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A New Taste in Umatilla

By
Mortgage and Lending with Mortgage Financial Group, Inc (NMLS 219650) NMLS #359029

Before... and yes, that is MichaelWhen one thinks of fine cuisine in Lake County, Mt. Dora, Clermont, and the Villages top the charts.  Umatilla (YOU-MA-TILL-A) may not have even been on the list until now. 

Kit and Michael Hill, owners of Michael's, recently moved to the Umatilla area and brought with them Michael's passion of fine cuisine.  They purchased a small building off of SR19 in Umatilla that once housed "U China Buffet."  With a little help from Leslie Wasgatt of LDW Faux and Mural, the restaurant got a fresh new look to attract people to come visit the new establishment.

When you first walk in, you notice that you are not in Kansas anymore.  The booths are nicely upholstered, the table clothes are freshly pressed, and the cloth napkins are embroidered with the Michael's name.  Not your norm for the Umatilla area, but it is working for them.  Each booth features a different theme in the pictures that are displayed.  The pictures are supplied by Michael's parents, who have recently taken a liking to travel.

AfterAs you can imagine, the food is of the fine cuisine palette.  The menu boasts a wonderful selection of salad, pasta, beef, and fish entrees.  Michael has personally put this menu together based on his experience and his studies at culinary school.  However, do not fret when it comes to the price to experience these mouthwatering dishes.  The prices are very reasonable compared to those of other competitors located just down the street in Mt. Dora.

Whether you want to visit for lunch or dinner, or simply call in to pick up an order to take home, Kit and Michael will make you feel like part of their family and make sure that you are completely satisfied with your dining experience.  So join me in welcoming Michael's to the neighborhood by making them your family's choice for a casual fine dinning restaurant.

Michael's is located at 531 N Central Umatilla, FL 32784. (352) 669-3494

Comments (14)

Lanette Branch
Taylor Properties - Bel Air, MD
Bel Air, MD Real Estate Agent

Hi Mr. Mom,

Thanks for the info on this new spot. I've got to visit when I'm in town.

Feb 22, 2007 03:23 PM
Jason Price
Mortgage Financial Group, Inc (NMLS 219650) - Tavares, FL
The Mortgage Rider

Lanette,

If you stop by, tell them that I sent you.  My wife has referred her enitre office to Michael's and so far they have all loved it.  But it is a far way from Bel Air, MD.

Feb 22, 2007 03:39 PM
Chris Griffith
Downing-Frye Realty, Bonita Springs, FL - Bonita Springs, FL
Bonita Springs Listing Specialist - Agent
I just love the local owned restaurants.  My family has consciously made a choice to support local establishments and give them our business .
Feb 22, 2007 09:51 PM
Anonymous
Leslie Wasgatt

Hi Jason,

 Thanks for the mention and the email update. Just wanted to let your readers know that on Sundays Michael's offers a wonderful champagne brunch as well.

Feb 25, 2007 11:00 PM
#4
Anonymous
Dick Tolpin
A phone number would really help me contact this restaurant. Anyone know it?
Apr 03, 2007 05:21 AM
#5
Jason Price
Mortgage Financial Group, Inc (NMLS 219650) - Tavares, FL
The Mortgage Rider
(352) 669-3494
Apr 03, 2007 06:20 AM
Anonymous
Michael Hill

Wow how time has really flown. I wanted to say thank you to Mr. Price for the wonderful article. it is because of people like you that my wife and I are living our dream, I also wanted to thank Leslie Wasgatt, if it wasn't for her our little diamond in the rough would still be a very rough diamond. It is because of her beautiful work, that our restaurant has a much better road side appearance. Mr. Price thank you again for your wonderful article, this article has brought us wonderful exposure and we look forward to seeing you and Leslie in the restaurant at your next opportunity. I did want to let all the readers know that we have launched a new dinner menu as well we are adding new items to our lunch menu and the brunch menu. We are trying to bring a new taste to lake county to insure our success especially through the hard summer months, thank you from both my wife and I as well from our staff.

Sincerely,

 Chef Michael Hill

May 01, 2007 03:42 AM
#7
Anonymous
Kit Hill

Just wanted your visitors to know there is a website for Michaels' now, you can check menus,time hours and specials!

www.geocitites.com/michaels_restaurant/

Aug 22, 2007 10:14 AM
#8
Anonymous
Julie (DenBesten) de la Fuente
Michael Hill! Kari told me that she just came to visit you and she gushed about how well you're doing. Congratulations! My husband is a chef; he graduated from the inaugural class at the Orlando Culinary Academy in October of 2003. We'll definitely have to come check out your restaurant! Maybe we can drag my parents to come along as well. Give my best to your mom & sister!
Sep 03, 2007 12:10 PM
#9
Anonymous
Chef Michael

Hey Julie,

Talk about a voice from the past, It's amazing how large and vast the world is but yet some of us still stay close to our roots, Congratulations to your husband in entering a career of always changing scenery! Hope things are well for you also. It was truly great to see Kari again, she truly hasn't changed, she seems like the same bubbly person she always was, I would love to have you, your husband, and your family in for dinner, I am sure my cuisine will not stand up to your husbands, Try to let me know so I can arrange my parents arrival as well, they live locally still! Who would have thought that after all these years former friends, and colleagues could find each other again! Also don't know if you remember him But Big Travis Hannah is the one who did the web site and still a very good friend! 

Sincerely,

Chef Michael

www.geocities.com/michaels_restaurant/

Sep 11, 2007 05:44 AM
#10
Anonymous
Heather & Michael Price

My husband & I love the quaintness of a small country town, but sometimes it does lack in the fine cuisine market, and often find ourselves in Orlando at the Ritz Carlton to enjoy a fine meal from our favorite chef. I truly do have a very picky palate and have left a $1000.00 a night resort due to the chef not meeting my standards to drive back to Orlando for dinner at the Ritz. This evening my husband and I visited Michael's for dinner due to hearing so much talk in this small town. Michael is truly an amazing chef. The presentation and meal was absolutely amazing. Michael came out and visited with everyone in the restaurant, and made sure everything was just perfect (which it was). We have definitely found us a new place that we will visit often, and the prices are alot more reasonable than the Ritz. I highly recommend stopping in to pay a visit to Michael's you will keep returning. Thanks again for such a fresh and amazing meal this evening we will see you soon!

Heather & Michael Price

Oct 03, 2007 03:12 PM
#11
Anonymous
Kit Hill (Mrs. Michael)

Thank you for your kind words, it was a pleasure meeting you and seeing you enjoy your meal and surroundings. We look forward to your return and appreciate so much the positive feedback, customers like you are what keep our business in our small town successful and we do enjoy living in Umatilla as well!

Chef Michael and Kit Hill

Oct 08, 2007 07:00 AM
#12
Anonymous
Chef Michael

I want to wish everyone a happy 2008 and please come see our newly renovated and repainted interior.  Thank you for a wonderful 2007 and hope to see you soon!

Dec 30, 2007 12:29 AM
#13
Carol Zingone
Berkshire Hathaway Home Services Florida Network Realty - Jacksonville Beach, FL
Global Realtor in Jax Beach, FL - ABR, CRS, CIPS
I love to support local restaurants/shops/retailers - much more so than the large chains.  Congrats!
Dec 30, 2007 04:14 AM