Photo provided by GROVE's opening night party.

The newest offshoot of PIER 22 headed by restaurateurs Hugh Miller and Greg Campbell, GROVE Restaurant, Patio & Ballroom opened its brand new doors last week in downtown Lakewood Ranch just in time for the holidays. The highly-anticipated Maint Street gem draws its name and stylish tree logo from the sown acres of great evergreen that have long provided an idyllic existence for those living and visiting the Lakewood Ranch area.

GROVE emphasizes a wide selection of housemade meals, while its fine-casual locale offers an immersive experience with several distinct dining areas inside and out, giving guests a choice of cuisine and scene. “We’re committed to using fresh, seasonal ingredients along with innovative cooking methods to inspire, nourish and wholly satisfy our guests,” notes Chef Greg Campbell. The menu strives to be elevated yet approachable, while locally inspired with quality ingredients. An impressive Happy Hour exists with specials on craft cocktails, beer, wine and appetizers, as well as a Late Night menu available on the weekend, with bar bites and creative culinary cocktails. Additionally, look forward to Prime Rib Dinner, served Fridays and Saturdays, featuring a salt-crusted prime rib in a scallion rosemary au jus (Petite cut- $21, Queen cut- $25, Kig cut- $29). Then round our your weekend with Sunday Brunch’s bottomless mimosas, bloody marys and sangrias ($15/person), or make it Veuve Clicquot ($60/person).

Aside from the food, GROVE stands boldly as a full-service events and entertainment venue, offering gourmet banquet service in an upscale-contemporary space. “We’ve abandoned premanufactured performance models and instead focus on aspects of dining and entertaining that allow our guests to build a greater sense of connection with our brand and with one another,” Campbell says. “In addition to our professionally trained waitstaff, we have skilled and experienced banquet staff for onsite private dining and ballroom events.”

Speaking of such events, corrale the family this Saturday for Breakfast with Santa at GROVE’s beauiful ballroom. Plan to indulge in a buffet-style continental breakfast, specially created for festive feasting. Adults, be merry and bright with bubbly, enjoying your complimentary mimosa in an elegant and spirited locale. And in between arts and crafts for the little ones, which include coloring pages and a take home cookie decorating kit, snap holiday family photos at an intimate meet and greet with old Saint Nic. This is an open-seating event from 8:30am-10:30am. Admission is $20 per adult and $10 per child (age 12 and under) plus tax and gratuity. Reservations are encouraged—call 941-893-4321 to secure your booking.

Photo provided by GROVE's opening night party.

GROVE Restaurant, Patio & Ballroom, 10670 Boardwalk Loop, Lakewood Ranch, 34202.