MY GIFT TO YOU – $100 at Redsauce
CHRISTMAS GIVEAWAY! To celebrate Christmas and show my appreciation, I have partnered with Redsauce in Lake Sumter Landing to give a very special gift to YOU!
A $100 GIFT CARD FROM REDSAUCE
If you know me, you know I love landing at Redsauce for my favorite Chopped Antipasto Salad at the outside bar, chatting with and making new friends, and of course enjoying a yummy cocktail! And I want to share that 
with ONE of you by giving one $100 gift card.
NOW HERE’S HOW TO ENTER: 
Follow Villager Eats and Redsauce on Facebook and/or Instagram (@villager_eats)
“Like” the post
Tag 3+ friends on social media; each tag is an entry; ONE TAG per comment!
Comment what your favorite dish or cocktail is at Redsauce
BONUS entry if you share this contest in your story and tag both Villager Eats and Redsauce.
Contest ends Monday 12/20/21 at noon. Winner will be announced Monday night!!
- *this promotion is in no way sponsored, administered, or associated with Facebook.
- **gift card may be applied toward any purchase at redsauce restaurant. Card will not be redeemable for cash, and has no expiration date.
CHRISTMAS EVE & DAY
Can you believe Christmas is just 10 days away?! Do you have dinner plans? If you are looking for a delicious meal on Christmas Eve (and some on Christmas Day), below are just a few places with special offers. Make sure to check out the Restaurants tab for a more inclusive listing, and make sure to call ahead for more information.
Cody’s (Lake Sumter & Brownwood) – Christmas Feast TO GO! Serves Four – $55 and includes: 1lb Roast Tom Turkey, 1lb Baked Sugar-Cured Ham, Homemade Garlic Mashed Potatoes, Cody’s Stuffing, Turkey Gravy, Mixed Vegetables, Cranberry Sauce, Pineapple Sauce, Cody’s Famous Roadhouse Salad, Fresh Baked Sweet Yeast Rolls & Cinnamon Butter. Double your order – $108 OR add 1lb of Turkey or Ham for $13. Orders must be placed by Thursday, December 23rd and picked up between 10am – 2pm on Friday, December 24th. Call today: Lake Sumter (352) 259-8500 or Brownwood (352) 430-2996
FLYING BISCUIT is offering a Free Small Cookie Tray for any Catering order delivered in December
METRO DINER – closing at 2:30pm. Also pre-order Heat & Serve Holiday At Home Feast. Feeds 1 ($15.99), 4 ($59.99), or 8 ($115.49) – sold COLD. Choice of Baked Ham or Roasted Turkey, Mashed Potatoes & Gravy —or— Sweet Potato Mash, Steamed Green Beans —or— Green Bean Casserole, Savory Cornbread Stuffing —or— Macaroni & Cheese, Cranberry Sauce, Hawaiian Dinner Rolls. Whole pecan & apple pies, additional sides, and beverages available. Pre-order by 8pm on Thursday, December 23rd. Pickup on Wednesday & Thursday 8am-8pm or Christmas Eve 8am-2pm.
Christmas Eve Dinner, call now for reservations:
Belle Glade Country Club: (352) 205-8208
Bluefin Grill & Bar: (352) 571-5344
Bonifay Country Club: (352) 205-7455
Cheers at Stonecrest: (352) 245-1061, also open Christmas Day
Chop House at Lake Sumter: (352) 750-6000
City Fire – Lake Sumter Landing: (352) 205-7169; Brownwood (352) 561-2078 (both locations closing early, closed Christmas Day)
Evans Prairie Country Club: (352) 750-2225
Francesco’s Ristorante Stone Fire Pizza: (352) 693-2008
Glenview Champions Country Club: (352) 753-0077
Havana Country Club: (352) 430-3200
Legacy Restaurant at Nancy Lopez: (352) 753-1475
Orange Blossom Hills Country Club: (352) 751-4501
Palmer Legends Country Club: (352) 750-4499
Prima Italian Steakhouse: (352) 391-9939 (see website for special menu)
Redsauce: (352) 750-2930 (see website and social media for special menu)
The Rose Plantation: (352) 805-4340 (see website for special menu)
TIERRA DEL SOL & THE STUDIO THEATRE
Dinner and a Show? YES!
Have you been to the newly remodeled Tierra Del Sol Bar & Grill? It was my first time there last night it did not disappoint. Our server Patrick was fantastic and very attentive with our group. He suggested the Bourbon Glazed Salmon which I must say, was the BEST I’ve had. My friends had the Taco Salad Bowl and Shrimp Farfalle…YUM!! We enjoyed a cocktail before (and after) dinner and they were also great.
Twisted Pretzel for “dessert”.
The Cake
After dinner our group walked over to The Studio Theatre Tierra Del Sol and enjoyed the performance of “The Cake”. What a very intriguing play. It was funny, touching, and very well produced…complete with the bakery smells the minute we entered the theater. If you haven’t seen it yet, I recommend you get your tickets before it closes on December 18th.
Holiday Food & Toy Drives
There are so many great causes to give blessings for those in need this holiday season. Here are just two holiday food and toy drives that involve our local restaurant families:
SULEIMAN FAMILY RESTAURANTS– benefiting Our Mother of Mercy food pantry in Wildwood. Now through Friday, 12/10 anyone donating items to one of their restaurants will receive a $10 voucher to be used at any of their restaurants. Donations include nonperishable foods, holiday meal items, cookies and cakes, and canned meat and vegetables. Havana Country Club, Prima Italian Steakhouse, Legacy Bar and Grill, and Legacy Restaurant at the Nancy Lopez CC.
6th ANNUAL DENNIS’ STOCK THE STOCKINGS TOY DRIVE is once again helping children and families in need this Christmas. Some of you may already know Dennis Spillane who bartends at Bonifay Country Club, but for those of you that don’t…he’s been with them from the beginning and has a faithful group of regulars. Dennis started collecting toys from his guests and donating them to families in need several years ago. This will be the 6th Annual Dennis’ Stock The Stockings Toy Drive that he’s organized. Last year they had over 50 bikes donated, plus hundreds of toys, games, and instruments.
The drive provides these donations to the Battered Women’s Home in Leesburg, in addition to some of the FMK employees that aren’t able to provide many gifts for their children. Donations will be accepted through December 20th at any one of the locations below. Bikes, games, toys, sports equipment, gift cards & more!
Gift Dropoff Locations:
- Bonifay Country Club, 1033 Pinellas Place
- Evans Prairie Country Club, 1825 Evans Prairie Trail
- Orange Blossom Hills Country Club, 1542 Water Tower Cir.
- Belle Glade Country Club, 446 Moyer Loop
Tree Lighting Festival 2021
How many places can you live and enjoy multiple festivals and grand scale parties throughout the year? The Villages® Entertainment definitely knows how to throw a party and tonight is the second of the Tree Lighting Festivals for 2021. Tonight’s festivities will be at Spanish Springs Town Square® from 4pm – 9pm…but you better get there early if you want to grab a seat! And even better…get a spot at your favorite restaurant on the square!
Lake Sumter Fun
As you probably already know, this past weekend we celebrated the first of three Tree Lighting Festivals at Lake Sumter Landing and rocked out to Johnny Wild & The Delights. The crowd was phenomenal (in my eyes) and loaded with lots of families enjoying the entertainment. I was only able to snap a few pictures (and they aren’t that great) because we were living in the moment. We loved the stilt walkers and the roaming piano…but there was so much more!
Spanish Springs
Tonight (Tuesday, November 30th) it’s time for Rocky & The Rollers to entertain us at Spanish Springs’ festival. There is so much to enjoy…Live Music, Roaming Performers, Santa’s Sweetery, Market & Food Vendors, and a Christmas Tree Trail. OH…and don’t forget to bring a new, unwrapped toy to the charity tent located in the Tree Trail (benefits Lake Sumter Children’s Advocacy Center). I won’t be able to make it tonight, so please send me your pictures and we can share them on Facebook and Instagram.
Brownwood
This Friday, December 3rd will be our final tree ceremony for 2021. Blonde Ambition will be lighting up the stage along with the other many talents roaming the square such as Aloha O’ Ka Hula, Sounds of Scotland, The Silver Rockettes, and The Prime Time Twirlers. Make sure to bring a new, unwrapped toy to the charity tent located in the Tree Trail – benefits will go towards Ronald McDonald House Charities.
Happy Holidays
Whichever square you enjoy the most, I hope you have a wonderful time celebrating with friends and family at one (or all) of the Tree Lighting Festivals for 2021. Please make sure you also support our local restaurants and find the Daily Dining and Happy Hour Specials here on the site. I would love to see your pictures (since mine were very few)…you can send them to me at debi.stovicek@villagereats.com or post them in the comments on Facebook. Happy Holidays my friends!!
GIFT CARDS FOR BLACK FRIDAY AND ANY DAY
Why not make your Holiday shopping easy and purchase a gift card from one of our local dining establishments? Several restaurants are offering Black Friday and limited time offers for gift cards. Most are available to purchase online from the comfort of your home! Check websites and/or social media for details. Here are just a few with special gift card deals:
Sam’s St Johns Seafood – 2 DAYS ONLY! Offer valid November 25-26, 2021. Limit 2 per customer. Purchase a Gift Card for $50.00 and receive one $25 Complimentary Card to redeem 90 days from date of purchase. Complimentary Cards and Gift Cards may not be redeemed for cash. Cards are not valid day of purchase. Purchases can be made online or in person.
City Fire at Lake Sumter and Brownwood – Buy $50 in Gift Cards, Get a $10 Gift Card for Yourself! Buy $100 in Gift Cards, Get a $20 Gift Card for Yourself!
Cody’s Original Roadhouse – From 11/26-11/30, buy $100 Cody’s Gift Card AND receive a FREE $20 Cody’s Bonus Card. *In stores only.
Eaton’s Beach Sandbar & Grill – purchase a gift card during their gift card sale! You will receive a $25 bonus card with every $100 purchase!
Francesco’s Ristorante – $10 Free on $50 Gift Card. $20 Free on $100 Gift Card.
Havana Country Club – Get $25 back with every $100 Gift Card purchased
Legacy Restaurant at Nancy Lopez CC – Get $25 back with every $100 Gift Card purchased
Metro Diner – Buy $50 if Gift Cards, get $10 Bonus Bucks, and a chance to win a Christmas Lottery Tree.
Prima Italian Steak House – Get $25 back with every $100 Gift Card purchased
Redsauce – $20 FREE Voucher for every $100 gift card bought
Square 1 Burgers & Bar – This Holiday Season, you’ll receive a $10 Square 1 Holiday Bonus Card with every $50 Square 1 Gift Cards Purchase! Or, get $20 in Awesome Holiday Bonus Cards with every $100 Square 1 Gift Cards purchase!
Check back for updates as I gather more info!
Happy Thanksgiving!
Thanksgiving has always been my favorite holiday. With all of the food, smells, tastes, and family gathering around the table to count our blessings. This will be my first year away from my kids (they are all adults and still living up north), but I have plenty of extended family here, including my parents that I will get to enjoy the day with. And as part of our family tradition, I wanted to share what I’m grateful for this year.
I’m grateful for:
- the opportunity to serve YOU by helping find dining options so that you can enjoy your best life in our great community.
- getting another chance to live the life I feel called to live…the life of my dreams.
- new friendships, while holding on to the old.
- friends that have made sure I had a place to go for Thanksgiving dinner.
- family to enjoy dinner with and a beautiful gathering place at my aunt & uncle’s home.
- blessings in disguise. If I had not lost my corporate job, I would not have followed my heart to create my dream job.
- food to feed my body and music to fill my soul.
Now…tell me what are you grateful for and how can I serve you better?
Wishing you and yours a very blessed and Happy Thanksgiving from Villager Eats!
Best Burger in Town?
OK folks…help me out here. I LOVE a good juicy burger every now and then. I make a killer Turkey Burger myself…I know you’re probably cringing at the thought of that, and the kind you get out are, well…gross. But today I am missing my local burger place from back home and looking for your opinions of the BEST we have here. Whether it’s a thick juicy bacon cheeseburger, skinny double-stacked with the traditional toppings, or build your own…tell me who you think has the best and why!
Can’t wait to see what you got!
Gobble Up Thanksgiving
Can you believe Thanksgiving is only two weeks away? Where has this year gone?! If you haven’t already called, below are some more restaurants taking reservations for a terrific Turkey Day!
In the meantime, check out today’s Veterans Day Specials throughout our community here.
Amelia’s Restaurant at The Waterfront Inn: (352) 753-7535
Belle Glade Country Club: (352) 205-8208
Bluefin Grill & Bar: (352) 571-5344
Bonifay Country Club: (352) 205-7455
Brownwood Hotel & Spa: (352) 626-1480 (brunch)
Cheers at Stonecrest: (352) 245-1061 (vegetarian option available)
Chop House at Lake Sumter: (352) 750-6000 FULL – NO RESERVATIONS AVAILABLE
Cody’s Original Roadhouse: Lake Sumter Landing (352) 259-8500; Brownwood Paddock Square (352) 430-2996 (also offering Thanksgiving Feast To Go)
Evans Prairie Country Club: (352) 750-2225 FULL – NO RESERVATIONS AVAILABLE
Francesco’s Ristorante Stone Fire Pizza: (352) 693-2008
Glenview Champions Country Club: (352) 753-0077
Havana Country Club: (352) 430-3200
Legacy Restaurant at Nancy Lopez: (352) 753-1475
Metro Diner: (352) 204-9562 (offering heat & serve “Holiday At Home Feast”. Pre-order by 7pm 11/22/21)
Old Time Diner: (352) 805-4250 (see newspaper coupon)
Orange Blossom Hills Country Club: (352) 751-4501
Palmer Legends Country Club: (352) 750-4499
Prima Italian Steakhouse: (352) 391-9939
Redsauce: (352) 750-2930
The Rose Plantation: (352) 805-4340 (may still have late seatings available)
*list is not all-inclusive and only offers suggestions.
Veterans Day Meal Deals
Veteran’s Day is this Thursday (11/11/21) and there are plenty of local restaurants offering FREE and discounted meals to our vets to show appreciation for their service. Here are just a few places offering specials for Veterans on November 11, 2021:
*updated 11/11/21
APPLEBEES – Veterans and active-duty military receive a free meal when dining in from a special menu. And when dining in on November 11, military guests will receive a $5 bounce back card to redeem for dine-in, To Go or delivery within three weeks.
AUGUSTINE’S 1812 House – Salute to our Veterans with 25% Off Today’s Dinner Feast.
BEEF O’ BRADY’S – Veterans eat free at participating locations with the purchase of equal or greater value up to $10.
BOB EVANS – Veterans and active-duty military get a free meal from a select menu. Dine-in only
CHICKEN SALAD CHICK – Veterans and active-duty military will receive a free Chick Special and Regular Drink.
CHILI’S – Veterans and active-duty service members get a free meal from a select menu. Available for in-restaurant only.
CITY FIRE – First drink is on the house!
CODY’S ORIGINAL ROADHOUSE – All Vets eat FREE on Veterans Day. Choose one of these entree’s: Cody’s Roadside Chopped Steak; Grilled Chicken Breast; Fresh New England Haddock; BBQ Pulled Pork Platter (served w/Cody’s Original Bottomless Salad, Sweet Yeast Rolls & A Fresh Side Choice).
CRACKER BARREL – Veterans get a complimentary slice of Double Chocolate Fudge Coca-Cola Cake when dining at any location
DICKEY’S BBQ – Free Pulled Pork Sandwich for all active duty or retired military. In-store & online (use code VETFREE).
DUNKIN’ DONUTS – veterans and active-duty military receive a free donut at participating locations. Offer available in-store only.
EATON’S BEACH – Breakfast 9a-11a. Presentation of colors from Lake Weir High School Color Guard on the beach, followed by complimentary breakfast in the Sandbar for vets and active duty military.
GOLDEN CORRAL – Golden Corral is hosting their Military Appreciation Night on November 11 from 5pm to close. This includes a free “thank you” meal when dining in.
HAVANA COUNTRY CLUB – Free Entree w/Military ID. Dine-in only. Up to $19.99 value.
HUEY MAGOO’S – Veterans and active-duty military members get a free meal for one when you purchase a meal for one and two beverages
IHOP — Veterans and active-duty military get free Red, White & Blueberry Pancakes at participating locations. Dine-in only.
LEGACY RESTAURANT AT NANCY LOPEZ – Free Entree w/Military ID. Dine-in only. Up to $19.99 value.
LIGHTHOUSE POINT BAR & GRILL AT LAKE SUMTER – Honoring our Veterans with 25% Off for all retired & active duty military.
METRO DINER – Veterans and active-duty military will receive 50% off a meal of their choosing.
MILLER’S ALE HOUSE – Military members and veterans get 50% off their entrée of choice with proof of service
OLIVE GARDEN – Olive Garden restaurants will offer veterans and current members of the military who dine in a free entrée from a special menu. All entrees include freshly baked garlic breadsticks, and your choice of homemade soup or our famous house salad.
PANERA BREAD – Free You Pick 2 when you wear your military hat and/or bring your military ID.
PRIMA ITALIAN STEAKHOUSE – Free Entree w/Military ID. Dine-in only. Up to $19.99 value.
RED LOBSTER – Veterans, active-duty military and reservists get a free appetizer or dessert from a special menu.
ROBERTO’S RISTORANTE & PIZZERIA – Veterans Day Free Cannoli (must present ID).
RUBY TUESDAY – Active-duty military and veterans get a free sandwich with fries or tots on November 11. Available for dine-in or call-in to-go orders.
STARBUCKS – Veterans, military service members and military spouses get a free tall (12-oz) hot brewed coffee at participating stores.
TEXAS ROADHOUSE – Texas Roadhouse will hand out dinner vouchers at the stores’ parking lots on November 11, from 11am to 2pm. Veterans and active-duty military can redeem their dinner vouchers when the restaurant opens for dinner, through May 30, 2022.
TOOJAY’S – Veterans and active-duty military get a free entrée from a special menu on November 11. The offer is valid for one person only for dine-in and takeout with coupon.
*Please note this list is not all-inclusive and may be subject to change at restaurant’s discretion. Check daily for updates.