Havana Country Club

[Skip]

Wow! I just read that George Stella is no longer the chef at Havana and that the kitchen staff has changed. Anyone know what happened?

Skip

[Donna]

Wow...That was quick!

[Russ_Boston]

Skip - where was that? I couldn't find anything. Is it online somewhere?

Update: I just found it on the TV gourmet guide.

Thanks,

[chelsea24]

The first time my husband and I were there, my husband's salmon was not cooked enough! Now I was just there a week or so ago and I had the chicken wrap which was great! Oddly enough we had the same waitress and the first time she was not good at all (getting her feet wet) but the last time I was with a big group and she seemed very competent. That's all I know. :shrug:

[KathieI]

Chels, I agree, the servers were very unprofessional. They forgot everything we asked for but were very apologetic but would forget again after reminding them a few times. The first visit, I wrote it off to being new, but the second visit, it was rather annoying.

The food was good, not great, but the atmosphere is wonderful, but that doesn't pay the bills. I'm sorry to see it in trouble already.

[villages07]

Hmm, interesting.....based on Russ's clue, I looked at the Gourmet club website and sure enough it says Stella was out of Havana at end of December. ONe of the gourmet reviewers went there in Jan and said menu has changed.

Nothing else turned up on google about stella or havana, but, I did notice that their website www.havanacc.net (http://www.havanacc.net) is kaput.

I can't imagine the restaurant is in deep financial trouble so soon after opening....maybe interpersonal conflicts between the 3 owners/chef???

[Russ_Boston]

That would be my guess also V7 - You know the saying "Too many cooks..."

[chuckster]

We have been there twice with our group and both times food and service was good. Also had the salmon and it was very good. Have traveled extensively in my other life and found the food preparation and service acceptable at Havana. Have found that realistic expectations can always be met while others are never satisfied. Just my opinion...............;)

[Whalen]

Didn't have time for dinner but stopped by on our last night for a Happy Hour drink.
Beautiful atmosphere, busy bar, good fish bowl Margaritas, $9.oo+ each.
Happy Hour?
:shrug:

[Cassie325]

Well I have a friend that interviewed with them rght before they opened. No references were checked, he did not show up for the second interview round, was called and left a message with the job offer and never returned their call. Was called again with a message left giving the training times...he never called them back....

Was called one last time and was left yet another message for his first shift schedule!!

No references, no training, no communication back to the employee...makes you wonder who else was hired and not trained. Very sad!! Food service is not an easy job....one must be trained prior to working....

I would imagine most restaurants would only want trained people working with their customers if they want them to return!

[Mallory]

We've been there 5 or 6 times and the service is getting better each time as is the food. Last dinner was the shrimp scampi which was way above average; sure there are better places for scampi (Scoma's in San Francisco for instance) but nothing within range of TV.

The last 2 times we were there Stella was absent from the kitchen. 1st time didn't think too much about it, but asked last weekend. Waitress told us he was "away working on his books." Didn't think that was too likely considering he was just opening a new restaurant and it was the busy holiday season. Whatever.

Still the food was fine, reasonably priced, good wine prices (bottle), great decor, fun & active, and close to us, etc. However, if you can't put up with the growing pains don't visit until it all settles down. The wait will be shorter for those of us who like it.

[The Great Fumar]

I was just there 10 days ago and the dinner was terrific ....i even bragged on it on here somewhere ,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,hope it just a rumor as i really enjoyed it there..............

Fumar

[chuckster]

Cassie, confusing message. But after re-reading, sounds as though your "friend" filled out an application and never bothered returning any calls.

To infer no communication seems rather short-sighted. You mentioned he was called 3 times and never bothered to return the calls. If he wasn't interested wonder why he bothered to fill out the application in the first place.:shrug:

Have been to Havana and had wonderful service both dining inside and on the patio. Judging by the wait for a table each of our 4 visits, they are not lacking for customers.

[tkret]

We've been there 5 or 6 times and the service is getting better each time as is the food. Last dinner was the shrimp scampi which was way above average; sure there are better places for scampi (Scoma's in San Francisco for instance) but nothing within range of TV.

.

Ah, Scoma's in San Francisco is one of the best as is their other one in Sausalito. I went to Havana and ordered their "mussels fra diavolo" and although there were plenty, and I mean mucho, mussels, it was certainly NOT fra diavolo. But, I attributed that to the clientele who may not like meals too spicy. We found the wait staff to be very attentive and accommodating.

[MelZ]

We had dinner there Xmas week and found the food and service very good. My wife had the Salmon which was excellent, I had the pork chops which I enjoyed. Our friends had the Paella and said they really like it.

Hopefully the new team will make it even better.

[Skip]

Looked at their menu yesterday and it's more than cut in half. Now there's a HOT DOG on the menu! This is supposed to be a "Country Club"? barf

Skip

[chuckster]

Hot Dogs were requested by the golfers. :beer3:

[Cassie325]

Cassie, confusing message. But after re-reading, sounds as though your "friend" filled out an application and never bothered returning any calls.

To infer no communication seems rather short-sighted. You mentioned he was called 3 times and never bothered to return the calls. If he wasn't interested wonder why he bothered to fill out the application in the first place.:shrug:

Have been to Havana and had wonderful service both dining inside and on the patio. Judging by the wait for a table each of our 4 visits, they are not lacking for customers.


Chuckster....actually lack of communication by my friend was not my point in the post. It was that the messages he recieved were as if he had attended all of those meetings and trainings....that the managers acted as if he had been at the meetings etc....

He had applied and was interested but he had found something else...many people apply to many places before accepting a position.

He thought it odd that they kept calling.

I am not saying that the fact that he did not call them was ok to do....just that he had not been to any trainings or meetings but they put him on a schedule anyway.

I did not think that my post was confusing...I am sorry you felt that way.

I was not bad mouthing the food or service at Havana...I have not been there for a meal and have no opinion other then the decor is beautiful.


I was merely sharing the story as I had heard it....

[Skip]

Hot Dogs were requested by the golfers. :beer3:

Lady golfers?

Skip

[golfnut]

Skip, I'm guessing you are not a golfer.....GN

[novelchick]

have to say we went to Havanna tonight with three other couples and compared to the last visit we were disappointed. Choice on menu is smaller, small section for entrees, section for sandwiches (including hot dogs) My husband ordered shrimp scampi which he enjoyed but said portion was small. i ordered pecan crusted salmon which was ok. portion was small, rice was way too hot, and brocolli too hard. I normally like a baked potato but they have none. so i basically ate salmon and brocolli. not much of a meal. salad is extra and bread i always pass on. Personally i don't think you get your moneys worth. One wonders why the chef left. Why he planted there just for the grand opening to bring in the people then leaves?? Anyway, i do not plan on returning. Not worth the money.

[rekop]

Cassie, confusing message. But after re-reading, sounds as though your "friend" filled out an application and never bothered returning any calls.

To infer no communication seems rather short-sighted. You mentioned he was called 3 times and never bothered to return the calls. If he wasn't interested wonder why he bothered to fill out the application in the first place.:shrug:

Have been to Havana and had wonderful service both dining inside and on the patio. Judging by the wait for a table each of our 4 visits, they are not lacking for customers.

I didn't find Cassie's message confusing. She was just relating the story to show the miscommunication that was going on at the restaurant i.e. poor management.

[CTgolfer]

Had a wonderful lunch at Havana after golf. I had the Cobb Salad with mango vinegrette dressing... was very generous and very good.

[golfnut]

Heard there was a big controvesy surrounding the chef at Havana, don't want to repeat it until I hear from a reliable source.

[dgammon6]

I asked a manager the other day if George was in. He said he and his wife moved on to another investment, that George was writing another book, but that they would be back occasionally. We have been there several times, not a bad experience yet.

[Golf-Tinker]

Just returned from Havana for dinner. Had an incredible crabs leg meal at a price that was awesome. I really do not understand why people here continue to trash this restaurant. IMHO you cannot beat it.

[Sgt Mac]

I was very much looking forward to Dinner at Havana

Da Sgt at home cooking

[F16 1UB]

Hey Sgt,

Just curious what you ordered and what was wrong? If we ever get there that's our home restaurant. Funny but the day we toured the place, prior to opening, they thought we were there to apply for a job. Sounds as though we should have.

[Golf-Tinker]

Sgt Mac

It is common practice at most restaurants for a hostess not to seat customers until the table or booth is clear. If you did occupy a table which had not been bussed, you must have done so without going through the hostess station at the front. Perhaps, outside on the patio? And if you had sent the food back as you claim, the server would have immediately alerted the hostess station who would have in turn alerted the managing partner that someting was amiss. I spoke to the managing partner last night about your tale. If you will bring your receipt to the hostess station, they will arrange to have the managing partner speak to you.

[TTyPalms]

A friend that is a big fan of Stella's (since Havana was announced anyway!) said that their server told them Stella left because the other owners would not give his kitchen staff a Christmas bonus. Seems admirable, but cutting the menu in half sounds like something much bigger is going on there.

[novelchick]

perhaps they bring in Stella for the grand opening to draw the people in and then he leaves??? or maybe a dispute took place. Chefs are known for HOT tempers!! just speculating! those would be my two guesses. any others?

[twynsmom]

perhaps they bring in Stella for the grand opening to draw the people in and then he leaves??? or maybe a dispute took place. Chefs are known for HOT tempers!! just speculating! those would be my two guesses. any others?

:agree: I thought the same thing novelchick.

[graciegirl]

:agree: I thought the same thing novelchick.

That is something that seems like it would not be to Mr. Stella's advantage and wouldn't look good for his record. It seems like a ploy that the developer would not allow. That is my first reaction. However, I can't imagine what could have happened. I don't look at the menu change as an issue, restaurants tweak menu's all the time. It seems like the problem is more the managing of the restaurant.

Give it time, I bet it will straighten itself out.

[novelchick]

do you honestly think it would not be Mr. Stella's advantage to open a restaurant?? He could be paid big bucks to do the grand opening for such a period of time and then move on to the next. And as far as the developer wouldn't allow it, i don't buy that for a minute. They are totally business minded and would do anything to do what it takes to "present this new country club as something very special" But most people are smart and will figure out in time whether or not it is worth the money.

[graciegirl]

do you honestly think it would not be Mr. Stella's advantage to open a restaurant?? He could be paid big bucks to do the grand opening for such a period of time and then move on to the next. And as far as the developer wouldn't allow it, i don't buy that for a minute. They are totally business minded and would do anything to do what it takes to "present this new country club as something very special" But most people are smart and will figure out in time whether or not it is worth the money.

I don't know the first thing about this or Chef Stella other than I heard that he would have many items on the menu friendly to people on the Atkins diet. (And that could have just been hearsay)

In my very humble opinion I don't think anyone's resume would benefit by opening a business and leaving in such a short time. I would wonder if he was fired or had no stick-to-it-ivness, lol. Or if he left just to get the money for opening, that too would follow him.

As for the Morse family, I think that they too would shy away from hiring someone for their name and letting them go quickly. They just seem way too smart for that and also seem to respect the intelligence of the residents more than that. Now whether or not it goes well depends on the manager and the chief cook.(CHEF) The prices are pretty much in line with Cane Garden and Cane Garden is a HUGE success. It has great food, good service, pretty decor, and a welcoming atmosphere. I think Havana has rather harsh light, and sort of a small indoor area that doesn't feel quite as cozy as Cane Garden.

I am sure someone will figure it out. New restaurants always have growing pains and good help is hard to come by. The residents will be vocal and usually someone who can make changes listens.

[chuckster]

Well put gg:agree:

Our group had dinner last night (fri.) and service and food were excellent. Arrived at 5:45 (45 minute wait), seated at 6:30 after having a "few drinks at the bar". Enjoyed our meal as I'm sure did everyone else as the restaurant was filled and stayed so until we left at 8:00.

[twynsmom]

Bravo Mr. Stella :pepper2:

I am so sorry for what you and your family have been through, but in the end you will be the victor. Put up a good fight Mr Stella and don't let them get away with this. I've been a fan of yours for sometime and I'm sooo looking forward to the day that you return, In my heart of hearts I know you WILL be back. Good, honest people can not be brought down. Thank you so much for replying to all of us here in The Villages. Looking forward to brighter days ahead for you and yours. Be strong, All of us here in TV and outside of TV are praying for you and are on your side. :icon_hungry:

[rshoffer]

Holy Cow... America's Frendliest Hometown!

[sandybill2]

Looking forward to having you back at Havana

[Russ_Boston]

Mr. Stella,

I'm really impressed that you took the time to talk to some of the Villagers through this media although legally I'm surprised (libel laws not being my strong point). Good luck in your efforts.

[samhass]

I am curious about what the other two partners would say in rebuttal. There are always two sides to a story. If your side is completely true, I hope you are vindicated and regain the restaurant.

[Donna]

Mr. Stella,

Best of luck to you and your family! Good things find good people, I am sure you will prevail..

Please keep us posted!

[villages07]

Mr Stella,

Thank you for taking the time to express your take on what happened at Havana. Your name, reputation, and inspiration were what got a lot of people excited about the Havana CC restaurant. I sincerely hope that law and fairness prevail in your pursuit of a remedy.

I'm curious.... has the Villages developer (Morse family) or their property division been involved in the controversy at all? It does reflect poorly on them when a big deal was made about your arrival (and part ownership) and then comes a sudden, unexplained departure. Almost smacks of a bait and switch to the customers.

Best of luck to you.

[Bogie Shooter]

Holy Cow... America's Frendliest Hometown!
Sounds like the "hometown" had nothing to do with it!

[bestmickey]

George,

I pray that you have good lawyers. You deserve to WIN this one!

I hope that by the time I'm living in The Villages, you and your people will be back at the beautiful Havana Country Club.

Mickey

[melissa476]

I know Kris Brown is one of the most honest and caring men i know. so their is more to this story than just what Stella is saying. Kris is always fair and treats everyone the same no matter what. time will tell the real man and who is telling the truth. the resturant is doing wonderful. the food is very good the staff is also very nice. i have eaten their serval time and the food has always been excelent. So in my opinion this resturant is going to be a hit.

[Russ_Boston]

Let the viral posts begin:yuck:

Sounds like it will be settled in a court and not on this forum but i do appreciate the info.

[tony]

If this thread appears disjointed, it is because I have removed two posts by a poster identified as "George Stella" because of the potential for libel.

Although I don't think the forum could be held liable, I think in fairness we should not have posts from one side of a dispute and not the other. We would be happy to have somebody report on this dispute, for example, if he or she were quoting from a court filing, and sticking closely to the court filing.

As much as I would like the forum to help solve the dispute, I'm not sure that leaving the two posts would achieve that.

I have not removed the posts following those of the poster identified as "George Stella."

The posts were on the forum simply because I was away from the forum for a day for medical testing.

[graciegirl]

I am glad you removed George Stella's posts. I wondered when I read them if he had consulted his lawyers.

I personally had not heard his name prior to the opening of the restaurant, but I am not a "foodie" in that I follow chefs fame. From a business standpoint I believe that the restaurant will improve one way or another. The new residents in the closeby Villages of Amelia, Hadley, Hemingway, Bonita, and Duval, well really ALL of the villages south of 466 will be potential diners and Cane Garden is always crowded.

[Number 6]

Good move. I read the "George Stella" posts and wondered if that was really him. Anyway, this will all be covered in The Villages Daily Sun. Maybe not.

[bestmickey]

Good move. I read the "George Stella" posts and wondered if that was really him. Anyway, this will all be covered in The Villages Daily Sun. Maybe not.

My guess is "Maybe not."

[Skip]

Anyway, this will all be covered in The Villages Daily Sun. Maybe not.

The "maybe not" part is the more accurate part of your statement. :undecided:

Skip

[jtdraig]

It's why we need another paper to complement the Daily Sun.

[Russ_Boston]

Nice to say but obviously not financial feasible otherwise you'd think there would be one.

[Skip]

Nice to say but obviously not financial feasible otherwise you'd think there would be one.

It's called the Daily Commercial (Leesburg). They broke the story on STDs in The Villages that eventually got on network TV and CNN Worldwide.

They read this blog, maybe they'll take the hint and do a story about the Havana fiasco. :evil6:

(Also the Orlando Sentinal is available here.)

Skip

[jtdraig]

Thanks for the tip on the Daily Commercial...I take the Sentinel and would dump the Daily Sun except it's the Camp newsletter.

[Mallory]

We think the food and service has improved greatly since Stella left for whatever reason. The food coming out of his kitchen was cold and bland.

[chuckster]

:agree:We agree with Mallory. Much better and we were there last saturday.

[Barefoot]

If this thread appears disjointed, it is because I have removed two posts by a poster identified as "George Stella" because of the potential for libel. As much as I would like the forum to help solve the dispute, I'm not sure that leaving the two posts would achieve that. The posts were on the forum simply because I was away from the forum for a day for medical testing.

Tony, I'm glad you explained that you pulled George Stella's posts. I just started reading this thread for the first time. It didn't make sense to me at all .. now I realize it was because posts were deleted.

Whew, I thought I'd finally come down with "Old Timers".

[gemorc]

I am glad you removed George Stella's posts. I wondered when I read them if he had consulted his lawyers.

I personally had not heard his name prior to the opening of the restaurant, but I am not a "foodie" in that I follow chefs fame. From a business standpoint I believe that the restaurant will improve one way or another. The new residents in the closeby Villages of Amelia, Hadley, Hemingway, Bonita, and Duval, well really ALL of the villages south of 466 will be potential diners and Cane Garden is always crowded.

Some of us, north of 466, often venture DOWN SOUTH, to enjoy the cuisine of you southerners. Too bad there is only Cane Garden, and Havana to please our discriminating palates. We would have much more of a selection if someone would try to improve the status of Palmer and Mallory.

Maybe, some of you southerners, will travel UP NORTH of 466, an sample some of our northern flavors. Lopez, Glenview, Hacienda Hills, and most recently, Tierra Del Sol, have please those of us up north for years. Come on up, you just might enjoy yourself.

[Nugent47]

Loved the Havanna Club. Celebrated my wife's 50th with family right before New Years. We were also back in March and had a great dinner again. Love the atmosphere and the service. Planning to go back again on our next visit down to TV

[ABC]

I heard that Havana will be taking over the lease of Bourbon St on Town Square, anyone know if this is true?

[MMC24]

I heard that Havana will be taking over the lease of Bourbon St on Town Square, anyone know if this is true?

I don't put much stock in rumors but I hope this one is true!!!

[KathieI]

A group of us just left Havana CC for the usual Tuesday night dancing to some great music. The food and service has been fantastic and Lynn is right, they are making many changes in the near future to the menu and to the dancing area. This is a great place. We had a whole table overflowing with TOTV'ers there tonight having a fabulous time!! See ya all on Friday night to dance to the same band.
:clap2::clap2:

[Whalen]

Just got home from a fun night at Havana.
Music & dancing with fellow TOTVers, good band and good people.
Come on down on Friday and see what it's all about.:coolsmiley:

[Dayton]

How do you locate them on facebook?

[KathieI]

I'm searching for them on f/b but still haven't found them yet. If I do, I'll be sure to post it.

BTW, don't forget, Tuesday night at Havana CC Restaurant, great music, great dancing, great food and service. Let's hope it doesn't rain. Come join us, everyone, its a great time.

[twynsmom]

[url]


http://www.facebook.com/home.php#/pages/The-Villages-FL/Havana-Country-Club/73218903989

[KathieI]

Thanks, Twynsmom, it worked. I've become a fan....

[Campbell soup]

Mrs. Campbell soup and I went there a month ago and found the food very good....

[twynsmom]

Thanks, Twynsmom, it worked. I've become a fan....

:wave: You are very welcome!

[KathieI]

Another fantastic night at Havana CC. Great turn out of TOTV peeps, enjoying the music of Patrick and his great band, and the delightful and friendly service people and management. This is truly a great place and they are tremendous fans of TOTV!! They know all of your names and are very anxious to meet everyone in person. They especially want to meet The Great Fumar (although I told them they would be disappointed, LOL), Village07, Talk Host, etc. So drop by, their menu has been updated to include some meals for diabetics, they have kareoke on Monday nights now, and I believe music every night. Its a super venue for dancing and having a lot of fun -- and the food is good too..... :coolsmiley:

[Army Guy]

A group of us (7) from TOTV went Saturday night at 6 for dinner and drinks. It was a mixed bag, some of the dishes we got were great and others were ok. BUT the big disappointment was when we went to get our bill. It took four attempts and 30 minutes for our waitress to somewhat get it right. We finally just paid for bills that "sort of" looked right just to leave.
Wife and I will try again, but with a different waitress!

Army Guy

[chuckster]

Unfortunately had a similar experience 1 week ago. Food just "OK" and service "Ho Hum". Our group not thrilled but might return in the future.

Too many choices in the area to return anytime soon.

[golf2140]

The wife and I have been there a number of times. The only issue we have is service. They have no set service areas. The staff run all over trying to take care of their customers. We were their Monday evening (no crowd) Ben was our server and was very attentive. Like the place, must get their act together.

[Army Guy]

Golf, I agree. If they got the service right, I think it would do very well as it presently is in a very good location in the south east corner where choices are limited unless you go north.

Army Guy

[MMC24]

Since Havana opened, I have had several lunches, and many dinners and both the food and service has been great each time. Never had a bad meal or bad service . . . . . go figure.:shrug:

[MelZ]

We have been to Havana CC for both lunch and dinner many times and enjoyed each visit.

I particulary like the entertainment outside after dinner