In a struggling economy, five-star restaurants are rare. But one still stands off Cypress Gardens Boulevard atop two flights of wide,
ornately furnished stairs, amid a few chandeliers and a distinguished grand piano.
In fact, Antonio's Ristorante has been in Winter Haven since 1998. And Antonio's owner Paul Gago says earning the five-star status has never been easy.
"The real work is when you have five stars. Once you reach that, forget about having anything more. And you certainly can't get anything less."
In fact, Gago's advice to anyone aspiring to run a five-star restaurant is to "have four and a half stars." Otherwise, he says, it becomes "too expensive" and there's "no room for mistakes."
Antonio's, which Gago says is named after actor and fellow Spanish countryman Antonio Banderas, comes equipped with an impressive Mediterranean menu, tableside cooking, two piano players, a strolling guitarist, roses for the ladies and live opera performances ,which Gago sings himself.
Throughout the years, Gago has managed to keep a fresh feel to his restaurant by adding a mixture of classical and blues music, as well as adding occasional violinists and mandolin players to the ambiance. Antonio's always has been unique to the area.
"I introduced tableside cooking to Winter Haven," Gago says proudly. His previous five-star restaurant, Lombardo's, was a success in downtown Winter Haven in the 1980s.
Gago was invited to turn the then-Mutiny Grill into a fine dining experience for the Best Western Admiral's Inn. The result was Antonio's.
Gago brings more than 25 years of experience to the table and has collected numerous People's Choice awards for best wine list and most romantic atmosphere, among other categories. He invests heavily in his restaurant's aesthetics, as well as the quality of food he orders. He said hasn't had to cut back on his usual standards, as many restaurant businesses have done, such as changing quality grades of meat, but he admits keeping up standards is very challenging.
His customers, who tend to be middle aged and older, are loyal, and they manage to spread the word throughout the state about the unique dining experience Antonio's has on offer.
"People are coming from all over the state, Miami, Tampa, Orlando," Gago says. He offers special packages for those traveling out of the area to stay at the Admiral's Inn while visiting the restaurant.
Additionally, Antonio's will have a special Valentine's Day dinner featuring a six-course meal that will include a choice of filet mignon, veal, seafood and chicken.
Gago does everything from scratch, so the menu will not be available until a week beforehand.
For reservations, visit the Web site http://antonioswinterhaven.com/contact.htm. For details, call 863-318-1456.
