Down to 3

[Chatbrat]

We went to an un-named restaurant in SS- over the weekend-the bar was filthy-, until the bar person cleaned it--order lamb shank--came out cold-which indicates, it was premade and was nuked--


Now to the only 3 places left for us in TV--Arnold Palmer, Cane Garden & Tierra Del Sol

Food made fresh and a wait staff that cares-

[Kenswing]

I'm guessing before it's all said and done you'll be down to zero..

[CFrance]

We went to an un-named restaurant in SS- over the weekend-the bar was filthy-, until the bar person cleaned it--order lamb shank--came out cold-which indicates, it was premade and was nuked--


Now to the only 3 places left for us in TV--Arnold Palmer, Cane Garden & Tierra Del Sol

Food made fresh and a wait staff that cares-
This isn't meant to be a slam in any way, but might you not be happier in a larger Florida city? Tampa, maybe, or Fort Meyers or Lauderdale? The quality of food, whether in a restaurant or bought to cook at home, is very important to you. I love to cook and sometimes feel accessibility to quality and/or esoteric items is limited here on the shelf. Just wondering. You seem to have the means to live in a variety of places.

[RedChariot]

We went to an un-named restaurant in SS- over the weekend-the bar was filthy-, until the bar person cleaned it--order lamb shank--came out cold-which indicates, it was premade and was nuked--


Now to the only 3 places left for us in TV--Arnold Palmer, Cane Garden & Tierra Del Sol

Food made fresh and a wait staff that cares-

Tierra Del Sol??? You must be kidding! For the life of me I cannot figure out why. The food here is down right mediocre at best.

[l2ridehd]

You do have to agree that the quality of the food choices in the Villages is limited. I have usually been able to find a go to really good place to eat most everywhere in the world. But that is just not true here. There are some OK places, and places I will go back to, but for the most part they are mediocre at best. And yet I can travel outside the Villages for say 30 miles or less and find several good places. Several steps above what we have here.

I have heard all the reasons why this is so, but none of them seem to be the true root cause. And I don't know what the real problem is, but there has to be some common problem to have over a 100 restaurants in a "city" and none of them are a standout. Any other comparable size place with that many places to eat will always have several really good places.

[eweissenbach]

Either I have low standards, weak taste buds, or I'm just easily pleased, but I find I enjoy meals from many TV establishments. They may not be Narcoossee's, Ruth's Chris, Smith and Wollensky, Delmonico's or Lee and Rick's Oyster Bar, all of which I have enjoyed, but they give me pleasure at reasonable prices.

[Northwoods]

This isn't meant to be a slam in any way, but might you not be happier in a larger Florida city? Tampa, maybe, or Fort Meyers or Lauderdale? The quality of food, whether in a restaurant or bought to cook at home, is very important to you. I love to cook and sometimes feel accessibility to quality and/or esoteric items is limited here on the shelf. Just wondering. You seem to have the means to live in a variety of places.

I agree CFrance. I'm not sure why anyone would live in a place that doesn't have something that seems to be a high priority. Villages restaurants are very busy, so things aren't going to change anytime soon. If it's so important - go to Orlando or Tampa or Ocala to dine out. Or move to a city that has higher quality restaurants.

[DonH57]

Either I have low standards, weak taste buds, or I'm just easily pleased, but I find I enjoy meals from many TV establishments. They may not be Narcoossee's, Ruth's Chris, Smith and Wollensky, Delmonico's or Lee and Rick's Oyster Bar, all of which I have enjoyed, but they give me pleasure at reasonable prices.

Same here. In the development of the villages I personally don't believe the country clubs were ever destined to be high end establishments given, I guessing the majority of residents live on fixed incomes. Sure. We are all blessed to be living here and enjoying whatever culinary delights we can find.

[Nucky]

///

[graciegirl]

///

I was thinking the same thing.

[Bay Kid]

Must be why Mom & Dad like my cooking.

[Polar Bear]

Boy-oh-boy am I glad my dining out standards aren't as high as some people's. :)

[Topspinmo]

We went to an un-named restaurant in SS- over the weekend-the bar was filthy-, until the bar person cleaned it--order lamb shank--came out cold-which indicates, it was premade and was nuked--


Now to the only 3 places left for us in TV--Arnold Palmer, Cane Garden & Tierra Del Sol

Food made fresh and a wait staff that cares-

Be thankful you have 3:MOJE_whot: I don't have any:ohdear:

[Topspinmo]

You do have to agree that the quality of the food choices in the Villages is limited. I have usually been able to find a go to really good place to eat most everywhere in the world. But that is just not true here. There are some OK places, and places I will go back to, but for the most part they are mediocre at best. And yet I can travel outside the Villages for say 30 miles or less and find several good places. Several steps above what we have here.

I have heard all the reasons why this is so, but none of them seem to be the true root cause. And I don't know what the real problem is, but there has to be some common problem to have over a 100 restaurants in a "city" and none of them are a standout. Any other comparable size place with that many places to eat will always have several really good places.

I've only found couple eating establishments in Florida worth going back and there not around here. For me Food and fruit tastes like (fill in the blanks) Down here. Good thing my wifes good cook or I would thinner that Twiggy?:faint:

[Sgroemm]

I've been to Evan's Prairie country club 4 times since Nov. and all four dinners were delicious, hot and served by courteous staff. They seem pretty consistent. Try them.

[Chatbrat]

They know how to operate the microwave and how to time the boil in the bag veggies-unlike other restaurants in TV

[JGVillages]

Culver’s is coming soon. If you don’t like their Butter Burgers you certainly must try their Homemade Custard. Can’t get that at Wolfgang, Ruth Crist’s, or London. I enjoy eating out but it does not over power my need for the multi-numerous other more important (to me) amenities offered in The Villages.

[Topspinmo]

Culver’s is coming soon. If you don’t like their Butter Burgers you certainly must try their Homemade Custard. Can’t get that at Wolfgang, Ruth Crist’s, or London. I enjoy eating out but it does not over power my need for the multi-numerous other more important (to me) amenities offered in The Villages.


Don't mention Culver's to the brat, he will go off on fast foods:1rotfl::1rotfl:

[600th Photo Sq]

We went to an un-named restaurant in SS- over the weekend-the bar was filthy-, until the bar person cleaned it--order lamb shank--came out cold-which indicates, it was premade and was nuked--


Now to the only 3 places left for us in TV--Arnold Palmer, Cane Garden & Tierra Del Sol

Food made fresh and a wait staff that cares-

Why not mention the name of the establishment ?

You mentioned Palmers...hope they cleaned up the kitchen was closed for Roaches.

Our Favorites :

Bonefish Grille

Red Sauce

Carrabba's

Havana

Cane Garden

Bonefish & Havana ...Take Reservations

All the others ? One step at or above hospital chow.

As for Pizza...NYPD Pizza on CR466...they should be Arrested for selling pizza it's that bad.

[Chatbrat]

Demshars the place with the dirty bar and cold lamb shank--Tierra Del Sol--has high end booze included in their happy hour (Chopin Vodka) and their liver & onions is made with calves liver-big difference from beef liver

[graciegirl]

Demshars the place with the dirty bar and cold lamb shank--Tierra Del Sol--has high end booze included in their happy hour (Chopin Vodka) and their liver & onions is made with calves liver-big difference from beef liver

Were you and the "admiral" at Arnold Palmer's last night about five? I saw a couple of people that made me wonder if they were you. We ate in the bar area.

[My Post]

///

What does this mean?

[eremite06]

What does this mean?

"Sage" grass blowing in the wind.

[Chatbrat]

Not us

[600th Photo Sq]

I've only found couple eating establishments in Florida worth going back and there not around here. For me Food and fruit tastes like (fill in the blanks) Down here. Good thing my wifes good cook or I would thinner that Twiggy?:faint:

Who is " Twiggy "

[Chatbrat]

anorexic 1960's British model

[Nucky]

Who is " Twiggy "

That would be me.:1rotfl::1rotfl::1rotfl:

[golf2140]

Some folks just can't be pleased. Maybe be happy in New York City

[tomwed]

I would advise learning how to cook, even at this stage of the game. You will still be disappointed most of the time but it will not only cost less, you won't have to tip.

[asianthree]

I would never post you might think of moving somewhere else, just because I do not agree with your thoughts. It’s just unbecoming of of my upbringing.

We are a large community that has very few really good restaurants. Most restaurants know some are a captive audience and management just doesn’t care.

For others who seek a little better quality one must go out side of the bubble. Why does it become such a hostile post just because one thinks a place should be clean, food hot, and staff happy you are dining in their establishment.

My dining out has really changed since 2010, Cost is not the issue for us, I only ask for good food, good service.

Chat you are right until management gives a crap about the clientele nothing is going to change. I for one do not think you need to leave TV because your view point is different from others. It’s what makes life here so special.

[skip0358]

If people can't find food to eat at the local Restaurants it's time to stay home or move. People come on here and bash places that some are then afraid to try and others just understand don't understand why you can't find something to eat out. We eat out when we want, my wife is a great cook but we still find places we like some are better then others I'll agree. All places have good days and bad depending on the cook and what he or she is given to cook.

[Two Bills]

The problem is the American physci.
Food establishement will only cater for the tastes that customers will pay for, and show them a profit.
Americans will pay for piled up plates, served one minute after sitting down, faster if possible. :icon_hungry::icon_hungry:
You have to show patience and wait whilst food is prepped and cooked properly, or put up with the stuff most establishments sell in TV.

[ColdNoMore]

///

What does this mean?

It usually means one of two things.

1. The poster does it to intimate that they don't trust themselves to post, without taking a chance of breaking the rules...or having their post deleted.

2. They already posted something, decided they wanted to change it, but because you can't delete an entire post once posted...came back and just put some symbols in the edited post.


Think of it as a...middle finger salute. :D

[graciegirl]

It usually means one of two things.

1. The poster does it to intimate that they don't trust themselves to post, without taking a chance of breaking the rules...or having their post deleted.

2. They already posted something, decided they wanted to change it, but because you can't delete an entire post once posted...came back and just put some symbols in the edited post.


Think of it as a...middle finger salute. :D

You COULD think of it like that. Most of us understand that it means that someone had thought better of what they typed; felt it was too direct, too harsh, not polite, or would probably be deleted.

.

[Bay Kid]

I had meatloaf at Cane Garden yesterday. Excellent!

[Two Bills]

"Publish and be damned."

Duke of Wellington

[Aloha1]

Go to any populated area nowadays and you will find people rating restaurants on sites like Yelp, Google, Trip Advisor, etc..It's the way things are now. Look at the Villages Gourmet site. Ratings for restaurants in TV and surrounding areas. I know the general consensus is that everybody here is on a fixed income but the amount of that income I believe is higher than we give credit for. How else do you explain spending $10,000 to $30,000 just for landscaping?

Bottom line, is when you go out to eat you should EXPECT a clean establishment, good service, and hot food cooked to preference. If a restaurant fails to deliver that, they deserve every negative comment they get.

[DonH57]

I had meatloaf at Cane Garden yesterday. Excellent!

It is excellent. Nice portions too.:agree:

[eweissenbach]

I had meatloaf at Cane Garden yesterday. Excellent!

Cane and Mallory both have great meatloaf. I can't imagine anyone not enjoying that meal, but like I said earlier, I am easily pleased - and happy that I am.

[DonH57]

Cane and Mallory both have great meatloaf. I can't imagine anyone not enjoying that meal, but like I said earlier, I am easily pleased - and happy that I am.

The meatloaf at Tierra Del Sol is excellent as well. I tried it last week. The burgers, onion rings and chilli are good too.

[asianthree]

Go to any populated area nowadays and you will find people rating restaurants on sites like Yelp, Google, Trip Advisor, etc..It's the way things are now. Look at the Villages Gourmet site. Ratings for restaurants in TV and surrounding areas. I know the general consensus is that everybody here is on a fixed income but the amount of that income I believe is higher than we give credit for. How else do you explain spending $10,000 to $30,000 just for landscaping?

Bottom line, is when you go out to eat you should EXPECT a clean establishment, good service, and hot food cooked to preference. If a restaurant fails to deliver that, they deserve every negative comment they get.

:agree: some have said average income is $80,000. We don’t have a pleather of million dollar homes, but half million and up are plentiful. One must have that kind of cash to buy here. And then get that expensive landscape

[CFrance]

I think you mean plethora. That darn auto fill. I don't think $80,000/year buys one a half-million-dollar house, but I think there are income levels all over the place in TV... and few got here by not being frugal. As long as people want a lot of food for a little money, we aren't going to get many high-end restaurants.

[Henryk]

What does this mean?

It's a means of moving the topic to the top of the list without actually posting anything.

[Chatbrat]

If you came from NJ or NY suburbs-when you sold your house--getting a half million dollar house in TV is a no brainer-unless you want to pay capital gains-very simple

[Nucky]

It usually means one of two things.

1. The poster does it to intimate that they don't trust themselves to post, without taking a chance of breaking the rules...or having their post deleted.

2. They already posted something, decided they wanted to change it, but because you can't delete an entire post once posted...came back and just put some symbols in the edited post.


Think of it as a...middle finger salute. :D

In the previous post, it meant that my wife needed me and I had decided to use /// after erasing my post.

In this post, it means the last sentence you used in your post. ///. Nice to see you back.

[BK001]

If you came from NJ or NY suburbs-when you sold your house--getting a half million dollar house in TV is a no brainer-unless you want to pay capital gains-very simple


As far as I know, since the Taxpayer Relief Act of 1997, you no longer need to buy another home to avoid the capital gains tax. Each person is eligible to exclude $250,000 ($500,000 for a couple) of profit from the capital gains tax.

Regardless I agree with you that many of us sold our homes and had ample cash to buy a home outright here in TV.

[ColdNoMore]

In the previous post, it meant that my wife needed me and I had decided to use /// after erasing my post.

In this post, it means the last sentence you used in your post. ///. Nice to see you back.

I haven't gone anywhere...but it's nice to be proved correct.

Thanks. :thumbup:

[Nucky]

As far as I know, since the Taxpayer Relief Act of 1997, you no longer need to buy another home to avoid the capital gains tax. Each person is eligible to exclude $250,000 ($500,000 for a couple) of profit from the capital gains tax.

Regardless I agree with you that many of us sold our homes and had ample cash to buy a home outright here in TV.

I believe that's after owning the home as your primary residence for two years. A small technicality.

[asianthree]

As far as I know, since the Taxpayer Relief Act of 1997, you no longer need to buy another home to avoid the capital gains tax. Each person is eligible to exclude $250,000 ($500,000 for a couple) of profit from the capital gains tax.

Regardless I agree with you that many of us sold our homes and had ample cash to buy a home outright here in TV.

Some of us own more than one home, So buying another vacation home works, to reduce capital gains

[Chatbrat]

also, six figure pensions are now common place in NJ & NYC for gov't workers and if husband & wife were both gov't workers tons of disposable income--the person who took my place when I quit a gov't job- his pension was $165K

[skip0358]

Went to Havana last night. Place was packed. There were 7 at our table no complaints about the food at all. I do think the new owners are doing a fine job. He was there last night again walking the floor and stopping to talk with the customers.

[graciegirl]

also, six figure pensions are now common place in NJ & NYC for gov't workers and if husband & wife were both gov't workers tons of disposable income--the person who took my place when I quit a gov't job- his pension was $165K

I was thinking you owned an electrical contracting business.

[Chi-Town]

Went to Palmer's last night and ordered the 12 oz. NY cut ($38.00) medium rare. It was road kill. Cut into it and called the manager over to discuss. He took it back to show the chef and with no explanation offered to replace it with a different steak or a free dessert. How could a piece of meat like that even get to the grill? The photo I took says it all. https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20180325/c8adbab5df7b7889c3f0899fcc49bb67.jpg

Sent from my SM-N910V using Tapatalk

[tomwed]

Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives (often nicknamed Triple D and specialized as Diners, Drive-Ins, Dives) is an American food reality television series that premiered on April 23, 2007, on the Food Network. It is hosted by Guy Fieri.

I just got access to that show. They were showcasing a lot of food tucks, some from Orlando. I wonder if there could be a food truck night at the squares.

While visiting my son in California he took me to a beer garden. Behind the building they have a big parking lot and they invite food trucks. The beer is pricey but the verity of food and value was pretty, pretty good. It might stir the pot a little.

[CFrance]

Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives (often nicknamed Triple D and specialized as Diners, Drive-Ins, Dives) is an American food reality television series that premiered on April 23, 2007, on the Food Network. It is hosted by Guy Fieri.

I just got access to that show. They were showcasing a lot of food tucks, some from Orlando. I wonder if there could be a food truck night at the squares.

While visiting my son in California he took me to a beer garden. Behind the building they have a big parking lot and they invite food trucks. The beer is pricey but the verity of food and value was pretty, pretty good. It might stir the pot little.
In another thread, about suggestions for the squares, someone mentioned having a food truck night. I thought it was a great idea.

[tomwed]

In another thread, about suggestions for the squares, someone mentioned having a food truck night. I thought it was a great idea.There's an Orlando Truck that specializes in Philly Cheese Steaks and another on Jewish Deli including home [truck?] made smoked pastrami at $10 a sandwich. It may inspire our current restaurant menus.

[thelegges]

In another thread, about suggestions for the squares, someone mentioned having a food truck night. I thought it was a great idea.

In the last vmail it was mentioned about food trucks but we have to wait until next vmail to find out when and where

[Henryk]

In another thread, about suggestions for the squares, someone mentioned having a food truck night. I thought it was a great idea.

I love the idea, but I’ll bet the restaurants won’t.

[xkeowner]

Leesburg has food trucks and a free movie every second Saturday. We haven't tried it yet but hope to in the future.

[thetruth]

Either I have low standards, weak taste buds, or I'm just easily pleased, but I find I enjoy meals from many TV establishments. They may not be Narcoossee's, Ruth's Chris, Smith and Wollensky, Delmonico's or Lee and Rick's Oyster Bar, all of which I have enjoyed, but they give me pleasure at reasonable prices.

I can have a great meal at Mcdonalds-IF THE COMPANY IS GOOD. A great meal-whatever the tab these snobs seem to require CAN SURELY BE RUINED BY COMPANY SAYING THIS IS NO GOOD, THIS IS COLD, THE WAITER IS NO GOOD ETC ETC ETC

[Opmoochler]

Went to Palmer's last night and ordered the 12 oz. NY cut ($38.00) medium rare. It was road kill. Cut into it and called the manager over to discuss. He took it back to show the chef and with no explanation offered to replace it with a different steak or a free dessert. How could a piece of meat like that even get to the grill? The photo I took says it all. https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20180325/c8adbab5df7b7889c3f0899fcc49bb67.jpg

Sent from my SM-N910V using Tapatalk

Just the way I like it, but I would have asked it very rare. I understand your not be happy with it cold in the middle!

[Chi-Town]

Just the way I like it, but I would have asked it very rare. I understand your not be happy with it cold in the middle!Way beyond steak temperature. Fat, grizzle, shoe leather, inedible.. Road kill, like I said. A prop from The Walking Dead

Sent from my VS995 using Tapatalk

[Chatbrat]

I went into my own business after I quit working for NYC-commuting expenses,paying four taxes made me nothing but a money filter and most important paid a lot of money for very little work-went into my own business -14 years later retired-

[fw102807]

The problem is the American physci.
Food establishement will only cater for the tastes that customers will pay for, and show them a profit.
Americans will pay for piled up plates, served one minute after sitting down, faster if possible. :icon_hungry::icon_hungry:


I agree. The portions in most American restaurants are enormous and people complain about the service if they are not brought out quickly enough.

[graciegirl]

Just the way I like it, but I would have asked it very rare. I understand your not be happy with it cold in the middle!

We took guests to Palmer last week and hadn't been there for several months. Were shocked at the prices.

The food was not as good.

Has it changed hands? Perhaps sold to a new business after Palmer's death?

[Chatbrat]

Snow bird season-IMHO--quality goes down in all TV restaurants that are not corporate chains--kitchen is too rushed to keep up with demand

[Skip]

In another thread, about suggestions for the squares, someone mentioned having a food truck night. I thought it was a great idea.

Food Trucks - Already tried here a few years back. The restaurants all complained - as they should.

If we get Food Trucks, it'll be temporary and down in Fenney where they need more restaurants. The Food Trucks would compete with the developer's Fenney Grill.

Just my guess.

Skip

[Polar Bear]

Snow bird season-IMHO--quality goes down in all TV restaurants...
But...how could it possibly get any lower?!? :D

[Chatbrat]

Smile it gets worse

[graciegirl]

We really enjoyed the Fenney Grill last night. It was first time going.

Great food and nice atmosphere.

[Aloha1]

Food Trucks - Already tried here a few years back. The restaurants all complained - as they should.

If we get Food Trucks, it'll be temporary and down in Fenney where they need more restaurants. The Food Trucks would compete with the developer's Fenney Grill.

Just my guess.

Skip

Permanent food trucks absolutely no way, but say once a month on the squares, why not?

[CFrance]

Permanent food trucks absolutely no way, but say once a month on the squares, why not?
That's what I was thinking,esp. in the high-season months. Maybe it's a space issue.

[thelegges]

In March v-mail at the very end stated that food trucks were coming, but we have to wait until April‘s vmail For location and dates.

So sounds like the powers of be at TV is bringing in food trucks themselves sometime in April.

[tomwed]

In March v-mail at the very end stated that food trucks were coming, but we have to wait until April‘s vmail For location and dates.

So sounds like the powers of be at TV is bringing in food trucks themselves sometime in April.great-thank-you for sharing--
There is an Orlando food truck group that moves around. I read vendors are encouraged to showcase a $5 plate offering at large events. The idea is for foodies to sample different types of food and different vendors. I hope they do that here.

This place is amazing.

[Schaumburger]

Either I have low standards, weak taste buds, or I'm just easily pleased, but I find I enjoy meals from many TV establishments. They may not be Narcoossee's, Ruth's Chris, Smith and Wollensky, Delmonico's or Lee and Rick's Oyster Bar, all of which I have enjoyed, but they give me pleasure at reasonable prices.

:BigApplause: I am with you! I have always eaten well during my visits to The Villages.

[dave042]

They know how to operate the microwave and how to time the boil in the bag veggies-unlike other restaurants in TV

https://media.giphy.com/media/3o85g2ttYzgw6o661q/giphy.gif

[Sgroemm]

I decided to give Hacienda Hills CC another chance. The building is just beautiful. The entertainment is usually pretty good. Wait staff has always been stretched a bit thin, but hustling to try to keep up. The food was awful. So every part of the dinner equation is present and the fault clearly lies with the food and the chef.....just disappointed. Sad that a beautiful place like that cannot be enjoyed for a decent dinner.

[cegallup]

With about 8 months here in The Villages we probably ate in over 25 restaurants (in and around). About half we would consider again, and half we probably would not go back. Fast food, medium and high end - the mix is very similar to the big Texas city we came from. BUT - The Villages, no better place.

[Chatbrat]

Hacienda Hills, is owned by the same Dr. who owns the 2 World Of Beers, in TV--in the opinion of a villager who owned a very high end restaurant in Manhattan, " the Hacienda Hills is now a beer joint"--used to love have a bite and a cocktail @ the only "sunken" bar in TV

[tomwed]

@ the only "sunken" bar in TVa little sink hole put to good use

[EdFNJ]

If you came from NJ or NY suburbs-when you sold your house--getting a half million dollar house in TV is a no brainer-unless you want to pay capital gains-very simple



lol so NOT TRUE We Enjoying living in our 2/2 slum [emoji3]