If I were to pick a name for a restaurant, I would seek inspiration from several areas. I would consider the type of food I was serving, the personality of the space, and the location.
When I first heard about Sacred Grounds Corner Café in Fort Pierce, I thought it was a quaint coffee shop emphasizing a unique blend of grounds used to make their coffee. But I was only half right. They do take pride in their specialty coffees, which boasts its own menu. But they also serve breakfast, lunch and dinner.
This family-owned restaurant originated in a small town in Georgia and was found to be built on a sacred burial site. When their son moved to Fort Pierce, they followed him and relocated their restaurant to the Treasure Coast.
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The décor is modest and homey with aqua walls, simple artwork, large windows, pendant lighting, black leather booths and chairs, and wood-tone tables. A baby grand piano looks slightly out of place at the front of the restaurant. The bakery case just inside the door is filled with goodies house-made by a French pastry chef.
On the day we visited, in addition to the regular dinner menu, an assortment of Chef’s Selections was featured. The owners describe the food as “blessed and highly flavored.” We have all been to restaurants where the menu is stressful. (What exactly is aubergine?) This menu is full of reasonably priced comforting dishes with ingredients you know and trust.
My friend started with the lobster bisque ($6), which was creamy and flavorful with a slightly sweet sherry taste and chunks of lobster meat. He also ordered the prime rib dinner ($34), which comes with a small salad and a choice of two sides. The meat was cooked perfectly to medium with a flavorful au jus. The velvety garlic mashed potatoes included the pleasant texture of the skins with an additional side of green beans.
My other friend ordered fish and chips ($19). If you’re used to a heavily beer-battered cod, this was very different but delicious. At Sacred Grounds, a filet of white fish was coated in seasoned crispy panko crumbs, then sauteed. Hush puppies, French fries and creamy cole slaw were served on the side.
My husband went the complete comfort route and ordered Southern style meatloaf ($19), with deep, rich mushroom gravy and garlic mashed potatoes. The meat was very tender and full of great flavors.
My dinner was Parmesan crusted chicken ($22), which was a tender breast baked in an artichoke and spinach sauce. I chose a side of pasta to soak up the savory sauce. I also ordered the finely chopped cole slaw, which reminded me of my childhood.
The service was extremely attentive. We truly felt welcomed and appreciated. My husband enjoys teasing servers and the owner, and the waiter were fun and engaging. When I asked the waiter about the piano, he feigned surprise that it was there, then walked up, sat down and tickled the ivories.
For dessert, we shared a fluffy Key lime cheesecake ($9), which was creamy and tangy and not too sweet.
The hard-working team at this lovely, home-style restaurant serves biscuits, burritos, sandwiches and platters for breakfast. Lunch includes bacon jam burger, grilled pimento cheese sandwich, Reuben sandwiches, and a shrimp po boy. Dinners include chicken fried steak; liver and onions; shrimp; scallops; and pasta dishes.
The prices are reasonable, the portions are generous, and your presence there will be treasured. Finish your meal with something sweet from the pastry chef and a specially made frappuccino or macchiato.
Sacred Grounds Corner Café
Lucie Regensdorf dines anonymously at the expense of TCPalm for #WhatToDoIn772. Contact her at [email protected].