Talk of The Villages Florida
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Talk of The Villages Florida (https://www.talkofthevillages.com/forums/)
-   Restaurant Discussions (https://www.talkofthevillages.com/forums/restaurant-discussions-90/)
-   -   recommendations (https://www.talkofthevillages.com/forums/restaurant-discussions-90/recommendations-144082/)

kleeh 02-20-2015 09:23 PM
@Scrapple said, "...Villages:
Katie Belle's breakfast buffet is my guilty pleasure
Lil Bits has good breakfast, TooJays not bad
Osso Buco dinner at Evans Prairie
Pizza at Flippers
Las Tapas (be adventurous, try the Arroz Negro)
BangBang Wednesday at Bonefish...."

Thank you for TV recommendations...that is what I was looking for and do appreciate them.

kleeh 02-20-2015 09:27 PM
Quote:
Originally Posted by Northwoods (Post 1016740)
Kleeh - We love The Villages... it was the right move for us. But I understand what you are saying. We've been here for 8 months and our experience has been that people value good food at reasonable prices. The long lines at many restaurants prove that. You can get a good/very good meal here, but our limited experience has been that you're not going to find a restaurant that offers creative/innovative/exceptional cuisine. You mention that with 110,000 people there would be demand, but my impression has been that cost weighs heavily on dining decisions here. We've found restaurants that we enjoy very much... but we have not yet found that restaurant that offers the creative cuisine that you're looking for.
I am not sure you do understand what I have said. Will you please post my quote (s) stating what you have contributed to me? I don't recall saying anywhere that I was looking for "creative cuisine" or anything about "110,000 people there would be demand." Please post my quote. Thanks

NYGUY 02-20-2015 09:30 PM
Quote:
Originally Posted by Northwoods (Post 1016740)
....we have not yet found that restaurant that offers the creative cuisine that you're looking for.
I think the one exception that comes closest to creative cuisine is Tapas in Brownwood!!

JoMar 02-20-2015 10:57 PM
Quote:
Originally Posted by kleeh (Post 1016055)
I am surprised that there wouldn't be a mix of mediocre to high dining in a community of residents as large as TV. Disappointing that I have to get in my car and drive to Orlando for a good meal. Perhaps finding these adequate keeps a restaurateur from striving to be better.
:(
There is a limit to those that will spend the money for fine dining. There have been many threads on this subject and as I have heard, market studies done by fine dining chains have not found this market financially receptive. There are also many threads on here that think the food in TV CC's is over priced.

kleeh 02-21-2015 10:38 PM
Quote:
Originally Posted by JoMar (Post 1016787)
There is a limit to those that will spend the money for fine dining. There have been many threads on this subject and as I have heard, market studies done by fine dining chains have not found this market financially receptive. There are also many threads on here that think the food in TV CC's is over priced.
I remain puzzled as to why well prepared, by my definition of the phrase, food cost more. Again, my definition of well-prepared food is not greasy; not overly ladened with sauce; not cold when it is supposed to be hot; no soggy over cooked veggies; veggies other than iceberg lettuce; not over or undercooked. And as an added plus for what I consider a "good" restaurant, attentive but not hovering service and clean environment.

dotti105 02-22-2015 02:41 AM
We don't mind going to chains. We enjoy Bonefish, Cody's, Outback as well as Riccardi's, City Fire and the CC's located south of 466A. We have found Nancy Lopez, Arnold Palmer to be more "fine dining".

But wherever we go during the winter, we go early (4pm) or go late (7:30-8:00) This is a retirement community and the happy hour 5:00 to 6:00 crowds are long and the restaurants can be quite loud. Service can also be more inconsistent this time of year.

Just our impressions.

pbkmaine 02-22-2015 05:31 AM
recommendations
 
Hemingway's at Havana Country Club has very good seafood. The Japanese Steakhouse in Lake Sumter Landing has excellent sushi. And I loved the steak salad I had at World of Beer in Brownwood.

graciegirl 02-22-2015 08:24 AM
Quote:
Originally Posted by kleeh (Post 1017379)
I remain puzzled as to why well prepared, by my definition of the phrase, food cost more. Again, my definition of well-prepared food is not greasy; not overly ladened with sauce; not cold when it is supposed to be hot; no soggy over cooked veggies; veggies other than iceberg lettuce; not over or undercooked. And as an added plus for what I consider a "good" restaurant, attentive but not hovering service and clean environment.
The restaurant industry has gone through a major change in some areas.

Back home our Country Club had a chef who was very good. He and his staff shopped and chopped and sautéed and presented...wonderful food. Very high prices. It stopped. People eat out more now, and they watch their money.

Many restaurants buy premade entree's and make a lot of semi-homemade to keep the cost low-er. One has to PAY for the chopping and the shopping and the real expertise of cooking to just right and keeping it hot. You cannot hire good cooks and not pay them for their skill.

It costs more money to have made from scratch meals at restaurants, and less money in our own homes.

You are welcome.

bettymg1866 02-22-2015 09:17 PM
Quote:
Originally Posted by kleeh (Post 1015374)
my husband and I just completed a week lifestyle preview and we are sold on the community, but definitely not the restaurants we ate at while here. Granted we didn't eat out that much, but didn't have one really good meal out: We ate at toojays for breakfast i ordered poached eggs on english muffin. the eggs came like boiled out of the shell (hard and cold). Requested a redo and received them perfect. Lighthouse, had the shrimp over grits...won't order that again there...more sauce than either of the other two items. Margaritas in Spanish Springs: Fajitas. The tortillas where delivered to the table about 10 mins before receiving the chicken and the little bit of grilled peppers and onions and consequently were quite cool...the wine was good. Then had portobello sirloin at Longhorn Steakhouse...it was so sinuous, took it home for my dog, but the baked sweet potato was really good, baked just right...carmelized, not steamed in foil. The last place was the Country Club at MalloryHill (?) I had steamed mussels and another baked sweet potato (it was steamed in foil), but the mussels were good. This was our best dining experience. We are hopeful we just picked the bottom establishments and the best are yet to be experienced. We are not fans of fried, greasy, or cheese covered foods. Love beautifully prepared food of all (most) nationalities. Suggestions with why you like it would be most appreciated. Thanks.
dont come to the villages if you are only interested in good restaurants... we have so much more to offer.... go to the coast and pay for outrageous hurricane insurance but enjoy the seafood restaurants.

dbussone 02-22-2015 09:24 PM
Quote:
Originally Posted by bettymg1866 (Post 1017818)
dont come to the villages if you are only interested in good restaurants... we have so much more to offer.... go to the coast and pay for outrageous hurricane insurance but enjoy the seafood restaurants.

Sorry. So wrong. Come to the TV for the things you enjoyed. There are plenty of good restaurants- from Ocala to Orlando & back to TV - to explore. It is true we have many chain restaurants here, but there are more that are not chains outside TV. Don't be afraid to explore.

mickey100 03-20-2015 07:17 PM
We just returned from Ricciardi's in Brownwood. I know many people like the food there, but I have to say it was not very good tonight. My spouse had veal parm and it was overcooked and dry. My daughter had eggplant strata and she said it was very bland. I had shrimp scampi which I would never order again. It had a weird thick brownish colored sauce, not at all the like butter/oil/wine sauce that is generally served as a scampi sauce. It was unappetizing looking, and frankly tasted like slop. The service was great, we ate outside on the patio which was very pleasant, but the food left something to be desired. The pizzas looked good, and if we ever went back, I would consider ordering a pizza, but never a main entree again.

Loudoll 03-20-2015 07:40 PM
Quote:
Originally Posted by Doro22 (Post 1015426)
Chefs of Napoli is very very good. There are several dishes at the Lighthouse we really like such as the butterfish and scallop salad. Arnold Palmer is excellent, especially their rack of lamb. Most of the other country clubs are adequate, not great. My lady pals & I really enjoy Tapas.
The Lighthouse food is superb but I cannot handle the acoustics. With all the clanging and noise I feel like I'm being beaten to death.:mornincoffee:

Loudoll 03-20-2015 07:42 PM
Quote:
Originally Posted by Cedwards38 (Post 1015662)
I pretty much love anything if I don't have to cook it or wash up after it. I do find that the meals I get at the various country club restaurants are typically the best I get when I go out. I particularly like Evans Prairie, Belle Glade, Havana, and Bonifay.
I like anything I don't have to unwrap.:D

CFrance 03-20-2015 08:16 PM
Quote:
Originally Posted by kleeh (Post 1015374)
my husband and I just completed a week lifestyle preview and we are sold on the community, but definitely not the restaurants we ate at while here. Granted we didn't eat out that much, but didn't have one really good meal out: We ate at toojays for breakfast i ordered poached eggs on english muffin. the eggs came like boiled out of the shell (hard and cold). Requested a redo and received them perfect. Lighthouse, had the shrimp over grits...won't order that again there...more sauce than either of the other two items. Margaritas in Spanish Springs: Fajitas. The tortillas where delivered to the table about 10 mins before receiving the chicken and the little bit of grilled peppers and onions and consequently were quite cool...the wine was good. Then had portobello sirloin at Longhorn Steakhouse...it was so sinuous, took it home for my dog, but the baked sweet potato was really good, baked just right...carmelized, not steamed in foil. The last place was the Country Club at MalloryHill (?) I had steamed mussels and another baked sweet potato (it was steamed in foil), but the mussels were good. This was our best dining experience. We are hopeful we just picked the bottom establishments and the best are yet to be experienced. We are not fans of fried, greasy, or cheese covered foods. Love beautifully prepared food of all (most) nationalities. Suggestions with why you like it would be most appreciated. Thanks.
You were able to bring your dog to a lifestyle visit?

CFrance 03-20-2015 08:36 PM
Quote:
Originally Posted by Doro22 (Post 1016337)
The best seafood restaurants are in the Fl Keys. The Fishouse in Key Largo, mm - 102401. Fresh from the ocean. The Green Turtle Inn in Islamorada - mm 81. And on Cudjoe Key - mm 22.5 -The Square Grouper. Very reasonable. All excellent. But closer by...in Tarpon Springs we like Rusty Bellies. I realize all are kind of far but to get "fresh". Seafood you have to go to where the action is.
That's a five- to seven-hour drive!!!!!!!!!!

sunnyatlast 03-20-2015 08:53 PM
There are plenty of "good" restaurants here.

I think the reason why you're not seeing many gourmet or fine dining restaurants here is because we are casual, not formal, here.

We're also practical about spending, AND we watch our caloric intake.

We don't eat big meals anymore. We graze, having small, mini-meals throughout the day. A full restaurant meal is too heavy for us.

tomwed 03-20-2015 08:57 PM
I see The Villages as a retirement golf community with many golf options.

If you want great food options in The Villages, learn to cook or hire someone who can. It's cheaper and easier than buying golf courses where they have great restaurants in another community.

2BNTV 03-21-2015 09:58 AM
My choices are:

For breakfast, I like Billy's Cafe and Rae Rae's. Pancakes with apples on top at Billy's and the special omelette at Rae Rae's is excellent.

Lunch at Glenview CC.

Wednesday at Cody's, for the two for one fajita's. Fajita's are delicious and a great deal.

Onion rings for a snack are awesome, at World of Beer.

Special dinners are Bonefish and I go to Latinos Y Mas, for paella in Ocala, (25 to 30 minutes away).

Ate at the Chef's of Napoli once and thought it was very decent. I am of Italian descent but some people will not agree with this choice.

I like NYPD pizza and the pizza at Bravo's in LSL is good.

McAlisters is a good choice for deli food. Winn-Dixie deli, for a great cold cut hero!!!

Haven't eaten at Las Tapas and or Confessor Pasta Cuccina, (probably mangled the name), next to Rae Rae's, yet.

I am from New York but don't have a very picky palate and like food that doesn't bite back. :smiley:

kleeh 03-21-2015 02:03 PM
Quote:
Originally Posted by dbussone (Post 1017821)
Sorry. So wrong. Come to the TV for the things you enjoyed. There are plenty of good restaurants- from Ocala to Orlando & back to TV - to explore. It is true we have many chain restaurants here, but there are more that are not chains outside TV. Don't be afraid to explore.
Quote:
Originally Posted by pbkmaine (Post 1017441)
Hemingway's at Havana Country Club has very good seafood. The Japanese Steakhouse in Lake Sumter Landing has excellent sushi. And I loved the steak salad I had at World of Beer in Brownwood.

Thank you so much for your response to my request for recommendations...and not for saying "here's your hat, what's your hurry?" by some who took offense that I did not have a great dining experience at the FOUR, not forty restaurants we ate at during our lifestyle preview. So glad that most of the responders were as helpful as you. I quess The Villages is just like every other place on the planet...mostly occupied by good, caring, helpful people with a few who are not. Hope to see you at the next table.

kleeh 03-21-2015 02:15 PM
Quote:
Originally Posted by bettymg1866 (Post 1017818)
dont come to the villages if you are only interested in good restaurants... we have so much more to offer.... go to the coast and pay for outrageous hurricane insurance but enjoy the seafood restaurants.
May I ask you to quote where I stated that I was ONLY interested in "good restaurants" and that is why I am moving to TV?
Since you didn't provide me with any recommendations based on your own personal experience, I will conclude that you do not think there is a good place to eat in TV. But I do not accept that and many who have taken the time to respond with recommendations for what they consider to be "good" backs me up.

dbussone 03-21-2015 02:29 PM
Quote:
Originally Posted by kleeh (Post 1032303)
Thank you so much for your response to my request for recommendations...and not for saying "here's your hat, what's your hurry?" by some who took offense that I did not have a great dining experience at the FOUR, not forty restaurants we ate at during our lifestyle preview. So glad that most of the responders were as helpful as you. I quess The Villages is just like every other place on the planet...mostly occupied by good, caring, helpful people with a few who are not. Hope to see you at the next table.

We would be honored to find you at the next table- or the same table. You will love it here.

kleeh 03-21-2015 04:09 PM
Helpful response!
 
Quote:
Originally Posted by 2BNTV (Post 1032168)
My choices are:

For breakfast, I like Billy's Cafe and Rae Rae's. Pancakes with apples on top at Billy's and the special omelette at Rae Rae's is excellent.

Lunch at Glenview CC.

Wednesday at Cody's, for the two for one fajita's. Fajita's are delicious and a great deal.

Onion rings for a snack are awesome, at World of Beer.

Special dinners are Bonefish and I go to Latinos Y Mas, for paella in Ocala, (25 to 30 minutes away).

Ate at the Chef's of Napoli once and thought it was very decent. I am of Italian descent but some people will not agree with this choice.

I like NYPD pizza and the pizza at Bravo's in LSL is good.

McAlisters is a good choice for deli food. Winn-Dixie deli, for a great cold cut hero!!!

Haven't eaten at Las Tapas and or Confessor Pasta Cuccina, (probably mangled the name), next to Rae Rae's, yet.

I am from New York but don't have a very picky palate and like food that doesn't bite back. :smiley:
Thank you so much for taking the time to respond to my request for recommendations. I really appreciate it and hope I have an opportunity to say "hey!", if I see you at the next table.

Barefoot 03-21-2015 09:22 PM
Quote:
Originally Posted by Loudoll (Post 1031961)
The Lighthouse food is superb but I cannot handle the acoustics. With all the clanging and noise I feel like I'm being beaten to death.
The Lighthouse Deck is a great experience (for the ambiance, the food is secondary). Inside, the noise is teeth clenching.

Quote:
Originally Posted by Cedwards38 (Post 1015662)
I pretty much love anything if I don't have to cook it or wash up after it. I do find that the meals I get at the various country club restaurants are typically the best I get when I go out. I particularly like Evans Prairie, Belle Glade, Havana, and Bonifay.
I also love anything if I don't have to cook it or clean up after. And I enjoy the country clubs that you mentioned.


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