Citrus County Winter Restaurant Update 2024

We had some great dining experiences over the last month.  We tried: Glory Days (coming to Lecanto), Dave & Busters (one in Ocala, Topgolf  (one in Tampa), and Panda Express (newly opened Lecanto.)   We returned to: our two fav lunch places (Jimmy T’s and New England Cafe)  and  tried KC Wine & Bistro (Beverly Hills); Oscar Penn’s (Inverness) Amy’s on Fifth (Crystal River) Seafood Seller (Crystal River)  and Black Diamond Ranch.

Another of one of our favs is Seafood Seller:  Six of us enjoyed grouper, mahi mahi, shrimp scampi, crab cake, gumbo, and clam chowder.   YUMMY

We all had a wonderful meal at Oscar Penn’s, and I would say that Oscar Penn’s now is our favorite restaurant in the area.   Everybody’s meal was cooked to perfection. Most of us elected to try the wahoo fish.  It was a treat to have “wahoo” (not available year round.)   Lloyd had venison meatloaf, Russ the seafood risotto.  Joan says the caprese salad is the best around. We returned this weekend with our of town friends for dinner. Katie loved her pasta with shrimp-too much to eat; Rick and Art had  salmon…very good.  I had the she crab soup which is awesome and the dungeness crab cakes were also good.

Panda Express (NEW: Lecanto) Reasonable priced dishes. Mostly carryout-I ordered on line-walked in and picked up our order.  Parking lot full, but spots for pickup .   We chose their signature dish Orange chicken and  beef pepper steak bowl.  You choose a side: we had the fried rice and chow main noodles).  Noodles good.  Also tried the egg and spring rolls, (OK) and the Apple pie roll-again okay) 

I prefer Thai. 1850 N Lecanto Hwy, 352-663-8899. www.pandaexpress.com

We ventured to Glory Days after picking my brother up from the airport. We stopped in Brooksville and had a wonderful meal. Art enjoyed his meatloaf, and the clam chowder is one of the best in the area. Wings were good.   I would guess  I will be there often for that clam chowder!  Brother Jerry’s redfish with sauce was also very, very good. Service was excellent. Amazing place: having at least 30 large screen TVs.    I am told the outside area also had as many TVs. Looking forward to our own restaurant here in Lecanto. 

KC’s Wine  Bistro is a nice close spot to have dinner.  It is one of the few places around to offer Cobia fish.  Again we really like  mild white fish.   Veggies and a simple salad are included.  They do not serve potatoes, but they do have ample side dishes:potato salad, pasta salad; jasmine rice 

At our annual Christmas luncheon at Amy’s on Fifth,  and we split the Amy’s club and it was very good. Amy’s changed her cookie recipe and I don’t think it is as good as it was before … now has M&Ms in it. 

Enjoyed lunches at Jimmy’s New York Deli in Hernando (Chicken soup Boer’s Head sandwiches)  and New England Cafe (Beverly Hills):  tuna melt and lobster salad.

While  in Myrtle Beach for the holidays, we took the grandchildren to Dave & Buster’s as you know, there is a Dave & Buster’s in Ocala, which they have visited when they are here. I’ve never been to one … bit noisy, but the kids enjoyed the different games and challenges. We had lunch there. They enjoy the pretzel dogs in and Art and I  split the chicken planks and fries…very good.

In SC we also returned  to Topgolf.  (and there is a Topgolf facility in Tampa).   A fun experience to get the family involved in hitting golf balls… in a covered area.   The food is good and very good service. Excellent flatbreads.  https://topgolf.com/us/tampa/

We enjoyed the turkey buffet at Black Diamond Club. We continue to enjoy the hotdogs, quesadillas and had some good vegetable soup.  Ordered the grouper bites as an appetizers snack one afternoon; they are excellent.