Grimal Grove remains a unique attraction and the only breadfruit grove in the continental United States. It's roughly two acres, founded by Adolf Grimal and later revived by Patrick Garvey and Josef Crosby in the 2010s, and remains devoted to preserving its tropical fruit trees and plants. Now, the lush space will be showcased ahead of what should be its busiest season.
The origins and restoration process deserve their own stories with successful efforts including regular tours and a partnership with Mutiny Island Vodka to make the only spirit comprised solely of Florida Keys breadfruit.
The grove recently launched a cultural dinner series as part of new monthly offerings that invite the public to gather at the grove on Big Pine Key and rediscover the natural produce of this tropical fruit oasis.
After the first dinner, an intimate Thai celebration, Chef Clive of One Love Food Truck and musical group Reggae Lou and the Kind Budz teamed up for a “One Love, One Night” Jamaican dinner at the grove.
Then in March, the grove paid tribute to its most celebrated product with a “For the Love of Breadfruit” themed night staged under the breadfruit trees, as guests heard from Dr. Russell Fielding, a geographer and author of “Breadfruit: The Global Journeys of a Bountiful Tree.”
There were also plans to have the “godfather of poke” and restaurateur Chef Sam Choy from Hawaii to steer what was being billed as a true global dining experience set to the drums of Polynesia. Choy is a celebrated chef who is considered one of the primary influencers of Pacific Rim cuisine as it evolved through the turn of this century.
Later on, in the month of Conch Republic celebrations on April 19th, there will be “A Conch Delight” dinner. This will include a “Florida Keys Pioneer Dinner Menu” with a meal prepared by Chef Martin Liz of Lost Kitchen Supper Club. The night will also see Dr. Cori Convertito present a talk on the history of Florida foodways.
As more chefs and eateries promote local ingredients across the state, these dinners at Grimal Grove will likely remain one of a few, if not the only, true farm-to-table experience in the Florida Keys this season.
Monroe County even recently added Grimal Grove to the Institutional Overlay of Big Pine Key, recognizing it as a Tropical Fruit Education and Research Center. And the Tourist Development Council provided funding for the cultural dinners.
“Our goal is that the dinner series will help improve Grimal Grove’s visibility as an eco and foodie destination in the Florida Keys. As well as improve networking efforts to help us develop an education, research, and culinary center on the property,” Garvey said.
Of course, a host of new visitors would also allow the grove to become a popular new spot for tropical culinary explorations that take diners straight to the source of their food.
258 Cunningham Ln, Big Pine Key
