Tucked among dozens of warehouse buildings, strings of colorful plastic pennants caught the attention of News-Journal Staff Writer Audrey Parente when she was trying to locate an out-of-the way building where a friend works.
The words on a sign said something about a grille, and people at outdoor tables seemed to be enjoying the sunshine while they ate. She couldn't pass it up. What she found was Hargrove Grille & Catering, where she and her friend had lunch.
What was the place like?
The clean, bright and spacious dining room with wooden chairs and tables was inviting, but outside was so nice for a change, we ate at mesh wrought iron tables and enjoyed the sun.
How was the menu?
The menu was packed, including a full run of breakfast-anytime choices ($1 extra after 11 a.m.), and the grill offered burgers, chicken and fish. There were soups, wraps, salads and wings.
Despite the generous menu, with lunch-right prices, there were not a lot of customers. All the better to get to me quick, even though it's not a fast-food operation but a real-deal restaurant with beer and wine.
What did you order?
A cup of split-pea soup was delicious, not over-salted and not likely from a can. That was very homey and comforting. A batch of lemon-garlic chicken wings with honey-mustard sauce and a batch of fries was more than enough for one person, with leftovers.
For this Italian girl, spicy sausage sub would have meant a big Italian-style sausage with peppers, but the meat was more like a sliced sausage hot dog. Hot chilies mixed in with the red and green peppers made it very memorable.
Anything else?
Bob Allen, the owner, had a colorful notice on his "Specials of the Day" chalkboard that said he's having a traditional St. Patty's Day menu today. The white-and-green, shamrock-decorated, handwritten note suggested calling in orders ahead.
How much did it cost?
Cup of split pea soup, $3.50. Lemon-garlic chicken wings with honey-mustard sauce on the side, $4.95; sausage and peppers, $6.50. Total with tax and tip: $19.
Hargrove Grille & Catering
WHERE: 11 E. Hargrove Grade, Palm Coast
HOURS: 8 a.m.-3 p.m. daily
PHONE: 386-445-6486
MISC.: Plenty of parking, handicapped accessible. Major credit cards accepted.
