Luigino's failed us!

[CBarkley]

I don't know if all the bad press is filtered out, but 5 of us went there on Sunday Nov 20th before seeing a show at Church on the Square. We made a 4:00pm reservation and by 5:50pm we were entirely disgusted and trying to get our bill. First off we ordered drinks and an appetizer which although rather slow, we finally did get our wine and mozzarella sticks. Then a good hour later our entrees showed up. Two of us that ordered the crab and Lobster Ravioli...four rubbery, uncooked, cold naked pasta discs with barely a tablespoon of bland sauce in the middle were the first to call foul. These where not editable, and the waitress and manager were very good at disappearing. Once we finally got one it was so late there was nothing they could have fixed to serve as replacement. So we went without dinner that night. When finally getting the manager to see what was served to us, he said he only hears compliments and never complaints (selective listening skills?) while looking at us like we had some nerve to not eat what was placed before us. I could go on about the other dishes and the lousy service plus this rude manager, but I just want fellow Villagers to know that this place was really let down. I say, "Next!" for the next future incoming restaurant to replace this failure.:doh:

[raynan]

I've heard nothing but complaints from our neighbors and friends regarding this new restaurant. My hairdresser says everyone is complaining about it and it will not last at this rate. Service, food and prices are in every complaint. Ladies room doors that do not close, ladders in dining area etc. We were at the Tast of Class and instead of showcasing their Italian food they served Indian food. DUH?!!? and noone at our table liked that either. We will try it for lunch for a first person assessment as the prices are less for lunch but I'm not holding out much hope. I will repost my own opinion after trying.

[rubicon]

Well so much for upscale dinning. I am saddened both for this establisment and village residents/customers because we need some good eating places

Its one of the reasons I prefer to cook at home.

[memason]

I've resisted posting anything about Luigino's, since eating there, soon after they opened. There is another thread on the forum, where comments are very good, so I felt that perhaps I was too critical.

However, our experience was almost exactly as yours, including the cold pasta and disappearing servers. We did send the pasta back [eventually], but the replacement was burnt and hard around the edges; basically inedible. We were a party of 4 and the other dishes were mediocre, but none were hot on arrival.

Service, even getting drinks was painfully slow... For example, after ordering a drink, it took more than 15 minutes for the drink to get to the table.

We did speak to a manager, who was nice, but had every excuse imaginable for our poor experience....new servers, new kitchen staff, new kitchen, new software to send tickets to the kitchen (really!) and on and on. Her parting comment was to come back and give them another try...

Not sure we'll ever go back...

[CBarkley]

Thanks for the report...so they are not as good as they "say"!

[Taj44]

I've resisted posting anything about Luigino's, since eating there, soon after they opened. There is another thread on the forum, where comments are very good, so I felt that perhaps I was too critical.

However, our experience was almost exactly as yours, including the cold pasta and disappearing servers. We did send the pasta back [eventually], but the replacement was burnt and hard around the edges; basically inedible. We were a party of 4 and the other dishes were mediocre, but none were hot on arrival.

Service, even getting drinks was painfully slow... For example, after ordering a drink, it took more than 15 minutes for the drink to get to the table.

We did speak to a manager, who was nice, but had every excuse imaginable for our poor experience....new servers, new kitchen staff, new kitchen, new software to send tickets to the kitchen (really!) and on and on. Her parting comment was to come back and give them another try...

Not sure we'll ever go back...

I hate to say it, but we had a similar experience. I declined to post about it, since the restaurant was new, and we came with a large group, and of course many on TOTV were raving about how good the restaurant is. I ordered the chicken marsala, and it just wasn't very good. My pasta was a little overcooked, and the marsala sauce just tasted kind of watery, not rich and thick. Service was very slow - it took us over an hour before we even got our drink order served. I didn't find the atmosphere all that great either - very loud and noisy, poor acoustics. Hopefully they'll get things straightened around.

[CBarkley]

We were at the Taste of Class too...that "food" they served was really bad wasn't it! I didn't realize it was the same place now that you mention it.

[PennBF]

We also tried the restaurant and the first time we visited the food was good and the sauce was very good. As a result a few days later we ordered some pasta to go. The serving was very small and what was stupid for a restaurant to do was to provide very little sauce as though they were saving it. Sadly we will never order to go again and may go back for another try but only inside?:confused:

[Whalen]

Our experience was also underwhelming, to say the least.
Just the 2 of us went for dinner earlier this month and found the best thing about dinner was the bread,
however there was no bread dish.
As to the food; the lasagna was bland and served luke warm, it contained sausage that had no taste,
veal parm ditto..cheese barely melted. Pasta was home made but was so overcooked it was mushy.

The following is what I had to say in another thread about the ambience:

"As to the new upscale restaurant in SS, the only thing upscale was the menu.
The acoustics were that of a high school cafeteria and the furnishings were early sports bar.
Actually spoke to one of the owner's reps and he told us the furniture was slated to go into
a Sam Snead Sports Bar that never materialized, hence the half back booths.

Really do not like condemning a restaurant after the first try so we might go there for lunch.

[Tweety Bird]

After reading all this, I will stick to Bone Fish and Olive Garden. Who needs this?

[Hancle704]

Seems like some folks think that "fine dining" only relates to higher prices. This has been proven to not be the case with several that tried this at Spanish Springs Town Square. Add this one to the list of failures.

[Bill32]

I guess we got lucky. We went opening day and got very good meals. Went Wed. and had the penne sausage and peppers that was very good! We know it will have growing pains but it's disappointing to hear all of these bad experiences. I like to patronize the Private restaurants but when I think about it I almost always get a good meal at one of the many corporate places we have in TV.

[The Villager II]

The food my be cooked Italian style. That is very different than fast food pasta. When in a fine Italian restaurant, pasta is cooked firm not soggy and very little sauce is used. Unlike American style where you would have one cup of pasta to every three cups of sauce. Just a thought.

[Doodlegirl]

Three of us enjoyed our meals...one turkey dinner, 2 cheese lasagne's. We
kind of felt they were getting a bad rap here and wanted to step up to say
we thought the food was great, service wonderful, and yummy all around.

[getdul981]

We've been a couple of times and both times, we were very satisfied with the food. the second time we were there, the server got my wife's order wrong, but it was just a misunderstanding and she corrected it right away. The first time was for dinner and the second was for lunch. The menu for lunch is totally different from dinner. We'll probably go back, but we really like Giovano's better, but it's much smaller and harder to get in.

[PennBF]

Regarding the comment that the "Food may have been cooked Italian style".
I have spent a great deal of time in Italy both traveling over the years and spending time in a Villa South of Florence near Lugano. I am familiar with Italian cooking and the practice of not providing the same amount of sause as they do in the US, (e.g. a portion just on top of the pasta). Given this knowledge it makes the fact that I thought they were being very short on providing sause on the pasta we ordered to go was based on some true Italian experience and not just a shot in the dark. :wave:

[Sunshine Mary]

I well stick with the Olive Garden I know there food is GOOD

[The Villager II]

Regarding the comment that the "Food may have been cooked Italian style".
I have spent a great deal of time in Italy both traveling over the years and spending time in a Villa South of Florence near Lugano. I am familiar with Italian cooking and the practice of not providing the same amount of sause as they do in the US, (e.g. a portion just on top of the pasta). Given this knowledge it makes the fact that I thought they were being very short on providing sause on the pasta we ordered to go was based on some true Italian experience and not just a shot in the dark. :wave:

Well, then I would say that experience comes from Italian fast food and not find dining. I spend a fair portion of my life in Italy, and my Italian mother always cooked the home country way, which is very little sauce on very good pasta.

:wave:

[PennBF]

I will stop this silly discussion regarding sauce on pasta. My wife's relative owned a restaurant in Rome, some lived in a village (Arce) just south of Rome between Rome and Naples and I am sure all would be totally insulted to hear they may be "fast food" people. In fact when we were in Arce they killed fresh chicken, have their own wine, all fresh veg's and their pasta was true hand made Italian. As originally said the amount of sauce was less than I would have expected on a good Italian pasta dish but rightfully not at the level that would fit the mold of American expectations. I did think their [Luigino's's] sause was good (see original note) but felt they skimped just a little too much on a to go pasta dish.
Having said all of this I will cease participation in the silly subject and go on to more meaningful and interesting issues.
As an aside and a humorus story. We were living in a Villa in Tuscany and bought our groceries in town. I bought a ceral which was American and excellent. When we returned to the States I bought some and it was different than the one in Italy. I call the Co. in Grand Rapids to inquire why
there was a difference and they told me that tastes differ between countries so the cereal I received in Italy, (same name and advertising) was not the same as in America. So much for believing advertising. :wave:

[Bill-n-Brillo]

Regardless of where we go and have a pasta dish of any kind, I always order it with the sauce "on the side". That way I can dole it out to my taste - - - I like very little sauce.

Bill :)

[The Villager II]

Regardless of where we go and have a pasta dish of any kind, I always order it with the sauce "on the side". That way I can dole it out to my taste - - - I like very little sauce.

Bill :)

Now thats the best idea I have heard lately. I always seem to have too much sauce when serviced pasta IN AMERICA. LOL.

[Uptown Girl]

As we all know down deep inside, every kind of ethnic cooking varies in style, presentation, and ingredients from region to region. Even mineral content in water and soil can change flavor from region to region.
As many know, there are some places in Italy where pasta is NEVER served as a main course, as it is here. But we like what we like... and that's fine.

I know this thread was about skimpy sauce on a take out order. That was unfortunate and I am sure the experience was disappointing.... especially when you are anticipating something wonderful. But I wouldn't consider the restaurant a failure because of it.

Hubby and I have had good experiences there, and at many other places around. Some places we liked better than others. We go where our taste buds are happiest....
If the place is clean and we see people striving to make things work well, they have our respect. Owning/running a restaurant is no small feat. Besides a huge investment, your name and reputation is on the door. I can't imagine that any owner in their right mind would go that far and then risk it all by being stingy on purpose.

[PennBF]

I agree with you and would go back as the food was fine and the sauce we very good..Would not just order take out again..:wave:

[BlueHeronFan]

A resturant without repeat customers, is doomed for failure.

We went once with table of 8. Will not return. Nuff said.

[kentucky blue]

I agree with you and would go back as the food was fine and the sauce we very good..Would not just order take out again..:wave:

I went today to check it out for myself.Food was very good and service was just fine.Can't understand people who go just once and say they will never go back.Give the new restaurant a chance to establish itself and work out the problems.My favorite restaurant in Lexington sucked the first time i went,now it's the best in town.

[PennBF]

It is interesting to see some of these notes. We actually went there today for lunch and it was very good and not too pricey..I had one of the specials for Wed and it was very good. I am sure there are some dishes which are not terrific but so far we have had 4 different dishes (lunch) on various weeks and they were all good. I was not excited with their "to go" stuff but eating at the establishment has proven to me to be very good. :bigbow:

[paulandjean]

Geezzzz,Give them a chance. So you had one bad meal,try another. I am sure mom and dad prepared something you do not like.Its not your last meal. "Lighten Up" Be nice its the holidays.

[jojo]

A group of us went Saturday evening. We were slow to get seated because folks just sat at the table they had reserved for us after their dinner. Everyone - 7 of us - liked our food. Service was just OK. They were packed. Would definitely go back.

[tommy steam]

Is this place located in LSL..on the cornor with an out door bar?
Thank, T

[KathieI]

Is this place located in LSL..on the cornor with an out door bar?
Thank, T

No, its in Spanish Springs. On the corner opposite Marg. Republic right across the street from the square.

Four of us went a few weeks ago and the food was good, not great, service very slow that we had to ask another server to help us, but the worse part was my booth seat was the Most uncomfortable seat I have ever sat on. I told the manager about it as I thought it was broken and he didn't seem to be very concerned about it.

I will go back just to give them another chance, but not with any sense of urgency.

[Boudicca]

I've resisted posting anything about Luigino's, since eating there, soon after they opened. There is another thread on the forum, where comments are very good, so I felt that perhaps I was too critical.

However, our experience was almost exactly as yours, including the cold pasta and disappearing servers. We did send the pasta back [eventually], but the replacement was burnt and hard around the edges; basically inedible. We were a party of 4 and the other dishes were mediocre, but none were hot on arrival.

we all wanted to try the ravioli (5.00 pm) and it was "sold out".... we were astounded that an Italian restaurent would be sold out of a mainstay. From there it was downhill all the way and a mirror image of the above. sigh

[natickdan]

After reading the reviews, my wife and I decided to take my brother and his wife to Luigino's and we all thought the food was outstanding. I'm not sure if we lowered our expectations because of some of the reviews, but they definately earned another visit from us and, hopefully, many more.

[bkcunningham1]

My husband and I ate there tonight for the first time. It was good. Not the best Italian I've had, but we'll go back. We both agreed that Pasta Faire in Belleview is hands-down better food. Carrabbas is better service and food, but is still nice to have a different place to eat available for residents.

[duffysmom]

We had a lovely lunch today, we sat outside in the sun and enjoyed our food as well as great service. Had the eggplant rolletini(?) over angel hair pasta.

[bkcunningham1]

I gave the spaghetti with meat sauce and meatballs a try for my first meal there tonight. I really like the taste of the sauce and the taste of the meatballs. The meatballs were just on the verge of being rubbery. Our server was good. She started out being really good but she sort of disappeared at the end of the service and left us waiting for refills. She came back and apologized. It wouldn't keep us from going back though. Like I said, the sauce was very good.

[ceejay]

We had an early evening late night snack (only in The Villages)!

Eggplant rollitini, fried calamari and pizza. All very good. We definitely enjoyed the food.:icon_hungry:

The service, on the other hand, was absolutely horrible. Our server was a young man, obviously new on the job. He kept aplogizing profusely (no drinks, no bread, no drinks) and it really wasn't very busy at all. We honestly did not see him 60% of the time we were there. Only God know where he disappeared to!:pray:


I knew, after reading all the restaurant posts on TOTV, that I MUST talk to the Manager, and I told him so. He replied that of course, he understands.:evil6:

However, after 15 minutes of conversation with our menfolk, during which they all became best buds, we left the restaurant. We, with our bellies full and he, with his best tip of the night. :highfive:

So, I must say that we did enjoy our evening that night. And we will go back. :crap2:

[Wspfld]

I too was excited about a new "Italian" restaurant opening. The food was terrable! I know all about portion control but 1 TBSP of sauce, which was tastless, really? The chicken was dry and over cooked.
Won't go back. And the prices, are they kidding? I don't mind paying for a good meal but this place is a joke.

[angiefox10]

Service was sooooo bad!!!!!

We waited for the server to come out. When he did, he was pleasant and took our drink orders. He then brought us water and we waited and waited and waited for our drinks.

He then left and we waited for him to return so we could place our food order.

FINALLY..... he came back and took our food order.

Again.... we waited, and waited. *sigh* salad arrives.

Finally, he brings our food order. Well... Not all our orders. All but one. We waited to eat until everyone was served so I really couldn't tell you if the food was served hot. FINALLY, they brought out the last plate and it was the wrong order!

They had to then cook her food. She shared her husbands dinner while she waited for her order.

In the meantime our drinks were empty and no waiter to be seen to bring us a drink.

I really could go on because the saga does continue, but I think you get the gist of our evening.

My food was very flavorful. But the service was so bad, I think I will do a wait and see to see if the reviews get better before I try it again.

[ceejay]

Service was sooooo bad!!!!!

We waited for the server to come out. When he did, he was pleasant and took our drink orders. He then brought us water and we waited and waited and waited for our drinks.

He then left and we waited for him to return so we could place our food order.

FINALLY..... he came back and took our food order.

Again.... we waited, and waited. *sigh* salad arrives.

Finally, he brings our food order. Well... Not all our orders. All but one. We waited to eat until everyone was served so I really couldn't tell you if the food was served hot. FINALLY, they brought out the last plate and it was the wrong order!

They had to then cook her food. She shared her husbands dinner while she waited for her order.

In the meantime our drinks were empty and no waiter to be seen to bring us a drink.

I really could go on because the saga does continue, but I think you get the gist of our evening.

My food was very flavorful. But the service was so bad, I think I will do a wait and see to see if the reviews get better before I try it again.

Sounds like we shared the same server. Guess he hasn't improved any since we were there. What a shame....:sad:

[bkcunningham1]

I wonder why the servers disappear? I wouldn't think twice about it but it happened to so many other people I trust who post on ToTV. What is the issue here?

[The Village Girl]

To get everyone to a restaurant.

Have you ever noticed how when there is a bad review, everyone wants to check it out for themselves.

Guilty as charged. Service was bad!

[bkcunningham1]

To get everyone to a restaurant.

Have you ever noticed how when there is a bad review, everyone wants to check it out for themselves.

Guilty as charged. Service was bad!

Did the service start out pretty good and then the waitstaff disappeared? I thought the food tasted okay. Nothing to write home about, but decent enough to go back. BTW, we will go back to give it another try anyway. If the waitress disappears thd next time we go, I'll mention this thread to the manager.

[Penguin]

When I was visiting in November we went to Red Sauce restaurant in the square at Lake Sumter. Good pasta.

[pauld315]

Italian food is so subjective to what one is used to. I grew up in an area that was populated by a lot of first generation Italian-Americans. As such, I ate some very good Italian food all my life, whether it was when I was visiting at a neighbor's home or going out to one of the many small, family owned Italian restaurants in my hometown. I moved to NC and there was a guy on the radio there that was just talking up a new Italian restaurant that had opened in the area. (They were not even advertisers on the station). We went there and were severely disappointed. Very bland and tasteless compared to what I had grown up with and how good this guy had said this place was. Then I found out the guy on the radio grew up in Georgia and really had no idea what good Italian food should taste like. I think that is the reason you see such varying reviews of the food at this restaurant and Red Sauce is that Villagers come from all over and have different levels of experience with Italian and other ethnic foods. However, service is another thing. We can all recognize poor service. I have not been to this restaurant but after reading these reviews it sounds like they have some really good and some really poor servers. That is a management issue that they need to address quickly. Bad service will kill any restaurant whether or not the food is good. I think everyone needs to give them a little time to get their legs under them. I would say that if they still have these same problems in another 6 months or so then they won't last very long. I will try it when we come back in the spring.

[MLBellis]

We also did not have a good visit. I think their prices are too high $11 for a bowl of pasta $4 extra for three meatballs....my take is that The Villages charge too high of a rent there....but look at the past history of that space...They all failed & I think this one will too!!!

[ndrsn]

Great! If some of you don't like Luigino's then we will not have trouble getting in--we love the food, the service has been friendly, and we always talk to the owner--it's really gourmet Italian Food. They also take reservations.

[Berylann]

So you were not happy with your experience. Have you never been critized for anything and hoped for another chance to prove that you are basically acceptable and will build on whatever you need to do to get major approval from whoever? Get in the real world.

[Indydealmaker]

So you were not happy with your experience. Have you never been critized for anything and hoped for another chance to prove that you are basically acceptable and will build on whatever you need to do to get major approval from whoever? Get in the real world.
Your comment "get in the real world" is way out of context relative to the volume of less than favorable reviews in this thread. Minimizing others' reviews is not a good way to make friends among your neighbors. Try giving your own review as a basis for comparison and discussion.

[Bill-n-Brillo]

Original thread dates back to Dec. 2011.

Bill :)

[golf2140]

Original thread dates back to Dec. 2011.

Bill :)

Bill,

Is it me or do all these folks just jump to conclusions before checking the post? :MOJE_whot:

[Bill-n-Brillo]

Bill,

Is it me or do all these folks just jump to conclusions before checking the post? :MOJE_whot:

I think some people miss the fact that sometimes it's a "revived" older thread. I know I do that on occasion, especially if several other members have already commented.

Bill :)

[billethkid]

We also did not have a good visit. I think their prices are too high $11 for a bowl of pasta $4 extra for three meatballs....my take is that The Villages charge too high of a rent there....but look at the past history of that space...They all failed & I think this one will too!!!

The rent is no higher here than in most other similar commercial settings.
Would one conclude the successful, reasonable priced eateries have a lower rent? Of course not.

The rent has nothing to do with an eating establishments failure to deliver what pleases the customer. It is so easy...good food....reasonable prices....good help....clean......good service.....management who cares.....very easy!

Btk

[Uncle Tom]

I don't know if all the bad press is filtered out, but 5 of us went there on Sunday Nov 20th before seeing a show at Church on the Square. We made a 4:00pm reservation and by 5:50pm we were entirely disgusted and trying to get our bill. First off we ordered drinks and an appetizer which although rather slow, we finally did get our wine and mozzarella sticks. Then a good hour later our entrees showed up. Two of us that ordered the crab and Lobster Ravioli...four rubbery, uncooked, cold naked pasta discs with barely a tablespoon of bland sauce in the middle were the first to call foul. These where not editable, and the waitress and manager were very good at disappearing. Once we finally got one it was so late there was nothing they could have fixed to serve as replacement. So we went without dinner that night. When finally getting the manager to see what was served to us, he said he only hears compliments and never complaints (selective listening skills?) while looking at us like we had some nerve to not eat what was placed before us. I could go on about the other dishes and the lousy service plus this rude manager, but I just want fellow Villagers to know that this place was really let down. I say, "Next!" for the next future incoming restaurant to replace this failure.:doh:


I been here since 88 and have known many resturant owners, and I have seen them come and go. The manager that you speak of is now gone, and we like it because there is no crowd, and they are an upscale place with prices to go along with it. People fail to realize the square, any square here is not low rent district. This resturant you speak of pays over $15,000.00 a month plus a percentage of their gross sales to The Villages. So your not going to get Golden Corral prices here. Im a business man here and its not fair to wish for any business to fail. I say give them another chance, before there is another empty business boarded up on the square. (we still support the place)

[Karaoke Junkie]

3 of us went to Louigino's after Church on the Square. My brandy Manhattan , not a call brand) was unremarkable except for the price - $7!!! Our 14" pizza, which took forever, was burnt black over the entire bottom. This inedible masterpiece cost $18. Never again.

[casita37]

Not defending the restaurant....we're on the "never go back" list, too....however...$7.00 for a manhattan seems about right to me. I regularly pay $7, or MORE, for a glass of wine, and just a couple of weeks ago I paid $12.00 for a cosmopolitan (upscale boutique type restaurant where the well drinks are top shelf). Outside of the country clubs, and a few all day happy hour places, booze is expensive!!

[kimball]

I been here since 88 and have known many resturant owners, and I have seen them come and go. The manager that you speak of is now gone, and we like it because there is no crowd, and they are an upscale place with prices to go along with it. People fail to realize the square, any square here is not low rent district. This resturant you speak of pays over $15,000.00 a month plus a percentage of their gross sales to The Villages. So your not going to get Golden Corral prices here. Im a business man here and its not fair to wish for any business to fail. I say give them another chance, before there is another empty business boarded up on the square. (we still support the place)

First: There is nothing upscale about this joint. Second: Perhaps what you mean to say is that if the Villages charged reasonable rents and did not need a % of gross sales (which do little more than add to the billions they already have) then we might have a built in incentive for good restaurants to provide good meals to residents. As for The Golden Corral, I wouldn't eat there if it was free. Why is it that halfway decent places tend to choose locations just outside the borders of TV. ( Carabba's, Outback, Polly's Pantry, Longhorn, The Cotillion and the planned new Italian Restaurant on 301 called Chefs of Napoli).

[Bill32]

First: There is nothing upscale about this joint. Second: Perhaps what you mean to say is that if the Villages charged reasonable rents and did not need a % of gross sales (which do little more than add to the billions they already have) then we might have a built in incentive for good restaurants to provide good meals to residents. As for The Golden Corral, I wouldn't eat there if it was free. Why is it that halfway decent places tend to choose locations just outside the borders of TV. ( Carabba's, Outback, Polly's Pantry, Longhorn, The Cotillion and the planned new Italian Restaurant on 301 called Chefs of Napoli).

Obvious good points

[alicehelen]

We tried Luigino's 3 times in 1 1/2 years, each time hoping the service or food would improve - NOT! I am so disappointed that every new restaurant here, (especially Italian ones!) are AWFUL! But they stay in business because most people in The Villages tolerate bad to mediocre food, I am convinced, because they go where you can get the most food for the cheapest price, & especially if they can get cheap liquor (wine, beer, etc). A lot of these places (Luigino's, Red Sauce, Toscani's & the newest AWFUL place, Mezza Luna) I think, do not really know what good Italian food is. Very very sad, because these places stay in business instead of us getting some better restaurants that may charge a little more, but it's worth it to go there! We went to Mezza Luna last night - got there at 7, ordered at 7:10, and at 8:00, still hadn't gotten our food or even a bread basket. Also, at 7:50, they put a sign outside that said "Kitchen is Closed!" So, my guess is, we would have never gotten out food. Terribly slow wait staff, TERRIBLE wine list - NO ITALIAN red wines on it (this is an Italian restaurant?!) except for bad Bolla which is their house wine I guess! There was no management in sight to even complain to & everyone was running around like chickens without heads! We finally got up & left!

[Bonny]

Been to Mezza Luna 4 times and love it !

[Skip]

We went to Mezza Luna last night - got there at 7, ordered at 7:10, and at 8:00, still hadn't gotten our food or even a bread basket. Also, at 7:50, they put a sign outside that said "Kitchen is Closed!" So, my guess is, we would have never gotten out food. Terribly slow wait staff, TERRIBLE wine list - NO ITALIAN red wines on it (this is an Italian restaurant?!) except for bad Bolla which is their house wine I guess! There was no management in sight to even complain to & everyone was running around like chickens without heads! We finally got up & left!

Heard the same complaints from our friends that went there. The kitchen was very very slow with the food. Wow! I thought these people were experienced. No management around? That IS A PROBLEM.

Thanks for the info.

Skip

[Indydealmaker]

Heard the same complaints from our friends that went there. The kitchen was very very slow with the food. Wow! I thought these people were experienced. No management around? That IS A PROBLEM.

Thanks for the info.

Skip

Keep in mind that they have never said "we are open!" Owner says they are training and working out the kinks. There are enough good reviews that I would say they are getting their kinks worked out.

[Golfingnut]

"""Two of us that ordered the crab and Lobster Ravioli...four rubbery, uncooked, cold naked pasta discs with barely a tablespoon of bland sauce in the middle were the first to call foul. """

Undercooked for Americans is called eldente in Italy and true itialion pasta with gravey (sauce) is not covered with a quart of anything. Sounds like it may me authentic and not greasy country food.:mmmm:

[keithwand]

Riccardis will be arriving in Brownwood soon.
Their real business name is Valdianos from Winter Park/ Baldwin Park but they had to use the name Riccardis which is a friend of the Morses across from Brownwood Acres on Torch Lake.
Their pizza wins The best of Orlando almost every year and their other food is pretty good too. I'm hoping they still will have Veal Parm.

[clekr]

Had dinner there this evening. Food fair at best. SERVICE poor at best.

[Bogie Shooter]

Had dinner there this evening. Food fair at best. SERVICE poor at best.

Where?

[zcaveman]

Where?

Since the thread is Luiqino's failed us!, I would have to think he meant Luigino's.

Z

[boomerbaby]

We ate at Luiginos when it first opened. I had ravioli and it was only 4 small raviolis with some sauce. Very disappointing and havent been back since. We saw an add in the daily sun that they were having a buffet on Thanksgiving so we decided to give it a try. It was great. So much food from seafood, italian, turkey stuffing, prime rib and more than I can remember. They even had a great dessert bar which I did not have because I had more than enough food. The manager said they do this on holidays and I would sure go again.

[lcmca]

i sure hope they do better running havana!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[scrapple]

Had the buffet over the summer...reminded me of how much I like to do my own Italian cooking!

[Suzette]

We tried the German Buffet and it was terrible. Tried to squeeze 4 people into a small booth had to ask to be moved. The bathrooms were dirty and the service poor. We would not go back.