[hotrodgirl]

Hello! We are arriving on May 13th (yes, Mother's Day) for our Lifestyle Preview Plan and I was wondering if you all might have some suggestions for where to dine that evening. I take it reservations are essential? Thanks for any help! Nothing fancy needed, but a fun atmosphere?

[CarGuys]

Welcome-

I'm still new and will be looking for the perfect wing and rib joint. But from our limited experience which is no where near the wise ones on this forum anywhere we go in the TV is a fun experience.

I do know when we were on our first visit we were so amazed and overwhelmed with the whole experience Food was not a priority. It was more like how are we gonna move here?

Five years late were almost home.

I gonna let the expert Villagers jump in now.

[Bogie Shooter]

You might find something here that would be of interest.
The Villages Gourmet Club Restaurant Review Site

[LvmyPug2]

TooJays is a very good soup/sandwich place at LSL and we enjoy the $2 meatball sliders during happy hour at Red Sauce down there as well. We are not big fans of the country clubs although many folks like them. They are convenient and cheap and basic sandwiches are okay, but we find most of their food quite bland. Our favorite places are with in a couple of miles but not in TV. Near Target on hwy 27/441 is Bamboo Bistro, (asian fusion); just north on 27/441 is Taverna Reds (italian) and in Colony Plaza off 466a is Sukara (sushi).

[KathieI]

Originally Posted by LvmyPug2

TooJays is a very good soup/sandwich place at LSL and we enjoy the $2 meatball sliders during happy hour at Red Sauce down there as well. We are not big fans of the country clubs although many folks like them. They are convenient and cheap and basic sandwiches are okay, but we find most of their food quite bland. Our favorite places are with in a couple of miles but not in TV. Near Target on hwy 27/441 is Bamboo Bistro, (asian fusion); just north on 27/441 is Taverna Reds (italian) and in Colony Plaza off 466a is Sukara (sushi).

Agree, all very good suggestions. Not sure what you mean by fun, but a very lovely place in LSL is the Lighthouse which is right on the lake, you can eat outdoors and the food is very good. Don't think I've ever had a bad meal there. Not sure they take reservations, but you can call them, I'm sure its on the Gourmet Club list that Bogie attached to his post.

I like Cane Garden CC, not really a fun place, but excellent food. Great fish dishes. (you can tell I love fish, huh?)

Good luck, welcome to TV and have a great Mother's Day.

[hotrodgirl]

Thank you all very much for your suggestions! I can't wait to experience all TV has to offer, and see some of the homes! Was there for one day last October-just driving through and thought to stop. I was so impressed, I talked 4 of my friends into coming down to check it out this May! I know we'll have an exceptional time, and I'll have a checkbook handy!

[Bill-n-Brillo]

Originally Posted by hotrodgirl

...... and I'll have a checkbook handy!

Atta girl!!!

Bill

[KathieI]

Originally Posted by hotrodgirl

Thank you all very much for your suggestions! I can't wait to experience all TV has to offer, and see some of the homes! Was there for one day last October-just driving through and thought to stop. I was so impressed, I talked 4 of my friends into coming down to check it out this May! I know we'll have an exceptional time, and I'll have a checkbook handy!

Will you be at the Crisper's luncheon on May 18? Would love to see you there so we can hear which house YOU BOUGHT!!! lol....

[Cateca]

Try the Lrgacy at the Nancy Lopez CC. On Buena Vista.
In my opinion it is the best in TVs.

[buggyone]

Mother's Day is always a busy day at the country clubs and because of that, sometimes the food or service is not up it's best. Some people are disappointed at their first time at a country club if they go on a day like Mother's Day.

City Fire would be a good choice. Cody's Roadhouse would be a good choice. Bamboo Bistro is pretty good and has a nice menu. Oakwood Grill is excellent for baby back ribs.

All in all, I would not suggest one of the country clubs on Mother's Day so you would not be put off by them. Try them on a non-holiday and Nancy Lopez Club is great on Monday nights for lobster, Glenview is very good, and Palmer is my least favorite of all the clubs but still good.

[tracy1j]

Buy the Daily Sun when you arrive, and look through it for the restaurant ads. I would expect several "Mother's Day" special menus and ads will be there. I agree with Kathie about the Lighthouse, that would be a GORGEOUS place to eat your first night there, and their food is great. Eating outside at Cane Garden, Bonifay or Mallory CC would also be wonderful.

Enjoy your stay!

[Barefoot]

We personally like restaurants with a view of Lake Sumter, especially for lunch. Cody's, Gators, The Lighthouse, and Amelias (in the Waterfront Hotel). For good food, we prefer Bonefish Grill on CR 466.

[swrinfla]

You should also know that most restaurants (including the country clubs) do NOT take reservations, even off season. In a few cases, they might make an exception for 'large groups,' but it'd be rare.

That said, some of the 'better' ones may accept reservations for Mother's Day, being as it is special.

It'll be a gamble, in any case. But, be thankful that a great many folks have gone back north and those of us who hang out here year around can get in at a time when we want!

SWR

[hotrodgirl]

Again, thank you everyone. You guys ROCK and I will indeed be house hunting during my stay:

[MrMark]

Originally Posted by Cateca

Try the Lrgacy at the Nancy Lopez CC. On Buena Vista.
In my opinion it is the best in TVs.

The caveat here is "best in TVs".