Sid's Coffee Shop
Reflects a typically run Colen enterprise - located in the "On Top of The World," communities, just off 80th street this small coffee shop specialized in flavored coffees. When it first opened the shelves were lined with pastries, cold drinks abounded, coffee was very strong - too strong for our taste - and management seemed to ignore complaints - verbal and written - from regular customers complaining. As time progressed counter staff changed frequently - another typical OTOW trait - and drink selection decreased. The regulars found that the hours fluctuated, and one could not rely on when it was open. Quality of pastries declined. Soon the shelves were almost bare. Suggestions fell on deaf ears, the coffee improved, and a group of Saturday regulars seemed to always be having a good time while there. Hopefully staff will poll the regulars and listen to suggestions, while addressing complaints. Advertising was minimal or non-existent, this whole area needs a highly VISUAL (LED?) sign out on Hwy. 200 and on 80th to attract potential customers who are not aware it's here. As is I would NOT recommend it. Prices were market.
Dee Dee's Doghouse
This quaint little hot dog stand is located in the old train station north side of Ocala. Order up at the counter, and you're served by the counterman in an efficient manner, good sized hot dogs, with french fries galore! Hamburgers were tasty says the wife, and big enough to satisfy her appetite. Establishment is small, with TV screens scattered around the room, seems to be a popular place for the locals - prices were good.
Horse & Hounds Restaurant
Located in Horse Country west of Ocala, the fare is upscale and hearty. We dined in the evening, finding that the surrounding populace normally comes in late. I ordered the Elk chops finding them favorful, tender and delicous, with a tasty gravy reduction. My wife had the pork chops, which were huge! Had to be 1.5" thick, more than she could finish. The garlic mashed potatoes very very good, with infused garlic of just the correct amounts. Prices were on the high-moderate side, but the drinks were ample, and service good.
Too Jay's Original Gourmet
One of the anchor restaurants located in "The Villages," (this one is in Spanish Springs) we were delighted with the wide array of menu selections, some ethnic favorites of years past. The service - despite a long line, apparently the "word's" out - was fast, and efficient. The waitress was friendly and quick with a great sense of humor. I ordered the stuffed cabbage, and although the filling was not what I'm used to, it was very good. Two large cabbage rolls, plenty of fries (and not too salty) and a wonderful sauce. My wife had the oriental Asian salad, commenting that the dressing "was to die for!" We all had a taste and it too was very good, a pineapple spice glaze. Yum! Our guests had a Reuben - very good - and another type of salad, which she couldn't finish as it was to big! We all had doggy bags. Price was moderate, we'll be back.
Randy's Rib Shack
Truly a rare find, a place that slowly hickory smokes ribs the way they should be done. Wonderful flavor, with a soft smoky taste. A single slab will cover two meals easily. Prices were moderate, but the food was worth every bite! Not like the usual chain stuff you're forced to eat when the wife is with you. This is a man's BBQ.
Grand Inc Buffet Viii
Across the street from Paddock Mall, this Asian "Super Buffet," is doing well for itself. Long steaming tables of hot food, with one cold, and a Sushi bar in the back - the down side it's usually unmanned. But the remainder of the establishment sports wonderful food. Service is fast, staff courteous, and efficient. Prices are very reasonable. I've always come away full - too full in fact!
Super Buffet
Hidden inside a strip mall, this wonderful experience surpasses many I've had when dinning Asian. Long tables of exotic foods, both hot and cold abound. Area was clean, and had no bad odors, even around the Sushi bar. Spices were done with a gentle touch, infusing just the right touch. All foods sampled were very good, and pleasing to the palate. Service was fast, drinks large. I'd recommend it to friends.
Five Guys
Very good, watch out when ordering fries, the order is HUGE! Staff is frendly and fast, burgers are tasty very good. One of the few places that still serve Peanuts And price is reasonable.
Carmine's Cafe
A small out-of-the-way italian cafe, recently opened, and should be a hit in the neighborhood! I found the service fast, with the owner himself waiting on tables. I discovered the Chicken Capresse to be wonderful, with a light white wine sauce and delicate flavor. The chicken was tender and moist, not over-cooked. The bread with a garlic infused pesto was sharp, tangy and very very tasty. Lunch was only $11. And I'd recommend it to friends in a minute
Lorenzo's Kucina
Newly opened Friday, June 27th, 2008 in Friendship Center (old Mason Jar location) this freshly-opened italian resturant still needs to mature experiencing some growing pains. Seated inside the small dining room, with freshly painted walls (some poorly done) was a rude experience as the wait staff shouted back and forth at each other, and at the ktchen staff yelling about where things were, food orders, etc. . The door to the kitchen was left open for all to hear what went on, but inside someone was POUNDING chicken (with a mallet) atop a stainless steel table with harsh monateny. Even after the door was closed, and the individual moved, then the door continued to bang every time someone walked through it!
The warm homemade bread was wonderful, even if a waitress mistakenly took my bread dish away to soon. My order of Vegtables served with angel-hair pasta Alfreato was very good, not overly seasoned, but borderline bland. My wife's order of a turkey wrap was plain, tasteless hospital food. Food Presentation leaves much to be desired and they'll have to work on visual presentation. Portions were adequite, price very good with lunch coming to $17.31. Friends have told us the subs "are to die for," and in "Lorenzo's," defense - what I observed coming out of the back room looked very good. I'd try it again, everyone goes through growing pains, let's hope they can clean up their act.