Havana reopening when? Now Open!
 

Did a search, but didn't find anything new, maybe I missed it. In today's help-wanted ads is one for food service - says a "new concept" restaurant and to apply at Lopez Legacy. I had heard somewhere that the new management for Havana is the current management at Lopez.

Another friend had told me it would be months before reopening, but since they are advertising now for employees, doubt that is true.

Anyone?

I was talking with a young lady who has been hired there. She told me it was April 15.

It will be called Hemmingway's at Havana.

Owned by the same person as Lopez - it will be excellent.

Wasn't this the original concept of the restaurant when it first opened (and failed, due to the bad food and service) - or am I mis-remembering (which happens to me more often the older I get).

I am guessing since one of the nines of the golf course is called Hemingway that the "theme" was Cuban and of the era of his living there. AND the other nines are Kenya and Kilamanjaro.

I know nothing about Cuban food, but I do know that a good cook can cook anything and a good manager can manage anything.

I don't remember clearly either exactly what happened but there was a great chef on board there five years ago, at the beginning, and for about three weeks and then Poof he was gone and the rest is history.

The chef's name was Poof? Sounds like a magical dragon. :ho:

Hey, my golf got cancelled today and it isn't nice enough to get to the driving range.

Anyhow, I really hope the new restaurant is a big success so there can be something of Lopez quality at the Southern end.

A friend just got a job there and is starting her training Saturday. Today she said April 9th. they will open.

I think you may be talking George Steller.

???

According to a spokesperson for Legacy Restaurant (where we had dinner last night) he said the restaurant will have Cuban and South Florida recipes. He mentioned the chef that runs Legacy will be running Hemmingways. He said they want the dining room atmosphere, somewhat like Legacy. They are changing kitchen right now to update for easier operation in Cuban recipes etc. It could be finished within 2 weeks, but not setting a certain date, in case they will not be prepared. If you like Legacy (he said) you will like "Hemmingways" (new name). He was very generous in his information, without having to be quoted, per say. I thought he mentioned about an outside bar ( but not too sure) I was on my second wine then! hehe Anyway, it sounds good, and can't wait for the opening. A few recipes at Legacy, will be available at Hemmingways. I hope we all give them the time to get situated, and get the wrinkles out, before there are criticism's. !!!!!! Let's wish them well

No, George Stella. He's still around.

Skip

This is what they said in the write up in the paper last week.

Yep, I don't know why I wrote Steller. :(

Thanks, all - nice to get the lowdown!

It will be very interesting to see what comments you will all say regarding the new restaurant. Just saying......................

I for one hope they're very successful as they're right down the road. Great location an outside bar would be a great thing. Your also right let's give them a chance to get settled in before we start bashing them. Try and remember back when we started working, it took us all a while to get our acts together. JMO

Bar
 

Are they putting in an outdoor bar?

They are opening next Monday(April 7th) and they will have an outside bar. Happy hour till 6:00 P.M

Lopez quality? Then you will be blown out by Lopez prices. The local folks can't afford that.

Lopez is always full of people who live here, plus their guests.

People will pay for good food and service and there's no reason why Havana can't make it in the middle of the built-in market they're situated in.

Is the Lopez area of TV any more affluent for some reason? Don't think so.


Not sure what you mean.

Give me a break not even open yet and we haven't seen a menu and we're going to start ? So what IF it costs a little more as long as the place is clean, the food is hot and good and the beer is cold. It was still be cheaper then New York was. JMO

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Wait until the day after they open; slow service, confusion, waiting in line,etc...............it will start. I get so damned tired of the restaurant whiners!

ME TOO !!! They should just stay home !:blahblahblah:

Bonny, my bet would be that the dine out only once in awhile. For those who dine out most night we just roll with the punches.

We went to Lopez for brunch last sunday and the food was excellent and I thought the prices were very reasonable.

Lopez Legacy is definitely the best restaurant in The Villages or the surrounding area. Prices are NOT Washington DC or New York City prices. It is more expensive than Golden Corral or Hungry Howie's but is excellent food and service.

Who are "the locals"? Go up to Lopez Legacy any night and see all the locals lined up to eat there.

Yep, we're easy. Not to critical. It's that or I stay home and cook, NOT ! LOL

I agree wholeheartedly. We don't eat out every day, but when we do, we like excellent food. I think "Hemmingways" will catch on quick, and people will appreciate good food. I again, wish them well!!!

I find it amazing that the place hasn't opened and no one has seen a menu yet but folks on here are slamming the place.

I agree. We bring all our out of town guests to Lopez...:pepper2: :eclipsee_gold_cup:

No one has said anything negative about the new restaurant to open. I am looking forward to another great venture by the Lopez Legacy team. Folks at the Southern part of The Villages deserve a good restaurant.

Will open Sat. for lunch and dinner, Open for dinner only Sunday. (Soft opening)
Open for regular business starting Monday,

Oh Boy get the Popcorn & a Comfortable chair ready.

Really!!!!!

I am looking forward to trying it and hope it will be successful. I would just like the nay Sayers to give it a chance before the negativity starts.

I, for one, can't wait....very exciting!