restaurant of the month - february 2009

The Grove unveils ‘Super Foods” menu

AT THE GROVE in downtown Elm Grove, a warm and friendly atmosphere combines with great food for a relaxed dining experience. Beamed ceilings, butter-yellow walls and colorful framed prints add to the bistro atmosphere.

Through March, diners can order from special “Super Foods” menus at lunch and dinner. Offered along with the Grove’s regular menus, the special menus feature foods that have been hailed as nutrient powerhouses packed with loads of antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals.

While a longtime favorite for lunch and dinner, this popular spot in Elm Grove also is known for its live entertainment. Jazz groups appear in the restaurant’s spacious lounge area Wednesday through Saturday evenings. A tapas menu offers 15 different “small plates” during happy hour.

The Grove is known for its tender steaks and outstanding fish and seafood, as well as Mediterranean specialties. Some entrees are vegetarian-friendly and there’s a children’s menu, ensuring a harmonious dining experience for all.

Lunch offers a range of appetizers, salads, sandwiches, gourmet pizzas and soups. “Great Couples” thoughtfully pairs sandwiches and soups, salad and pastas or sandwiches and salads. The “Super Foods” lunch menu includes gourmet salad with shallot grapefruit dressing, asparagus bisque and guacamole turkey salad.

Dinner starters include tender calamari and raspberry baked brie. On the “Super Foods” menu, find sherried walnut mushroom pate and spinach and asparagus dip with low-fat cheese, both offered with baked sweet potato chips. The “Super Menu” offers apple horseradish glazed Alaskan Wild Salmon, or a charbroiled prime, extra lean bistro filet. Or, try the black bean lasagna or pumpkin walnut ravioli.

For meat lovers, regular menu options include a 12-ounce New York strip steak, herb roasted pork chops, and beef tenderloin. Tour the Mediterranean with Spanakopita (spinach pie), Chicken Marsala and a variety of pasta dishes.

Side dishes excel here. “Super Food” menus options are paired with mouth-watering creations such as pineapple and mint coconut brown rice or cranberry and walnut coleslaw. On the regular menu, potato lovers will find it difficult to choose between Yukon Gold sour cream-scallion mashed, herb roasted red potato or gorgonzola scalloped.

Sunday Brunch is served tableside. Your meal begins with a complimentary appetizer plate, fresh fruit, mini bagels and fresh cream cheese spreads, Danish and assorted sweets. Your meal can be sumptuous or simple – Torta Florentine (layers of spinach, artichoke hearts, black olives, tomato, onion, feta cheese, garlic and egg baked in a puffed pastry crust), French toast, Belgium waffles, salads, sandwiches (BLT anyone?) or entrees such as Cabernet Angus short ribs.

Lunch is served 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Monday through Saturday; Dinner 3-9 p.m. Monday and Tuesday, 3-10 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday, and 2-8 p.m. Sunday. There is continuous bar service until close, and tapas are featured at the bar 2-6 p.m. Monday through Saturday. Sunday brunch is served 10 a.m.-2 p.m. and dinner from 2-8 p.m. The Grove is located at 890 Elm Grove Rd. in the heart of Elm Grove. Phone 262-814-1890 for info and directions.