When we first moved here, in 2001, Hacienda was considered "high end." Men had to wear a sport coat and tie. Women dressed up. Lenny Wilson and his trio entertained. It didn't make it. I don't think people want to bother getting dressed up anymore, at least not often enough to make a go of it. Granted there were a lot fewer people living here. Maybe now it could be successful.

Depends on taste
 

Of course, demographics dictate the types of businesses located in given areas. I, too, would like something a little more upscale than we have in TV, although, Nancy Lopez is an excellent choice. Bone Fish is also a good selectiion for TV. Although, the residence in TV seemingly prefer more casual and less expensive dining than you outlined, I would think that we could support an elegant dining restaurant for those "special occassions", but the restauranteers apparently don't agree and it's their money.

Berns in Tampa is a long-standing and outstanding restaurant, and although it is an hour and more to drive, it is well worth the time it takes for a fantastic experience and the wines a parexcellence and steaks will make your tongue slap your tonsils out. Tampa also has some excellent Spanish/Cuban cuisine and you might check out The Columbia restaurant in Ybor City....a Tampa surburb.

Not in the category you outlined, but still of note in Ocala, are Ipanema and Latinos y Mas, which provide a little different flair in cuisine.

Would You...?
 

...invest a lot of your hard-earned savings in a restaurant that would only appeal to a limited number of diners, and then mostly for special occasions? If those limited number of diners came from the population of The Villages in January thru March, how well do you think such an establishment might do in the 6-7 summer months when TV population is dramatically lower?

If one looks at the original question from the viewpoint of the restauranteur who would be making the investment and taking the risk, I think the answer is obvious.

l2r, I am curious, what are your thoughts on Bone Fish?....gn

I've been to French Laundry
 

and there is no way a place like that would be patronized by the vast majority of villages residents.

I really like Bonefish. I go to the one there or the one here in VA, probably once every couple weeks. But Bonefish is a long long way from a high end great place to eat.

And I still disagree with most folks who have posted abount the area not supporting that type place. Perhaps many have tried, but they failed for a different reason, not the venue. Probably food quality or service quality, that is why most don't make it. If every villager went to a place as defined once every 5 years, the place makes it. If the area around here everyone went once every 35 years it makes it. I agree that type place is not for everyone. But there are enough it would appeal to to succeed.

I think some people miss the point about the type of place LK2 is looking for. Most likely it will not have the words steak or chop in their title. Not that a great, usually expensive, steak house doesn't whet my appetite. What we're talking about is the type of place, as LK2 mentioned, where the nightly specials are the reason to go. The chef sees what product looks the best when s/he purchases it and creates some great specials from it. Yes it can be pricey but it is usually worth it. And yes I know that it's sacrilegious but since we don't drink wine (well at least my wife doesn't :) ) it can be a reasonable cost for us.

Nancy Lopez
 

Nancy Lopez,so far the best in The Villages

It's not in The Villages, but a new restaurant in Ocala will supply the fine dining experience you are seeking

cuveewineandbistro.com

What about this interesting intimate dinner
 

What The Villages does have is a former White House Chef.

I think he comes into homes and prepares private dinners.

Several posters have hit the nail on the head. There isn't going to be the kind of place you are looking for here (within the Villages), it would never be economically feasible. When we wanted a special occasion we go to Victoria & Alberts at Disney ($700 for dinner, exquisite wines, and tip)..and believe me that was a REAL special occasion, our 40th wedding anniversary:beer3:. You can find outstanding restaurants in Tampa, Orlando, and Ocala which, in my opinion, will be the only places in this region where you will find a place like you want in our lifetime. We have "very nice" places like Lopez, Palmer, Glenview, etc. but nothing that is first class like you seek.

Missing restaurant
 

I really wish that Villagers who have been here longer than I have (just 4 months) would list the names of the best restaurants in Ocala, Tampa, Orlando, etc. By best, I mean what we've been talking about: special occasion restaurants. It would be very helpful to newcomers like me.

I can give you our special occasion restaurants in each of those cities but then again what is our favorite may not be yours.
Ocala - Mark's Prime Steakhouse
Tampa - Bern's Steak House
Orlando - Seasons 52 or California Grill in Disney

I would also suggest checking The Villages Gourmet Club web site. Most of the restaurant listings show price ranges and quite a few have reviews. http://thevillagesgourmetclub.home.c...esgourmetclub/

Join the villages gourmet club...they have reviews on more than 400 in area/out of area restaurants plus a bimonthly newsletter on what's happening with restaurants.

With a population of 80k+ and still growing with reasonably prosperous retirees, does it not seem likely that the TV community would support a Ruth's Chris or Morton's Steak House type restaurant? I realize they are fairly big ticket operations, but their quality always justifies the price, IMHO. Since I'm not a full time TV resident yet (not much longer), I can't really tell if there would be enough demand for such restaurants by the TV population. I think I would like to have access to a restaurant such as one of these when I get there full time in a few months.