The Grove: Faith, Food, Family & Fun

MONTGOMERY, TX -- It’s a little hidden gem on SH 105 headed West out of Montgomery, and if you look left when you should have been looking right, you’ll miss it. ‘The Grove’, or ‘The Montgomery Grove’, to distinguish it from other establishments in the area, is located at 22016 Eva Street, and offers American favorites that are guaranteed to satisfy the most colossal cases of the munchies. The founding principles of The Grove are ‘Faith, Food, Family & Fun’. It’s their Constitution so to speak, and they don’t deviate one iota from its intentions. Their faith in God drives them to make the best of each and every day, making the best homemade food possible, and to serve it in a family friendly environment.

Owner Michael Anderson, rescued the property from an overgrown wasteland, previously known as The Heritage House, several years ago, He, his wife, and some business partners then renovated the building to what it is today, which is a perfect setting in which to enjoy a great meal.

The interior of the restaurant is minimalist, and as you enter the building you can definitely see the difference in the new Grove versus the old Heritage House. If there is a need to hold an emergency line dancing contest, The Grove would be able to handle it. There is a small seating area up front, and a larger area in the rear of the building, which has more of a log cabin, or man-cave feel to it. The minimalism of the place tends to offer greater chances at deep conversations, not to mention it allows you to focus on the food. And it’s another opportunity to bring that adult bib I’ve mentioned before.

I first tried The Grove Classic Burger, which comes with lettuce, tomato, pickles, mayo, mustard, on an egg bun. The first bite I took, I knew I was on to something. It was different. It was unique. It was … awesome. And with a patty of a 3 meat blend of brisket, beef short rib, and pork belly, all essential proteins in my diet; I knew I was gonna have to pace myself. It came with a side of Beer Battered Thick Cut Seasoned Curly Fries, which are great with the house ketchup or dipped in the juices leftover by the burger. It's a messy burger which is why I mentioned the bib. And it was a great start to my evening. For a Montgomery High School football lineman I’d recommend a double.

I then tried the Misteak, a steak sandwich, and an homage to Anderson’s ‘‘Wiches on Wheels’, food truck days in Conroe. Made from Prime Beef Tenderloin slices, seasoned, and grilled to perfection, then topped with sharp cheddar cheese, bacon, fresh chopped rosemary, and finished with a raspberry chipotle sauce, on a sweet sourdough bun. What is there not to like? Everything melded together, like a symphony of flavor in my mouth. The juices from the bacon and steak, and mixing with the cheese and raspberry chipotle sauce, almost put my taste buds on overload. Each bite harbored memories of the last, and the bun sopping up those juices made me keenly aware that if I run out of meat before the bun, that the bun is not to be discarded in any way because it's packed full of flavor. For you really big burly guys, just save time and order two. This sandwich is definitely no ‘mistake’ in my book.

I was next presented with what appeared to be an Indian-Tex-Mex infusion. Naan Taacos (their spelling). Genius, I say. They come in a set of 3, with naan flatbread in the shape of a taco. With a guac base, and the same grilled beef tenderloin slices, topped with pico de gallo and a cilantro crema. It’s a feast for the taste buds, and once finished, I really had to debate with myself if I should re-up with another set of three. But I still had work to do. If you’re an MHS linebacker, I’d say pull the trigger on a second set, it’s well worth it.

When I ordered the Wowser Fries app I was dumbfounded. I immediately thought, “Would you like some fries with your cheese?” It's like an Icelandic fissure of cheese opened up on the fries, those same beer battered ones. Topped with their thick homemade quesorizo, bacon, chopped green onions, jalapeno ranch & comeback sauce. It's a hugely proportioned ooey gooey basket of deliciousness. Just a small word of warning, if you like cheese free hands, you might want to use a fork and knife; or your dog will be licking your digits for the rest of the night. This app can definitely feed a family of four, or 1 MHS lineman.

Now I was ready for dessert. But, Michael insisted that I try the house 3 queso Mac n’ Cheese. I loved the large noodles, and the thickness of the light colored cheese. And it’s another excuse to avoid the box when wanting this for dinner. And with this Winter Weather that has been about, the thought of bathing in that three cheese blend does seem entertaining. Now Montgomery has two places for great Mac n’ Cheese. I’d recommend a rotating schedule when you want this on your dinner menu.

Finally desert. An 8 oz serving of Banana Pudding. It’s a recipe of Anderson’s great-grandmother, and to me she was a genius in spicing pudding. My guess is she perhaps added nutmeg and cinnamon. And finding myself pretty much full, I ate a couple of bites, which were absolutely delicious, and decided to take it home. They make the BP fresh daily at The Grove. And even the next day, when I had the remaining portion for my dessert, I was pleasantly surprised that the wafer was still crisp, and it tasted even better 24 hours later.

The Grove is a special place for a first date, an anniversary, a family gathering, or anytime you wish to have a special meal cooked with the Good Book in one hand, and a spatula in the other. There are no distractions to keep you from creating those special memories. And it only gets better when Spring time hits, when the food trucks on-site become available, and outdoor activities begin. You can’t go wrong at The Grove. For this place is a little hidden gem based on ‘Faith, Food, Family & Fun,’ I highly recommend it.

Ruben can be reached at: ruben@montgomerycountynews.net

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