Peach House Brings a ‘Funky and Fun’ Touch to Lakeland’s Porch Restaurant

deleciousfood | June 10, 2024 | Bred | No Comments

A popular Lakeland restaurant got a bold makeover with a fresh, bright coat of peach paint that will hopefully be reminiscent of its new name.

The Peach House, owned by Jeannie Weaver Lopez and Ryan Lopez, hosted invitation-only soft opening dinners this week at 733 E. Palmetto St., across the street from the main branch of the Lakeland Public Library. This is the second downtown business venture for Jeannie Weaver Lopez, who also operates the Prohibition-themed vintage cocktail bar Revival.

Jeannie said she wasn’t necessarily looking to open a new business, but took advantage of this new opportunity when it came to her.

“I’ve always loved this space,” she exclaimed. “I live in historic Lake Morton and have always loved this space, the patio, the energy of this old house.”

Fresh peach pop

The building was constructed in 1927, according to records from the Polk County Property Appraiser’s Office. Although it has 2,284 square feet under its roof, only a little more than half is indoors, giving it the generous porch and front dining room that the location is known for.

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“I don’t think there are many places you can go to eat in an old house,” she said.

Outside, Ryan said there has been an effort to break up what was a solid concrete patio by planting trees, including crepe myrtle and fiddle leaf figs. Over time, he hopes the trees will grow to provide a canopy of shade for diners.

The home’s once-dark interior was repainted in a peach hue with darker peach trim that gives the space a warm, inviting feel — and serves as inspiration for the restaurant’s name. The interior is decorated with an eclectic mix of objects that Jeannie designed to provide a “funky and kitsch” ambiance.

Keep an eye out for two murals by Georgia Lynn Dean that feature a Florida legend, a two-headed alligator, dining alongside a wild cat.

A secret menu revealed

One of the Peach House’s best-kept secrets is the new restaurant’s menu. Other sources have reported that it is based on New Orleans, but the final menu is more Mediterranean and “Old Florida” style, Jeannie said.

“We intentionally kept it a secret,” she said.

The menu focuses on sharing dishes, with smaller plates for individuals. A variety of seafood is available, including raw or grilled oysters, Prince Edward Island mussels or shrimp cocktail.

Shared dishes include KFG, which is Kentucky Fried Alligator, of course, with “11 secret herbs and spices.” Then there’s the lighter whipped ricotta toast which brings together a local bread, whipped ricotta, last year’s peaches, hazelnuts and basil.

For those looking for finger sandwiches and bites, a “between the bread” section offers a buttered shrimp roll, chicken pita, smashburger and a version of avocado toast.

Jeannie described the cocktail menu as “fruity and refreshing” with various drinks including yuzu, passion fruit and red guava. This has been further worked on and refined, she said, and is subject to change. Diners might find it more fun in the future, as she said there might be tiki drinks or even a slushy machine — something you won’t find at Revival.

Dinner, watch

The couple plans to open the new restaurant to the public during the week of June 17, Jeannie said.

There will be no grand opening celebration. Instead, she suggested customers keep an eye out for a “we’re open” sign or sandwich board.

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