[Hawkmom3]

Just got back from Amelia's at the Inn in Lake Sumter for their Xmas buffet! This will be our first and only time going there. The food was terrible and cold! To add insult to injury they charge $32.99 (not a bad price for a holiday normally) and add an automatic gratuity of 20%. Needless to say we won't be trying their Sunday brunch or going there again for Xmas!

[DonH57]

That's sad to hear. Surprising too. We've been there once on a Sunday night for the buffet and the food was tasty snd hot. They must have had a bad day.

[Bogie Shooter]

Originally Posted by Hawkmom3

Just got back from Amelia's at the Inn in Lake Sumter for their Xmas buffet! This will be our first and only time going there. The food was terrible and cold! To add insult to injury they charge $32.99 (not a bad price for a holiday normally) and add an automatic gratuity of 20%. Needless to say we won't be trying their Sunday brunch or going there again for Xmas!

Any feedback from management?

[weaverk65]

We also went to Amelia's. Had never been before, but heard it was good food. The food was ok, but definitely overpriced … $167 for 4 people (including automatic 20% gratuity.) Good selection on the buffet, but very stingy on the carved beef … small, thin pieces - had to keep asking for another slice please, another slice ….

Wait staff service was excellent so we had no problem with the 20% tip.
They were right on top of clearing our plates and refilling beverages.

We were at the noon seating. It was good that they limited number of people for each seating so the lines were minimal. By the time we got to the dessert buffet, there were a number of empty platters for the most popular items. Don't know if they ever refilled the chocolate cake. Pumpkin pie tasted like it was barely thawed, no whipped cream topping available for it. Didn't finish it or return to the dessert table.

We had purchased their gift certificates earlier in the week because of the promotion for a free $10 certificate for every $50 purchased (bought $150 in gift certs). We thought this would give us a break on the planned overall expense of the dinner, but the $10 (overall $30 for us) could not be used for Christmas or New Years and will expire in February. Also, many restrictions including one coupon per check and no other discounts/promos could be used. Needless to say, when we go to use them, my husband and I will get separate checks!

Unless the food really impresses us on a return visit to use the $10 certificates we have, I think we'll be done with Amelila's. Overall an ok experience, but we were expecting more due to the price. Would never do the promo certificates again because of all the restrictions.

K

[Villager Dude]

Originally Posted by weaverk65

We also went to Amelia's. Had never been before, but heard it was good food. The food was ok, but definitely overpriced � $167 for 4 people (including automatic 20% gratuity.) Good selection on the buffet, but very stingy on the carved beef � small, thin pieces - had to keep asking for another slice please, another slice �.

Wait staff service was excellent so we had no problem with the 20% tip.
They were right on top of clearing our plates and refilling beverages.

We were at the noon seating. It was good that they limited number of people for each seating so the lines were minimal. By the time we got to the dessert buffet, there were a number of empty platters for the most popular items. Don't know if they ever refilled the chocolate cake. Pumpkin pie tasted like it was barely thawed, no whipped cream topping available for it. Didn't finish it or return to the dessert table.

We had purchased their gift certificates earlier in the week because of the promotion for a free $10 certificate for every $50 purchased (bought $150 in gift certs). We thought this would give us a break on the planned overall expense of the dinner, but the $10 (overall $30 for us) could not be used for Christmas or New Years and will expire in February. Also, many restrictions including one coupon per check and no other discounts/promos could be used. Needless to say, when we go to use them, my husband and I will get separate checks!

Unless the food really impresses us on a return visit to use the $10 certificates we have, I think we'll be done with Amelila's. Overall an ok experience, but we were expecting more due to the price. Would never do the promo certificates again because of all the restrictions.

K

We went to Mission Inn and it was over the top. Had excellent variety and quality. 4 star presentation and 35 minutes from TV. Will go back for any future Holiday Buffet requirements.

Happy New Year !

[Bonny]

Originally Posted by Villager Dude

We went to Mission Inn and it was over the top. Had excellent variety and quality. 4 star presentation and 35 minutes from TV. Will go back for any future Holiday Buffet requirements.

Happy New Year !

Their buffets and brunches are the best !!!

[Albany]

My family, unhappily, had the same experience on Christmas Day at the Beauclaire Restaurant at the Lakeside Inn in Mount Dora. Cold food, very undercooked chicken (we're talking e coli here) and it was $40 a person and a 20% automatic gratuity. So, I don't know, old Amelia's is at least cheaper! We're not going to either ever again.

[graciegirl]

I am thinking that this week they are all somewhat understaffed. Took our family to a country club restaurant that ALWAYS is good and reliable and two of us had Chicken Marsala where the meat on top was hot but the pasta underneath was lukewarm.


That was the day after Christmas.


Everyone wants to take time off to see family this week.

[ROCKETMAN]

We went to luginos in spanish springs. It was $26.99 with carved turkey, prime rib, and ham plus leg of lamb and other main items plus a huge desert table. Food was hot and they were sold out for all settings and had happy hour.