What's old is new again at Peacock Garden Cafe

We finally checked out the new Peacock Garden Cafe, which is tucked in beside the Library and the Sonesta Hotel at 2889 McFarland Road. You'll see the orange awnings leading you back into the garden. The best part about the Peacock Garden Cafe is that it is on old, hallowed ground. It's very historic, in fact, when you enter, you walk right by the 1882 grave of Eva Amelia Munroe, one of Coconut Grove's pioneers.


It's very comfortable, there is seating inside and out. It's a place you'll want to hang out for a long time. It's too enjoyable to leave. While the cafe is basically complete and ready to serve you, they plan on erecting another wall inside, which will consist of dozens of old photos, chosen by Miami historian Arva Moore Parks, which will show the actual location from years past. Antiques fill the space inside from elegant chandeliers purchased in Europe, to old sailboat models and sailing gear strewn around the place.


The menu consists of all sorts of fresh foods, light and not very heavy. Each day there is a different soup on the menu. This was Tomato Basil, served on Mondays. My favorite is Saturday's French Onion soup.


Guess I like French-themed food, because this is the French Dip sandwich, which was served with cole slaw, you can also get French fries with it if you like.


Our favorite appetizer is the Picnic Board, which consists of Prosciutto, Chorizo Cantimpalo, Brie, Parmesan, olives, Cornichons, Fig Jelly (the best) and sliced bread.


Desserts consist of key lime pie, apple pie a la mode and a chocolate brownie (not shown).


The inside is large and sprawling, the bar is very long and inviting. The light fixtures above the bar are mason jars, can you make them out? This is the feel of the place. It's in a special area, right across from Peacock Park, where the original Peacock Inn stood and right next to the historic library and Woman's Club, which has been in that location since the 1800s. This is really a comforting place.

The menu is large and consists of salads, pastas, fish, chicken, burgers and sandwiches.

A Merchants Group mixer is planned for the week after Easter. We'll share the details when we have them all.