Evan's Prarie 1/17/20-

[Challenger]

Tried for dinner last Friday 5:pm. Service good , Food really badly prepared. I had Chicken Parmesan with Fettuccini. Fettuccini sticky , stuck in an impervious ball. Marinara skimpy and tasteless. Chicken very dry. Bread so stale as to not be edible. Two others had Brisket sandwiches that were dry and tasteless. Another had Salmon sandwich wich was nearly raw. Did not make a scene but, informed waitress after paying that we were extremely displease with what came from the kitchen and would not be disposed to eat there again.

[dewilson58]

Bummer.

[lake5798]

WE Also ate there the night before, service ok food terrible, took it off the hit list!!

[villagetinker]

Did you talk to the manager? We have had meals there many times with no problems like the ones described.

[Chatbrat]

Microwave must have had a bad timer and the boil in the bag pot was not boiling--hard to keep things right, during high season

We had to send an entree back @ the Bonefish on Sat, won't be back in the near future

[Number 10 GI]

Why dump on the server, they have absolutely no control over the operation of the restaurant. If the food was so bad you should have not eaten it and called for the manager. That is the only person who can rectify the problem and I wouldn't pay for a meal poorly prepared meal.

[Chatbrat]

No need to call any mgr, send the entree back--soo simple--no need to settle for crap- send it back-its not rocket science to prepare a Sysco meal !!!!

[karostay]

Won't be long if everyone keeps their promise not to frequent restaurants

Dinning will once again become tolerable

[valuemkt]

Microwave must have had a bad timer and the boil in the bag pot was not boiling--hard to keep things right, during high season

We had to send an entree back @ the Bonefish on Sat, won't be back in the near future

We were also at Bonefish Saturday .. Both of us had an outstanding meal (haddock and mahi), along with an interesting Old Fashioned and a marvelous bananas foster. It was very crowded, but service was also great. Mahi was prepared much better than the Mahi I've had at Bluefin.

[sling1985]

Tried for dinner last Friday 5:pm. Service good , Food really badly prepared. I had Chicken Parmesan with Fettuccini. Fettuccini sticky , stuck in an impervious ball. Marinara skimpy and tasteless. Chicken very dry. Bread so stale as to not be edible. Two others had Brisket sandwiches that were dry and tasteless. Another had Salmon sandwich wich was nearly raw. Did not make a scene but, informed waitress after paying that we were extremely displease with what came from the kitchen and would not be disposed to eat there again.
Why do people (like you) feel the need to blast the business online. How about talking to the manager to help resolve your issues?

[sdeikenberry]

Our experience is meals are hit and miss at all TV CC. It may have been a better option if you dealt with the manager on the problem at the time of delivery rather that wait until you paid. After you've consumed the meal, there's no evidence of your complaint, and the waitress is mostly powerless to do anything about it.

[Chatbrat]

the Admiral had the lobster imperial , it was kept under the warmer too long and was dried out, my sea bass was perfect, the Bonefish replaced her dish and removed the charge from the bill, during high season all staff is over burdened, in all restaurants and its up to you to not settle--

[greenflash245]

why not. bad experience is just that. let peeps know about it so they don't get stuck with a bad dinner

[dougjb]

Last time I had a drink at Evans Prairie at the bar, I experienced something that made me never want to go to that place again. I ordered a martini with olives. In the preparation for the drink, the bartender engaged in spearing the olives for my drink. This is what she did. She took the spear and laid the olives on the service mat where bar servers would place their trays to pick up drinks. The mat in most bars is soaking wet with spilled drinks, debris from cleaning clothes and other unmentionables. By placing the olives on the service mat, she gained the leverage to spear the olives by just holding them gently with her fingers. So, she managed to place the three speared olives into my martini. I managed to avoid drinking the martini. Not everything requires the assistance of a manager....especially my feet as I left the establishment...never to return!

[Davelinda91]

Please post places to eat that are good. I’ve been going to TV for years and always find it difficult to go out to eat. Most places are old, run down and not kept clean. Country clubs are definitely not gourmet eating. I did notice Arnold Palmer redid their chairs, almost all were rip and torn for some time. Same restaurants in every square and one is no better than the other. You would think during the summer slow time a major cleanup would take place. Looking for good food, clean atmosphere, any help would be appreciated!

[dewilson58]

Please post places to eat that are good. I’ve been going to TV for years and always find it difficult to go out to eat. Most places are old, run down and not kept clean. Country clubs are definitely not gourmet eating. I did notice Arnold Palmer redid their chairs, almost all were rip and torn for some time. Same restaurants in every square and one is no better than the other. You would think during the summer slow time a major cleanup would take place. Looking for good food, clean atmosphere, any help would be appreciated!




Probably not the correct thread, but Bluefin Grill.

[Aloha1]

We also ate at Evans last Saturday. Service and food outstanding. Had the fish and chips and was one of the best I've ever had around here. No grease! That's the mark of a kitchen that knows when to change it's oil and not to fry anything unless the temperature is correct. Mrs. Aloha had the haddock and said it was cooked perfectly.

[Challenger]

Why dump on the server, they have absolutely no control over the operation of the restaurant. If the food was so bad you should have not eaten it and called for the manager. That is the only person who can rectify the problem and I wouldn't pay for a meal poorly prepared meal.

Did not dump on server-reread my post. In,fact gave her a 25per cent tip. Did not ask for anything. Told her after all transactions by our group were finished----- very quietly so no others would be aware. Though she should know since she would be the one beat up by more strident customers.

[msilagy]

I also agree that telling waitstaff is useless. Tell the manager - in my opinion most people are hesitant to complain in person but fine behind a computer screen. That was nice a 25% tip but doesn't solve problems for others that get bad food there.

[Jmfltz13]

It seems nobody goes there anymore because it’s so crowded.

[Number 10 GI]

Did not dump on server-reread my post. In,fact gave her a 25per cent tip. Did not ask for anything. Told her after all transactions by our group were finished----- very quietly so no others would be aware. Though she should know since she would be the one beat up by more strident customers.

You need to reread your post, you said "Did not make a scene but, informed waitress after paying that we were extremely displease with what came from the kitchen and would not be disposed to eat there again." You voiced your displeasure with the person with the least ability to correct the problem. The manager is the one who should have been told this. Your tip doesn't mitigate the the displeasure she received from you. The tip was for service not the food.

[TheWarriors]

Eating out on a Monday or Tuesday evening and you’re likely not getting the “A” Team, after all Villagers wanted days off when they worked for a living. In the restaurant business that’s usually Mondays and Tuesdays for full time prime staff. Best days are Wednesdays thru Saturdays to eat out, otherwise it’s no different than Vegas, just a gamble That may or may not pay off.

[Jerseybob]

Very happy with Tierra Del Sol and the food service after many visits since August. We have not a bad experience yet and others indicate the same good food and service. Yes, servers are busy .Just my personal exp.

[Sarandipity]

We removed this restaurant from out list of places to eat almost 2 years ago. It was noisy (there were 4 of us and we had to almost shout to the person next to us), the food was nothing special and it wasn't a good experience. Some of the country club restaurants are outstanding, some aren't even worth trying. Favorite is Arnold Palmer, they never disappoint. And if you're having a special occasion, they have an unbelievably good Chateaubriand. It's amazing.

[stan the man]

Bummer.

great comment

[stan the man]

the Admiral had the lobster imperial , it was kept under the warmer too long and was dried out, my sea bass was perfect, the Bonefish replaced her dish and removed the charge from the bill, during high season all staff is over burdened, in all restaurants and its up to you to not settle--

We had dinner out last week at Bonefish ( Top Gun) and myself --- everything was great, only problem they do not have "Ciroc Ten Vodka" seem Top Gun only enjoys Ciroc

[stan the man]

Last time I had a drink at Evans Prairie at the bar, I experienced something that made me never want to go to that place again. I ordered a martini with olives. In the preparation for the drink, the bartender engaged in spearing the olives for my drink. This is what she did. She took the spear and laid the olives on the service mat where bar servers would place their trays to pick up drinks. The mat in most bars is soaking wet with spilled drinks, debris from cleaning clothes and other unmentionables. By placing the olives on the service mat, she gained the leverage to spear the olives by just holding them gently with her fingers. So, she managed to place the three speared olives into my martini. I managed to avoid drinking the martini. Not everything requires the assistance of a manager....especially my feet as I left the establishment...never to return!

I can't believe this really happen Sorry

[Brynnie]

We have found the same problem almost everywhere we go in The Villages. Thought we'd try Glenview after golf the other day, since it's under new management (Suleimans). It was awful. My husband said his grilled chicken sandwich tasted metallic, so he left it on his plate. My chicken quesadilla was rubbery, cold, and almost void of chicken. What was supposed to be Pico de Gallo looked like a bunch of pale chopped tomatoes and onion piled on the plate. The sour cream was warm, and I was afraid to eat it. Awful stuff! I guess we should have known, since our last experience eating there over two years ago was terrible. There was raw bacon on our club sandwiches. New ownership doesn't seem to have changed a thing. We won't be dining there again. What a shame what has happened to the restaurant at one of the most beautiful country clubs in TV. Same is true of Palmer. They could really be showplaces, if someone cared enough and had the real know-how for running a restaurant. Palmer and Glenview restaurants used to be places to take visitors; now the dining rooms look tattered and old, and the food is barely edible. Sad.

[Ronlynch@comcast.net]

We've had only one meal I would classify as poorly done (a sandwich at lunch over a year ago). EP remains one of our favorites along with Legacy, Chop House and Havana). We generally go late afternoon (especially in high season) and have not been disappointed. Charlie, our waitperson, assures all is cooked to our satisfaction. Ivan, the manager, would have certainly rectified the situation if he had known. Most restaurant goals are satisfied diners, let them know immediately if something is not to your liking.

[Cranford61]

It seems like Ma and Pa Kettle, upon relocating from Tree Bud , Ohio, have developed snobbish epicurean taste buds. Should’ve moved to Boca, Del Ray or South Beach once they noticed Bob Evans and Golden Corral.
We cook at home and have tasty peaceful meals.
Via Ann Arbor, Honolulu, NYC(UWS)

[Challenger]

No need to call any mgr, send the entree back--soo simple--no need to settle for crap- send it back-its not rocket science to prepare a Sysco meal !!!!

Returning meals IMHO is not a very good idea,

[Challenger]

Our experience is meals are hit and miss at all TV CC. It may have been a better option if you dealt with the manager on the problem at the time of delivery rather that wait until you paid. After you've consumed the meal, there's no evidence of your complaint, and the waitress is mostly powerless to do anything about it.

I only consumed a few bites and the waitress was able to see the problem for herself,

[rmd2]

I don't go to any of the country club restaurants any more.

[pdfortin]

Personally we think almost all of the restaurants around TV are just fair at best. Perhaps this is what happens when the majority of people in the area don't cook at home and will have to eat somewhere so the "just OK' service and food quality becomes the norm and these people just bounce from one place to another for the same quality. Olive Garden and Metro Diner for us are consistently good. Other than that, hit or miss. We cook at home most of the time and just go out for a nibble and a couple drinks or get out of TV for dinner. But, all of this depends on each persons taste and what they think is good. Judging by the amount of people that still go out to all these places to eat that are "just OK" at best, well, this is what you get if everyone keeps going.... Pretty simple, why do better.

[OhioBuckeye]

No need to call any mgr, send the entree back--soo simple--no need to settle for crap- send it back-its not rocket science to prepare a Sysco meal !!!!

I agree with you CHATBRAT! From experience from a few places they’ll either take it back & make it the way you want it or no charge. I usually don’t judge a restaurant a one time goof up, 2 times is just being sloppy!

[carhirsch]

We like Cane Garden. Haven’t had a bad meal there.

[CFrance]

Tried for dinner last Friday 5:pm. Service good , Food really badly prepared. I had Chicken Parmesan with Fettuccini. Fettuccini sticky , stuck in an impervious ball. Marinara skimpy and tasteless. Chicken very dry. Bread so stale as to not be edible. Two others had Brisket sandwiches that were dry and tasteless. Another had Salmon sandwich wich was nearly raw. Did not make a scene but, informed waitress after paying that we were extremely displease with what came from the kitchen and would not be disposed to eat there again.
I heard! About the brisket, anyway. Back to O'Shucks for you all.


I never had a good meal at Evans Prairie. We only went because the former neighborhood dinner group went there. They had a very strange vegetable side dish there once. I couldn't identify what it was. I haven't been back since moving.

[CFrance]

Returning meals IMHO is not a very good idea,
It also spoils the time you have with your dinner companions, throws off the rhythm of the meal--you are waiting for yours to be replaced; everyone else doesn't know whether to start eating or not; their food is getting cold.


I would vote with my feet and just not go back.

[asianthree]

If we send back food, we never get a replacement. It’s a one and done. If it’s cold, uncooked it going to be nuked. If it’s tases bad, the next dish isn’t going to be better.

More people than you think cook at home. You have more time to experiment with dishes that you never had time working a 60 hour week.

[Chatbrat]

The dish we returned & the dish we got back was a totally different in size and quality--we always eat @ the bar, the bar staff know us & we always get good service, the kitchen is out of their control

[ChicagoNative]

What about Evans’ breakfast? I’ve heard good things, but have never gone.

Unfortunately, I agree with pdfortin’s assessment of restaurants here.

[Parker614]

Evans Prairie has gone downhill bigtime. They used to have great food and great music ... even "real" bands and not just kareoke singers. Their manager Tim H is obnoxious and uncaring/rude to customers. I hope it improves. All of Fred's restaurants have done so well and are some of the best in The Villages. I hope he's able to get Evans Prairie back on track.

[bilcon]

Did you talk to the manager? We have had meals there many times with no problems like the ones described.


We have also experienced very poor food there . We go to Bonify, Blue Fin and the Chop House and have had great food. Why can they get it right at Evans? Yes, we have spoken to management several times.

[Chatbrat]

Maybe the problem with Evans Prairie, is with the kitchen mgr--, Bonifay & the other restaurant due east do not have the same problems, despite being part of Fred's group

[Trishakaye]

Last time I had a drink at Evans Prairie at the bar, I experienced something that made me never want to go to that place again. I ordered a martini with olives. In the preparation for the drink, the bartender engaged in spearing the olives for my drink. This is what she did. She took the spear and laid the olives on the service mat where bar servers would place their trays to pick up drinks. The mat in most bars is soaking wet with spilled drinks, debris from cleaning clothes and other unmentionables. By placing the olives on the service mat, she gained the leverage to spear the olives by just holding them gently with her fingers. So, she managed to place the three speared olives into my martini. I managed to avoid drinking the martini. Not everything requires the assistance of a manager....especially my feet as I left the establishment...never to return!
Gross!

[asianthree]

What about Evans’ breakfast? I’ve heard good things, but have never gone.

Unfortunately, I agree with pdfortin’s assessment of restaurants here.

We tried breakfast. The person who making omelets, and waffles was MIA. We were seated, employees disappeared. Granted we were 15 minutes after opening, and only 4 other tables were seated.
Someone finally Came out sent the omelet person out. She made one, and left again before I could walk from one side of the buffet to the other.

When staff came back 2 tables had left without eating. Management not available. We only had coffee, which was Luke warm. Offered to pay for coffee, left with out eating.

[coffeebean]

......... Did not make a scene but, informed waitress after paying that we were extremely displease with what came from the kitchen and would not be disposed to eat there again.

Why inform the waitress? Did you ask to speak to the manager? That is the only way the food can improve.

[coffeebean]

I also agree that telling waitstaff is useless. Tell the manager - in my opinion most people are hesitant to complain in person but fine behind a computer screen. That was nice a 25% tip but doesn't solve problems for others that get bad food there.

Exactly!

[Spikearoni]

Please let me know which restaurants you enjoy both in and outside TV. Thanks.

[MEbner2805]

I think you should have showed a manager as how can they improve if the manager isn’t made aware of how bad the food is? The manager would have likely gone back on kitchen to help improve the food for others eating there that day or night if you had told them. I would have asked for another dish of that fettuccini for sure on the spot and asked the manager if he would eat that?

You should have told a manager about that as your issue is still non-existent and unknown and that’s bad. Just have them make you another drink and no olives! That’s simple isn’t it?? Why just get mad and leave? Makes no sense to me why people do that and never care to help improve something? The next customer had that happen too as you didn’t make a difference for people after you. I would have been assertive on that teaching moment!

[John_W]

FMK Restaurants operate those establishments. I would send an email via their website to corporate and let them know your experience.

FMK Restaurants (https://www.fmkrestaurants.com/)

FMK Restaurants Contact Us (https://www.fmkrestaurants.com/contact-us)

[anothersteve]

It seems nobody goes there anymore because it’s so crowded.

A little redundant don't ya think?
Steve

[Michael Charles]

I stopped going there for breakfast over a year ago. I had 2 very unsatisfactory experiences and I did speak to the manager and voiced my concerns. One major concern was about the quality of the food offered in the buffett line (not warm, dry and the bacon broke when putting it on the plate) the 2nd was the price increase of $2 on Saturdays and Sundays. I don't mind a price increase if more selections were offered to justify the increased price. It was exactly the same as the weekday offerings. The manager looked me square in the eye and said it was because they're were more customers on the weekend! I told him because if that I won't be back ever again. If they've improved since then well good for them. I'll continue to go to cracker barrel, its ALWAYS consistent, IMHO.

[Bay Kid]

I stopped going there for breakfast over a year ago. I had 2 very unsatisfactory experiences and I did speak to the manager and voiced my concerns. One major concern was about the quality of the food offered in the buffett line (not warm, dry and the bacon broke when putting it on the plate) the 2nd was the price increase of $2 on Saturdays and Sundays. I don't mind a price increase if more selections were offered to justify the increased price. It was exactly the same as the weekday offerings. The manager looked me square in the eye and said it was because they're were more customers on the weekend! I told him because if that I won't be back ever again. If they've improved since then well good for them. I'll continue to go to cracker barrel, its ALWAYS consistent, IMHO.


Maybe the $2 hike is because they have to pay help more on the weekends.

[chuckster]

Disagree with your exaggerated comments. Suggest you eat at home

[Chatbrat]

We have just about given up on eating out in TV, used to go to the Cane @ least once a week, Arnold Palmer once a week & Bonefish once a week

The menus a @ Arnold & the Bone need a little more variety--too boring

Only places we eat out now are Bamboo Bistro, Sakura & believe it or not the Glenview

[graciegirl]

It seems like Ma and Pa Kettle, upon relocating from Tree Bud , Ohio, have developed snobbish epicurean taste buds. Should’ve moved to Boca, Del Ray or South Beach once they noticed Bob Evans and Golden Corral.
We cook at home and have tasty peaceful meals.
Via Ann Arbor, Honolulu, NYC(UWS)

I saw your jab at Ohio and then see you are from Michigan.

I personally enjoy Bob Evans.

And BlueFin.

But really like my own cooking best.

[len84pa]

Please post places to eat that are good. I’ve been going to TV for years and always find it difficult to go out to eat. Most places are old, run down and not kept clean. Country clubs are definitely not gourmet eating. I did notice Arnold Palmer redid their chairs, almost all were rip and torn for some time. Same restaurants in every square and one is no better than the other. You would think during the summer slow time a major cleanup would take place. Looking for good food, clean atmosphere, any help would be appreciated!
Try the Mallory CC. Great Service, good food reasonable price. Not a part of TV restaurant conglomerate that feels they have the monopoly and can gouge the snow birds.

[bagboy]

I saw your jab at Ohio and then see you are from Michigan.

I personally enjoy Bob Evans.

And BlueFin.

But really like my own cooking best.

Directions to Ann Arbor from Tree Bud, Ohio. Hike north across the state line until you smell it, then travel west until you step in it. :ho:

[Bill32]

Try the Mallory CC. Great Service, good food reasonable price. Not a part of TV restaurant conglomerate that feels they have the monopoly and can gouge the snow birds.

Mallory is still owned and operated by the original owner who happens to be a professional chef and oversees the daily operation of his restaurant...

[Two Bills]

Mallory is still owned and operated by the original owner who happens to be a professional chef and oversees the daily operation of his restaurant...

Shame he wasn't in charge of the golf course as well! :icon_wink:

[Bill32]

Shame he wasn't in charge of the golf course as well! :icon_wink:

Good point but completely separate businesses....it does impact the restaurant though...

[Northwoods]

In my opinion, the "problem" is that in high season the CC restaurants are packed. So why is there any incentive to change how they operate?

[Bay Kid]

Hard to find and keep good help.

[Bill32]

Hard to find and keep good help.

Likely the number one problem...finding and retaining quality help...

[Chatbrat]

The buck stops with mgt--if you pay $. you get good help--others who pay more get & retain good help-- excuses go upward, not downward--

[Topspinmo]

Why do people (like you) feel the need to blast the business online. How about talking to the manager to help resolve your issues?

Because some of use don’t like wasn’t or money on high priced microwave food. If it good then rave about, if it’s bad, don’t sugar coat it.

[Northwoods]

The buck stops with mgt--if you pay $. you get good help--others who pay more get & retain good help-- excuses go upward, not downward--
People want mgmt to pay staff more, yet most Villagers want all-day happy hour and inexpensive food (many complain about prices at places like Lopez or Blue Fin or Chop House). If you want restaurants to pay help more, they have to charge more. Villagers are allergic to pay more for food or drinks.
I come from a fairly large city and I laugh at the prices here. Food and drinks are ridiculously cheap here (compared to where I came from).
I think you get what you pay for. If you want inexpensive food and liquor, you will get run-of-the-mill, uninspired food and a basic waitstaff that are paid a less than minimum wage. In general (not always), the restaurants that pay more (and have higher-priced items) will attract better wait staff.