[Villages Kahuna]

Most of the mentions of Ipanema, the Brazilian steakhouse in Ocala, seem to have been pretty positive. A friend pointed out to me that Ipanema has a special deal for seniors during the day--$13.95 for their full salad buffet and a pared-down offering of meats, from 11 selections at night to 4 during the day. The best beef offered on this deal is something called "bottom sirloin", along with pork loin, chicken leg and pork sausage. They don't list the eleven cuts of meat offered at night, but it looks like in addition to the eleven meat choices, there are 3-4 good-sounding seafood choices, as well. Of course, the full price at night is $36.95!

The price seems pretty attractive for a mid-afternoon dinner-lunch. But that would only be if their reduced offering of salad and meat were of pretty good quality.

Has anyone tried the "daylight deal" at Ipanema? What are your recommendations?

[thegreenerside]

They have a "Blue Plate Special" during the afternoons. I thought they were just open for dinner.

[Sunshinesegway]

I have not been during the day. But the night is definitley worth it. Not something you do everyday, but for special occasions, I just might go try the day and get back with you. Better yet I will meet you there for lunch. I live right by the place.

[Cinco]

I have been there for lunch twice. The first time, I had the works ~ meat and salad bar. All of the meats were excellent, but meat really isn't my thing. With that said, the pork was my favorite. The salad bar was awesome. The salad bar includes two hot items, one being lasagna and the other being eggplant something. Both very yummy.

The second time, I just had the salad bar. Again, that did include two hot items, but don't remember what they were the second time.

Even at lunch, it might be a good idea to make a reservation. First time I was there, it was very crowded. Without a reservation, I don't think we would've gotten in.

Bottom line = WELL worth the trip to Ocala and the $$.

[dadspet]

We haven't tried it but our friends tried it a couple of times and have recommended it for Lunch. I think you need a Reservation.