Coconut Grove-based restaurant firm Grove Bay Hospitality Group (GBHG) is expanding its home-grown, fast-casual concept American Harvest with the South Miami opening of its full scale newest location on January 30. There, diners will experience the sustainable, simple, clean eating, comfortable design and impeccable service that has made the first location, opened in Miami’s Brickell City Centre in December 2016, such a success.
“We wanted to fulfill a demand for transparency and a whole food approach,” says GBHG Chief Operating Officer Eddie Acevedo of the American Harvest concept. “Our focus is affordable food with a clear pathway from its origin to the plate with a dedication to quality and value.” The highly anticipated flagship location for American Harvest will offer diners even more delicious dining options featuring modern interpretations of timeless, multi-ethnic comfort cooking.
“This restaurant is a strategically conceived concept that reflects the cultural influences of our unique South Florida community,” adds GBHG co-founder and CEO Francesco Balli. “The growing brand will feature additional locations throughout South Florida, including Doral and Coral Gables.” In truth, the Brickell City Centre location was not, originally, intended as American Harvest’s first location. “When we were developing Big Easy Winebar & Grill at Brickell City Centre we had the opportunity to take a neighboring space that was too good to pass up,” explains Ignacio Garcia-Menocal GBHG Co-Founder and CEO. “We tailor-made the American Harvest concept to fit that space and the response has been great. We’re excited to see the reaction when guests experience the restaurant as we originally conceived it, with more seats, more offerings, more choices.”
New to the expanded menu are flavorful Acai Bowls ($13) and refreshing Smoothies ($6) including Strawberry Banana, Blueberry Banana, and Mango Orange. A variety of Toasts ($6-$9) are perfect for lunchtime sustenance or a quick and nutritious snack with toppings like fresh Avocado; Mushroom, Tomato & Fontina; Stracciatella & Jam; and Peanut Butter & Banana
Guests can also indulge guiltlessly with vibrant Handhelds ($9-$14) from the American Harvest Burger—an all-natural, angus chuck short rib and brisket blend, Fontina cheese, house made mayo and caramelized shallots served on a Martin’s potato bun and Blue’s Steak Tacos—Myer all-natural, angus steak, organic GMO-free blue corn tortillas, caramelized shallots, chimichurri vinaigrette, avocado and fresh cilantro. Salads ($8-$10) include favorites like the Harvest Cobb Salad and newcomer Asian Salad – soy seared vegetables, kelp noodles, almonds, red peppers, spice asian dressing. Harvest Bowls & Skillets ($7-$10) round out the menu with options such as a Rotisserie Chicken Skillet—cage-free, all natural, hormone and antibiotic free chicken quarter with chimichurri vinaigrette served with roasted sweet potatoes, mushroom, bacon and scallions; Curry Roasted Vegetable Bowl—quinoa, green and yellow squash, red pepper, Portobello mushroom, cauliflower, carrots, red onion, edamame, basil and a house made coconut curry sauce; and Pesto Harvest Skillet—green and yellow squash, cauliflower, red onion, Portobello mushrooms, red pepper, carrots, shredded Parmesan, toasted almond and baby heirloom tomatoes tossed in an almond basil pesto dressing. Guests will also have the option to augment any dish with all-natural chicken breast, no-mayo chicken salad, grass fed steak, sustainable tuna or a curried quinoa and shiitake patty. Wine and beer on tap will also be available along with nitro cold brew coffee, something new for the area. In keeping with the brand’s dedication to freshness, all fountain sodas are created on-site using real cane sugar and natural flavors.
Also, unique to the concept’s new location is weekend brunch. With items priced from $5-$9, Brunch will be available Saturdays and Sundays, from 10AM to 3PM, featuring an assortment of delicious clean favorites such as Nine Grain French Toast, an Egg & Bacon Sandwich, Harvest Granola with Greek Yogurt, Breakfast Taco and the Cubano Breakfast Skillet.
The bright and airy eatery boasts a modern farmhouse decor with a high ceiling, glass-paneled walls with planters, tabletops, counters and intermixed mosaic tile and concrete floors. The color palette features light greys, white, and browns. Accents like mosaic porcelain tile floors, decorative ceiling tiles and Chicago brick walls complete the elegant, open feel of the space that encompasses 2,900 square-feet including indoor and outdoor seating for over 120 guests.
