Wolfgang Puck Dinner 9-2-2020

[PompeyKing]

We went to Wolfgang Puck’s restaurant at the Brownwood hotel for our 40th anniversary dinner. We wanted to sit outside even though the hostess tried to get us to sit at the bar. We felt safe as the tables were spaced properly and all the staff had mask on. While we were waiting to be seated we noticed the tables and chairs being sprayed and wiped down. Overall we had a nice evening and enjoyed the food. There were a few problems which I will identify for you. First, the service was very very slow. When our wariest finally showed up she said she wasn’t told she had a table outside. We gave our drink order and ordered the shrimp cocktail for our appetizer. Some time later the appetizer arrived and the person who brought it asked if we needed anything else. We said that the cocktails we ordered would be nice. Shortly our server arrived with our drinks and said she wasn’t notified that they were ready!! My husband ordered a Kettle One Vodka Martini, dry, straight up. I had one of there speciality cocktails. The martini was very very weak..... a martini should have a bite to it, but this was not a good drink. We had our cocktails and finished our appetizer. Our server came and took our dinner and a second round of drink orders. She took away the empty drink glasses but left the “ice” bowl that the shrimp was serviced in on the table. We moved it out of the way because it was “sweating” and the ice had begun melting. My husband ordered a beer to go with his Pork Schnitzel (I had the same dish) and I ordered a vodka & cranberry drink. As we waited for our drink to arrive someone (I’m guessing the manger) came buy and asked how things were going, we said okay and he asked what about the service. We told him it was slow. (Seems strange that they would bring up the service!!). My drink was very very weak, the look and taste was just cranberry juice. When I received the bill, I noticed that they charged me for a Kettle One drink when I had only asked for vodka. I think we both will just stick with beer next time. Our food was good and we enjoyed our evening our. We will consider going back but will probably just go for a pizza or burger.

[Stu from NYC]

Thanks for the update.

Wonder how often Puck comes to see how things are going?

[Aloha1]

Thanks for the update.

Wonder how often Puck comes to see how things are going?

Wolfgang licenses his name for these restaurants but he is not involved at all in their operations. Which is a shame.

Same thing with Roy's. Yamaguchi licensed some recipes and his name for the Mainland operations but kept the Hawai'ian ones for himself.

[Stu from NYC]

Wolfgang licenses his name for these restaurants but he is not involved at all in their operations. Which is a shame.

Same thing with Roy's. Yamaguchi licensed some recipes and his name for the Mainland operations but kept the Hawai'ian ones for himself.

Since his name is on the door would think he would be interested enough to see how they perform.

[dewilson58]

Since his name is on the door would think he would be interested enough to see how they perform.


Don't forget Guy Fieri's place.


Usually they come for the opening and that's it.
These people usually don't have the infrastructure to maintain quality.

[Stu from NYC]

Don't forget Guy Fieri's place.


Usually they come for the opening and that's it.
These people usually don't have the infrastructure to maintain quality.

Was that the one in NYC that brought new meaning to awful?

[dewilson58]

Was that the one in NYC that brought new meaning to awful?


In LSL

[Chi-Town]

Watched the bartender make a mixed call drink. It was a measured single shot pour. How pathetic.

[davem4616]

takes a while for a new eatery to get things going smoothly...but with service like you mentioned I'll wait quite awhile before trying this venue

[JGVillages]

takes a while for a new eatery to get things going smoothly...but with service like you mentioned I'll wait quite awhile before trying this venue

Many new eatery’s in TV have failed because here, as opposed to other cities, the word spreads fast immediately after opening, so “taking awhile to get going smoothly” here can be the kiss of death.

[JSR22]

I have eaten there at least 15 times and the service has always been extremely good. Stuff happens a few staff members could have called in sick. I only drink wine and find the pours are fine. I tried to make res for dinner next week and inside dining in the evening was booked I was able to get lunch. It is a very good restaurant and will continue to eat there.

[Stu from NYC]

Since they make their money selling alcohol would think that they would make sure that was down pat early on.

[davem4616]

Many new eatery’s in TV have failed because here, as opposed to other cities, the word spreads fast immediately after opening, so “taking awhile to get going smoothly” here can be the kiss of death.


so be it...they should have researched and known this to be the case (if it is) and trained their staff appropriately.

that's a fault of management

[Stu from NYC]

so be it...they should have researched and known this to be the case (if it is) and trained their staff appropriately.

that's a fault of management

Doesnt seem like they have much in the way of management.

[JoMar]

Since they make their money selling alcohol would think that they would make sure that was down pat early on.

Based on their food prices I suspect they make money on that side as well.....we enjoy it.

[Northwoods]

I have eaten there at least 5 times and have always had a great meal. The pork schnitzel was excellent. I've also been very pleased with the service.
Two times when I called for reservations (once the same day and the other time 2 days ahead) inside seating was full from 4:30 - 7:30.
So... someone had a few glitches with their meal. Don't make a judgement on one person's experience. Note she said the food was good.
I'll take Wolfgang Puck's restaurant any day vs. the mediocre at best food at most of the Country Club restaurants.

[Robyn1963]

My guess is never. He licensed his name almost like a franchise

[diane reynolds]

Curious why anyone would eat inside a restaurant these days?

[Mommadukes]

Good morning, we had the pleasure of eating at Wolfgang Puck on Tuesday. We enjoyed a great experience. The food, service and wine was delicious! I had the Mezze app and my husband had the crab cake. For our main course, I had the Asian salad, my husband had the Meatloaf. The server recommended the Wolfgang Puck wine which was delicious! There was a staff meeting going on while we were there, our server Beth came over twice to check on us while she was “attending” the meeting. We will definitely be back!

[Ajiveson]

I have also eaten at Pucks several times and have been very happy with the service and food. To me it is up and running smoothly especially considering they opened right before Covid.
For those who say they will wait, if we don’t support our restaurants we won’t have them. Nothing and no one is perfect all the time. For me, I welcome the additions of Pucks, Blue Fin, Metro Diner etc instead of yet another Cody’s, RJ’s and other same same restaurants at our squares.
Give Pucks a try, good food, service...try the steak...best around and the asparagus is to die for!

[Girlcopper]

We went to Wolfgang Puck’s restaurant at the Brownwood hotel for our 40th anniversary dinner. We wanted to sit outside even though the hostess tried to get us to sit at the bar. We felt safe as the tables were spaced properly and all the staff had mask on. While we were waiting to be seated we noticed the tables and chairs being sprayed and wiped down. Overall we had a nice evening and enjoyed the food. There were a few problems which I will identify for you. First, the service was very very slow. When our wariest finally showed up she said she wasn’t told she had a table outside. We gave our drink order and ordered the shrimp cocktail for our appetizer. Some time later the appetizer arrived and the person who brought it asked if we needed anything else. We said that the cocktails we ordered would be nice. Shortly our server arrived with our drinks and said she wasn’t notified that they were ready!! My husband ordered a Kettle One Vodka Martini, dry, straight up. I had one of there speciality cocktails. The martini was very very weak..... a martini should have a bite to it, but this was not a good drink. We had our cocktails and finished our appetizer. Our server came and took our dinner and a second round of drink orders. She took away the empty drink glasses but left the “ice” bowl that the shrimp was serviced in on the table. We moved it out of the way because it was “sweating” and the ice had begun melting. My husband ordered a beer to go with his Pork Schnitzel (I had the same dish) and I ordered a vodka & cranberry drink. As we waited for our drink to arrive someone (I’m guessing the manger) came buy and asked how things were going, we said okay and he asked what about the service. We told him it was slow. (Seems strange that they would bring up the service!!). My drink was very very weak, the look and taste was just cranberry juice. When I received the bill, I noticed that they charged me for a Kettle One drink when I had only asked for vodka. I think we both will just stick with beer next time. Our food was good and we enjoyed our evening our. We will consider going back but will probably just go for a pizza or burger.
It happens. Sounds like you had a new waitress. A ctually new employees. With the flu its possible the original workers didnt return when things started to go back to normal. If the drinks or food are poor, dont go back. Tons of places to eat fantastic food

[Stduno]

Just a quick FYI, The Villages owns the property and Wolfgang is the tenant and runs the operation. Wolfgang or his staff come down often (every few weeks), and they control everything in that establishment from the menu, equipment to the paintings hanging on the walls. They like every other eatery, have to wade through some bad eggs. The floor manager that was at Bone Fish (Damon), is there to make sure your experience is excellent. He is fantastic at making guest feel well served. I have learned that when service takes a dip below your expectations, say something constructively critical to the one that can help and in an eatery like this, they will address it pronto. The only bad experience you leave with is the one you will share with those who cannot improve it. I hope you come back and speak to Damon (Cricket), as soon as you are seated, he will ensure your next experience will be great, it is his job and he is good at it.

[ts12755]

Restaurants are begging for help they're all short staffed. You should cut back on the alcohol and stay home.

[JSR22]

Doesnt seem like they have much in the way of management.

They have excellent management. Check out TV FB restaurant review pages. Out of 100s of posts there has been an extremely small amount of negative reviews. Give it a try I am sure you will like the restaurant.

[Dr Winston O Boogie jr]

Watched the bartender make a mixed call drink. It was a measured single shot pour. How pathetic.

Many places are doing that now, not only to save money but also in order to defend themselves in case of a drunk driving incident.

[mydavid]

We went to Wolfgang Puck’s restaurant at the Brownwood hotel for our 40th anniversary dinner. We wanted to sit outside even though the hostess tried to get us to sit at the bar. We felt safe as the tables were spaced properly and all the staff had mask on. While we were waiting to be seated we noticed the tables and chairs being sprayed and wiped down. Overall we had a nice evening and enjoyed the food. There were a few problems which I will identify for you. First, the service was very very slow. When our wariest finally showed up she said she wasn’t told she had a table outside. We gave our drink order and ordered the shrimp cocktail for our appetizer. Some time later the appetizer arrived and the person who brought it asked if we needed anything else. We said that the cocktails we ordered would be nice. Shortly our server arrived with our drinks and said she wasn’t notified that they were ready!! My husband ordered a Kettle One Vodka Martini, dry, straight up. I had one of there speciality cocktails. The martini was very very weak..... a martini should have a bite to it, but this was not a good drink. We had our cocktails and finished our appetizer. Our server came and took our dinner and a second round of drink orders. She took away the empty drink glasses but left the “ice” bowl that the shrimp was serviced in on the table. We moved it out of the way because it was “sweating” and the ice had begun melting. My husband ordered a beer to go with his Pork Schnitzel (I had the same dish) and I ordered a vodka & cranberry drink. As we waited for our drink to arrive someone (I’m guessing the manger) came buy and asked how things were going, we said okay and he asked what about the service. We told him it was slow. (Seems strange that they would bring up the service!!). My drink was very very weak, the look and taste was just cranberry juice. When I received the bill, I noticed that they charged me for a Kettle One drink when I had only asked for vodka. I think we both will just stick with beer next time. Our food was good and we enjoyed our evening our. We will consider going back but will probably just go for a pizza or burger. You should never order top shelf unless you can see them making your drink.:ho:

[MandoMan]

We went to Wolfgang Puck’s restaurant at the Brownwood hotel for our 40th anniversary dinner. We wanted to sit outside even though the hostess tried to get us to sit at the bar. We felt safe as the tables were spaced properly and all the staff had mask on. While we were waiting to be seated we noticed the tables and chairs being sprayed and wiped down. Overall we had a nice evening and enjoyed the food. There were a few problems which I will identify for you. First, the service was very very slow. When our wariest finally showed up she said she wasn’t told she had a table outside. We gave our drink order and ordered the shrimp cocktail for our appetizer. Some time later the appetizer arrived and the person who brought it asked if we needed anything else. We said that the cocktails we ordered would be nice. Shortly our server arrived with our drinks and said she wasn’t notified that they were ready!! My husband ordered a Kettle One Vodka Martini, dry, straight up. I had one of there speciality cocktails. The martini was very very weak..... a martini should have a bite to it, but this was not a good drink. We had our cocktails and finished our appetizer. Our server came and took our dinner and a second round of drink orders. She took away the empty drink glasses but left the “ice” bowl that the shrimp was serviced in on the table. We moved it out of the way because it was “sweating” and the ice had begun melting. My husband ordered a beer to go with his Pork Schnitzel (I had the same dish) and I ordered a vodka & cranberry drink. As we waited for our drink to arrive someone (I’m guessing the manger) came buy and asked how things were going, we said okay and he asked what about the service. We told him it was slow. (Seems strange that they would bring up the service!!). My drink was very very weak, the look and taste was just cranberry juice. When I received the bill, I noticed that they charged me for a Kettle One drink when I had only asked for vodka. I think we both will just stick with beer next time. Our food was good and we enjoyed our evening our. We will consider going back but will probably just go for a pizza or burger.

That’s horrible! I’m sorry you had to go through that. I could say you were warned that you should sit at the bar, where you would have faster service, but you should receive good service anywhere there are tables.

In my experience, a lot of restaurants make really bad dry martinis, even though they are easy to make. Some make great ones, and I remember and order them. Martinis are pretty cheap and easy to make, but they are expensive, so if I get one that is lousy, I send it back and say specifically what is wrong. If I know a place makes lousy martinis, I stop ordering them there and switch to, say, gin and tonic or gin or vodka on the rocks. I also like olives in my martini, but not a dirty martini, which is like drinking ocean water. Sometimes I’m brought a dirty martini, and I send it back. I also send it back if I ask for a dry martini, but it has too much vermouth. As for “premium drinks” called martinis because they are served in martini glasses, I cringe. Fine, serve it in a martini glass, but it’s not a martini! That’s as wrong as making a Margarita with vodka instead of tequila and still calling it a margarita.

I understand that food can sometimes take awhile to arrive, but drinks should arrive promptly, water immediately, and I don’t want the appetizer and the main dish to arrive at the same time. I hate to complain in a restaurant, and I rarely do, but if something isn’t right, I try to politely share that with the appropriate person.

Oh, but I also REVIEW restaurants accurately for Trip Advisor and Yelp. Sometimes I even warn my waiter that I do this. If it’s not right, I will share that. I remember visiting what was supposed to be one of the best Mexican restaurants in Ocala and ordering one of my favorite dishes, but the dominant taste of the sauce was salt. There must have been a tablespoon of salt in the sauce on my plate. Things like that should be tasted before serving to people. That’s why there are chefs! The review was not complimentary.

[Stduno]

Just an FYI; TV owns the building and the property, Wolfgang controls everything from the menu, staff and equipment being used to the paintings on the wall. They brought in the floor manager from Bone Fish to raise the level of service. Damon (aka Cricket he is one of the best), is there to ensure your experience is meets your expectations. Wolfgang or his staff are there every few weeks to keep an eye on things. I have learned that in an eatery like this, if you can constructively criticize the service to the proper person it will be handled appropriately. The only bad experience you have is the one that you told to the people that cannot help improve it. I would suggest that on your next trip in as you are seated and before you order, speak to Damon and let him know what happened. He will make sure you leave with a great experience.

[Marathon Man]

... As we waited for our drink to arrive someone (I’m guessing the manger) came buy and asked how things were going, we said okay ...

You had an opportunity to tell the manager all the things that you told us. That would have given him the chance to make needed changes.

[Stu from NYC]

You had an opportunity to tell the manager all the things that you told us. That would have given him the chance to make needed changes.

That did surprise me. We would have said what we thought of the service and drinks.

[rick2071]

We were there the same night, our service was great. The food was excellent, but the drinks were not so good for the price. We have been there several times and will continue to go there.

[dennisgavin]

you contradicted yourself. You said your husband ordered a brand drink and then at the end said you were charged for it but only ordered house brand. If you are going to complain at least get your facts straight.

[bilcon]

Thanks for the update.

Wonder how often Puck comes to see how things are going?


Probably as many times as Guy Fieri showed up at his restaurant in TV. That's why it's no longer there. Big names mean nothing if service and food are not up to par. Nothing worse than getting screwed paying big bucks for a good drink and having it taste like
watered down booze.

[nhtexasrn]

[QUOTE=PompeyKing;1827711]We went to Wolfgang Puck’s restaurant at the Brownwood hotel for our 40th anniversary dinner. We wanted to sit outside even though the hostess tried to get us to sit at the bar. We felt safe as the tables were spaced properly and all the staff had mask on. While we were waiting to be seated we noticed the tables and chairs being sprayed and wiped down. Overall we had a nice evening and enjoyed the food. There were a few problems which I will identify for you. First, the service was very very slow. When our wariest finally showed up she said she wasn’t told she had a table outside. We gave our drink order and ordered the shrimp cocktail for our appetizer. Some time later the appetizer arrived and the person who brought it asked if we needed anything else. We said that the cocktails we ordered would be nice. Shortly our server arrived with our drinks and said she wasn’t notified that they were ready!! My husband ordered a Kettle One Vodka Martini, dry, straight up. I had one of there speciality cocktails. The martini was very very weak..... a martini should have a bite to it, but this was not a good drink. We had our cocktails and finished our appetizer. Our server came and took our dinner and a second round of drink orders. She took away the empty drink glasses but left the “ice” bowl that the shrimp was serviced in on the table. We moved it out of the way because it was “sweating” and the ice had begun melting. My husband ordered a beer to go with his Pork Schnitzel (I had the same dish) and I ordered a vodka & cranberry drink. As we waited for our drink to arrive someone (I’m guessing the manger) came buy and asked how things were going, we said okay and he asked what about the service. We told him it was slow. (Seems strange that they would bring up the service!!). My drink was very very weak, the look and taste was just cranberry juice. When I received the bill, I noticed that they charged me for a Kettle One drink when I had only asked for vodka. I think we both will just stick with beer next time. Our food was good and we enjoyed our evening our. We will consider going back but will probably just go for a pizza or burger.[/Q

[justjim]

Many new eatery’s in TV have failed because here, as opposed to other cities, the word spreads fast immediately after opening, so “taking awhile to get going smoothly” here can be the kiss of death.

You are spot on. Burke’s BQ is a good example of what you speak. Great location and potential but never got off to a good start. We gave up after three terrible experiences. They are closed and the building is for sale.

[nhtexasrn]

This could have been an isolated incident because we went there, the service and all the staff actually were amazing! I didn't care for the meatloaf the way they make it, but everything else was awesome!

[ron32162]

Watched the bartender make a mixed call drink. It was a measured single shot pour. How pathetic.

Over pouring will get the bartender fired. And that bartender most likely has a family to feed ,school clothes to buy for the kids food to put on the table and rent to pay. You not getting more than your paying for is not whats pathetic.

[msilagy]

What you reported was all good to let people know but the person you should send this to is the manager!!!! It's not beneficial to improvement to complain to others as this restaurant will never make adjustments if they don't know the real facts. Saying everything was okay to the manager was simply misinforming him. He asked because there have been complaints about service!! You should have guessed that and told him what you wrote to the everyone on this site. A disservice by you both has been done not only to management of this restaurant but to the upcoming patrons!

[Skip]

You are spot on. Burke’s BQ is a good example of what you speak. Great location and potential but never got off to a good start. We gave up after three terrible experiences. They are closed and the building is for sale.

Just another example of someone starting a business they know nothing about. Even the developer here got experts hired to do the parts they are experienced in. Burke knew nothing about serving food. Then he got into a tiff with the city over the water main issue. It's called "over your head".

Skip

[Stu from NYC]

Just another example of someone starting a business they know nothing about. Even the developer here got experts hired to do the parts they are experienced in. Burke knew nothing about serving food. Then he got into a tiff with the city over the water main issue. It's called "over your head".

Skip

It is incredible that people put their life savings into starting a business that they do not have the knowledge or skills to run.

[Dana1963]

We went to Wolfgang Puck’s restaurant at the Brownwood hotel for our 40th anniversary dinner. We wanted to sit outside even though the hostess tried to get us to sit at the bar. We felt safe as the tables were spaced properly and all the staff had mask on. While we were waiting to be seated we noticed the tables and chairs being sprayed and wiped down. Overall we had a nice evening and enjoyed the food. There were a few problems which I will identify for you. First, the service was very very slow. When our wariest finally showed up she said she wasn’t told she had a table outside. We gave our drink order and ordered the shrimp cocktail for our appetizer. Some time later the appetizer arrived and the person who brought it asked if we needed anything else. We said that the cocktails we ordered would be nice. Shortly our server arrived with our drinks and said she wasn’t notified that they were ready!! My husband ordered a Kettle One Vodka Martini, dry, straight up. I had one of there speciality cocktails. The martini was very very weak..... a martini should have a bite to it, but this was not a good drink. We had our cocktails and finished our appetizer. Our server came and took our dinner and a second round of drink orders. She took away the empty drink glasses but left the “ice” bowl that the shrimp was serviced in on the table. We moved it out of the way because it was “sweating” and the ice had begun melting. My husband ordered a beer to go with his Pork Schnitzel (I had the same dish) and I ordered a vodka & cranberry drink. As we waited for our drink to arrive someone (I’m guessing the manger) came buy and asked how things were going, we said okay and he asked what about the service. We told him it was slow. (Seems strange that they would bring up the service!!). My drink was very very weak, the look and taste was just cranberry juice. When I received the bill, I noticed that they charged me for a Kettle One drink when I had only asked for vodka. I think we both will just stick with beer next time. Our food was good and we enjoyed our evening our. We will consider going back but will probably just go for a pizza or burger.
We like getting out of the Bubble and frequent Wolfegang Puck Bar & Grill Disney Springs or his express location. Followed up with a hot fudge Sunday at Ghirardelli

[Stduno]

You are spot on. Burke’s BQ is a good example of what you speak. Great location and potential but never got off to a good start. We gave up after three terrible experiences. They are closed and the building is for sale.

B-BQ was never in The Villages. They were trying to re-create the 4-Rivers BBQ model. Would never sell to TV, just wanted to profit from location. Never in over their head (monetarily speaking). It was Dunning-Kruger effect that ended their run. Sold the land, building and house (not to TV), won’t have to worry about serving food again.

[waynehal55]

I have eaten there at least 15 times and the service has always been extremely good. Stuff happens a few staff members could have called in sick. I only drink wine and find the pours are fine. I tried to make res for dinner next week and inside dining in the evening was booked I was able to get lunch. It is a very good restaurant and will continue to eat there.

I agree with you, we ate there a couple of weeks ago for dinner, and had an outstanding experience.We also stayed at the Brownwood hotel for 2 nights, this is a beautiful hotel,but was very quiet and mostly empty. We were celebrating a BIG anniversary, and would highly recommend both places.

[Joeint]

you contradicted yourself. You said your husband ordered a brand drink and then at the end said you were charged for it but only ordered house brand. If you are going to complain at least get your facts straight.

You need to read the OP a little closer...

My husband ordered a beer to go with his Pork Schnitzel (I had the same dish) and I ordered a vodka & cranberry drink. As we waited for our drink to arrive someone (I’m guessing the manger) came buy and asked how things were going, we said okay and he asked what about the service. We told him it was slow. (Seems strange that they would bring up the service!!). My drink was very very weak, the look and taste was just cranberry juice. When I received the bill, I noticed that they charged me for a Kettle One drink when I had only asked for vodka.

[Stu from NYC]

B-BQ was never in The Villages. They were trying to re-create the 4-Rivers BBQ model. Would never sell to TV, just wanted to profit from location. Never in over their head (monetarily speaking). It was Dunning-Kruger effect that ended their run. Sold the land, building and house (not to TV), won’t have to worry about serving food again.

What is the Dunning-Kruger effect?

[Chi-Town]

Over pouring will get the bartender fired. And that bartender most likely has a family to feed ,school clothes to buy for the kids food to put on the table and rent to pay. You not getting more than your paying for is not whats pathetic.

Did they teach you that in mixology school?

[Parnell]

We went to Wolfgang Puck’s restaurant at the Brownwood hotel for our 40th anniversary dinner. We wanted to sit outside even though the hostess tried to get us to sit at the bar. We felt safe as the tables were spaced properly and all the staff had mask on. While we were waiting to be seated we noticed the tables and chairs being sprayed and wiped down. Overall we had a nice evening and enjoyed the food. There were a few problems which I will identify for you. First, the service was very very slow. When our wariest finally showed up she said she wasn’t told she had a table outside. We gave our drink order and ordered the shrimp cocktail for our appetizer. Some time later the appetizer arrived and the person who brought it asked if we needed anything else. We said that the cocktails we ordered would be nice. Shortly our server arrived with our drinks and said she wasn’t notified that they were ready!! My husband ordered a Kettle One Vodka Martini, dry, straight up. I had one of there speciality cocktails. The martini was very very weak..... a martini should have a bite to it, but this was not a good drink. We had our cocktails and finished our appetizer. Our server came and took our dinner and a second round of drink orders. She took away the empty drink glasses but left the “ice” bowl that the shrimp was serviced in on the table. We moved it out of the way because it was “sweating” and the ice had begun melting. My husband ordered a beer to go with his Pork Schnitzel (I had the same dish) and I ordered a vodka & cranberry drink. As we waited for our drink to arrive someone (I’m guessing the manger) came buy and asked how things were going, we said okay and he asked what about the service. We told him it was slow. (Seems strange that they would bring up the service!!). My drink was very very weak, the look and taste was just cranberry juice. When I received the bill, I noticed that they charged me for a Kettle One drink when I had only asked for vodka. I think we both will just stick with beer next time. Our food was good and we enjoyed our evening our. We will consider going back but will probably just go for a pizza or burger.



Great way to tear down a new business in these challenging times. You said "overall we had a good time" and then proceeded to knock every little misstep. Let's support these struggling businesses.

[rmd2]

Several of us went there when it first opened. We enjoyed our dinner and the ambience. Service was good. We also had the pork schnitzel which was good. The menu was limited due to the CV. I guess it is still a limited menu as some of these comments mentioned the same dish. I would definitely go back but may wait until a full menu comes out.

[mjpuleo]

read good things about this place-- perhaps over-rated???

[NavyVet]

Big names mean nothing. Went to a Wolfgang Puck in Orlando once, not good, very unimpressed. Ate at a Paula Deen's once and it was downright awful. However, had excellent experiences every time I went to Guy Fieri's. So you never know on a given day at any restaurant.

[Stduno]

What is the Dunning-Kruger effect?
The Dunning–Kruger effect is a cognitive bias in which unskilled people make poor decisions and reach erroneous conclusions, but their incompetence denies them the metacognitive ability to recognize their mistakes. The unskilled therefore suffer from illusory superiority, rating their ability as above average, much higher than it actually is, while the highly skilled underrate their own abilities, suffering from illusory inferiority. Actual competence may weaken self-confidence, as competent individuals may falsely assume that others have an equivalent understanding.

[Doctor Who]

Expected Better Service.....Drinks took 20 minutes to arrive.....No Bread Served with the Meal......
2nd Round of Drinks took at least another 20 minutes to arrived...All had finished their Meal.....
There are Much Better Places to Dine in the Villages.....Our Favorite is The Legacy Restaurant....
Service, Food, Atmosphere, Everything is Always Great!!!

[Stu from NYC]

The Dunning–Kruger effect is a cognitive bias in which unskilled people make poor decisions and reach erroneous conclusions, but their incompetence denies them the metacognitive ability to recognize their mistakes. The unskilled therefore suffer from illusory superiority, rating their ability as above average, much higher than it actually is, while the highly skilled underrate their own abilities, suffering from illusory inferiority. Actual competence may weaken self-confidence, as competent individuals may falsely assume that others have an equivalent understanding.

Hmm who would have thought.

[Ladygolfer93]

Many new eatery’s in TV have failed because here, as opposed to other cities, the word spreads fast immediately after opening, so “taking awhile to get going smoothly” here can be the kiss of death.

Agree ! Charging for a name brand liquor drink, weak (measured pour drinks), "management" thinking: these seemingly small things, a couple pennies perhaps, really add up big time, similar to a contractor putting on a new roof and using an 8 nail strip rather than a 12, no one would notice or ask, same with restaurants. The grocery that habitually charges one cent more than the price shown, "it's only a penny but, if they make it on 99% of the customers who don't notice, or who are embarrassed to question a one cent over charge, all help support the bottom line profits. How many people request a very specific liquor, say an expensive and rare tequila, and receive a shot of that very brand "mixed" with half a bottle of another less expensive brand and never know the difference ? It is a shame that in so many cases, not all, it is indeed "buyer beware", from drinks to landscaping sorry to say !

[Stu from NYC]

Agree ! Charging for a name brand liquor drink, weak (measured pour drinks), "management" thinking: these seemingly small things, a couple pennies perhaps, really add up big time, similar to a contractor putting on a new roof and using an 8 nail strip rather than a 12, no one would notice or ask, same with restaurants. The grocery that habitually charges one cent more than the price shown, "it's only a penny but, if they make it on 99% of the customers who don't notice, or who are embarrassed to question a one cent over charge, all help support the bottom line profits. How many people request a very specific liquor, say an expensive and rare tequila, and receive a shot of that very brand "mixed" with half a bottle of another less expensive brand and never know the difference ? It is a shame that in so many cases, not all, it is indeed "buyer beware", from drinks to landscaping sorry to say !

Think most people that ask for a particular brand of alcohol probably cannot tell the difference. If I asked for a particular brand and found out that they substituted something else without asking would have a talk with manager and probably take my business elsewhere.

[yankygrl]

Big names mean nothing. Went to a Wolfgang Puck in Orlando once, not good, very unimpressed. Ate at a Paula Deen's once and it was downright awful. However, had excellent experiences every time I went to Guy Fieri's. So you never know on a given day at any restaurant.
Yet Guy Fiere’s in LSL closed because food was bad (never went this is hear say), prices to high and service wasn’t the best.

[retiredguy123]

Yet Guy Fiere’s in LSL closed because food was bad (never went this is hear say), prices to high and service wasn’t the best.
That new restaurant on the moon closed also. Good food, but no atmosphere.

[Stu from NYC]

That new restaurant on the moon closed also. Good food, but no atmosphere.

ha ha

Guy Fieri has a burger place on many Carnival ships and does put out a good burger.

Apparently he came when it was first introduced and never back since.

[jaccik1]

The pizza is not that great since that is what Wolfgang based his business on in the beginning. I could have been anywhere for just ok pizza.

[PompeyKing]

I have eaten there at least 5 times and have always had a great meal. The pork schnitzel was excellent. I've also been very pleased with the service.
Two times when I called for reservations (once the same day and the other time 2 days ahead) inside seating was full from 4:30 - 7:30.
So... someone had a few glitches with their meal. Don't make a judgement on one person's experience. Note she said the food was good.
I'll take Wolfgang Puck's restaurant any day vs. the mediocre at best food at most of the Country Club restaurants.
Lol, I’m a man and yes it was with my husband of 40 years!!

[PompeyKing]

you contradicted yourself. You said your husband ordered a brand drink and then at the end said you were charged for it but only ordered house brand. If you are going to complain at least get your facts straight.

Ah no, I said that for the second round, my husband ordered a beer and I asked for a “vodka with cranberry juice” and I was charged for a Kettle One vodka & cranberry. :icon_wink:

[crydzanich]

He licenses his name and some of his recipes. He has no involvement in the restaurant.

[Skip]

ha ha

Guy Fieri has a burger place on many Carnival ships and does put out a good burger.

Apparently he came when it was first introduced and never back since.

Guy has never step foot in The Villages.

Skip

[Stu from NYC]

Guy has never step foot in The Villages.

Skip

Doesnt matter as nobody sells his burgers here.

[Number 10 GI]

It does not take much overpouring to wipe out the profit on a bottle of alcohol. Too much alcohol in some drinks can ruin the taste by overpowering the flavors of the other ingredients in the drink.

[wisbad1]

We went to Wolfgang Puck’s restaurant at the Brownwood hotel for our 40th anniversary dinner. We wanted to sit outside even though the hostess tried to get us to sit at the bar. We felt safe as the tables were spaced properly and all the staff had mask on. While we were waiting to be seated we noticed the tables and chairs being sprayed and wiped down. Overall we had a nice evening and enjoyed the food. There were a few problems which I will identify for you. First, the service was very very slow. When our wariest finally showed up she said she wasn’t told she had a table outside. We gave our drink order and ordered the shrimp cocktail for our appetizer. Some time later the appetizer arrived and the person who brought it asked if we needed anything else. We said that the cocktails we ordered would be nice. Shortly our server arrived with our drinks and said she wasn’t notified that they were ready!! My husband ordered a Kettle One Vodka Martini, dry, straight up. I had one of there speciality cocktails. The martini was very very weak..... a martini should have a bite to it, but this was not a good drink. We had our cocktails and finished our appetizer. Our server came and took our dinner and a second round of drink orders. She took away the empty drink glasses but left the “ice” bowl that the shrimp was serviced in on the table. We moved it out of the way because it was “sweating” and the ice had begun melting. My husband ordered a beer to go with his Pork Schnitzel (I had the same dish) and I ordered a vodka & cranberry drink. As we waited for our drink to arrive someone (I’m guessing the manger) came buy and asked how things were going, we said okay and he asked what about the service. We told him it was slow. (Seems strange that they would bring up the service!!). My drink was very very weak, the look and taste was just cranberry juice. When I received the bill, I noticed that they charged me for a Kettle One drink when I had only asked for vodka. I think we both will just stick with beer next time. Our food was good and we enjoyed our evening our. We will consider going back but will probably just go for a pizza or burger.
Why would you wanna go back? You can get better service at Burger King.

[JSR22]

Why would you wanna go back? You can get better service at Burger King.

Just returned from having an excellent dinner at Puck. Service was terrific. Comparing Puck and BK is absurd!

[retiredguy123]

I don't like the seating concept. Too open. I like to sit at a booth.

[Stu from NYC]

It does not take much overpouring to wipe out the profit on a bottle of alcohol. Too much alcohol in some drinks can ruin the taste by overpowering the flavors of the other ingredients in the drink.

Given the markup on alcohol would have to do a heck of a lot overpouring to wipe out profit.

However one should taste the drink as a whole and not just the alcohol.

[CanTho]

We like getting out of the Bubble and frequent Wolfegang Puck Bar & Grill Disney Springs or his express location. Followed up with a hot fudge Sunday at Ghirardelli

Ahhhhhhhh Where is the " Bubble " ? I have asked but all I get is a bewildered look ?

That said I will keep asking on my frequent trips to collect my mail. :doggie:

[CanTho]

Curious why anyone would eat inside a restaurant these days?

You no longer need to be curious. Eating inside ? Simple it's cooler therefore more comfortable. :)

[CanTho]

Hmm who would have thought.

I read your post and re-read it and I have not yet come to a conclusion I will read it again tomorrow ( Monday ) after a good nights sleep , and with any luck will either agree with you or.... not.

I will try to remember to post my thoughts. :ohdear:

[Bill32]

alcohol...one of the contributing factors to "weak" drinks in TV is the size of the glasses many places use. When I was young and worked as a bartender a highball glass was about 8 oz, now many restaurants use a 16 oz beer glass for everything...and you can't taste the alcohol???? Duh...

[pauld315]

Guy has never step foot in The Villages.

Skip

Guy Fieri's was licensed to a "restaurant developer" by the name of Greg Pranzo. He also owned a Wahlburgers in Myrtle Beach, another Wahlburgers in Raleigh NC, Cinco Taco and Tequila in Winter Park and some others. All of his restaurants were ill managed and closed within a year or two of opening. In Myrtle Beach and Raleigh employees were never notified before closing and were left holding the bag.

Guy Fieri and the Wahlberg brothers had nothing to do with the operation of any of these restaurants.

[CoachKandSportsguy]

So how many of you have complainers have tried to run a restaurant under a 50% customer restrictions indoors, also having to staff at minimum wage and staff effectively 7 days a week with high talent, under post pandemic conditions, and get the inventory correct so that food loss is minimized ?? and still paid the rent and are able to pay your staff? Expecting precovid service levels at this point in time is not realistic, but if you want the restaurant to survive, you need to patronize and pay TV restaurants are not high end and the customer base are not big spenders, $100+ per person is getting there. Yes, my daughter is a server at a high end restaurant in NJ. Now head server. Her apple watch said she did 10 miles walking back and forth to the outside tables on one night, she said they are very short staffed, as they can't afford as many people as precovid and remain in business. The margin on restaurants is very low, staffing is not a high paying career and all the servers are looking for higher paying jobs as well. So your drink may be a bit weaker, the portions may be smaller the quality might be a bit lower, and the wait might be a bit longer, but they just might be able to stay in business

So you want the restaurant to survive under difficult conditions? expect a few unusual nights, and you can bitch and refute my statements all you want, but if you haven't tried and been successful, then the failed dunning kruger BBQ owner actually has more experience in the field than you do. And in the end only your acceptance of a difficult situation with an occasional hiccup and patronizing the establishment will get them back to where you want them to be.

sports guy

[dadspet]

We had dinner there summary to follow
Quality/taste ... very good, soup and fish
Selection .......... Limited
Service ............. Very good, no issues
Price ................. Pricey especially for limited menu, no bread
Would we return..Probally to try a cheaper meal, we heard the chicken is good

[784caroline]

Decent meal but the absulute worst drinks.

[Stu from NYC]

Decent meal but the absulute worst drinks.

Poor drinks seems to be rather consistent criticism of this place

[stan the man]

Poor drinks seems to be rather consistent criticism of this place

thank again for all of your comments.

[Dr Winston O Boogie jr]

Thanks for the update.

Wonder how often Puck comes to see how things are going?

He doesn't. He simply sells the right to use his name to whoever owns the restaurant.

[Stu from NYC]

He doesn't. He simply sells the right to use his name to whoever owns the restaurant.

Since his name is on it would think he would want to visit from time to time to make sure the restaurant is not hurting his brand.

[New Englander]

Since his name is on it would think he would want to visit from time to time to make sure the restaurant is not hurting his brand.

:agree:

[oldtimes]

We have been here twice. The food was delicious, the tables were nicely spaced, all of the employees were wearing masks and the restaurant is very clean and has heated outdoor seating. We will definitely go back.

[mgkw1]

My husband and I went on the 1st. Our server Grace was wonderful, attentive but not hovering. I got the WP Margarita and declared it to be one of the best I have had. Fresh ingredients not bottled or premade. Having had the spaghetti and meatballs before I ordered them again, YUMMY. Knowing how much I enjoyed it my husband (the meatball snob) also go it. I honestly thought he was going to lick the plate. So sorry you hade a bad experience, we have been pleased every time we go.