[Richard1366]

Let me be the first to say that I feel sorry for us. Here we live in a wonderful “village” with all the beauty of nature, companionship, and activities…yet we are in a gastronomic wasteland. Our “Italian” restaurants are “red sauce’ dispensers, pasta with a variety of red and white sauces slathered on. Where are Italian restaurants that serve contemporary Italian cuisine; Gnocci, hot pastas with cool fresh and light sauces, simple wonders such as cacao e pepe (fresh spaghetti with cheese and ground pepper?) Where are the authentic Oriental restaurants? Isn’t everyone tired of fried rice, General Tso’s chicken, sweet and sour pork. Why hasn’t some Asian restaurant provided us with a variety of dim sum (even if only on weekends} adding such dishes as scallion pancakes, pigs ears (really delicious,) and wonderful noodle soups? With a large number of Vietnamese veterans, why doesn’t any restaurant offer Vietnamese Pho with spring rolls and that wonderful Vietnamese iced coffee. No restaurants anywhere around offer any spicy and delicious Korean dishes.
Hopefully one of these days a restaurant investor will take a leap of faith and provide this community with something other than chain restaurant pap.

[Bogie Shooter]

Probably would be gone within a year.

[Bonny]

Years ago there was a real authentic Mexican Restaurant down by Publix on 441. Didn't last long.

[lightworker888]

Have you tried Bamboo Bistro for Dim Sum. It's a start. And Koyame and Sakura and Cheng's are all more authentic than the buffets. Can't talk about the Italian spots but I'm sure that some others can. But like someone noted, there may not be enough support for too many more traditional ethnic restaurants. So many villagers seem to be happy with the likes of the chains and setting up a restaurant is such a risky endeavour at the best of times in the best of locations.

Many people keep returning to their familiar restaurants and it is hard to get many people to take a chance on something new and unknown. And for many, there is a cost factor that has to be considered when dining out.

All that being said, it would be nice to have more non chains available.

Bon Appetit!



LW888

LW888

[graciegirl]

Because in a nutshell, we villagers are, for lack of better words, both thrifty and picky.

This place would NOT support fine dining at the price of fine dining.

That is what I think.

Plus...lots of people don't like Asian food.

[Geewiz]

Good italian food doesn't have to be expensive. Fresh ingrediants purchased in season are actually cheaper than canned, processed food. It requires more skill to prepare and a willingness to adjust the menu seasonally. Good steak is expensive. Pasta and fresh sauses, well selected olive oil and fresh baked bread, locally sourced chicken and fresh seafood does not have to be expensive. When citrus is in season, fruit salad or a citrus inspired salad does not have to exceed reasonable costs. Strong flavors will more than offset small plates. The issue is getting a good investor and a great chef/owner.

[jblum315]

Because most people here wouldn't pay for it. They want cheap and fast, not good.

[bluedog103]

Originally Posted by Richard1366

Where are Italian restaurants that serve contemporary Italian cuisine; Gnocci, hot pastas with cool fresh and light sauces, simple wonders such as cacao e pepe (fresh spaghetti with cheese and ground pepper?)

I think you mean cacio e pepe. Cacao is cocoa.

[Joaniesmom]

I was hoping for some interesting cooking classes at Lifelong Learning but haven't seen any. Brought my pasta machine along just in case.

[applesoffh]

Originally Posted by graciegirl

Because in a nutshell, we villagers are, for lack of better words, both thrifty and picky.

This place would NOT support fine dining at the price of fine dining.

That is what I think.

Plus...lots of people don't like Asian food.

Sorry, Graciegirl...you say thrifty, I say cheap. I don't know how picky folks here are if they think that Panera makes a great bagel, or if Red Sauce or the Italian restaurant in Spanish Springs (forgot the name) are "authentic" in any way. There are no good ethnic restaurants here. Period. Perhaps potential restaurant people are discouraged from opening in TV because of the kickback (for lack of a better word) to the developer.

There's always hope that areas outside of TV compound will welcome ethnic restaurants and find an appreciative audience.

[ilovetv]

Originally Posted by Richard1366

Let me be the first to say that I feel sorry for us. Here we live in a wonderful “village” with all the beauty of nature, companionship, and activities…yet we are in a gastronomic wasteland. Our “Italian” restaurants are “red sauce’ dispensers, pasta with a variety of red and white sauces slathered on. Where are Italian restaurants that serve contemporary Italian cuisine; Gnocci, hot pastas with cool fresh and light sauces, simple wonders such as cacao e pepe (fresh spaghetti with cheese and ground pepper?) Where are the authentic Oriental restaurants? Isn’t everyone tired of fried rice, General Tso’s chicken, sweet and sour pork. Why hasn’t some Asian restaurant provided us with a variety of dim sum (even if only on weekends} adding such dishes as scallion pancakes, pigs ears (really delicious,) and wonderful noodle soups? With a large number of Vietnamese veterans, why doesn’t any restaurant offer Vietnamese Pho with spring rolls and that wonderful Vietnamese iced coffee. No restaurants anywhere around offer any spicy and delicious Korean dishes.
Hopefully one of these days a restaurant investor will take a leap of faith and provide this community with something other than chain restaurant pap.

"Starving to death"??????????? Gimme a break.

America is too FAT.

And "dinner" is Happy Hour.

And just a few years ago, this was buffalo and cow pasture....

It's not going to be like NYC or LA varieties of ethnic and gourmet foods that cost a fortune at one sitting.

[jane032657]

I have always wanted to open a restaurant and cook one ethnic food per night, and until you came to the restaurant or called ahead, you would not know what was cooking. It would be fresh ingredients, all made from scratch, with great wines. I talked about doing that in The Villages but opening a restaurant for a business is my CPA husband's worst nightmare for investment. So, I will just have to have you over for dinner instead! I have done a different ethnic dinner for 60 people almost every year for my husband's birthday. Too fun! I think that type of restaurant would be festive, fun, and adventurous!

[Geewiz]

Originally Posted by ilovetv

"Starving to death"??????????? Gimme a break.

America is too FAT.

And "dinner" is Happy Hour.

And just a few years ago, this was buffalo and cow pasture....

It's not going to be like NYC or LA varieties of ethnic and gourmet foods that cost a fortune at one sitting.

The proper term is "obese." "Fat" is a perogative word that is ignorant and obnoxious.

Good food with strong flavors will reduce the desire for large portions. The obesity problem in this country directly relates to processed foods that substitute fat, sugar and salt for fresh ingredients and real nutritional value. Eat good, fresh food and you will eat less and be more satisfied.

[Geewiz]

An example from Chicago - not as cheap town. I go to Chicago Cut Steakhouse in River North...a very pricey place. I get their hamburger which is made from the trimmings of their aged beef. A steak there runs $40+. The 1/2 pound burger is $11. Because it is made of aged beef ground fresh that day, the taste is intense..tart and very beefy. I substitute corn or broccoli for the fries. I get the burger medium rare and frankly, after eating about a third of it...I am satisfied. Yes, I could force down more...but, why? I bring the rest home. The next day, I re-heat the meat in a fry pan. I eat about 1/3 or the burger and give Rada, the kitten, the other third. She sometimes eats it all - but, is typically satisfied with less. She is so happy that she sits on my chest and nuzzles my cheek for the next hour. Good food makes good friends. So - for $11, I had 2 great meals and Rada had the best beef a cat could ever have - even if she was a tiger...plus, I get a good nuzzle. Good food doesn't have to be expensive and it doesn't have to make you want to gorge yourself. Plus, sharing makes friends.

[shcisamax]

Originally Posted by jane032657

I have always wanted to open a restaurant and cook one ethnic food per night, and until you came to the restaurant or called ahead, you would not know what was cooking. It would be fresh ingredients, all made from scratch, with great wines. I talked about doing that in The Villages but opening a restaurant for a business is my CPA husband's worst nightmare for investment. So, I will just have to have you over for dinner instead! I have done a different ethnic dinner for 60 people almost every year for my husband's birthday. Too fun! I think that type of restaurant would be festive, fun, and adventurous!

Jane, you are my idol!


I will come to your restaurant. I PROMISE!!!!