A Quick Update
Hi Villager Eats fam! Just wanted to give y’all a quick update on the site this week. Please be advised that I am currently in the hospital and have been unable to update the daily specials for you. I’ll be here a few more days and am looking forward to going home and bringing you all the info as soon as possible.
Can’t wait to see y’all soon! ~Debi
Hometown Halloween
Are you ready to be thrilled in true Villages fashion? This year’s Hometown Halloween festivities have been stretched out over two nights which kicked off yesterday and winds up tonight.
The inaugural Growl-O-Ween seems to have been a hauntingly huge success. Folks lined up for a parade around Brownwood Paddock Square with their canines dressed in full costumes. I think some of the best costumes we saw last night went to the dogs. I wish we had gotten there sooner for the full event to see who the winners were, but they all looked prize-worthy to us.
As the fun continues tonight (Saturday, October 29) you will see several of our very own lifestyle groups performing throughout the evening, stilt walkers strolling the square, Trunk-n-Treat from 4-6pm, a haunted house from 6-9pm, midway games, food trucks, and live entertainment on the stage from 4-9pm. If you missed The Rundown Band Friday night, make sure to get out tonight for Blue Stone Circle.
There are plenty of opportunities to show off your spooky costumes at the square again tonight. Before you head out, make sure to check out Villager Eats for today’s specials.
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Hurricane Ian
With Hurricane Ian upon us, it is very important that we all stay safe during this time. I was going to report a list of restaurants that have decided to close during the storm, however, at this point there are more closed than open (that I’m aware of).
Some locations will be open and hosting Hurricane Parties before things get nasty. Fenney Grill, Lazy Mac’s, McGrady’s Pub, and Tierra del Sol are all hosting pre-hurricane specials today, and will be closing at 2pm (reopening day will likely be Friday). You can bet those Hurricane drinks will be flying off the bar!
If you must go out, please call ahead. Check in here for updates on the Daily Specials tab. Please also note that the information is as accurate as possible, but changes can occur quickly before I’m able to update. You can also follow along on our Facebook and Instagram pages.
On a personal note, Hurricane Ian is my first and I’m impressed with the outpouring of support from so many wonderful people here. Whether it’s your first time, or you’re a seasoned pro, we are in this together my friends. Please be patient with those that are nervous and offer guidance instead of criticism.
Can’t wait to see y’all soon!
Save Room For Dessert at FMK Country Clubs
Make sure you save room for dessert when you dine at any of the four FMK Restaurant Group Country Clubs this month. There’s still time to enjoy a fabulous dessert and help donate to St. Jude Children’s Hospital at the same time.
Each year during the month of September, all of the FMK Country Clubs feature a dessert special which benefits St. Jude’s. This year at Belle Glade and Evans Prairie Country Clubs they are featuring a White Chocolate Bread Pudding with Vanilla Crème Anglaise for $6.90. At Bonifay and Orange Blossom Hills Country Clubs they are featuring the Apple Cobbler Ala Mode for $7.95. YUM!
Childhood Cancer Awareness Month
September is Childhood Cancer Awareness Month and St. Jude is a key figure in bringing awareness and helping to increase the survival rate. According to their website, 43 children are diagnosed with cancer each day. “Treatments invented at St. Jude have helped push the overall childhood cancer survival rate from 20% to more than 80% since it opened in 1962.” You can learn more about St. Jude and Childhood Cancer Awareness Month facts here.
Where Are They Located?
You can find the FMK Country Clubs at the following locations:
- Belle Glade CC: 446 Moyer Loop, The Villages, FL
- Bonifay CC: 1033 Pinellas Pl, The Villages, FL
- Evans Prairie CC: 1825 Evans Prairie Trail, The Villages, FL
- Orange Blossom Hills CC: 1542 Water Tower Circle, The Villages, FL
As always, make sure to check out their daily specials all in one place here on Villager Eats.
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Promote Your Business
Looking to promote your business without breaking your budget? Advertising on Villager Eats is a great way to get in front of more friendly folks! Ad packages are very affordable, especially compared to print ads that get tossed away. Your ad will appear throughout our website which is visible on-the-go via computer, tablet, or smart phone.
Right now you can get your first month FREE when you commit to a 6-month package. When you sign up for 3 months, you will get your first month half-off. Or enjoy a monthly rate and pay as you go.
We are one of the hottest websites in The Villages® Community. We have seen a 234% increase in website views over the past year. Our social media pages have grown by 153% in that same timeframe. Villagers love dining out and enjoying happy hour with friends. Where do they locate information to make sure they find the best deals? VillagerEats.com! Why not let them see other great businesses that our community has to offer while they’re here?
Folks are always posting on Facebook looking for businesses such as home repair, lawn services, accountants, etc. Advertise with us and we will share your information with our social media friends and followers (both on Facebook and Instagram).
Contact Debi TODAY for more info before these special rates disappear! Call (352) 561-8138 or email info@villagereats.com
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Pop-Up at City Fire-Lake Sumter
Hey Diners! Join me for a Pop-Up at City Fire-Lake Sumter TOMORROW, Wednesday, 9/7 from 4-6pm and pick up your Villager Eats VIP Dining Card (or two or three) in person. Then stay awhile and enjoy 10% off your meal while you’re there!
The VIP cards are going fast! For just $10 each they’re a great value and are valid until next year (6/30/23). They make great gifts too! Do you have a rental? Why not leave a card for your guests to enjoy some of our favorite restaurants here in The Villages®? Or are you looking for a thank you or closing gift for your clients and customers? Buy as many as you like!
Check out the event over on Facebook and let us know if you’re able to stop by: Villager Eats Events Pop-Up at City Fire-Lake Sumter. We will be set-up outside on the side patio with some goodies – and look for my yellow shirt. This will be a casual meet & greet so stop by any time between 4pm and 6pm.
If you can’t make it in-person, you can still order online at: https://villagereats.com/vip-dining-card-2/ OR watch out for other pop-up events coming soon!
CHEERS my friends!
Labor Day
Labor Day is this Monday, September 5th. This day pays tribute to the contributions and achievements of American workers. It was created by the labor movement in the late 1800s in the height of the Industrial Revolution. Labor Day weekend also symbolizes the end of Summer, and is generally celebrated with parades, parties, and lots of food.
While most of us celebrate Labor Day as a day off work, there’s more to the story. I found this article in Country Living interesting to Find Out Why We Celebrate Labor Day. As a big history buff, it’s cool to read about our country’s beginnings and to see how far we’ve come. I for one am incredibly grateful for the progress we’ve made and am always looking for a reason to celebrate (every day).
One of the most popular traditions that have evolved is to cookout and kick back. Are you firing up the outdoor grill this weekend? If you’re tired of the same ol’ burgers and dogs, check out these suggestions from Food Network – 50 Cookout Classics Every Labor Day Party Needs. If you’re not the cooking type, then keep logging on to VillagerEats.com to view Labor Day specials at our favorite restaurants.
Now more than ever, give thanks to all the hard-working people who make our life here in The Villages® the friendly place it is.
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LITTLE FIN SEAFOOD KITCHEN
Let’s talk about another new restaurant opening in the Market at Sawgrass Grove. Little Fin Seafood Kitchen opened for business about two weeks ago, but yesterday was my first visit…and I’ll be back for sure. It’s the little sister to Big Fin Seafood Kitchen in Orlando, a full-service dining establishment.
Service With A Smile
Meka’ela greeted me at the counter and helped me to decide on the Fish Tacos. YUM! She also suggested the Alligator Bites but I’ll save that adventure for next time (I haven’t tried them…yet). Although, I witnessed Chef Jeff go above and beyond to help an out-of-town visitor sample the gator bites and she was thrilled. Everything was made fresh to order and Kara was at the grill with a smile putting it all together. The service was top-notch for sure.
What To Eat
I chose to sit at the side counter, but most diners were enjoying their meals in the main dining area. Think of the food court at your favorite mall…but WAY better. The food at the Market is definitely not your typical mall food. My Fish Tacos were amazingly fresh and delicious, and the Fish & Chips going out looked equally amazing. …and those Alligator Bites… Some of the other specialties that Little Fin is serving up are Jumbo Coconut Shrimp, Crispy Chili Calamari, Real Maine Lobster Roll, Grilled Catch of the Day, and Crispy Seasoned Fries. They also offer a Caesar Salad or Chopped Salad.
If you choose to sit out in the main dining area, you can also enjoy an adult beverage from the Sawgrass Bar. Then head over to Darlin’s Sweet Shop for dessert, their salted caramel cheesecake is to die for (trust me on this one)! On your way out, make sure to stop in The Villages® Grown and bring home some fresh produce, kombucha, or other goodies.
By the way, did you know that there is outdoor seating at the Market? There is a quiet little patio just outside to enjoy your meal. I have a feeling this little secret spot won’t be so secret once business starts to pick up.
Where Are They?
Little Fin Seafood Kitchen is located inside the Market at Sawgrass Grove 766 Marilee Place, Wildwood, just off Meggison Rd. and right across from the Ezell Recreation Center. Their hours are 11am – 9pm 7 days a week. Look out for their social media pages and website coming soon – I will link them on the Restaurants tab.
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FARMSHED AMERICAN DINER
As you may or may not have heard, Farmshed American Diner has closed their doors in Spanish Springs this past weekend. Whether you were a fan or not, it’s never good to see a business close up shop, especially after only 14 months. While it’s sad to see Farmshed go, there is a bright side already looming on the horizon here.
The FMK Restaurant Group has acquired the establishment and will continue bringing great food to our community at the square. Maybe you already know that FMK Restaurants are scattered throughout The Villages® with excellent dining options. They include:
- Bluefin Grill & Bar,
- Chop House at Lake Sumter
- Harvest Restaurant & Bar
- Scooples Ice Cream Parlor and Restaurant
- and the country clubs at Belle Glade, Bonifay, Evans Prairie, and Orange Blossom Hills.
With their excellent reputation, it will be exciting to see what FMK has up their sleeve. I’m told it will be a brand-new concept for their team. Look for the new restaurant later this year, and more details coming soon.
With Farmshed American Diner now closed, check out daily specials from your other favorite restaurants right here.
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World of Beer – Woofs & Waffles Brunch
Bring your pups and join World of Beer in Spanish Springs for their Woofs & Waffles Brunch event. This Saturday, August 20 beginning at 11am, you and your four-legged friends can enjoy some yummy food for you both. The first 50 fidos in the door will receive a fun bandana!
Bone Appétit
World of Beer will be featuring special brunch items such as “Human Treats” Bacon Flight – 6 slices of thick cut applewood smoked bacon, served 3 ways: Dry Rubbed, Candied and Maple & Black Pepper, or Fido’s Flatbread – ground chorizo, scrambled eggs, pepper jack cheese, red bell pepper & bacon finished with scallions & hollandaise drizzle. Man’s Best Friend Features will include Doggie Brunch Bowl – Jasmine rice, ground beef, scrambled eggs, diced apples & carrots; Doggie Pancakes – Egg, apple & banana whole wheat pancakes finished with sliced bananas and whipped cream; and Doggie Ice Cream – Yogurt, peanut butter & banana.
Paws-itively Delicious Cocktails
What’s brunch in The Villages without delicious cocktails? You can enjoy some specially named drinks such as Mutts About You (Tito’s St. Germain Elderflower, Lemon Juice, White Peach Syrup, Club Soda); Vanity Fur (RumHaven Coconut Rum, Fresh Orange Juice, Cream of Coconut, Sparkling Wine); or Central Bark Shot (Jameson Cold Brew & RumChata).
Bring Your VIP Dining Card
Do you have your Villager Eats VIP Dining Card? Make sure to bring your card to receive 10% off food purchases and check in here on the site for daily specials. (Note that the restaurant may limit specials from discounts.) Don’t have your VIP Dining Card yet? Order yours today so you don’t miss out on future discounts.
Where Are They?
World of Beer – Spanish Springs is located at 994 Alverez Ave. right on the square in Lady Lake. Hours are 11am-12am.
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