Originally Posted by Nucky (Post 1433884)

This forum is for the give and take of our opinions so even if one's opinions are obnoxious they are acceptable. I truly understand that. I don't drink so it's hard for me to identify with the timing thing. I would never give up a great restaurant for that reason, at least I think I wouldn't put other people's or my lovely wifes life at risk for a drink. There have been regular advertisements on television that advise to not drink and drive. I've seen on TOTV'S that many people drink and drive in The Villages. I also only drive a Regular Ford not an expensive tank. I wonder if two drinks were consumed during dinner 10 minutes from home and then there was an accident and when all was said and done it took 2 hours to be tested would the drinker be illegal. I dislike seeing anyone get hurt ever especially a homey. I have not hit a horrendous restaurant here yet. A couple bad meals but that's life. Take Care.

Originally Posted by Carl in Tampa (Post 1433974)

I would never accuse a person who I don't know of snobbery, but................ I will just take the original post as a discussion of the tastes and preferences of one poster.

Having lived in New Orleans for several years and having eaten at all of the most famous restaurants in that area, as well as traveling the world and dining with heads of state in many countries, I have learned to appreciate good food, good presentation, and good service.

Living in the northern part of the park, I tend to go most often to Nancy Lopez' and Arnold Palmer's. Perhaps the are not "world class" but they are most certainly quite good, and I enjoy dining at either place.

But, as I have recently mentioned on another thread, I like the food at TooJay's, which is great deli food. Sonny's BBQ is not fine dining, but there are times that it meets my need. I prefer a couple of BBQ places in Central Texas, but that is not an option these days.

In Tampa, my favorite, hands down, for Spanish Style food (not Tex-Mex) is the original Columbia Restaurant in Ybor City. It is presently being operated by the fourth generation of the same family, and the ambiance in this landmark restaurant is remarkable.

For steak in Tampa, Bern's Steakhouse in south Tampa has a reputation for fine food that stretches back over a half a century. They are located in a rambling old wooden structure comprised of many different rooms that are each quite different in decor. An after dinner tour of the kitchen and their extensive wine cellar can be arranged.

These are just a couple of suggestions for those who might find it interesting to venture beyond the bubble for a fine dining experience.

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On another subject, like Nucky, I don't drink. I never have. But over the course of my career I've locked up a lot of drunks. There have been others that I didn't lock up, but I waited at the scene until the coroner arrived to take them to the Morgue.

Originally Posted by suesiegel (Post 1434511)

Whether you get caught is simply not the point.
I for one do not care if you get plastered and drive into a wall and kill yourself.
WHAT I DO OBJECT TO IS YOUR DRINKING, TEXTING, BSING
AND BY YOUR ACTION RISKING THE LIVES OF OTHERS.
Your life is yours. The life of others is not-TRULY IT IS SIMPLE.

Originally Posted by bilcon (Post 1434538)

We ate in Demshars at Spanish Springs Monday and it was excellent. Great Prime Rib, good wine, and excellent service, even though it was crowded. On another occasion we had their pizza, and it was also very good.

Originally Posted by graciegirl (Post 1434530)

We are all so different, and yet we are all still valuable.

Originally Posted by justjim (Post 1434645)

Nancy Lopez C.C. gets my vote for quality and service. We have not tried Demshar's but have it on our list. Before we give a restaurant a thumbs down, we feel obligated to give it a second chance. Growing up in a small town and living most of our working years in the Midwest we are perhaps more "Laid back" and easy to please when it comes to food and restaurants. Just saying.....