Havana

[JAV0108]

Had to express my opinion of the singing waiters/waitresses at Havana. Went there for the first time tonight and they were so talented. I talked to a few and they were attending UCF and had plans for NYC/Broadway. The talent was unbelievable. Now, before you all say anything, the food was so, so but the entertainment made it so worth it. I will be writing to Havana powers that be to give them a few hints with the food as it was kinda pricey and needed a bit of color but I still believe it was worth it for the talent alone. They just need to tweeck a few things, nothing major! Just wanted to let you all know of this posters opinion and tell you that it is worth going to see.

[Ron Wendel]

My wife and I have been to Havana 2x and wasn't thrilled with the food either time. The golf course is much better than the food!

[getdul981]

We were there a couple of weeks ago with our golfing group and although the singers were absolutely great, the volume was too much. We had to yell across the table to talk to each other. The food for the majority of us was good. I don't know exactly what we had, but I don't remember anyone expressing a major dislike. I do seem to remember that the menu was very limited. Only had a choice of about 7 or 8 entrees.

[nitehawk]

Not Havana again :cry::cry:

[KathieI]

We went to Havana last night for dinner. This is the first time in months, considering I used to be a regular Monday night customer.

My experience was that is has improved a lot in that it looks like a high-class supper club upon entering. We were seated almost immediately, right next to the grand piano and in the center where we were very close to all the singing.

The young entertainers are absolutely fantastic. Its amazing how talented they are. Truly some of them may be future Broadway performers.

My feelings about the ambiance is, it is not a nice quiet place to enjoy an EXPENSIVE dinner because of all the activity of the singers/waiters walking all around and the noise level is very high. Reminded me of being center stage of a performance of Oklahoma or Mame.

I ordered the salmon which was good but could have been a bit warmer. The veggies were zucchini and squash, not very thrilling. I avoided the garlic potatoes because I am on a diet. It was good, not great. I ordered the cheesecake for dessert and it was totally inedible, very grainy and tasted like chemicals. I told the waitress that I couldn't eat it, and that's saying a lot....

It was an enjoyable evening mostly because of the company I was with but I doubt that I will become a regular.

[geri317]

Don't want to beat a dead horse but did want to give a thumbs up to the always beaten down Havana Country Club. Went tonight and the six of us loved the singing, loved the food and loved the service. We had a wonderful experience! Well done, Havana!

[DougB]

We went to Havana last night for dinner. This is the first time in months, considering I used to be a regular Monday night customer.

My experience was that is has improved a lot in that it looks like a high-class supper club upon entering. We were seated almost immediately, right next to the grand piano and in the center where we were very close to all the singing.

The young entertainers are absolutely fantastic. Its amazing how talented they are. Truly some of them may be future Broadway performers.

My feelings about the ambiance is, it is not a nice quiet place to enjoy an EXPENSIVE dinner because of all the activity of the singers/waiters walking all around and the noise level is very high. Reminded me of being center stage of a performance of Oklahoma or Mame.

I ordered the salmon which was good but could have been a bit warmer. The veggies were zucchini and squash, not very thrilling. I avoided the garlic
potatoes because I am on a diet. It was good, not great. I ordered the cheesecake for dessert and it was totally inedible, very grainy and tasted like chemicals. I told the waitress that I couldn't eat it, and that's saying a lot....

It was an enjoyable evening mostly because of the company I was with but I
doubt that I will become a regular.

OK, I gotta know the name of that diet. You pass on the 120 calorie garlic
potatoes and can eat the 257 calorie cheesecake. Sounds like my kind of diet

[gemorc]

Not Havana again :cry::cry:
Amen. Havana threads will never die.

[clekr]

I 'll go back to a Havana when they get a favorable health department report.

[buggyone]

I 'll go back to a Havana when they get a favorable health department report.

Did Hadley ever go to Havava?

[KathieI]

OK, I gotta know the name of that diet. You pass on the 120 calorie garlic
potatoes and can eat the 257 calorie cheesecake. Sounds like my kind of diet

Sure, its called the KathieI diet... have I lost weight??? NOOOOOOOOOO!!! Try it,,,

[nitehawk]

Sure, its called the KathieI diet... have I lost weight??? NOOOOOOOOOO!!! Try it,,,
I see your font size is large --- keep up the good work and be proud

[Dirigo]

I 'll go back to a Havana when they get a favorable health department report.

I agree...

[gomoho]

Went for lunch yesterday after golf (it's on the way home). Service was terrible even though there weren't that many people. Two of us wanted the brat special only to find out at 1 o'clock they had already run out. I had the steak gorgonzola flat bread which was excellent; however, didn't come out until the rest of the table was half way done with their lunch. I just don't understand what the problem is. Had to ask for our beer twice!

[LittleDog]

Went for lunch today after golf. A friend and I were seated at the bar. I ordered a Ruben with cole slaw. I thought the food could have been served quicker but that seemed to be OK. My friend ordered a chicken sandwich. I ordered the ruben with cole slaw but it came with fries. I talked to the bar tender and she went and brought me some cole slaw. I thought the sandwich was very good as were the fries and cole slaw. My friend liked his chicken sandwich. Just wanted to put in a good word for the Havana restaurant.

John

[DougB]

Went to see the singing servers a couple weeks ago. They are excellent and it was unique. Food was just OK, nothing special. Management, if they have any, screwed up our reservations.

[gomoho]

One of our foresome ordered the Rueben also and said it was like eating a hay stack - lots of craut and little corned beef.

[LittleDog]

One of our foresome ordered the Rueben also and said it was like eating a hay stack - lots of craut and little corned beef.

Mine had plenty of corned beef. Must have been prepared by different chefs.

John

[nitehawk]

I had the rueben last week and had loads of corned beef *****

[Bonny]

I love the rueben. I've had it a couple of times. Always lots of corned beef !!

[PatandBob]

It is worth going to Havana for the singing waiters. The food is so-so but, in my opinion, so are many of the meals around here. Go sit at the bar, have a drink and enjoy the talent - they are great.

We used to enjoy Asti's in Greenwich Village anytime we visited NYC and were delighted to see that the musical director there is now Havana's musical director.

It is a great idea. We have missed Asti's ever since it closed so are quite happy to have this kind of restaurant right here in the Villages.

[carlanddiane]

is there a specific time frame when the waiters are singing?

[Auntmimi]

Havana was fabulous in the very beginning when it first opened and just went downhill from there. We are full-timers and stopped going there two years ago. The service was so-so, the entrees were unappealing to look at and tasted just as bad.

It is encouraging to hear that it has improved somewhat, so we may give it one more try.

[jojo]

We celebrated at Havana last Friday with friends from Ohio who just bought in The Villages. The singing waiters are incredibly talented as is Maestro Bill Daugherty at the piano. It was a fabulous evening. They sing for maybe 15 minutes at the top of the hour. The food was OK - there was a more extensive menu selection than I expected. Most priced at $16.99.

[keithwand]

We went to a musical. The musical sucked but the food was really good.

[jhrc4]

I find the comments regarding the Havana Restaurant really amusing " All " of the time.

The complaints about the noise level, poor food, limited menu, why on earth do any of you subject yourselves to this sort of nonsense. The waitstaff bravo,hand clapping, etc, etc good for them..but the noise level come on. Most will not make it to Broadway but hey nothing wrong in a dream and a wish.

But let's get back to reality, going out to dinner is the main purpose of this exercise, and as usual the majority are disappointed.

So my real question is simple why on earth do any of you die hard Havana people keep beating yourselves up..sort of like hitting your thumb with a hammer..and soon after the pain is gone ..Bank ya whack the thumb again. Laural and Hardy would be proud of all of you.

[ilovetv]

Especially with a limited menu of 6 or 8 entrees, just WHAT is so dang hard about making a decent piece of broiled meat, fish or poultry, or making a tasty sautee to put on top of some boiled pasta????

Most of us can make simple, delicious entrees at home using fresh meat/poultry/fish WE can buy anywhere, so why is the restaurant unable to do what we amateurs do at home with no culinary degrees nor kitchen staff to clean up after us and do food prep?!?!?

I'm going to try Havana again, but I don't see any excuse for having mediocre meals.

[geobar]

I 'll go back to a Havana when they get a favorable health department report.

Before you voice your opinion about what you hear about Havan C. C. having a bad rap by the Health Dept.
Try and go on this site:
Restaurant Inspections (http://restaurantinspections.local10.com/home/sfl/records/45/VEhFIFZJTExBR0VT)
You can see that Havana C. C. has far less violations of perhaps you FAVORATE RESTUARANT..
See for youeself you might be amazed where you have been eating.
Enjoy your Dining experiance in "The Villages" as we have Certainly Earned it.

:spoken: My Piece !!!!!!!

[geobar]

Especially with a limited menu of 6 or 8 entrees, just WHAT is so dang hard about making a decent piece of broiled meat, fish or poultry, or making a tasty sautee to put on top of some boiled pasta????

Most of us can make simple, delicious entrees at home using fresh meat/poultry/fish WE can buy anywhere, so why is the restaurant unable to do what we amateurs do at home with no culinary degrees nor kitchen staff to clean up after us and do food prep?!?!?

I'm going to try Havana again, but I don't see any excuse for having mediocre meals.

Please tell me which Restuarant in The Villages cooks perhaps as you do at home?

[Indydealmaker]

Especially with a limited menu of 6 or 8 entrees, just WHAT is so dang hard about making a decent piece of broiled meat, fish or poultry, or making a tasty sautee to put on top of some boiled pasta????

Most of us can make simple, delicious entrees at home using fresh meat/poultry/fish WE can buy anywhere, so why is the restaurant unable to do what we amateurs do at home with no culinary degrees nor kitchen staff to clean up after us and do food prep?!?!?

I'm going to try Havana again, but I don't see any excuse for having mediocre meals.

At least in my home, the boss/manager/CEO/COO is the one doing the food prep, cooking, tasting and serving. That may be a factor. Oh yeah, I forgot, the Chairman of the Board does the dishes.

[jhrc4]

" WOW " This is really terrific reading the responses this is turning out to be a real Soap Opera. How a restaurant with such a poor reputation can churn out this kind of back and forth " tate a tate " is comical, honestly.

Terrible food, limited menu, annoying loud singing and the noise level to the point where normal conversation is out of the question. It is Astounding why on earth knowing full well what the outcome is going to be, would anyone go to this place and actually end up costing them money. Plus have a giant size headache to boot.

Look I have an idea a " Contest " all of you Havana fans that keep going back and keep complaining about it ( Who Wouldn't )..Here it is:

Which Restaurant is worse contest:

Havana...For all of the above reasons..and more..

BoniFay.... For the terrible food/menu ; accompanied with, Fly's/Gnats..oh while there try the Beef Stroganoff over penne a classic you will never forget. Oh bring a fly swatter

In closing thank all of you once again for the chuckles..A Soap Opera.

My prediction...A Tie

[xkeowner]

Before you voice your opinion about what you hear about Havan C. C. having a bad rap by the Health Dept.
Try and go on this site:
Restaurant Inspections (http://restaurantinspections.local10.com/home/sfl/records/45/VEhFIFZJTExBR0VT)
You can see that Havana C. C. has far less violations of perhaps you FAVORATE RESTUARANT..
See for youeself you might be amazed where you have been eating.
Enjoy your Dining experiance in "The Villages" as we have Certainly Earned it.

:spoken: My Piece !!!!!!!

The inspection reports show only three violations on the LAST inspection of SIX inspections with 67 violations they experienced over FOUR business days in early June. If that is truly better than most of the other places in the villages, then this is a very dangerous area to dine out, which it is not. AS a former food service manager, what concerned me most about the inspections besides the bugs was the discrepancies which were easily and cheaply correctable yet not corrected. That speaks volumes about managements attitude.

[D&Lsunfun]

we try and try but the food is not good and the outside service is unsatisfactory.
last Friday night, 3 tables of guests outside, we waited for service had to ask for silverware and napkins, the pizza was cold and terrible. reason: a new pizza chef.
the manager would not come to the table to hear what we had to say.
wake up!!! your business is failing.

[jchase]

My family and I went to the Havana Country Club yesterday. What a dump! The service was bad, it was dirty, and the prices for drinks are high. When are they going to wake up. Never again!

[er9027]

Just curious?? Who owns the buildings in the Country Clubs? Does the owner LEASE the building for a period of time and run it like it is his/her business. It makes very little sense to not provide better service/food if you are trying to make a profit. It seems to me this is the problems clubs run into when they sign a lease for a new Manager. Been there ,,done that !!

[Bill32]

TV owns the buildings

[Villager Dude]

TV owns the buildings

The Country Club food operation is leased out to someone and not under the operational supervision of TV.

The golf shops are run under a contract with TV as well as golf course grounds maintenance .

I have noticed while living in T , if the food and service is good TV will support the food operation. I am shocked many are not well run and continue to have issues. Although the restaurant business is difficult I think there is money to be had in TV. People are lined up to eat and drink every night even at those that are not up to par.

[er9027]

The Country Club food operation is leased out to someone and not under the operational supervision of TV.

The golf shops are run under a contract with TV as well as golf course grounds maintenance .

I have noticed while living in T , if the food and service is good TV will support the food operation. I am shocked many are not well run and continue to have issues. Although the restaurant business is difficult I think there is money to be had in TV. People are lined up to eat and drink every night even at those that are not up to par.

:agree:

[cherylncliff]

We went to Havana last night with friends. This was our first visit to Havana and we went despite the mediocre reviews. Here are our observations:
1.The phone reservation system is cold and impersonal. The greeting is a robotic voice that tells you to leave a message. The message was returned the next day.
2. The hostess that greets you as you enter is also rather cold and impersonal.
3. The menu does have only a limited number of selections.
4. The mushroom appetizers were excellent.
5. The dinners were excellent and were served warm/hot.
The wait staff is also the singers and they are superb. They were very engaging and had wonderful voices. A special call out to Sheila, our waitress/singer. She had one of the best female voices we have heard. She also plays Belle at Disney and volunteers with Make-A-Wish. Note that you can request a specific waiter(ress) when you make your reservation.
6. The songs range from show tunes to musicals to opera and they will do requests.
7. We arrived at 6:30 and did not leave until 8:00. Some have commented that service is slow- I would describe it as leisurely. Note that your wait staff are also the servers so they are doing double duty. Do not plan to go if you are in a hurry, instead sit back, relax, enjoy the show and have a good time with friends and family.
8. Prices are quite reasonable considering the entertainment and portions are more than sufficient- we have enough for another meal left over.
9. We would certainly go again and would recommend it.
10. To management- work on your reservation system and your front door reception. You need to make your guests feel more welcome. Once seated the wait staff made us feel comfortable and welcome but getting through the reservation system and in the front door was a little cold.

[Annie01]

i went there and walked out way tooooo loud...and i am NOT into OPERA...could not even talk at the bar.....the food was okay when i ate there before the music..the place is way tooo dull looking...very dark wood...needs a makeover..very depressing.....opera and i do not mix!!!!!!

[KathieI]

i went there and walked out way tooooo loud...and i am NOT into OPERA...could not even talk at the bar.....the food was okay when i ate there before the music..the place is way tooo dull looking...very dark wood...needs a makeover..very depressing.....opera and i do not mix!!!!!!

Don't mean to be confrontational, but you knew the waiters were singing opera before you went there, why would you go if you don't like opera?? Just curious.

[rubicon]

Res Ipsa Loquitur "The Thing Speaks For Itself Went to Havana last week was told no accommodation outside. According to a waitress they had a charity breakfast but the waiters and waitresses were not told until they arrived. Created chaos My meal was C+ at best.

It just amazes me with as captive a customer group there is here that the only Country Club with consistency in quality and service is Lopez????????

Some people refer to posts like my as complaining unnecessarily and unfairly.

I call it refusing to lower my expectations as to price, quality and service.

[cherylncliff]

They will happily sing requests. The night we were there was a good mix of opera, popular show tunes and Broadway songs. We had no difficulty conversing at our table, even during the singing.

[Skip]

Looks like the end is near.
Their restaurant license has expired and their liquor license is under litigation by The Villages.

Bye bye - Havana Pie...

Skip

[Golfingnut]

Res Ipsa Loquitur "The Thing Speaks For Itself Went to Havana last week was told no accommodation outside. According to a waitress they had a charity breakfast but the waiters and waitresses were not told until they arrived. Created chaos My meal was C+ at best.

It just amazes me with as captive a customer group there is here that the only Country Club with consistency in quality and service is Lopez????????

Some people refer to posts like my as complaining unnecessarily and unfairly.

I call it refusing to lower my expectations as to price, quality and service.

I have spent good money every time I here that the food has improved or they have a new chef etc. I have been disappointed every time. I keep trying because I like the atmosphere and it is right by our house, but it is truly the poorest quality of food at any place we have eaten at in the Villages.

[deepseadivelover]

I heard on the grapevine that the place has been sold. Any one confirm? Will they keep the singing waiters? I hope so! Seems foolish to get rid of them.

[graciegirl]

Looks like the end is near.
Their restaurant license has expired and their liquor license is under litigation by The Villages.

Bye bye - Havana Pie...

Skip


Two posters always seem to know what is happening. Skip, above and Gary W.


Gary W builds things around here, I don't know how Skip knows but he does.

[deepseadivelover]

Stopped in tonight after posting this morning. Employee said they are closing after tomorrow night for 10 days to renovate and reopen with new owners, new menu. They have not decided if they are keeping the singers. I hope they keep them. They arefantastic, and really the only reason I go there! I think theysaid thenew owner owns lopez or legends country club.

[PaPaLarry]

Sure doesn't sound good, if they are closing, especially after this month, some of the snow birds go back home. Hopefully, the new owners will survive the summer, with a reputation of good food. I wish them well.

[jblum315]

Did Hadley ever go to Havava?

No, poor Hadley got dumped. I don't think EH took any of his sweeties to Havana, just his sons.

[donald62]

The word is that the owners of Nancy Lopez are taking over.

[nitehawk]

Its going to be a drive thru White Castle for golf carts - open till 1 am

[nitehawk]

No, poor Hadley got dumped. I don't think EH took any of his sweeties to Havana, just his sons.

Who is hardey???? or is this a PM to a select few

[DougB]

Who is hardey???? or is this a PM to a select few

Hardey was Laurel's partner.

[Bogie Shooter]

The word is that the owners of Nancy Lopez are taking over.

Word?

[ddharrold]

Learned today that the Owner/Mgr of Lopez Legacy Restaurant will soon be taking over the ownership/management of Havana CC Restaurant. :coolsmiley:
Hopefully they will bring the outstanding service and food quality to Havana that we always get at Lopez. :BigApplause:
I also hope the new management sees the value in keeping the Singing Waiters at Havana. If not every night, at least 3 or 4 nights per week.:bigbow:

[Skip]

The Gourmet Club announced it on their Facebook page already and their website (http://thevillagesgourmetclub.com) says "The Singing Waiters" will NOT return.

I look forward to returning to Havana after John takes over.

Skip

[ilovetv]

The Gourmet Club announced it on their Facebook page already and their website (http://thevillagesgourmetclub.com) says "The Singing Waiters" will NOT return.

I look forward to returning to Havana after John takes over.

Skip

Good news on the gourmet club website. Singing waiters are not needed when the food and service are good. It's annoying when large restaurants like this are so noisy that you can't carry on a conversation with friends. You should not have to yell to be heard at your table!

I think they should rename Havana's Restaurant to something like "(Chef's name) at Havana", to differentiate it from the sloppiness that's prevailed the last 4 years.

[keithwand]

Yea!
Hopefully open for breakfast too so our group can eat somewhere besides Bonifay after golf.

[villages07]

Mushroom Brie soup on the Southside???? Yummm, savor the possibilities.

Seriously, if this does pan out and they bring the same food quality and service level as we have enjoyed at Lopez, perhaps, finally, Havana will be the favored destination so many of us have wanted it to be over the years...great location and beautiful facility.

[Halle]

Lobster Bisque and Mushroom Brie!:mmmm:


I don't eat out often but when I do Lopez is one of my favorites. Would love to have the great quality and service close to home.

[memason]

I was at Havana today and a sign on the door said Temporarily Closed....Under New Ownership.

[DougB]

Learned today that the Owner/Mgr of Lopez Legacy Restaurant will soon be taking over the ownership/management of Havana CC Restaurant. :coolsmiley:
Hopefully they will bring the outstanding service and food quality to Havana that we always get at Lopez. :BigApplause:
I also hope the new management sees the value in keeping the Singing Waiters at Havana. If not every night, at least 3 or 4 nights per week.:bigbow:

Thanks!

[janmcn]

I was at Havana today and a sign on the door said Temporarily Closed....Under New Ownership.


There is an article about the change of ownership on The Villages on-line news website. When it reopens it will be called "Hemingways at Havana" and run by the owner of Lopez and others. No opening date has been announced.

[DandyGirl]

O Happy Day!!!! Would love to have a GOOD restaurant close by. :pepper2::pepper2:

[gomoho]

Agree - this is very good news. I love Havanna's ambiance - just couldn't deal with the rest of it - so looking forward to it becoming what it should be.

[dkrhardy]

Have not posted in a looooong time. We did NOT like the singing, to each his own. If it was Lopez quality, we would not go if they keep the singing. Way too "glitzy" for us ... again, to each his own. I would prefer a good menu and hang the price, good food, good service, pay the price. It could be a nice place again if they go back to basics. MHO. XX= crossed fingers!

[rick2071]

Lobster Bisque and Mushroom Brie!:mmmm:


I don't eat out often but when I do Lopez is one of my favorites. Would love to have the great quality and service close to home.

You will soon, the owners/management of Lopez will be running Havana

[golf2140]

Have not posted in a looooong time. We did NOT like the singing, to each his own. If it was Lopez quality, we would not go if they keep the singing. Way too "glitzy" for us ... again, to each his own. I would prefer a good menu and hang the price, good food, good service, pay the price. It could be a nice place again if they go back to basics. MHO. XX= crossed fingers!

What ???

[JP]

We went to Lopez a couple of weekends ago and I honestly had one of the top 10 breakfasts of my LIFE!.....So I'm really excited this same group is taking over Havana because it will give us all more good food options.

[Golfingnut]

What great news. I have been wishing for improvement to Havana for years. Amazing it hung on this long. I am so happy I will no longer argue with disagreeable posters on TOTV anymore.

:mornincoffee:

[ilovetv]

I love music of all styles, and think it is key to most any party, reunion, or reception.

But. The country clubs dining rooms here are not for receptions and "shows". They are for TV residents to dine with our visiting relatives, friends or previewing guests, many of whom we do not see very often because they live across the country. We go out to dinner together so we do not have to shop, cook, and cleanup while we converse with them and try to catch up on years' worth of conversation.

These dining rooms are NOT an audition venue for up and coming Broadway or Hollywood wannabees to get the waiter experience they WILL need when they're a dime a dozen trying to get hired as a musician in NY or LA.

Diners should not have to yell to be heard. Period. And the food should be excellent and the service should be quietly understated.....as in: servers are right there ready to be attentive to be of service for every food and beverage need/request....NOT "I'm singing for tips from you".

[graciegirl]

I hope that the skilled people who are FROM Nancy Lopez and Arnold Palmer restaurants will not cause a lessening of quality in the places that they WERE.

[ROCKETMAN]

I am amazed this didn't make the totv rumor mill. Had to be th best secret since the great wall of orange blossom went up in the middle of the night.

[graciegirl]

;;'"/

[Bonny]

I am amazed this didn't make the totv rumor mill. Had to be th best secret since the great wall of orange blossom went up in the middle of the night.
It really wasn't a secret. A lot of people knew, just not when it would be finalized.

[AriaGrandparents2013]

I dined at Lopez yesterday early evening and enjoyed a "surf & turf" special they were offering. I must honestly say that it was one of the best meals I've experienced in The Villages.

If the Lopez Owner brings the same quality of food and service to Havana.......it will be a huge success.

[DougB]

What great news. I have been wishing for improvement to Havana for years. Amazing it hung on this long. I am so happy I will no longer argue with disagreeable posters on TOTV anymore.

:mornincoffee:

Don't post too quickly, grasshopper!

[DougB]

I love music of all styles, and think it is key to most any party, reunion, or reception.

But. The country clubs dining rooms here are not for receptions and "shows". They are for TV residents to dine with our visiting relatives, friends or previewing guests, many of whom we do not see very often because they live across the country. We go out to dinner together so we do not have to shop, cook, and cleanup while we converse with them and try to catch up on years' worth of conversation.

These dining rooms are NOT an audition venue for up and coming Broadway or Hollywood wannabees to get the waiter experience they WILL need when they're a dime a dozen trying to get hired as a musician in NY or LA.

Diners should not have to yell to be heard. Period. And the food should be excellent and the service should be quietly understated.....as in: servers are
right there ready to be attentive to be of service for every food and beverage need/request....NOT "I'm singing for tips from
you".

Is that the rule? I can't seem to locate them.

[Golf-Tinker]

After it's long anticipated opening for about three months (on a sliding scale) Havana enjoyed acceptance by the community. Following his master plan, Kris dumped George Stella (which changed the kitchen forever), then his operation manager, Dameon (name in my files), the bartenders (they were making too much in tips), the waitstaff (can't allow you to work those hours), and so on. For all too many year, I prayed his reign of stupidity would end. I suggest we all come to the parking lot some night soon and party to demonstrate the rise of Havana once again. The bad king has been disposed. Long live Havana.

Jim

[Matzy]

I like Havana and the singing waiters, very enjoyable. In case of food??? Well, depends on one's expectations, I always was satisfied with food and service there (I m going with the expression 'if I like it I will tell that to the public, if something was wrong I will tell it to the waiter/chef/manager' because it is/was MY opinion'.
And, that i learned from my dad: If I wan't to find a "hair" in the soup, I'll find it.

[PaPaLarry]

Finally!!!! No more complaints about Havana. (Now called Hemmingway's) I know some liked the singing waiters etc, but now it's back to quality food. I always seem to get a good meal at Lopez Legacy, so I'm pretty sure the same quality will be at Hemmingway's. Let's give them a chance before we criticize them. I wish them well, and hopefully us "Villagers" will be the winner's!!!!

[shcisamax]

I love music of all styles, and think it is key to most any party, reunion, or reception.

But. The country clubs dining rooms here are not for receptions and "shows". They are for TV residents to dine with our visiting relatives, friends or previewing guests, many of whom we do not see very often because they live across the country. We go out to dinner together so we do not have to shop, cook, and cleanup while we converse with them and try to catch up on years' worth of conversation.

These dining rooms are NOT an audition venue for up and coming Broadway or Hollywood wannabees to get the waiter experience they WILL need when they're a dime a dozen trying to get hired as a musician in NY or LA.

Diners should not have to yell to be heard. Period. And the food should be excellent and the service should be quietly understated.....as in: servers are right there ready to be attentive to be of service for every food and beverage need/request....NOT "I'm singing for tips from you".

This is a joke, right? In what restaurant bible is it written that there can't be music? There are many who think a little different ambiance is a nice or fun thing. There are so many restaurants here if one doesn't like singing waiters, there are infinite other choices.

Whether there are singing waiters or great music, if it is loud or silent, whether it gives entertainment by "wannabees" or not, I am excited to see what will ensue.

[Bonny]

I enjoyed the singing waiters and waitresses. They had beautiful voices and it was something different.

[KathieI]

After it's long anticipated opening for about three months (on a sliding scale) Havana enjoyed acceptance by the community. Following his master plan, Kris dumped George Stella (which changed the kitchen forever), then his operation manager, Dameon (name in my files), the bartenders (they were making too much in tips), the waitstaff (can't allow you to work those hours), and so on. For all too many year, I prayed his reign of stupidity would end. I suggest we all come to the parking lot some night soon and party to demonstrate the rise of Havana once again. The bad king has been disposed. Long live Havana.

Jim

Wow, I agree... Havana was doomed early on because of the thick-headedness of an owner who thought he knew everything and no one else knew anything, especially his staff. All that you said is so true, if a waiter/male or female, was great but making too much in tips, he would literally move them to another section and not listen to any of his customers. If the bathrooms were filthy, he would yell at the staff to clean it up, in between their other duties,, UGH!! This was from the early days, and when we would confront him with a list of issues to improve his beautiful restaurant, he would totally ignore us and dismiss us as not knowing how to run a business.

I helped run the kitchen at a charity breakfast because he did not inform any staff or make the proper preparations to accommodate the event early in AM. It was a disaster. He still wouldn't listen, thank goodness the event went well, but not because of his efforts.

I agree, a party is due in the parking lot to celebrate the start of a new beginning!! Havana is really a pretty place, with a wonderful view and has so much potential but was ruined by a Czar.!!! Let's celebrate.

[Chi-Town]

I enjoyed the singing waiters and waitresses. They had beautiful voices and it was something different.

I agree totally. One of the main reasons we all moved to The Villages was for the year 'round entertainment, and the singing waiters and waitresses sure were entertaining.

[Villager Dude]

I agree totally. One of the main reasons we all moved to The Villages was for the year 'round entertainment, and the singing waiters and waitresses sure were entertaining.

WE remember when Havana opened and was impressed with the architecture and enjoyed the nice outdoor area.

When we moved here permanently in Nov 2012 we were very disappointed with the Operation and did not go there even though we live 1 mile form it in Amelia.

We love Lopez but occasionally we do not go up there due to the distance.

Lopez taking over Havana is great news and we are looking forward to it.

VIVA HAVANA !

[skyc6]

I love music of all styles, and think it is key to most any party, reunion, or reception.

But. The country clubs dining rooms here are not for receptions and "shows". They are for TV residents to dine with our visiting relatives, friends or previewing guests, many of whom we do not see very often because they live across the country. We go out to dinner together so we do not have to shop, cook, and cleanup while we converse with them and try to catch up on years' worth of conversation.

These dining rooms are NOT an audition venue for up and coming Broadway or Hollywood wannabees to get the waiter experience they WILL need when they're a dime a dozen trying to get hired as a musician in NY or LA.

Diners should not have to yell to be heard. Period. And the food should be excellent and the service should be quietly understated.....as in: servers are right there ready to be attentive to be of service for every food and beverage need/request....NOT "I'm singing for tips from you".

GEE, Thanks for the heads up on restaurant ettiquette. We have many restaurants and country clubs here in TV, so hopefully, those who may enjoy music can choose the appropriate ones to frequent. You could do the same! There is something here for everyone and differences can be interesting. Your name suggests that you LOVE The Villages, yet your rants say something else. How about we wait to shoot down the new place until it actually opens? Possibly lots of people will like it and if you don;t, then don't go there! Personally, I enjoy the music. These are not Hollywood wannabees at all; they are members of the Central Florida Lyric Opera, and to hear them with dinner at no extra charge is for some a treat! When someone is so hard to please, staying home is an option as well.

[Bonny]

GEE, Thanks for the heads up on restaurant ettiquette. We have many restaurants and country clubs here in TV, so hopefully, those who may enjoy music can choose the appropriate ones to frequent. You could do the same! There is something here for everyone and differences can be interesting. Your name suggests that you LOVE The Villages, yet your rants say something else. How about we wait to shoot down the new place until it actually opens? Possibly lots of people will like it and if you don;t, then don't go there! Personally, I enjoy the music. These are not Hollywood wannabees at all; they are members of the Central Florida Lyric Opera, and to hear them with dinner at no extra charge is for some a treat! When someone is so hard to please, staying home is an option as well.
:BigApplause: I agree !!

[memason]

From the Gourmet Club website:

Havana Country Club, 2484 O'Dell Circle, The Villages, FL. 430-3200. (American) B/L/D. Closed on 3/10/14 while new owner, John McDonough of Legacy Restaurant at Lopez Country Club makes some renovations and changes the menu and staff. The "Singing Waiters" will not return. The restaurant will be called Hemingway's (see that listing). Due to reopen in April, 2014.

[ROCKETMAN]

This is a joke, right? In what restaurant bible is it written that there can't be music? There are many who think a little different ambiance is a nice or fun thing. There are so many restaurants here if one doesn't like singing waiters, there are infinite other choices.

Whether there are singing waiters or great music, if it is loud or silent, whether it gives entertainment by "wannabees" or not, I am excited to see what will ensue.

If you don't like music you can go to cane garden any night of the week and never have any entertainment. They have good food and a good happy hour 3-5 with every drink 2 for 1, even top shelf.:BigApplause:

[ilovetv]

This is a joke, right? In what restaurant bible is it written that there can't be music? There are many who think a little different ambiance is a nice or fun thing. There are so many restaurants here if one doesn't like singing waiters, there are infinite other choices.

Whether there are singing waiters or great music, if it is loud or silent, whether it gives entertainment by "wannabees" or not, I am excited to see what will ensue.

No, it's not a joke. Throughout this thread and the others about the singing waiters, people have said it's too loud to be able to converse. In fact, it was too loud to converse in Havana BEFORE singing waiters were added in. Just a few posts before mine somebody said they had to "yell" across their table because of the singing waiters.

There's a big difference between having relaxing cocktail piano or other low-key instrumentals playing in the bar or off to the side, and having singing waiters belting out Oklahoma and Mame type show tunes.

Plus, throughout this thread and the others, people have said time after time that they would like to have the Lopez type dining and ambience here in this part of TV near Havana, where we are 11 miles from Nancy Lopez CC and 5 miles from Arnold Palmer, and those and the clubs like Cane and Mallory are packed with people from their own surrounding neighborhoods. People living right around Havana would like to pack IT too, but not if the atmosphere is aggravating and the food/service is bad like it's been.

Hopefully the new management is taking these things into account.

[keithwand]

Page 24 in the "restaurant bible".:D
Never experienced the singing waiters because we stayed away but friends enjoyed them obviously more the the food.
We are looking forward to the change as location and ambiance are great.
Definitely will try it when they open.

[CraigC]

No, it's not a joke. Throughout this thread and the others about the singing waiters, people have said it's too loud to be able to converse. In fact, it was too loud to converse in Havana BEFORE singing waiters were added in. Just a few posts before mine somebody said they had to "yell" across their table because of the singing waiters.

There's a big difference between having relaxing cocktail piano or other low-key instrumentals playing in the bar or off to the side, and having singing waiters belting out Oklahoma and Mame type show tunes.

Plus, throughout this thread and the others, people have said time after time that they would like to have the Lopez type dining and ambience here in this part of TV near Havana, where we are 11 miles from Nancy Lopez CC and 5 miles from Arnold Palmer, and those and the clubs like Cane and Mallory are packed with people from their own surrounding neighborhoods. People living right around Havana would like to pack IT too, but not if the atmosphere is aggravating and the food/service is bad like it's been.

Hopefully the new management is taking these things into account.

Agree 100%. We went once, and attempted to yell across the table. A dozen or so of our friends have been since the singing waiters began, and none went back a second time because of the noise level. A few people may like them once as a novelty, but I think the owners know that very, very few will like to return on a regular basis. We thought they were very talented, but we prefer to be able to speak to the others in our party when we eat out. There is certainly no shortage of loud music in various eating establishments in The Villages!

[raynan]

Maybe they could have the singing waiters/waitresses once a week and those who like it could go that night and everyone else would still have plenty of other nights to go. I thought it was a nice idea but it was very loud and every night was just too much.

[shcisamax]

But. The country clubs dining rooms here are not for receptions and "shows". They are for TV residents to dine with our visiting relatives, friends or previewing guests, many of whom we do not see very often because they live across the country. We go out to dinner together so we do not have to shop, cook, and cleanup while we converse with them and try to catch up on years' worth of conversation.

WHERE IS IT WRITTEN THAT THE COUNTRY CLUBS ARE ONLY FOR TV RESIDENTS TO DINE WITH THEIR VISITING RELATIVES, FRIENDS, ETC?

These dining rooms are NOT an audition venue for up and coming Broadway or Hollywood wannabees to get the waiter experience they WILL need when they're a dime a dozen trying to get hired as a musician in NY or LA.

THAT IS A BIT SUPERCILIOUS AND, WHILE I AGREE IT WAS A BIT MUCH, PERHAPS A SPECIFIC DAY ONCE A WEEK AS SUGGESTED WOULD HAVE BEEN A BETTER IDEA SO YOU THERE WAS THE OPTION.

Diners should not have to yell to be heard. Period. And the food should be excellent and the service should be quietly understated.....as in: servers are right there ready to be attentive to be of service for every food and beverage need/request.....

YOU DO REALIZE YOU ARE IN THE VILLAGES, RIGHT? YOU BETTER NOT GO IN TO ANY RESTAURANT DURING SNOWBIRD SEASON. FRANKLY, THAT ACTUALLY ELIMINATES A HUGE AMOUNT OF THE RESTAURANTS HERE YEAR ROUND! YOU MAY NEED TO GET TO LE BERNADIN OR THE FOUR SEASONS FOR THE LEVEL OF CULINARY GREATNESS YOU ARE SEEKING.

THAT SAID,
I agree totally with you that Havana was substandard on so many levels and I, too, am looking forward to the management team and their ideas. Can't wait to see the menu. But I just think some of those comments were a little pejorative. Anyway, see you in the new and undoubtedly improved restaurant.

[shcisamax]

I apologize for not figuring out how to put my comments interwoven in the prior post. I am just way over my head in tech here :)

[CFrance]

Maybe they could have the singing waiters/waitresses once a week and those who like it could go that night and everyone else would still have plenty of other nights to go. I thought it was a nice idea but it was very loud and every night was just too much.

That is an excellent compromise. I admit I am not a fan of dining while being entertained--I like one or the other, separately. I love opera, classical music, and oldies but like peace and quiet during dinner in order to talk to my companions. A lot of times the music is so loud there is no way to hold a conversation.

I do like that the singing entertainment in most restaurants starts at a certain time, so we and our guests can work around that.

[shcisamax]

I think, for the most part, the acoustics are not very good in the restaurants. I have been in Palmer at a table for six and could only hear the people next to me.

[gomoho]

Could someone please turn the volume down:duck:

[shcisamax]

Could someone please turn the volume down:duck:

Good one.

[graciegirl]

That is an excellent compromise. I admit I am not a fan of dining while being entertained--I like one or the other, separately. I love opera, classical music, and oldies but like peace and quiet during dinner in order to talk to my companions. A lot of times the music is so loud there is no way to hold a conversation.

I do like that the singing entertainment in most restaurants starts at a certain time, so we and our guests can work around that.




I agree. Now that I have these damned expensive "hearers" that turn up everything, the music drowns out any chance for me to hear any conversation. I realize that is my problem and is not everyone's but it is nice to have a choice. I too love music of practically all kinds.

[Bogie Shooter]

Was it not a part of the announcement that the singing waiter's would not be a part of the new "Hemmingway" restaurant?
What is the purpose of all the debate about the singing waiters?
How can posters bash the "new " restaurant concept and they have not even opened the doors yet?
Do some posters on TOTV even have a clue?
People in the area of Colony keep whining about not having any places to dine, now one is coming and fault is already being aired. I just don't get it!

[ilovetv]

That is an excellent compromise. I admit I am not a fan of dining while being entertained--I like one or the other, separately. I love opera, classical music, and oldies but like peace and quiet during dinner in order to talk to my companions. A lot of times the music is so loud there is no way to hold a conversation.

I do like that the singing entertainment in most restaurants starts at a certain time, so we and our guests can work around that.

Thank you.

[ilovetv]

Was it not a part of the announcement that the singing waiter's would not be a part of the new "Hemmingway" restaurant?
What is the purpose of all the debate about the singing waiters?
How can posters bash the "new " restaurant concept and they have not even opened the doors yet?
Do some posters on TOTV even have a clue?
People in the area of Colony keep whining about not having any places to dine, now one is coming and fault is already being aired. I just don't get it!

It's being debated because some want them to stay, while others--who want to be able to converse without yelling--want them to be there but less often, i.e. once or twice a week.

[DougB]

Turn it up!

[Bogie Shooter]

Give it up!

[CFrance]

Turn it down!

[shcisamax]

I didn't see people bashing the new restaurant. From what I saw, I thought everyone was really excited to be out with the old and in with the new. What's to bash if it is the same owners as Lopez? I didn't see people lamenting there would be no singers just some saying they enjoyed it in the last restaurant. Whether they have the singers or not, I expect great things from this renovation! If it is anything like Lopez, you will be able to hear which seems to be the major issue here.

[PaPaLarry]

Looks like we can't wait to look forward to great food and conversation at the Hemmingway!!! Let's give it a chance, and see how we like it. My money is on the restaurant. I can go to Katie Bells, if I want music also. They have the stage for it.

[TomOB]

Please give them a week or two to work out the kinks before bashing them. I hope they open during the off season so they aren't swamped the first night and get bashed here because someone had to wait 20 minutes for something.

[schoochntl34@yahoo.com]

Give it time. They'll bash this new restaurant too!!!

[NJblue]

No, it's not a joke. Throughout this thread and the others about the singing waiters, people have said it's too loud to be able to converse. In fact, it was too loud to converse in Havana BEFORE singing waiters were added in. Just a few posts before mine somebody said they had to "yell" across their table because of the singing waiters.

There's a big difference between having relaxing cocktail piano or other low-key instrumentals playing in the bar or off to the side, and having singing waiters belting out Oklahoma and Mame type show tunes.

Plus, throughout this thread and the others, people have said time after time that they would like to have the Lopez type dining and ambience here in this part of TV near Havana, where we are 11 miles from Nancy Lopez CC and 5 miles from Arnold Palmer, and those and the clubs like Cane and Mallory are packed with people from their own surrounding neighborhoods. People living right around Havana would like to pack IT too, but not if the atmosphere is aggravating and the food/service is bad like it's been.

Hopefully the new management is taking these things into account.

I agree. I go to a restaurant to dine and converse. If I want to be entertained, I go to any number of venues around that have entertainment as their focus. Trying to mix the two makes for bad dining AND bad entertainment.

[nitehawk]

I agree. I go to a restaurant to dine and converse. If I want to be entertained, I go to any number of venues around that have entertainment as their focus. Trying to mix the two makes for bad dining AND bad entertainment.

I am the opposite... I enjoy entertainment while I dine ... and i loved the good entertainment they had there....