The farm-to-fork menu at the Pearl in the Grove is a winning combination of creativity and freshness that earned the Dade City restaurant a 2015 Golden Spoon award.
Florida Trend magazine highlighted its annual Golden Spoon winners in a 13-page special section of its December edition.
Curtis Beebe, chef and owner of the Pearl in the Grove, said he works with local producers and growers to select the best food to put onto the plate.
“It’s (farm-to-fork) the core of our philosophy,” Beebe said.
(Courtesy of Pasco Count)
He also noted that the farm-to-fork concept isn’t just a trend.
“It’s a component of dining in Florida now,” Beebe said.
Pearl in the Grove opened in Dade City in 2010 in a small 1950s house at 31936 St. Joe Road. Beebe and his wife, Rebecca, also operate LOCAL Public House in San Antonio, and Rebecca’s at City Market, in downtown Dade City.
In singling out Pearl in the Grove, Florida Trend noted, “Small menu, small place, but a bold idea. Florida farm-to-table in a crossroads far away amid real farming: The kumquat capital of the world. Catfish meuniere and fried okra, Florida chicken and pork are paired with smart wines.”
Florida Trend’s restaurant editor, Chris Sherman, is a well-respected food critic, Beebe said.
Sherman favorably reviewed Pearl in the Grove when it first opened, and Beebe said the critic generally looks to see if a restaurant can maintain standards over four or five years before awarding a Golden Spoon.
“We were very, very happy to hear about the award,” Beebe said.
Another Pasco County restaurant located in New Port Richey – Dulcet – also received a Golden Spoon as best new restaurant.
Dulcet is a high-end restaurant and night club in downtown New Port Richey, praised by Florida Trend for its eclectic menu and fresh ingredients.
Published December 16, 2015
