National Pizza Day 2/9/2022

Did you know today is National Pizza Day? If you are endulging in a cheesy slice of pie today, make sure to take a picture and tag #VillagerEats and #NationalPizzaDay on your social media accounts.  Check out these special deals from some of the top national chain pizza spots:

Domino’s Pizza will give you a $3 tip when you order your pizza online and pick it up yourself.

Papa Johns has a few promotions for National Pizza Day. The chain’s new NY Style pizza is available for $13 for a one-topping pizza through March 13.  Also, heart-shaped pizza is available for $11.99 at participating locations nationwide through Monday. The pizza comes uncut “because we don’t want to break your heart,” the chain said.  And through Feb. 16, Papa John’s has a contest on Twitter and Instagram with free pizza for a year up for grabs. To enter, share your “pizza-eating style on Twitter or Instagram with #whatsyourstyle #sweepstakes.” Learn more about the contest here.

Hungry Howie’s is highlighting its Mix & Match menu for Pizza Day. Choose any two items on the Mix & Match menu for $6.99 each. There’s also the $17.99 Howie Deal which includes two medium, one-topping pizzas and a two-liter Pepsi.

For a limited time, Marco’s Pizza has a $9.99 special on its large Pepperoni Magnifico when you order online or through the chain’s app with the code PEPMAG, while supplies last. Pricing and participation can vary by location.

Pizza Hut has several deals including their new Spicy Lover’s Pizzas for $13.99, and a Heart-Shaped Pizza, among others.  Check out their local deals!

Don’t Forget Our Local Favorites

Flipper’s Pizza has a great National Pizza Day Special: To celebrate #NationalPizzaDay with style, we’re offering BOGO MyPie and 16″ pizzas! Use promo code PIZZADAY to cash in—valid online only. Two locations: Brownwood/Grand Traverse and Spanish Springs

Francesco’s Ristorante Stone Fire Pizza located at 16770 S Us Highway 441, Suite 608, Summerfield, Florida Phone: (352) 693-2008

NYPD Pizzeria located in front of Walmart (on 466) at 4046 Wedgewood Lane

Pasta Faire located at 10401 SE US HWY 441, Belleview

Piesano’s Stone Fired Pizza is located at 729 Christine Way, The Villages

Roberto’s Ristorante & Pizzeria located in the Pinellas Plaza at 2468 Burnsed Boulevard

Sammy Joe’s Pizzeria Cafe located at 8760 SE 165th Mulberry Ln

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Valentine’s Day Reservations

Valentine’s Day is just two weeks away!  If you are looking for a special dinner to treat your sweetheart, here are just a few of our favorite spots that are taking reservations and/or offering a special Valentine’s Day Menu:

Amelia’s Restaurant at the Waterfront Inn: (352) 750-8265 special Valentine’s menu all weekend. See their website for details.

Belle Glade Country Club: (352) 205-8208

Bluefin Grill & Bar: (352) 571-5344 FULLY BOOKED

Bonifay Country Club: (352) 205-7455

Cheers at Stonecrest: (352) 245-1061 OR cheersatstonecrest.com. Special Dinner Menu $59 (+tax & gratuity per person) 4-8pm. Live entertainment w/Kathleen Kane

Chop House at Lake Sumter: (352) 750-6000 FULLY BOOKED

Evans Prairie Country Club: (352) 750-2225

Francesco’s Ristorante Stone Fire Pizza: (352) 380-9886 Special Valentine’s Day Menu from Filet Mignon Oscar to Surf & Turf.

Glenview Champions Country Club: (352) 753-0077 or scan the QR code in today’s newspaper to view the special menu.  Reservations 3pm-8pm.  Dinner music with Scotty B.

Havana Country Club: (352) 430-3200 Special Valentine’s Menu.

Legacy Restaurant at Nancy Lopez: (352) 753-1475 Special Valentine’s Menu.

Lighthouse Point Bar & Grille: (352) 753-7800 – Valentine’s Specials: Twin Tails $26.99; Surf & Turf $43.99 (Feb. 11, 12 & 14)

Mezza Luna: (352) 753-3824

Old Time Diner: (352) 805-4250 – Surf n’ Turf Special valid only on Feb. 14, 2022

Orange Blossom Hills Country Club: (352) 751-4501

Palmer Legends Country Club: (352) 750-4499

Prima Italian Steakhouse: (352) 391-9939 Special Valentine’s Menu.

Redsauce: (352) 750-2930 OR email: manage.redsauce@gmail.com.  Romantic music by Robert France.  

Roberto’s Ristorante & Pizzeria: (352) 626-1059 Special Valentine’s Day Menu

The Rose Plantation: (352) 805-4340 

Check back soon as I will be updating this list as more info becomes available.

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Chop House at Lake Sumter

Some of you may have seen my “teaser” the other night on Facebook asking where I was. And some of you guessed it…I was at Chop House at Lake Sumter.

I love a good steak every now and then. I really love a melt-in-your-mouth steak that you savor for an hour after you’ve left the table.  We enjoyed the 5oz Filet Mignon with Steamed Broccoli and Garlic Whipped Potatoes, my friend had the same but with the Broccoli Casserole, and I loved the bread. Yes, I have a thing about bread at restaurants.  I’ve heard mixed reviews for Chop House, but I enjoyed it and will definitely be back again. Our server Gina was fantastic! She was prompt, friendly and checked-in on us just enough so we could carry on a fun conversation. 

Cocktails To Warm The Soul

And can we talk about their cocktails?  Luke, the bartender, made me a fabulous “Nuts & Berries” that was perfect for warming my soul on a chilly night (please don’t ask me what was in it…all I know is it was all kinds of delicious! …but if you Google it, it’s definitely got Chambourd and Frangelico). They also still have their Seasonal Cocktails on the menu, and those looked delicious as well.

Where are they?

Chop House at Lake Sumter is located at 1045 Old Camp Rd., The Villages just off the square at Lake Sumter Landing.

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Lighthouse Point Bar & Grille

Put me anywhere near the water and I am a happy girl. Put me near the water and around food…even better! A friend is visiting from out of town and we had the chance to stop in at Lighthouse Point Bar & Grille for lunch (which has always been a favorite in my family) and it did not disappoint.

I know some folks have been complaining about this or that, but the house was packed, the menu has changed, the food was delicious and the company was fun! And the view! One of the best views on the water (in my opinion). Each day they have a different special. Every Thursday they’ve got a Snow Crab Feast for just $29.99, and a Fish Fry lunch special daily for only $7.99. However, today I went with the Shrimp Abyss and a Watermellon Mojito and my friend had the Coconut Shrimp…YUMMM! The Shrimp Abyss is a flatbread made of cauliflower crust topped with fresh mozzerella, shrimp, tomatoes, capers, parmesan & balsamic glaze. And can we just talk about these ginormous drinks? Yes, please! If you stop in between 3pm-5pm you get a Pirate Pour (which is basically 50% off drinks).

Check out their daily specials each day to find your favorites! Lighthouse Point Bar & Grille is located at 925 Lake Shore Drive just off Lake Sumter in The Villages.

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Island Fin Poké Co.

Have you tried the new Island Fin Poké Co. restaurant in Brownwood Paddock Square yet?  If you are looking for a healthy alternative to fast food, you will want to check them out!  I was so excited to see something healthy, new and different make its way here!

What is it, you ask? 

Poké Bowls are becoming popular all over, but it’s a native dish to Hawaii.  Usually, they contain rice, a type of raw meat, usually salmon, tuna, or snapper, vegetables, oil, and seasonings.  At Island Fin Poké Co. you will find an assembly line of sorts (think Chipotle-style) where they will build your bowl as you request.  The process of building your bowl consists of choosing your Base (brown rice, white rice, spring mix), Proteins (pick three from: Ahi Tuna, Chicken, Octopus, Salmon, Shrimp, Spam, Spicy Tuna, or Tofu), then you add Mix-Ins, Marinating Sauces, Toppings, Finishing Sauces and/or Premium Toppings.  In addition, they also have Poké Bowls which have pre-selected ingredients if you’re not quite sure what to choose.  You can check out their full menu and order online here.

What to drink?

They serve cold beer, wine, White Claw and High Noon as well as Stubborn soda. Don’t forget dessert!  Dole Soft Serve!  Happy Hour is every day from 3pm-6pm with 50% off Dole Soft Serve, which is only $2.00.

Where are they?

Island Fin Poké Co. is located in The Villages® at Brownwood Paddock Square, 2752 Brownwood Blvd,  Open Monday – Sunday 11am-9pm.

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Who Has The BEST Mac ‘n Cheese?

We got a great question over on Facebook this afternoon so I’m looking to you all for some help! Tell us…WHO HAS THE BEST MAC ‘N CHEESE IN TOWN?

Now that the weather is getting a little cooler, some yummy comfort food is in order. I LOVE some good homemade Mac ‘n Cheese…and none of that blue or yellow box stuff…I’m talking real cheese, tender pasta/macaroni and some tasty mix-ins. When I make it at home, a favorite in my family has always been my BLT Mac ‘n Cheese (Bacon, Leek & Tomato). But my favorite addition is Lobster and the perfect crumb topping baked to perfection! YUM! Now I’m hungry again.

So tell us in the comments below which local restaurant has your favorite and what makes it so darn good?

Advertising Special

Do you want to promote your business without breaking your budget? Advertising on VillagerEats.com 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. 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!

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 introductory rates disappear! Call (352) 561-8138 or email info@villagereats.com

 

Happy National Bloody Mary Day!

Let’s kick off the New Year with a little challenge! I am in search of the BEST Bloody Mary in The Villages® and need YOUR help! Tell me in the comments who has your favorite tomato-y cocktail and what makes it so great!?

Post a picture on Facebook or Instagram and tag us (FB: @VillagerEats or IG: @Villager_Eats) and you could win a gift card to your favorite establishment to enjoy your next Bloody Mary! (winner will be chosen at random)

What Are You Doing For New Year’s Eve?

As 2021 comes to a close, it’s time to get ready for the New Year! What are you doing for New Year’s Eve?  Do you typically enjoy an early dinner and bed by 10:00 (or 9)?  Or are you staying up to, and past, midnight to ring in the New Year? I know NYE is only two days away, I was offline for a few days visiting family…so hurry and make your plans if you haven’t already.

close up of two flute glasses filled with sparkling wine wuth ribbons and christmas decor
Photo by Alexandr Podvalny on Pexels.com

We have so many options to choose from, there really is something for everyone and most have live entertainment.  Here are what some of our favorite restaurants are doing to usher out the old and celebrate the new:

Belle Glade Country Club – Special NYE Dinner Menu. See website and social media for details. Call (352) 205-8208 for reservations.

Bluefin Grill & Bar – Special NYE Dinner Menu.  See website and social media for details.  Call (352) 571-5344 for reservations.

Bonifay Country Club – Special NYE Dinner Menu. See website and social media for details. Call (352) 205-7455 for reservations.

Cane Garden Country Club – Special NYE Dinner Menu.  See social media for details.  Call for reservations (352) 750-0627

Cheers at Stonecrest – Special NYE Dinner Menu 4pm-8pm. See Friday’s Daily Specials tab for menu and Call (352) 245-1061 for reservations.

Chop House at Lake Sumter – dinner and New Year’s Eve Masquerade Party (9pm – 12:30am): live music, mask contest, hors d’oeuvres, includes 2 drinks & Champagne Toast at midnight, masquerade photo backdrop, limited number of tickets $50 per ticket.  Call today to make your reservation (352) 750-6000

City Fire American Oven & Bar Brownwood & Lake Sumter – Casino Party. Dinner Service begins at 7pm. Entertainment at 8pm: Lake Sumter – Groove 41; Brownwood – The Core.  Raffles & Prizes; 4-Course Dinner; Champagne Toast; Balloon Drop at Midnight.  Call Amy at 407-607-9475 to make a reservation, or any questions.

Evans Prairie Country Club – Special NYE Dinner Menu. See website and social media for details. Call (352) 750-2225 for reservations.

Francesco’s Ristorante Stone Fire Pizza – Special Italian NYE menu for dine-in or take-out. See social media for details. Call (352) 693-2008 for reservations.

Glenview Country Club – Special NYE Dinner Menu.  See social media for details.  Call (352) 753-0077 for reservations.

Napolino’s – Special NYE Dinner Menu. See website and social media for details. Call
(352) 399-6825 for reservations.

Orange Blossom Hills Country Club – Special NYE Dinner Menu. See website and social media for details. Call (352) 751-4501 for reservations.

Prima Italian Steak House – Special NYE Dinner Menu. See website for details. Call (352) 391-9939 for reservations.

Redsauce – NYE Party with music by Alan & Scott Darcy. Call (352) 750-2930 or email manage.redsauce@gmail.com for reservations.  Special menu – see Friday’s Daily Specials tab for more info.

Roberto’s Ristorante & Pizzeria – Special NYE Menu – see social media and Friday’s Daily Specials tab for more info.

The Rose Plantation – Special NYE Menu with complimentary Wine or Champagne Toast

Winner! Winner!

Winner! Winner! Chicken Dinner! …or maybe it’s Meatball Appetizers, or Pizza! CONGRATULATIONS to Terri McArthur who is the lucky recipient of the $100 gift card for Redsauce from Villager Eats! Thank you Terri for sharing Villager Eats with your friends and family. It was such a pleasure meeting you!

Make sure to visit Redsauce at the beautiful Lake Sumter Landing this holiday season for their daily food and happy hour specials. Check their website for Christmas and New Years Eve special menus. Remember to let them know you saw this on Villager Eats.

Thank you everyone you participated! Stay tuned for more giveaways in the New Year!

Wishing you all a Very Merry Christmas 🎄