Lavinia's

[Rusty]

Originally Posted by Bumble2249

Hey guys it was my opinion... You ever have an opinion that wasn't necessarily someone else's? Thats why I thought the word exists in the first place!? I believe I said "opinion" not "guarantee" I happen to like the place. The food is great! Unfortunately there is and always will be restaurants that don't necessarily "fit" everybody's budget. ;(


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You said: "I happen to like the place. The food is great!"

What did you have when you went there?

[blacksheep]

I'm wondering if this limited menu is a temporary menu, until the new chef puts out his spring/summer fare? Additionally, the rumor we heard is that there is a new name coming...so, maybe they want to wait for signage, logo, etc. before putting out a completely new menu? Either way, I hope they iron out their quality issues asap. Thinking we'll give them a little time to get into their groove, and then we'll give it a try.

[diz]

Originally Posted by blacksheep

I'm wondering if this limited menu is a temporary menu, until the new chef puts out his spring/summer fare? Additionally, the rumor we heard is that there is a new name coming...so, maybe they want to wait for signage, logo, etc. before putting out a completely new menu? Either way, I hope they iron out their quality issues asap. Thinking we'll give them a little time to get into their groove, and then we'll give it a try.

We ate there Saturday night. The waitress told us the menu was temporary and would be replaced soon.

[jetskier]

Originally Posted by diz

We ate there Saturday night. The waitress told us the menu was temporary and would be replaced soon.

Can you share your experience? Inquiring minds want to know.

Jetskier

[Bumble2249]

Originally Posted by Rusty

You said: "I happen to like the place. The food is great!"



What did you have when you went there?

Rusty, my wife had the filet and I had the confit. Both very good. I've been there by myself once and I had the burger which was good as well. However I'd expect to pay the $16 for a USDA Prime burger not your regular burger. The atmosphere is great though and it always has been.


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[Bumble2249]

Originally Posted by Rusty

You said: "I happen to like the place. The food is great!"



What did you have when you went there?

Rusty have you been there? Were you one of the three that went with belly button guy?


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[Rusty]

Originally Posted by Bumble2249

Rusty have you been there? Were you one of the three that went with belly button guy?


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Nope, never been there. I'm sure I'll give it a try someday.

[VitaBene]

Friends went the other night and raved about the fresh pasta and filet dish.

[Bumble2249]

I had a great meal at Lavinias last week. It was a special.. Triple B. Burger, beer and bourbon, $19! Once again the burger was great!


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[Bumble2249]

Seriously? A business can't place a post on Craiglist and have someone that might be a member of this forum, see it, and then go ahead and try to help out by spreading the message, without being accused of making up a story for some personal gain??!! Really?


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[VitaBene]

Originally Posted by Bumble2249

Seriously? A business can't place a post on Craiglist and have someone that might be a member of this forum, see it, and then go ahead and try to help out by spreading the message, without being accused of making up a story for some personal gain??!! Really?


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To be clear, I did not mean to imply that anyone on this forum did anything malicious.

My comment about the anonymity of the internet stands. I doubted that the owners of a restaurant would post a classified advertisement worded as it was.

[belly_button_biter]

Originally Posted by Bumble2249

Seriously? A business can't place a post on Craiglist and have someone that might be a member of this forum, see it, and then go ahead and try to help out by spreading the message, without being accused of making up a story for some personal gain??!! Really?


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You and blacksheep seem to support each other in defence of some and attacks on others very often.

[blacksheep]

My gosh... I don't know what you mean, or are implying, with your comment belly-button-biter, but I can assure you - I am the author of my own opinions and perspectives, I'm not working in cahoots with anyone, and I was just trying to spread the word - to people who might actually know people who are looking - that a restaurant I care about is looking for help. Good lord, this forum can be utterly ridiculous sometimes...

[wifi]

Can't we all take a deep breath. The summer has barely begun.

This isn't the only thread with, ermmmmm.... contentiousness


Breathe: in..... out......in......out....

[SAMIAM]

Originally Posted by blacksheep

My gosh... I don't know what you mean, or are implying, with your comment belly-button-biter, but I can assure you - I am the author of my own opinions and perspectives, I'm not working in cahoots with anyone, and I was just trying to spread the word - to people who might actually know people who are looking - that a restaurant I care about is looking for help. Good lord, this forum can be utterly ridiculous sometimes...

Forgive me in advance if I'm wrong Blacksheep, but isn't your husband the chef at Lago's? If that is true it seems a little disingenuous that you seem to be promoting them and steering people away from Lavinia's as an impartial observer.

[Bumble2249]

Omg Blacksheep......they've found us out! I must leave you now. Good luck on your mission..... If you choose to accept it...... )))


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[Bumble2249]

Tried the Tavern menu tonight. Short but perfect! $5 for two pulled pork carnitas...plus happy hour... Great deal and the food was great. Now there's a bunch if options for any budget without sacrificing quality.


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[thinkxingu]

I hate comments from people with agendas, known or unknown. If you don't like the way a restaurant is run, don't patronize it or, if you're feeling particularly disappointed, bring it up to management. To come on here, a public forum, just to criticize a choice a restaurant has made--nothing to do with the quality, etc. of the experience--under the guise of wanting to see it succeed is disingenuous. If, to continue offering a fine dining experience in summer, Lavinia's needs to simplify for winter, so be it. I'm seasonal, and really wouldn't spend the money to dine there in season, but things like this would get me to take a road trip to check on camp and drop in.

[CGI3]

Originally Posted by blacksheep

It's no secret that my husband and I had a connection to Lavinia's - not a secret on this page, nor is it a secret to SAMIAM, who is also vested in her best interest, as he owns the building. However, if you read the entire thread you'll see that I've offered as much SUPPORT as I have criticism. Chef McGuff knows exactly who I am when, and if, he cares to read my posts. I am not alone in expressing that it seems that Lavinia's needs to figure out who she wants to be; fine dining, casual, pub-focused, or an all-you-can eat taco bar where you can also fill up on cheap drinks. She pops up on my FB feed from time to time - we still care about the restaurant and want to see it be successful, particularly b/c we know it can be done. I don't say anything here that I wouldn't say directly to Brandon if we were in the same room. Happy New Year.

A little disclaimer letting us all know that your husband worked there and was either let go, or left on his own accord would have been nice...

[Ross_t]

Finally got a chance to eat at Lavinia's last night. Sat in the tavern, which was fairly full with tight seating. Nice building, decent meal, but ordered burgers "medium" got well done. Kind of underwhelmed, but probably will try again and order something a bit more interesting.
I have had better burgers at chain restaurants such as Smokey Bones and Chilis..

[gillygirl]

Originally Posted by CGI3

A little disclaimer letting us all know that your husband worked there and was either let go, or left on his own accord would have been nice...

Before you go off on blacksheep, you should do your research. In post 25, she states she had an interest in Lavinia's at one time. If you do a little more research, it appears that SAMIAM is taking digs at blacksheep while complaining she is taking digs at Lavinia's. Since he owns the building which houses Lavinia's (something he never stated in this thread, but which blacksheep pointed out), he's the one with the current vested interest. Why is there a double-standard?

Throughout the thread, blacksheep has been very supportive of the current owner and chef. Let's not treat blacksheep like a blacksheep.

[Billy Bob]

So it turns out that people with a vested interest in the success or failure of establishments are posting comments regarding the quality etc of this and I would assume other businesses . Unbelievable ! Not really , that's one of the problems you run into with open forums . This does bring into question the value of these reviews , the fix , both good and bad , is in.
Suggestion : if you have any interest cant you try to hold yourself back and not post your opinion about quality etc .

[Newbiesaukee]

I think Kayleigh liked it.

I have been there several times since my first report. The menu has changed a bit as has the staff; but I do believe they have a potentially winning combination. They are clearly making an effort to do it right. The best indicator is that the dishes have been consistent which has been a bugaboo in the last several incarnations.

It is a lovely restaurant and a good place to take guests, particularly as the Woodshed is no longer an option. Not inexpensive but a good value for a high end restaurant with a number of lower end priced options.