New Italian Restaurant Coming

[skyguy79]

It was reported this morning in the Sun that a new Italian Restaurant is coming to Colony Plaza called Mezza Luna Restaurant. You'll find some information at the Villages Gourmet Club Restaurant (http://thevillagesgourmetclub.com/page1.html#M) website.

[KathieI]

That's exciting and needed. Menu items don't sound like a gourmet faire but just hope its edible. Not complaining, just an observation.

BTW, Mezza Luna is the name of the restaurant that OJ Simpson's wife visited before getting murdered, OK Kathie, that wasn't necessary!! :mad:

[graciegirl]

That's exciting and needed. Menu items don't sound like a gourmet faire but just hope its edible. Not complaining, just an observation.

BTW, Mezza Luna is the name of the restaurant that OJ Simpson's wife visited before getting murdered, OK Kathie, that wasn't necessary!! :mad:

Kathie...That is exactly what I was thinking.

[skyguy79]

That's exciting and needed. Menu items don't sound like a gourmet faire but just hope its edible. Not complaining, just an observation.

BTW, Mezza Luna is the name of the restaurant that OJ Simpson's wife visited before getting murdered, OK Kathie, that wasn't necessary!! :mad:I thought about the Goldman connection and came to the same conclusion. BTW, my son currently lives in Brentwood within walking distance from where the Mezza Luna Restaurant used to be. They closed back in the 90's

I did a little searching and also came to the conclusion that there are a lot of restaurants by the name Mezza Luna across the country including some variations like La Mezzaluna. In just a few states I found a few of them in ME, NJ and even here in FL. I didn't notice any connections with the one coming here.

[fwpc3]

Mezza Luna is Italian for half moon. It is the name for a type of chopping or mincing knife.

[buggyone]

Sure hope that Mezza Luna is better than Luigino's at Spanish Springs. The food and service are both terrible at Luigino's.

A good Italian place is Giovani's at Southern Trace Plaza. It is packed both summer and winter and has consistently good food.

[hansel]

That's exciting and needed. Menu items don't sound like a gourmet faire but just hope its edible. Not complaining, just an observation.

BTW, Mezza Luna is the name of the restaurant that OJ Simpson's wife visited before getting murdered, OK Kathie, that wasn't necessary!! :mad:

This restaurant originated from the town in NJ where we previously lived, Manalapan. I never ate there so I have no idea if they are good or bad. For sure we will give it a try once it opens.

[rayschic]

This restaurant originated from the town in NJ where we previously lived, Manalapan. I never ate there so I have no idea if they are good or bad. For sure we will give it a try once it opens.

Yes, there was a Mezza Luna in Manalapan, NJ. If you google Mezza Luna, you will see a restaurant listed in almost EVERY state. All different menus and different owners. Here's what's on the Gourmet Club website. It lists the owners.
I hope that they had a successful Italian restaurant somewhere and are bringing it here.

Mezza Luna Restaurant, 243 Colony Blvd., The Villages, FL. (Italian) L/D. To be located where CiCi's Pizza, and later Village Pizza, occupied at the east end of Colony Plaza, off CR 466A. A summer 2013 opening is expected. A full menu, full service restaurant, in a casual 4,000 s.f. atmosphere, will offer soups, salads, pizzas, calzones, subs, wings, wraps, paninis, pastas, plus appetizers and entr�es such as Chicken and Veal dishes, as well as seafood items like Tilapia, Mussels, Scallops and Shrimp. Whole wheat and reduced fat items are expected also. Beer and wine license is likely. Paul Imperiale, manager; German Buitrago and chef, Salvatore Imperiale, owners.

[looneycat]

really could use a good restaurant at Colony. That is such a 'hidden' location at the end, that you are either good or gone...obviously Cici's is gone, so now let's get something good.

[RedChariot]

I am from Manalapan, NJ. Yes we ate at Mezza Luna many times. Typical Jersey Italian restaurant. It was on a commuter highway Rt. 9. Very busy place. They gave very hearty portions in house and take-out. You would not survive in business in NJ if you gave the portions that the restaurants in The Villages serve. In New Jersey we are willing to pay as long as we get our money's worth. It was not fine dining. It was casual. We loved their sausage and peppers with pasta and a seafood combo over pasta. It was not our most favorite Italian place, but decent. That was then and there. I will be surprized if it is the same here.

[gocubsgo]

I wonder if they are hiring?

[2BNTV]

I love pasta so I hope they have a good chef. A restaurant is only as good as the chef. It's worth a try. :smiley:

[spk7951]

Hopefully this will be a good addition to the Colony area. Like the idea of the variety versus what is already there. All we need now is a decent place for breakfast.

[rubicon]

Giovanni's is about the best Italian restaurant in the area. His place is small. I'll bet he could fill three times the space 7 days a week if he chose to do so.

[rayschic]

Giovanni's is about the best Italian restaurant in the area. His place is small. I'll bet he could fill three times the space 7 days a week if he chose to do so.

I talked to him once about this and he said he wouldn't want to expand. He felt that he could handle the amount of tables that he has, but any more and the service would suffer. I agree with rubicon...best Italian restaurant in the area.
I will definitely try the new Italian restaurant when it opens but I think I'll still be going to Giovanni's since I live in Santiago.

[buggyone]

The Mezza Luna is taking the spot that CiCi's Pizza was in. No doubt that whatever food is served by Mezza Luna that it will be heads and shoulders above CiCi's Pizza. That pizza was like eating cardboard with a little cheese flavoring.

[SALYBOW]

I am just estatic that someone noticed us poor little South Villagers. We are in desperate need of restaurants. I don't care about the gourmet... I just want decent food. We need a Little Joeys down here. PUUULEEZE.

[marianne237]

Got to say I'm so impressed with the info that comes out of some of these postings. Who knew (or cared) that Mezza Luna restaurants existed in so many places? And to find out what mezza luna means too.

[sjdjmd]

A new place for all of us! Yea!!

[applesoffh]

OH, I hope it's good. I really miss decent Italian-American food. IMHO, all the Italian places here are mediocre at best. Not looking for gourmet, just decent would be fine with me!

[ilovetv]

Giovanni's is about the best Italian restaurant in the area. His place is small. I'll bet he could fill three times the space 7 days a week if he chose to do so.

I agree about Giovanni's. It is excellent but far too small for all the people waiting for a table (on the sidewalk). As for the reply.....
I talked to him once about this and he said he wouldn't want to expand. He felt that he could handle the amount of tables that he has, but any more and the service would suffer. I agree with rubicon...best Italian restaurant in the area.

.....They need to get a bigger facility, not necessarily add many more tables. Space is so tight in there that it feels like pressure to "eat and get OUT", and it's difficult for the servers to get through. They need a place with space around the tables/booths with ample walkways!

Giovanni's food is fantastic!

[The Great Fumar]

That's exciting and needed. Menu items don't sound like a gourmet faire but just hope its edible. Not complaining, just an observation.

BTW, Mezza Luna is the name of the restaurant that OJ Simpson's wife visited before getting murdered, OK Kathie, that wasn't necessary!! :mad:

KATH....
It looks a little cramped for space there........and remember ,(IF IT DOESN'T FIT, YOU MUST AQUIT.).....

FUMAR .....:22yikes:

[SusanOfWoodbury]

Does anyone know if this new establishment will serve gluten free ptoducts?

[jbdlfan]

I agree about Giovanni's. It is excellent but far too small for all the people waiting for a table (on the sidewalk). As for the reply.....


.....They need to get a bigger facility, not necessarily add many more tables. Space is so tight in there that it feels like pressure to "eat and get OUT", and it's difficult for the servers to get through. They need a place with space around the tables/booths with ample walkways!

Giovanni's food is fantastic!

We are just the opposite! Love the "togetherness." Sat next to Nancy Lopez one night and felt like she was at our table. (At least that's what I told everybody the next day)

[Bogie Shooter]

This thread has been hijacked!

[Love2cruise]

It was reported this morning in the Sun that a new Italian Restaurant is coming to Colony Plaza called Mezza Luna Restaurant. You'll find some information at the Villages Gourmet Club Restaurant (http://thevillagesgourmetclub.com/page1.html#M) website.

Thank you for providing the link, I had no idea there was such a list.

[Villages PL]

I think the name is "Mezza Luna". That means "half Moon"? My Italian is getting rusty. ;)

I was getting interested until I read that they will have a bar. I really dislike restaurants with bars because wherever there is drinking, people tend to get loud. As a vegan, i'm not a big fan of Italian food anyway, but I might have tried their minestrone soup. Or something else like that.

[Bogie Shooter]

This is a new one. A restaurant gets bashed before it even opens!

[2BNTV]

This is a new one. A restaurant gets bashed before it even opens!

:1rotfl:

VP - There is another thread on this restaurant.

[justjim]

I understand Mezza Luna is going to locate in Colony Plaza where CC'S Pizza use to be. According to the Daily Sun the owners are EXPERIENCED in the restaurant business and this is welcome news.

[manaboutown]

Did they come from Brentwood? The Mezzaluna there closed and became a Peet's Coffee.

[skyguy79]

...

[Patty55]

Did they come from Brentwood? The Mezzaluna there closed and became a Peet's Coffee.

Whoa, if they did they're going to be shocked in the difference in TIPS.

[manaboutown]

Another Mezzaluna was located a few short blocks from my home in Corona Del Mar, CA and I ate there once in a while. It, too, closed. For some strange reason Bruni Magli shoes became unavailable about the same time although shoes are again being sold under that label. Don't know if they are the same quality as they were, though.

[PattyPan1]

Yippy,

Finall another choise of Itailian fare.

Tried Giovanni's and how anyone can say it was great is beyond me (my very strong opinion) There food is always greasey and usally someone in our group gets sick afterwood.

Plain, good Italian food is just what we need, and with their last names, fugetaboutit.

It was reported this morning in the Sun that a new Italian Restaurant is coming to Colony Plaza called Mezza Luna Restaurant. You'll find some information at the Villages Gourmet Club Restaurant (http://thevillagesgourmetclub.com/page1.html#M) website.

[Skip2MySue]

This is a new one. A restaurant gets bashed before it even opens!

Good one Bogie, I wonder if that is a 1st??????:laugh:
Skip 2

[skyc6]

I am excited this restaurant is coming and I wish them well. I hope the food is good, the service is friendly, and the cost is reasonable. For those of you expecting the worst...I am sure it will be terrible! Stay home and stay warm. There will be more room for the rest of us! :)

[Patty55]

Can't wait to give a try. :coolsmiley:Hope they deliver.

[Villages PL]

What can we possibly know about a new Italian restaurant before it even opens? Well, maybe a lot. The name "Mezza Luna" is an important clue. It means "half moon" and everyone knows the moon is made of cheese. So the word "Luna" is code for "cheese" and it's likely that most dishes will feature a lot of cheese......mezza cheese. :mmmm:

Typical Italian Menu (of comfort foods):

Lasagna: (white flour, sodium, full-fat cheese)

Ravioli: (white flour, sodium, full-fat cheese)

Pizza (white flour, sodium, full-fat cheese)

Spaghetti: (white flour, sodium-sauce, gratted (sodium) cheese)

What kind of dressing do you want with your salad? Blue cheese?

The idea of another Italian restaurant in The Villages makes me wonder how it will fit in with The Village's plan to become America's healthiest hometown.

To me, eating Italian is supposed to be healthful. And that means the emphasis should be on vegetables and low sodium. But it's not likely that this will ever happen in a restaurant.

Wouldn't it be a pleasant surprise if they would offer non-fat, low sodium, whole grain lasagna? They could do it once per week for Weight Watchers or any others who might be interested. They could call it: "Weight Watchers
Lasagna Wednesday". Then, if it's popular, they could slowly add other dishes.

I see they will offer low fat and whole wheat items. That's good, but will these items also be low sodium and low sugar? I once tried a whole grain roll at Golden Corral and it was loaded with sugar and/or corn syrup. It was more like a dessert than bread. Just give a restaurant half a chance and they can ruin anything.

[ROCKETMAN]

really could use a good restaurant at Colony. That is such a 'hidden' location at the end, that you are either good or gone...obviously Cici's is gone, so now let's get something good.

For people on a budget ceci's was a great deal. Their salads were good and cinnamon rolls were very good. No one ever thought they were getting gourmet pizza. It didn't close because of lack of business but the owner after his lease was up decided he would have the same deal but no franchise fee but didn't read his contract with ceci's that stated could not open another pizza place within a certain distance for the original one.

[sharonga]

My sister lives in Manalapan and she has gone there a few times. She said "its good" little expensive. As long as it is not a chain restaurant. So sick of them.

[njbchbum]

snipped
Wouldn't it be a pleasant surprise if they would offer non-fat, low sodium, whole grain lasagna? snipped

non-fat, low sodium, whole grain would not be lasagna, much less pasta of any sort!

[Shimpy]

All we need now is a decent place for breakfast.

I agree about a place for breakfast. By the way, don't the Italians, Mexicans or Chinese eat breakfast? Why don't they open their restaurants for breakfast? I'd try them all.

[buggyone]

I wonder how many Italian restaurants (not part of a chain) are called Mezza Luna. On the same note, how many German restaurants are called either Baviarian Haus or Heidelburg?

There is a very nice Italian restaurant at Sanibel Island called Mezza Luna.

[SALYBOW]

I drove past there last week and there was nothing to indicate any restaurant was coming. A rumor?

[skyguy79]

I drove past there last week and there was nothing to indicate any restaurant was coming. A rumor?Don't think so. It's on the list of what's coming soon at this link: The Villages Commercial Property Management (http://www.thevillagescpm.com/comingsoon.htm)

[champion6]

I drove past there last week and there was nothing to indicate any restaurant was coming. A rumor?Not a rumor - a few weeks ago there was an article in the Daily Sun. I was also surprised to see nothing going on inside that space.

[champion6]

The Construction Update in today's Daily Sun had this: "Mezza Luna (243 Colony Blvd.): Construction drawings are being developed for this full-service Italian restaurant on Colony Plaza."

[keithwand]

Wait until Riccardis opens in Brownwood.
They had a restaurant in Baldwin Park and Winter Park.
Great pizza especially Lasagna pizza.
Other dishes were good too.

[Russ_Boston]

Wait until Riccardis opens in Brownwood.
They had a restaurant in Baldwin Park and Winter Park.
Great pizza especially Lasagna pizza.
Other dishes were good too.

They also had a very good pizza place in Orlando on I-Drive. Hope it's the same when they open here.

[patfla06]

That's exciting and needed. Menu items don't sound like a gourmet faire but just hope its edible. Not complaining, just an observation.

BTW, Mezza Luna is the name of the restaurant that OJ Simpson's wife visited before getting murdered, OK Kathie, that wasn't necessary!! :mad:

The last line made me laugh!

[waynet]

went Wednesday. Had a very good meal.

[Gabbi1393]

Kathie...That is exactly what I was thinking.

Me too.

[JohnFromMaine]

Went to Mezza Luna a couple months ago and had the Bruschetta Provencale (Spelling?) appetizer and then the Chicken Marsala. The Bruschetta was really great :bowdown: but the Chicken Marsala was bland, no Marsala flavor. For years I used to make Veal or Chicken Marsala from scratch at home and it ran circles around Mezza Luna's efforts. The service was timely but spotty, if that makes any sense. :shrug: I'd rank the waiter as inattentive. The price was just a tiny bit high but not objectionably so.

Tonight I decided to give the place a second try. I again ordered the Bruschetta Provencale (Spelling?) appetizer and it was every bit as good as the last time, though I did add a very small sprinkle of salt (just to keep my blood pressure up :laugh: ). I also ordered one of their "Flats." I can't remember the full name but it was very good. :coolsmiley: It had crumbled Italian sausage, pepperoni, bacon and mozzarella on a whole wheat crust. The waiter this time was very nice and attentive. His only error was not asking if I wanted a refill on my iced tea. He never brought bread but there was plenty of starch in the Bruschetta and Flat so I have no complaint. He also happily offered to get an answer to my question about the topping on the Bruschetta.

I've twice read poor reviews of the Chicken Marsala so I won't order it again and will warn off others I go with. But, other than that, I will certainly make Mezza Luna a more regular stop. One suggestion; For dinner, get there no later than 5 p.m.. Both times I arrived at 4:45 p.m. and was seated right away. Each time by the time I left, at 5:40 or 5:50 p.m., the line was out the door.

[Bill32]

Three weeks ago I had their Marsala sauce and felt it was very good....different tastes

[Mallory]

Has Mezza Luna had a grand opening yet or are they still working out the bugs in their operation?

We've been there twice and have been well satisfied.

[Nlnicholson]

I,too, had the Chicken Marsala at Meza Luna. Nothing to rave about. Adequate. Of course that was a week after I had the Veal Marsala at The Palmer. Now that is to die for!