Bern's website, Bern started a luncheonette in Tampa in 1953. As their business grew they eventually bought some property on South Howard Ave in Tampa. That location remains the current location of Bern's although it was expanded several times, until 1985. It has essentially remained the same since then.

[Chatbrat]

It was the Same Bern's- I really don't differentiate between Tamp & St.Pete- both crowded & wacky traffic-used to go to the commissary @ McDills, when we felt it was worth the trip

[l2ridehd]

I think a "special occasion" place could make it in TV or close to TV. It would have to be a small intimate place with maybe seating for under 50. Be a white table cloth place with a top chef with waiters in tux and a dozen different specials every night. I live in Northern VA just outside of DC and there are a hundred places like that and they are all packed every night. Most are around $100 per person with wine and tip.

At least one place like that could make it in the Villages. If we celebrate something now, we go to Bern's or the Floridian in Orlando. Capital Grill is good also. Mark's Prime is good, not great. Instead of getting a hotel for Bern's, the last time we went with another couple, we hired Ron's Lemo service. I think it was $125 plus tip and he drove us down, waited and drove us back. Cheaper then two hotel rooms and we could enjoy their wine list.

[treetop]

I think a "special occasion" place could make it in TV or close to TV. It would have to be a small intimate place with maybe seating for under 50. Be a white table cloth place with a top chef with waiters in tux and a dozen different specials every night. I live in Northern VA just outside of DC and there are a hundred places like that and they are all packed every night. Most are around $100 per person with wine and tip.

At least one place like that could make it in the Villages. If we celebrate something now, we go to Bern's or the Floridian in Orlando. Capital Grill is good also. Mark's Prime is good, not great. Instead of getting a hotel for Bern's, the last time we went with another couple, we hired Ron's Lemo service. I think it was $125 plus tip and he drove us down, waited and drove us back. Cheaper then two hotel rooms and we could enjoy their wine list.

I heard one is in the works to be coming soon to Leesburg....
24 seats, tasting menu format with a vegetarian option, 15-20 courses. If I remember correctly they said the cost per person was going to be around $150 per person + tax and tip and a wine package can be added for $80. They are looking at Leesburg because of it's central location in the state and proximity to Orlando and Ocala. It is fully intended to be a destination dining experience.

[tomwed]

Be a white table cloth place
Are white table cloths a must if dinner for 2 is $100? $150? $200?
I had this conversation with some dinner club friends.

[treetop]

I understand a fine dining destination restaurant in being planned for Leesburg (because of its central location between Orlando and Ocala)... From the conversation I had; it will have around 24 seats, tasting menu format of 15-20 courses (with vegetarian option), $150 per person + tax and tip ballpark. Wine would be extra.

[Bonny]

I understand a fine dining destination restaurant in being planned for Leesburg (because of its central location between Orlando and Ocala)... From the conversation I had; it will have around 24 seats, tasting menu format of 15-20 courses (with vegetarian option), $150 per person + tax and tip ballpark. Wine would be extra.
So add a drinks and tip, at least $200.00 per person ?? I'm pretty sure I'll pass on that one!

[CFrance]

So add a drinks and tip, at least $200.00 per person ?? I'm pretty sure I'll pass on that one!
Six of us went to a 17-course tasting dinner overseas once. Tiny little bits of food served one after the other. It took forever. You just decided you liked something, and it was gone. When we left, my husband said "I'm hungry!"

PS: There was a dog there.:evil6:

[Bonny]

Six of us went to a 17-course tasting dinner overseas once. Tiny little bits of food served one after the other. It took forever. You just decided you liked something, and it was gone. When we left, my husband said "I'm hungry!"

PS: There was a dog there.:evil6:

:1rotfl:

[dbussone]

My husband and I want to go out to dinner somewhere special for our anniversary. Where would you recommend?

If you would like some excellent Italian food and a fine dining experience, I recommend Donatello's in Tampa. It is pricey but the food is excellent. And if you see a large limo out front, and a table surrounded constantly by the maitre'd and 2-3 waiters, then you are dining in the presence of the current head of the Trafficante Family.

Here is a link to the restaurant and menu: Tampa's Donatello Italian Cuisine Restaurant | Fine Italian Restaurant | Traditional Italian Menu (http://donatellotampa.com/donatello-menu.htm)

[tomwed]

So add a drinks and tip, at least $200.00 per person ?? I'm pretty sure I'll pass on that one!
3 Night Cruise Departing from: Miami, Florida
Ports of Call: Miami, Florida • Cococay (Cruiseline Private Island) • Nassau, Bahamas • Miami, Florida
Interior from
$149 [$50/night]
A cruise could be cheaper? Who knew?

[CFrance]

3 Night Cruise Departing from: Miami, Florida
Ports of Call: Miami, Florida • Cococay (Cruiseline Private Island) • Nassau, Bahamas • Miami, Florida
Interior from
$149 [$50/night]
A cruise could be cheaper? Who knew?


and you get all your food on one plate!:laugh: