FORK ON THE ROAD

his vegetables tossing as we’ve come to expect. Not a one of us was able to catch the zucchini in our mouth.

We had great conversation, cleaned our plates, and enjoyed our time at the restaurant. Good entertainment, good company, and great food—you can’t miss!

VKI JAPANESE STEAKHOUSE

1004 Old Mill Run at Lake Sumter Landing The Villages 352.259.9887 www.vkirestaurant.com

TILLIE’S TAVERN AND GRILL

STORY: THERESA CAMPBELL PHOTOS: FRED LOPEZ

Right in the heart of Eustis is Tillie’s Tavern and Grill, the kind of fun, casual hot spot that wows diners with eyeappealing, fresh tasting foods—one of those delightful dining experiences that left me and two friends eager to return with relatives and houseguests.

That’s a good sign.

We collectively gasped, “Oh wow!” when our appetizers arrived—a beautiful mound of house-cut onion rings and fried green tomatoes—both hand-dipped in batter and served golden brown.

The appetizers were a delicious start as we kept reaching for more while we pondered a menu fi lled with so many items we longed to sample, ranging from BBQ Pulled Pork Nachos, a variety of fl atbreads, sandwiches, fi sh, wraps, burgers and salads.

I was swayed by a nearby diners’ order of Fish & Chips, and of course my friends had to sample the mild, fl aky white fi sh served lightly battered with mild tartar sauce, tasty fries, and crisp coleslaw with a light, tangy dressing. They were just as impressed as me.

My friends shared Cash’s Chicken Salad, one of the menu item marked “TF” for being one of Tillie’s favorites, which came on a bed of fresh shredded iceberg lettuce with a generous portion of chicken salad in the middle and wonderful accoutrements surrounding it. They loved the sweetness of the candied pecans, dried cranberries, and mandarin oranges and found it to be the perfect complement to the delicious chicken, along with the honey mustard dressing that pulled it all together.

Each of us felt Tillie’s deserved the pristine rating of 5 forks, which also equates to six thumbs up.

TILLIE’S TAVERN & GRILL

31 E. Magnolia Ave., Eustis 352.602.7929 www.tilliestavernandgrill.com

CONTINENTAL COUNTRY CLUB RESTAURANT

STORY: THERESA CAMPBELL PHOTOS: FRED LOPEZ

Continental Country Club Restaurant in Wildwood is noted for whipping up tasty homemade foods, and my party of three couldn’t resist checking it out for a weekday lunch.

We were seated in the lounge, overlooking a picturesque view of the golf course and oak trees with Spanish moss swaying in a gentle breeze. Our server did a great job making recommendations, and sharing weekly specials.

My Continental Club wrap sandwich of crispy bacon, ham, turkey, American cheese, tomato, and lettuce was served with a cup of chili, and both were delicious. I loved how the chili had chuncks of tomatoes, meat, and beans with a little spicy kick.

My friend Leigh never misses a chance to order fi sh, and the Fried Pollack was highly recommended. It was a larger sandwich than she expected, so she requested a “to-go” box to take half it of home for her husband to enjoy. Her meal was served with sweet potato fries and maple mayo that she found tasty, and she was right. The touch of maple provides a nice fl avor.

Our friend Michelle enjoyed the Classic Reuben of hot corned beef, sauerkraut, Swiss cheese and 1,000 Island dressing on marble rye bread, along with a cup of the day’s special of spicy sausage chowder.

As much as we enjoyed our lunch, we were eager to fi nish it off with a sweet, homemade dessert. However, we learned desserts are not cost-effective during the week, but are reserved for the popular all-you-can-eat Sunday Breakfast Buffet from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., in Continental’s beautifully refurbished dining room for $9.95 (excluding beverages).

The breakfast buffet just may be ideal for visiting family members, and our server says Taco Tuesdays, Italian Night on Wednesdays, and the Friday Night Fish Fry featuring all-you-can-eat Tilapia, and other seafood specials, are popular, too.

4 FORKS

(OUT OF POSSIBLE 5) CONTINENTAL COUNTRY CLUB RESTAURANT

50 Continental Blvd., off of State Road 44 East Wildwood 352.748.0050 for dining room; 352.748.9238 for lounge www.continentalcountryclub.com/restaurant

FORK REPORT: Casual dining. $$// Seated immediately (lunch hour)//Wait for meal: 15 minutes

OUT-OF-THE-ORDINARY STARTERS

($4-$9): Basket of sweet potato fries with Maple Mayo, house chips, fried mushrooms, soft pretzel, soups, and a variety of salads with house-made dressings. ENTREES: ($6-$15): Continental platters, quesadillas, pizza, and special events of Taco Tuesdays (all day), Wednesday Italian Night, Friday Night Fish Fry, and Sunday Breakfast Buffet

HOW FORK ON THE ROAD WORKS

Our reviewers are objective and unbiased. This is not a paid feature. Our reviewer makes one unannounced visit and we pay for our meals.

August 26th through September 27th