Havana

[Phyrst]

We have been Viilages home owners for two years, full time residents since April and are truly happy to be in Pradise. Is it just me, or has the Havana restararaunt service/quality changed recently? I'm not talking about the ridiculous noise petition [generated by someone who should have had the common sense to realize the pros and cons of having a golf course lot], but rather the employee turnover and quality of service. We enjoy the proximity to the club and the patrons. Thoughts??:shrug:

[chickeepoo]

I agree with you 100%. It should not take 10 minutes to get served even if it is just for a glass of tea. And now that they are moving the entertainment inside, I see them eventually getting rid of the entertainment all together.

[chachacha]

it is too bad the entertainment was moved inside...there was something so luxurious about sitting on the patio on a balmy evening looking at the golf course...the music was SO loud, however, that instead of moving it inside they could easily have lowered the decibel level a few notches and everyone could still be happy, even the grumpy folks who ruined it by complaining.

[KathieI]

Well, we're taking the lemon that was handed to us and trying to make "lemonade" out of it. I think the music inside can be a lot of fun. There are a few changes being made that will enhance the entertainment and give us a greater enjoyment and will not create a problem for the diners and the neighbors (although most of the neighbors I've spoken to actually liked hearing the music from their lanai's). Hopefully this will all be resolved in the next few weeks and we can make Havana the new HOT SPOT in TV just like we have done with RJ Gators.

I do not believe the entertainment will be totally eliminated at Havana, they are making too much money at the bar to have that happen. Having the music inside is probably also helping the bar tabs which is good for the establishment.

To respond to Phyrst's question, the mgt of HCC is trying hard to improve the menu to accommodate us, they have a new salad bar and also are offering sandwiches on special menus. The other day, I went there with 4 friends after the gym for b'fast and had the scrambled egg bagel breakfast. It was delicious along with the home fried potatoes. Excellent job, we all loved it.

[SunnyDaze]

There are some really good people working at these clubs and restaurants. Many are young people who are trying to raise their families as best they can. Many we have met are single parents or newly married, and some with two and three jobs, just trying to make ends meet. We should not forget that we were young and starting out once ourselves. This is not to say to accept bad service, cause as there are some good ones, there just as many if not more bad ones.

That being said....

When we moved here a few months back and met Don for the first time he talked of all the changes he was implementing at Havana. I have not been a fan of Havana, but that being said, I'm trying to like them again. Had the blackened chicken sandwich last week, it was okay. Not raving about it, but it was okay. When there I saw Don, he again spoke of all these changes. He's talked of changes for months, yet no change. Is this just lip service just like the whole "Under New Management" smokescreen? Are guest complaints in September more important than guests complaints in June? And I mean changes more substantive than trees on the patio.

Much can be told about a restaurant just by looking at the employees. The proplem with Havana is it's staff reflects it's management.

There's poor communication within management, and it shows. If you have a manager who is approachable and INTERACTING with everyone, the staff's going to work together. But if you have a manager who displays an attitude of arrogance and entitlement, spends most of their time sitting down eating, if they could be found at all, then the staff reflects that.

But remember, most of these kids work hard. Especially if they are working at a place like Havana, they're trying to make their money selling a usually sub-par product. That's gotta be tough, day in and day out, IMHO.

[starflyte1]

We are fairly new to TV and have started trying the clubs for food. We both think that Havana is one of the better places. Had trout last night that was delicious. We have been there three times, and the service and food were great. The hostess and server could not have been nicer.

[gemorc]

Well now my day is complete, ANOTHER thread about Havana.

[784caroline]

Our Saturday Golf group, that comes primarily from Hadley and surrounding villages. specifically avoids Havana for dinner after golf because of the groups collective (bad) experiences at Havana .....they rather go to Mallory or Cane Garden. Until management changes that mind set, it will be a rough road ahead for Havana...especially since other options are available.

[jmarkohio]

Amen!

[graciegirl]

Kathie. Everyone appreciates the hard work you are doing promoting the excellent entertainment at Havana. Good work.

However, that being said, there are a lot of folks who want to go there just to eat. Cooking is not so hard really, but you have to know what you are doing. People are willing to overlook slow service if the meal is hot, satisfying, and not too expensive, especially if it is good but not wonderful.

That is all they need to do. Cook simple things well. Many restaurants use premade entrees. Many shorten their menu, and many hire good cooks. It seems that one or all might be the ticket to a decent fare. If the manager, owner doesn't see the problem, there isn't going to be a solution. And that is a shame, it is pretty place and convenient to all of us living in Hadley, Duval, Hemingway, Bonita and Amelia, and not too far down Morse from anyone else.

I wish they would get their act together. Then we would eat there more often and stay and watch our Kathie, the dancin' queen!!.

[Skip]

Kathie. Everyone appreciates the hard work you are doing promoting the excellent entertainment at Havana. Good work.

However, that being said, there are a lot of folks who want to go there just to eat. Cooking is not so hard really, but you have to know what you are doing. People are willing to overlook slow service if the meal is hot, satisfying, and not too expensive, especially if it is good but not wonderful.

That is all they need to do. Cook simple things well. Many restaurants use premade entrees. Many shorten their menu, and many hire good cooks. It seems that one or all might be the ticket to a decent fare. If the manager, owner doesn't see the problem, there isn't going to be a solution. And that is a shame, it is pretty place and convenient to all of us living in Hadley, Duval, Hemingway, Bonita and Amelia, and not too far down Morse from anyone else.

I wish they would get their act together. Then we would eat there more often and stay and watch our Kathie, the dancin' queen!!.

:agree:Well said, Gracie. Havana's recent menu reminds me of Denny's.
A far cry from what chef George Stella had in mind. :icon_hungry:

Skip

[CTgolfer]

Kathie. Everyone appreciates the hard work you are doing promoting the excellent entertainment at Havana. Good work.

However, that being said, there are a lot of folks who want to go there just to eat. Cooking is not so hard really, but you have to know what you are doing. People are willing to overlook slow service if the meal is hot, satisfying, and not too expensive, especially if it is good but not wonderful.

That is all they need to do. Cook simple things well. Many restaurants use premade entrees. Many shorten their menu, and many hire good cooks. It seems that one or all might be the ticket to a decent fare. If the manager, owner doesn't see the problem, there isn't going to be a solution. And that is a shame, it is pretty place and convenient to all of us living in Hadley, Duval, Hemingway, Bonita and Amelia, and not too far down Morse from anyone else.

I wish they would get their act together. Then we would eat there more often and stay and watch our Kathie, the dancin' queen!!.

I agree. It's very difficult to get our golf group to stop at Havana for lunch or dinner. Too many disappointing meals. In fact, just to be sure, my husband I went for dinner a few weeks ago. Nothing has changed. Good service, but food was a notch below okay. We keep trying because we don't want the restaurant to not make it.

[graciegirl]

Well, we're taking the lemon that was handed to us and trying to make "lemonade" out of it. I think the music inside can be a lot of fun. There are a few changes being made that will enhance the entertainment and give us a greater enjoyment and will not create a problem for the diners and the neighbors (although most of the neighbors I've spoken to actually liked hearing the music from their lanai's). Hopefully this will all be resolved in the next few weeks and we can make Havana the new HOT SPOT in TV just like we have done with RJ Gators.

I do not believe the entertainment will be totally eliminated at Havana, they are making too much money at the bar to have that happen. Having the music inside is probably also helping the bar tabs which is good for the establishment.

To respond to Phyrst's question, the mgt of HCC is trying hard to improve the menu to accommodate us, they have a new salad bar and also are offering sandwiches on special menus. The other day, I went there with 4 friends after the gym for b'fast and had the scrambled egg bagel breakfast. It was delicious along with the home fried potatoes. Excellent job, we all loved it.


You know, I have not been there all summer so I really have no right to say anything. It looks like it is improving. So glad of that.

[Whatever]

No one wants to see any business go under. However, after all this time they cannot get it right then they deserve to go. I'm sure another restaurant will come in with a different attitude and food. There are just too many complaints in this thread for Havana to continue whatever it is doing. There have been many second, third, and more chances by the Villagers.

[spk7951]

No one wants to see any business go under. However, after all this time they cannot get it right then they deserve to go. I'm sure another restaurant will come in with a different attitude and food. There are just too many complaints in this thread for Havana to continue whatever it is doing. There have been many second, third, and more chances by the Villagers.

Very good points. The menu has changed a few times, the servers have changed and even the kitchen staff has seen changes. And as mentioned the residents have given the restaurant many chances but throughout all of this only one area has remained the same. Any guesses???

[elevatorman]

Last week went in and ordered a Yingling at the bar. One of the more popular drafts in The Villages. They were all out. This has happened before. I assume the person who stocks the bar does not know what to order. We were there one time and ordered a beer from the menu and it took 3 times before we got one they had. Wonder why they have a menu?:shrug:

[Skip2MySue]

:agree:Well said, Gracie. Havana's recent menu reminds me of Denny's.
A far cry from what chef George Stella had in mind. :icon_hungry:

Skip

This is strictly the comment from Skip 1, Skip 2 takes no credit or blame:p
Skip 2

[BeeGee]

My husband I were there in July - great decor and the entertainment was good. After waiting much too long to even be given a glass of water, we were finally given a menu. I chose the Pork Tenderloin....when I gave the waiter my order, he sat down beside me in the booth (?) and told me that they no longer offered the tenderloin, but he said the pork chops were great, well I said okay, when really I shouldn't have. I didn't want pork chops, I had wanted the tenderloin, these two are not and never will be interchangeable. Anyway, my fault, should have looked again at the menu, but we had already waited a long time. They were just "so-so". We probably won't be back, unless I read on TOTV that things have improved. :sad:

[RichieLion]

I agree. It's very difficult to get our golf group to stop at Havana for lunch or dinner. Too many disappointing meals. In fact, just to be sure, my husband I went for dinner a few weeks ago. Nothing has changed. Good service, but food was a notch below okay. We keep trying because we don't want the restaurant to not make it.

We have the same problem. My golf group doesn't want to stop there anymore either and it's a shame because it so convenient to our homes in Bonita. We would go in there once a week with 24 to 30 people and now we go elsewhere.

[Indy-Guy]

With all that has been said about Havana my question is have they ever turned a profit. If not which would not surprise me where does the money come from to keep throwing it at a place that appears to operate in the red. I am assuming that they aren't showing a profit by the way they operate and the crowds that they have compared to what I see at Mallory Hill and Cane Garden.

Mallory Hill was similar to Havana several years ago food and service not very good and not busy at all. Now Mallory Hill is very busy most of the time that I am there and their happy hour crowd is very strong with hardly no seats available at the bar and many times 2-3 deep around the bar. It looks to me like they are doing very well now.

Perhaps there is still hope about Havana but I wonder.

[faithgirl]

The music situation at Havana is out of their power. The villages have stopped that. they can request certain dates out side. Everyone needs to come in and try havana and not put it down. Their have been many new changes staff and food included. Many things have changed for the good but if everyone puts it down and never gives it another chance than shame on you. Every resturant is trial and error for a while they just have to find what works for them and that doesnt happen over night.

[dgammon6]

Wife and I had dinner there Sunday evening with two visitors. Service and dinner was excellent.

[3PUTT]

Had lunch at Havana last Wednesday. Last time for me. Meatball sandwich and fries were COLD. I now go to Mallory or Cane Garden.

[Bogie Shooter]

Did you let your server know that it was cold? Any problem can be fixed if you just ask. My goodness I hope you don't get served a cold sandwich at Mallory or Cane!
No, they don't let the server or management know......just come on here and bxxxx!

[SunnyDaze]

Considering the numbers of car/carts at both Mallory and Cane, it appears their respective staffs know what a hot meatball sandwich with fries would look like.

[faithgirl]

Taking what back might I ask.

[skip0358]

Went to Mallory for Dinner tonight. Was seated right away just about 6:45 PM. Waitress came took drink order no problem, asked her what the soup of the day was, don't know I'll have to check. It's 6:45 PM. She comes back and delivers bread to another table then asks us if she can help us. I said what about the soup , oh yea I forgot. Meal was just OK so it doesn't matter where you go , s--ff happens. So any resteraunt can be off on any day, And before you ask I didn't complain because it was a meal, no big deal.

[starflyte1]

I have to put another good word in for Havana. We went there for lunch today and the place was busy with lots of people having a good time. Our lunch, as always, was very good, as was the service. I just hate to see people not give a place a chance because someone goes there once and isn't happy. I'm not saying that it can't happen, but please give the place a chance and see what you think.

When we go for dinner, we are not into the entertainment, so we ask for a table at the other end of the dining room. No problem.

[pili]

Patio music is back at Havana so go there and enjoy. I don't know how manager managed to get music on the patio a few nights a week. Good for music lovers and to keep those musicians employed.

[LI SNOWBIRD]

I agree wholeheartedly. We went there for Valentines Day and the first thing that greeted us was the stench from the sewer treatment plant. That's not the restaurants, fault but making us wait 30 minutes for a table when we had reservations and there were 3 empty tables available was. The food was bad, service worse. I would never go there again.

[Bogie Shooter]

Lets see that was in Feb. a lot could have changed since then.

[golf2140]

I agree wholeheartedly. We went there for Valentines Day and the first thing that greeted us was the stench from the sewer treatment plant. That's not the restaurants, fault but making us wait 30 minutes for a table when we had reservations and there were 3 empty tables available was. The food was bad, service worse. I would never go there again.

You smelled a stench from the sewer treatment plant? I have been there both inside and out and never smelled the plant. Isn't the plant on Buena Vista and Havana on Morse Blvd. Must have a great sense of smell. Going to a restaurant once is not fair. We have been to restaurants where we were not happy but have always returned for another chance. Having just a couple of posts makes me suspicious!!!!!

[KathieI]

Tonight I had the Panini sandwich. It was absolutely delicious, the veggies in it were crisp and very tasty. I congratulated the chef and the owner and also told the waitress that she did and always does an EXCELLENT job of serving us.

So not only was my evening filled with delicious food and service, but I heard some of the best singing I have heard in my life. You'll should come on down on Tuesday nights at 8pm and enjoy it with us. You would be very much surprised by the changes in the establishment.

BTW, I am at Havana at least 3 nights or days a week and I have NEVER SMELLED the sewer treatment plant... Have you had your sinuses checked lately????

[MelZ]

I agree wholeheartedly. We went there for Valentines Day and the first thing that greeted us was the stench from the sewer treatment plant. That's not the restaurants, fault but making us wait 30 minutes for a table when we had reservations and there were 3 empty tables available was. The food was bad, service worse. I would never go there again.

Think your are now offically on Kathie's S***list

[graciegirl]

Save us a seat Kathie Lou,
I wanna sit right next to you.
I'm gonna order that great Panini
The only thing that rhymes with that is bikini

Helene will dance off her little feet
Sweetie and I will keep that wonderful beat
We'll hug and kiss our Blondie and Pat
Now what could get any better than that?

We're gonna be there in about a week
To all our friends here we hope to speak
A party at our house and a meet at Havana?
A butterscotch pie at your cabana?

The G's will go to Havana to see the Mayor
The season begins and with a prayer
That we all will laugh and talk and dance
And savor all of life while we have the chance.



Kathie,

How about it, most of us will be back. Can we have a little mini crispers at Havana on Tuesday night the 12th, say at sixish???

You're the Mayor!

[skip0358]

I to go to Havana several times a week, days and evenings. I've never smelled a sewer plant. As to my knowledge the closest plant is on Morse Blvd and Bonita. As Kathy stated a lot has changed since Feb.As for reservations, I've had to wait at many a rest. with rerservations. Furthermore no matter where you go you can have a bad night.The food has improved, the Happy Hour is probably the best in TV,the music is back, they're running special events there all the time. Not coming back,it's your loss.

[actor]

Tonight I had the Panini sandwich. It was absolutely delicious, the veggies in it were crisp and very tasty. I congratulated the chef and the owner and also told the waitress that she did and always does an EXCELLENT job of serving us.

So not only was my evening filled with delicious food and service, but I heard some of the best singing I have heard in my life. You'll should come on down on Tuesday nights at 8pm and enjoy it with us. You would be very much surprised by the changes in the establishment.

BTW, I am at Havana at least 3 nights or days a week and I have NEVER SMELLED the sewer treatment plant... Have you had your sinuses checked lately????


when you claim that you heard some of the best singing in your life at a bar in The Villages. That's a good one.

[graciegirl]

when you claim that you heard some of the best singing in your life at a bar in The Villages. That's a good one.

Maybe Sue Schuler was singing at Karaoke. She is a talented singer and has appeared on stage all over the villages.

When Sweetie, Helene and I made our first impromptu visit here to friends in Poinciana about three years ago now, they took us to dinner at Orange Blossom Garden, and afterward there they had singers at the Karaoke that made us believe that Karen Carpenter was standing at the mike.

Maybe it was the professional singers there. I am anxious to see.

Sometimes the music gets better with the second cocktail.

[logdog]

Save us a seat Kathie Lou,
I wanna sit right next to you.
I'm gonna order that great Panini
The only thing that rhymes with that is bikini

Helene will dance off her little feet
Sweetie and I will keep that wonderful beat
We'll hug and kiss our Blondie and Pat
Now what could get any better than that?

We're gonna be there in about a week
To all our friends here we hope to speak
A party at our house and a meet at Havana?
A butterscotch pie at your cabana?

The G's will go to Havana to see the Mayor
The season begins and with a prayer
That we all will laugh and talk and dance
And savor all of life while we have the chance.



Kathie,

How about it, most of us will be back. Can we have a little mini crispers at Havana on Tuesday night the 12th, say at sixish???

You're the Mayor!

Gracie,

You went from Pundit to Poet. BTW, weenie rhymes with Panini but you probably don't want me to go there. Congrats on the 5K.

[KathieI]

when you claim that you heard some of the best singing in your life at a bar in The Villages. That's a good one.

Hey actor, you doubt meeee???? I didn't just fall off a turnip wagon, you know. Come over here and see for yourself. We have THE most talented people here in TV, they dont necessarily live in TV, but in the surrounding areas. This is central FL, the home of some very talented original rock and roll bands, and some great songwriters.

BTW, here's a link for a song by James Ingram. Believe me when I tell you that Patrick Atkinson sings it better than he does.... If you're here in TV, meet me at Gator's tonight or Taverna Red on Friday and you'll hear it for yourself... I DARE YOU!!!!!!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rmwIT78Rq2A

[Shirleevee]

You smelled a stench from the sewer treatment plant? I have been there both inside and out and never smelled the plant. Isn't the plant on Buena Vista and Havana on Morse Blvd. Must have a great sense of smell. Going to a restaurant once is not fair. We have been to restaurants where we were not happy but have always returned for another chance. Having just a couple of posts makes me suspicious!!!!!

We lived on Staten Island, the claim to fame was the largest dump in the country and I know what stench is.........never at Havana or anywhere else in The Villages....

[GuyGolf]

it is too bad the entertainment was moved inside...there was something so luxurious about sitting on the patio on a balmy evening looking at the golf course...the music was SO loud, however, that instead of moving it inside they could easily have lowered the decibel level a few notches and everyone could still be happy, even the grumpy folks who ruined it by complaining.

ChaChaCha,
You hit the nail on the head!!! Not that Havana was ever our favorite country club (it's actually closer to the bottom of our list). But the sound level was so high we used to sit inside to avoid our ear drums to ring all night...

[Phyrst]

KathieI-Are you on their payroll full-time or a contract employee????????????

[wej0319]

Havana had been one of our favorites until last night. We had been on travel for 3 weeks and what a change we experienced when we returned. We sat at the bar and immediately noticed that the regular crew was not there. The young lady that was working the bar at our end ignored us for 15 minutes until the guy working the other end came down to serve us. Our dinner took 25 minutes to be served and when I asked for a fork, the young lady told me to wait while she mixed a couple of drinks. My wife got off of her seat and when to a booth and took a setting so I could get a knife....shameful!!!

[Indydealmaker]

I to go to Havana several times a week, days and evenings. I've never smelled a sewer plant. As to my knowledge the closest plant is on Morse Blvd and Bonita. As Kathy stated a lot has changed since Feb.As for reservations, I've had to wait at many a rest. with rerservations. Furthermore no matter where you go you can have a bad night.The food has improved, the Happy Hour is probably the best in TV,the music is back, they're running special events there all the time. Not coming back,it's your loss.

It is possible the "stench" was from irrigation water. We smell H2S quite often when our neighborhood sprinklers come on.

[Indydealmaker]

Havana had been one of our favorites until last night. We had been on travel for 3 weeks and what a change we experienced when we returned. We sat at the bar and immediately noticed that the regular crew was not there. The young lady that was working the bar at our end ignored us for 15 minutes until the guy working the other end came down to serve us. Our dinner took 25 minutes to be served and when I asked for a fork, the young lady told me to wait while she mixed a couple of drinks. My wife got off of her seat and when to a booth and took a setting so I could get a knife....shameful!!!

It sounds like it is time to put the issue of "bad" Havana to bed. Why not have a series of "mystery shoppers" visit Havana at various times and days? Maybe everyone will spot what is simply a "problem" crew that management is not aware of.

[hdh1470]

We have been down a few times in last year and have went to Havana and never had a bad meal or bad service.On our last trip last week we were their three times and all was good maybe not the best but not bad as some have posted